JPH11128590A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect residual detergent in the detergent storage regardless of the stain caused by the detergent. SOLUTION: This washing machine consists of detergent case 7 which stores detergent for several-time-washing use and detergent dispenser 6 equipped with coil 13 which takes detergent out of the detergent case 7 and with a motor which drives the coil 13. Residual detergent sensor 8, which detects the residual detergent in the detergent case 7 by the deformation caused by weight of the detergent, is provided with the detergent case 7. A control device works in response to the result from the residual detergent sensor 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine having a detergent dispenser.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser has been provided. The detergent dispenser of this one is generally configured to have a detergent storage part made of a transparent material and storing detergent for a plurality of washings, and a detergent unloader for discharging the detergent from the detergent storage part, The user has visually checked the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit by visually seeing through the detergent storage unit. However, this method is troublesome because it is necessary for the user to visually check the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit one by one, though it is transparent.

On the other hand, in recent years, as a means for detecting the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent storage section, for example, an optical sensor comprising a set of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is provided in the detergent storage section, and a control device such as a microcomputer is provided. Thus, when the remaining amount of the detergent is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the remaining amount of the detergent by the optical sensor, an alarm such as a lamp or a buzzer is activated to notify the user. Have been.

[0004]

According to the above,
By operating the alarm, the user can know that the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage section is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and there is no need to visually check the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage section. , Can be convenient.

[0005] However, the detergent stored in the detergent storage portion also adheres to the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor as dirt, and the detection output of the optical sensor decreases due to the dirt attached. From the reduced output, the control device determines that the remaining amount of the detergent is not less than the predetermined amount even though the remaining amount of the detergent is less than the predetermined amount, and causes a malfunction such as not operating a place where the alarm should be operated. Had the potential.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to more accurately detect the remaining amount of a detergent in a detergent storage section without being affected by dirt or the like due to the detergent. To provide a washing machine that can

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention comprises: a detergent storage section for storing a plurality of washings of detergent; and a detergent discharge means for discharging the detergent from the detergent storage section. A detergent dispenser having a detergent dispenser, the detergent reservoir being provided in the detergent reservoir, and a detergent residual amount detector for detecting the residual amount of the detergent in the detergent reservoir by a strain caused by the weight of the detergent; And a control means responsive to the detection result of the means.

[0008] According to this, the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage section is detected by distortion of the detergent remaining amount detecting means due to the weight of the detergent. Detection by this means is highly accurate without being affected by dirt or the like by a detergent such as an optical sensor, and therefore, it is possible to more accurately detect the remaining amount of the detergent,
There is no error in the operation of the control means.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will
This will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 2 shows a portion where a detergent dispenser is provided in a washing machine, and a top cover 2 is attached to an upper portion of an outer box 1. Although not shown, a washing / dewatering tub having a washing stirrer therein is provided inside the outer box 1,
A drive mechanism mainly composed of a motor 3 shown in FIG. 6 for rotating (rotating) the stirring body and the tub to perform washing (washing, rinsing) and dehydration is provided. An entrance 4 for taking in and out of the laundry is formed almost at the center.

A rear panel 5 is mounted on the rear side of the top cover 2 over the entire width thereof, and a detergent dispenser 6 is provided substantially at the center of the rear panel 5. As shown in detail in FIG. 1, the detergent dispenser 6 mainly has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped detergent case 7 having an open upper surface. The detergent case 7 is sufficient for storing detergents in this case (in this case, three or more times), so that the detergent case 7 functions as a detergent storage part for storing detergents for a plurality of washings. . Also, the detergent to be stored is
In this case, for example, a synthetic powder detergent.

However, the bottom of the detergent case 7
The detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is disposed near the middle right side. The detergent remaining amount sensor 8 functions as a detergent remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storing section (detergent case 7). More specifically, the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent case 7 by the detergent. For example, a strain gauge is used to detect the residual amount of the detergent based on the change in resistance value due to the above-described strain.

In addition, regarding the disposition of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8, in detail, a detection port 9 is formed at the bottom of the detergent case 7, and the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is provided at the detection port 9 below the detergent case 7. In addition, a structure is adopted in which the presser plate 10 is further attached from below to fix the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 with the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 facing the inside of the detergent case 7 from the detection port 9.
A lead wire 11 for outputting a detection result (detection signal) of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is derived from the presser plate 10.

[0013] Then, as shown in FIG.
A detergent outlet 12 is formed at the forefront of the bottom of the detergent case 7. A coil 13 is disposed at the center of the bottom of the detergent case 7 from directly above the detergent outlet 12 to the inside of the detergent case 7. I have. A motor 14 is provided outside the detergent case 7 behind the coil 13, and the coil 13 is connected to a rotating shaft of the motor 14.

Accordingly, when the motor 14 is driven, the coil 13 is rotated, and the rotation of the coil 13, particularly, the rotation in the screwing direction, causes the detergent in the detergent case 7 to be indicated by an arrow A in FIG. As shown, it is sequentially conveyed forward and is discharged from the detergent outlet 12, thereby,
The motor 14 and the coil 13 function as detergent carrying-out means for carrying out the detergent from the detergent storing section.

The coil 13 at the front of the detergent case 7 is provided.
A substantially cylindrical detergent guide 15 surrounding the front of the coil 13 is attached to the upper part.
5, the detergent conveyed as described above is supplied to the detergent outlet 1
I will guide you to 2.

A detergent input case 16 is disposed below the detergent outlet 12 of the detergent case 7 with respect to the detergent input device 6 described above. The detergent charging case 16 also has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped box shape whose upper surface is open, and receives the detergent flowing out from the detergent outlet 12 of the detergent case 7. Also, in this detergent charging case 16,
First water supply valve 17 (FIG. 6) opened at the start of the washing process
3), the detergent is supplied along with the supplied tap water, and an outlet 18 formed at the upper part of the rear wall of the detergent input case 16 as shown by an arrow B in FIG. Is to be issued from.

A water supply guide 19 is provided on the top cover 2 at a position below the detergent input case 16 from behind.
The water supply guide 19 allows the detergent and tap water discharged from the outlet 18 of the detergent charging case 16 to be removed.
As shown by an arrow C in FIG. 3, the liquid is guided into the tank. The first water supply valve 17 is also opened at the start of each of a plurality of rinsing strokes.

In addition, the detergent dispenser 6 is provided with, for example, a finishing agent dispenser 20 as a laundry aid dispenser. The finishing agent feeder 20 mainly has a finishing agent case 21 having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped box shape whose upper surface is open, and the finishing agent case 21 is formed integrally with the detergent case 7 (see FIG. 1). .

The capacity of the finishing agent case 21 is sufficient to store, for example, a plurality of washings (in this case, a large number of washings of three or more times) of the standard course.
The finishing agent case 21 functions as a washing aid storing section for storing a plurality of washing aids for washing.
In this case, the stored laundry aid is a liquid soft finish in particular among finishes.

Thus, at the bottom of the finishing agent case 21,
A finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 is disposed on the left side in FIG. The finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 functions as a washing auxiliary agent remaining amount detecting unit that detects the remaining amount of the washing auxiliary agent in the washing auxiliary agent storage unit. In detail, the same as the detergent remaining amount sensor 8, The remaining amount of the finishing agent (washing agent) in the finishing agent case 21 (washing agent storage section) is detected by a strain due to the weight of the finishing agent. , The remaining amount of the finishing agent is detected.

As for the arrangement of the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22, a detection port 23 is formed at the bottom of the finishing agent case 21 similarly to the arrangement of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8, and this detection port 23 is provided. The finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 is aligned from below the outside of the finishing agent case 21, and a holding plate 24 is attached from below the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 so that the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 faces the inside of the finishing agent case 21 from the detection port 23. The structure to fix is adopted. Further, from the presser plate 22, a finishing agent remaining amount sensor 2 is provided.
2 for outputting the detection result (detection signal) of 2
5 is derived.

As shown in FIG. 4, a finish outlet 26 is formed at the front of the bottom of the finish case 21.
On the other hand, a pump 27 is provided on the rear side inside the finishing agent case 21. The pump 27 includes a casing 30 having a suction port 28 at a front portion and a discharge port 29 at an upper portion in a finish agent case 21, an impeller 31 disposed in the casing 30, and a finish agent case 21. And a motor 32 having an impeller 31 connected to a rotating shaft. A discharge port 29 of a casing 30 is connected to the finish agent outlet 26 by a connection pipe 33.

Therefore, in this configuration, when the motor 32 is driven, the impeller 31 is rotated.
By the rotation of 1, the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
As shown by an arrow D in FIG.
The washing agent is conveyed through the connecting pipe 33 from the discharge port 29 and is discharged from the finishing agent outlet 26, whereby the pump 27 and the connecting pipe 33 carry out the washing aid from the washing aid storage part. It functions as a washing aid carrying-out means.

In addition to the above-described finishing agent feeder 20, a finishing agent feeding case 34 is disposed below the finishing agent outlet 26 of the finishing agent case 21. The finishing agent charging case 34 also has a rectangular box shape whose upper surface is open in detail. The finishing agent charging case 34 is formed integrally with the detergent charging case 16 (see FIG. 1). The finishing agent charging case 34 receives the finishing agent flowing from the finishing agent outlet 26 of the finishing agent case 21.

In this case, tap water is supplied into the finishing agent charging case 34 from a second water supply valve 35 (see FIG. 6) which is opened at the start of the final rinsing stroke. Along with the supplied tap water, the finishing agent is discharged from a siphon outlet 38 formed of an inner tube 36 and an outer tube 37 provided substantially at the center of the bottom of the finishing agent charging case 34 as shown by an arrow E in FIG. Is to be The finishing agent and tap water which have come out of the siphon outlet 38 of the finishing agent charging case 34 are supplied as they fall into the tank.

As shown in FIG. 2, the integral part of the finishing agent charging case 34 and the detergent charging case 16 is pulled out into and out of the center of the rear edge facing the entrance 4 of the top cover 2. Therefore, it is possible for the user to put, for example, a single-time washing and finishing agent into the detergent charging case 16 and the finishing agent charging case 34 in a state where they are pulled out. The detergent and the finishing agent can be supplied into the tank by tap water supplied in the same manner as described above.

A handle 39 for drawing out is formed in the upper part of the front surface of the integrated body of the detergent input case 16 and the finish agent input case 34. And further, the finishing agent case 21
And a detergent case 7, a common lid 40 is provided so as to be openable and closable, which closes the opening on the upper surface with one.

FIG. 5 shows the operation panel 41. The operation panel 41 is provided on the front side of the top cover 2 and has a "power" switch 42 for turning on and off the power, and a "start / temporary" for starting and temporarily stopping the operation. A "stop" switch 43, a "course" switch 44 for selecting a course of operation, a "dehydration" switch 45 for arbitrarily setting the time of the spinning cycle, and a "rinse" for arbitrarily setting the number of times of the rinsing cycle. Switch 46, a "wash" switch 47 for arbitrarily setting the time of the "washing" process, a "water level" switch 48 for arbitrarily setting the water level, and a "detergent" switch for setting the automatic introduction of detergent. 49, and a “finishing agent” switch 50 for setting automatic injection of the finishing agent
have.

The operation panel 41 has the above-mentioned "course"
A display unit 51 that displays characters of the selected course and a display unit 5 that displays numbers of the set time of dehydration corresponding to the switches 44 and below and the switches up to the “finishing agent” switch 50 respectively.
2. A display unit 53 for displaying the set number of times of rinsing by a number, a display unit 54 for displaying a set time for washing by a number, a display unit 55 for pictorially displaying a set water level, a display unit 56 for displaying the automatic setting of the detergent by text, and A display unit 57 for displaying the automatic setting of the finishing agent in characters is provided.
Reference numerals 4 and 53 also function as display means for displaying the required detergent amount and the required finish agent amount, as described later.

FIG. 6 shows a control device 58. The control device 58 functions as control means for controlling the operation of the washing machine as described later, and is formed of, for example, a microcomputer, and is disposed on a portion of the top cover 2 behind the operation panel 41. The control device 58 receives respective switch signals from a switch input unit 59 including switches from the “start / pause” switch 43 to the “finishing agent” switch 50 on the operation panel 41 and is stored in the tank. Laundry amount sensor 6 as laundry amount detecting means provided to detect the amount of laundry
From 0, a laundry amount detection signal is input.

Here, the laundry amount sensor 60 comprises, for example, a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation of the motor 3 of the driving mechanism, and detects the rotation of the motor 3 as will be described later. It detects the quantity of things. In addition, a water level detection signal is input to the control device 58 from a water level sensor 61 provided to detect the water level in the tank.
The detergent remaining amount detection signal is input from the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 2
2, a finishing agent remaining amount detection signal is input.

Then, based on these inputs and the control program stored in advance, the control device 58
Is a display unit 62 comprising display sections 51 to 57 of the operation panel 41, a buzzer 63 serving as a notification means, the first water supply valve 17, the second water supply valve 35, the motor 14 of the detergent dispenser 6, A drive control signal is supplied to the motor 32 of the agent dispenser 20, the motor 3 of the drive mechanism, and the drive circuit 65 for driving the drain valve 64 provided to discharge the water in the tank out of the machine. ing.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When the power is turned on by operating the "power" switch 42, the control device 58 starts (starts) as shown in FIG. 7, and first, a setting operation for the type of detergent is performed. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S1).

When the "power" switch 42 is operated while operating the "detergent" switch 49, for example, the detergent type setting mode is set. The operation is performed by operating the “detergent” switch 49. In this case, each time the “wash” switch 47 is operated, the setting contents are sequentially displayed on the display unit 54 with different numbers. The displayed numbers each represent the type of the detergent. Therefore, when the displayed number becomes the number indicating the type of the detergent to be set, the “detergent” switch 47 is replaced with the “detergent”. By operating the "" switch 49, the setting is determined. Specifically, the setting content is, for example, whether the detergent is a compact detergent or a non-compact detergent among the synthetic powder detergents.

If it is determined in step S1 that the setting operation for the type of detergent has been performed (YES), the control device 58 then determines the remaining amount of detergent in accordance with the set contents. Is set (step S
2). In this case, the reference amount is, for example, “standard” course 2
The amount of detergent required in a batch. The required amount of the compact detergent is, for example, 0.6 times the standard detergent.
Conversely, non-compact detergents are, for example, 1.
Six times the required amount, so even if the same "standard" course twice, if the detergent type is set with compact detergent,
For example, 0.6 times the amount when the non-compact detergent is set is the reference amount for the remaining amount determination of the detergent. Conversely, when the non-compact detergent is set, the amount is 1.6 times the compact detergent. Is the reference amount for determining the remaining amount of the detergent.

Thereafter, the control device 58 determines whether or not a setting operation for the type of the finishing agent has been performed (step S3). Further, when it is determined in the previous step S1 that the setting operation for the type of detergent has not been performed (NO), the process proceeds to step S3. This step S1
When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S3, the setting of the reference amount for determining the remaining amount of the detergent remains the initial setting of the control device 58, and is automatically set with a general compact detergent.

In the setting operation for the type of finishing agent in step S3, for example, if the "power" switch 42 is operated while operating the "finishing agent" switch 50, the setting mode for the type of finishing agent is set. , "Rinse" switch 46 and "Finish" switch 50 are operated. In this case, every time the “rinse” switch 46 is operated, the setting contents are sequentially displayed on the display unit 53 with different numbers. Each of the displayed numbers represents a type of the finishing agent, and therefore, when the displayed number becomes a number indicating the type of the finishing agent to be set,
By operating the "finishing agent" switch 50 instead of the "rinse" switch 46, the setting is determined. Specifically, the setting content is, for example, a non-concentrated soft finish or a concentrated soft finish among the soft finishes.

If it is determined in step S3 that the setting operation for the type of the finishing agent has been performed (YES), the control device 58 then determines the remaining amount of the finishing agent according to the set contents. Then, a reference amount is set (step S4). Also in this case, the reference amount is, for example, the amount of the finish required in two “standard” courses. or,
The non-concentrated soft finish requires, for example, three times the amount of the concentrated soft finish, and conversely, the concentrated soft finish requires, for example, 0.3 times the non-concentrated soft finish, so the same "standard" Even in the two courses, if the type of the finishing agent is set with the non-concentrated soft finishing agent, for example, three times the amount set with the concentrated soft finishing agent becomes the reference amount for the remaining amount determination of the finishing agent. To
If the concentrated soft finish is set, the amount of the non-concentrated soft finish, for example, 0.3 times the reference amount for determining the remaining amount of the detergent will be used.

Thereafter, the control device 58 determines whether or not the "detergent" switch 49 has been operated (step S).
5). Also, when it is determined in the previous step S3 that the setting operation for the type of the finishing agent has not been performed (NO), the process proceeds to step S5. When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5, the setting of the reference amount for determining the remaining amount of the finishing agent remains the initial setting of the control device 58, and is automatically set by a general non-concentrated flexible finishing agent. .

The "detergent" switch 49 is for setting the automatic supply of the detergent. Therefore, in step S5, whether the "detergent" switch 49 is operated or not is determined by setting the automatic supply of the detergent. If it is determined that the “detergent” switch 49 has been operated (YES), it is determined that the automatic introduction of the detergent has been set.

In step S5, the "detergent" switch 4
9 is determined to have been operated, it is next determined whether or not the "finishing agent" switch 50 has been operated (step S).
6). The "finishing agent" switch 50 is for setting automatic injection of the finishing agent. Therefore, in this step S6, the determination whether or not the "finishing agent" switch 50 is operated depends on the automatic injection of the finishing agent. Is determined, and if it is determined that the "finishing agent" switch 50 has been operated (YES), it is determined that automatic dosing of the finishing agent has been set.

Thereafter, the controller 58 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent dispenser 6 is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, the reference amount as initially set, or the reference amount set in the previous step S2. Is determined (step S7). This decision
The detection is performed based on the detection result of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8, and the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent case 7 by distortion due to the weight of the detergent. If the remaining amount of the detergent in the case 7 is large, the weight applied to the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is increased and the distortion of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is increased, so that the amount is large, and conversely, the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent case 7 is small. If
The control unit 58 receives the detection signal and determines whether the remaining amount of the detergent is equal to or greater than the reference amount, since the weight applied to the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is reduced and the distortion of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 is reduced. Make a judgment.

Then, based on the detection result, the detergent dispenser 6
If it is determined that the remaining amount of the detergent is equal to or more than the reference amount (YES), the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent dispenser 20 is the predetermined amount, the reference amount as initially set, or It is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or larger than the reference amount set in step S4 (step S8).

The determination in step S8 is made based on the detection result of the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22. The finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 determines the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 by the weight of the finishing agent. Is detected by the strain caused by
If the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 is large, the detection signal increases because the weight applied to the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 increases and the distortion of the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 increases. If the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 is small, the weight applied to the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 is reduced and the distortion of the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 is reduced. In response to the detection signal, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the finishing agent is equal to or more than the reference amount.

From the detection result, the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent dispenser 20 is equal to or more than the reference amount (YES).
Then, it is determined whether or not the start switch 43 has been operated (step S9).

While it is determined in step S9 that the start switch 43 has not been operated (NO), this step S9 is repeated, and the operation has been performed (YES).
If it is determined, the amount of laundry is determined as shown in FIG. 8 (step S10). The determination of the laundry amount is performed based on the detection result of the laundry amount sensor 60. As described above, the laundry amount sensor 60
The rotation mechanism detects the rotation of the motor 3 after the agitator in the tank is driven for a predetermined short time by the drive mechanism, and outputs a signal corresponding to the number of rotations. If the amount of the laundry stored in the tub is large, the detection signal is reduced because the load applied to the motor 3 via the stirrer is increased, and conversely, the amount of the laundry stored in the tub is reduced. Is smaller, the load on the motor 3 via the agitator becomes smaller, so that the load increases.
The control device 58 receives the detection signal and determines the amount of laundry to be washed.

Thereafter, the control device 58 displays the required amount of detergent corresponding to the determined amount of laundry (step S11), and further displays the required amount of finishing agent corresponding to the determined amount of laundry. Is performed (step S12). In this case, the display of the required detergent amount is displayed on the display unit 54 by the number of cups, and FIG. 5 shows an example thereof. This example shows that the required amount of detergent is 0.4 cups, and the required amount of detergent is different between the compact detergent and the non-compact detergent, but the size of the provided cup is proportionally different. Therefore, the number of cups is the same, and the display by the display unit 54 is common to both the compact detergent and the non-compact detergent.

On the other hand, the display of the necessary finishing agent amount is displayed on the display unit 53 by the amount, and FIG. 5 shows another example. This example shows that the required detergent amount is 7 [mL], which is the case of a non-concentrated soft finish.
In the case of a concentrated soft finish, it is different, for example, a number “2” indicates that 2 [mL] is a necessary amount. In addition,
The control device 58 also sets a water level corresponding to the amount of laundry determined in step S10 and causes the display unit 55 to display the water level. FIG. 5 shows that the set water level is a “minimal” water level (1 in water quantity).
0 [L]).

Next, the control device 58 causes the required amount of detergent to be charged (step S13). As described above, the detergent is supplied by energizing the motor 14 of the detergent dispenser 6 and rotating the coil 13, and this is also performed by energizing the motor 14 for a time corresponding to the amount of laundry determined in step S10. In this manner, an amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of laundry is removed from the detergent case 7 into the detergent input case 1.
It is put out in 6.

After that, the control device 58 executes a washing step (step S14). In this washing process,
At the start, by energizing the first water supply valve 17,
Tap water is supplied into the detergent charging case 16, and the detergent stored in the detergent charging case 16 is discharged from the detergent charging case 16 together with the tap water, and supplied to the inside of the tank through a water supply guide 19. In the washing operation itself, when the first water supply valve 17 continues to be energized and water is supplied to the set water level, the first water supply valve 17 is cut off and closed,
Instead, power is supplied to the motor 3 of the drive mechanism, and the motor 3 rotates the stirrer in the tank in the forward and reverse directions.

Thereafter, the control device 58 executes a rinsing stroke (step S15). In the rinsing step, similarly to the washing step, when the first water supply valve 17 is continuously supplied with electricity and water is supplied to a set water level, the first water supply valve 17 is cut off and closed, and the motor of the drive mechanism is replaced with the motor of the drive mechanism. 3, the motor 3 rotates the stirrer in the tank forward and backward.

Thereafter, the control device 58 determines whether or not the "finishing agent" switch 50 has been operated, as in the previous step S6 (step S16), and it is determined that the operation has been performed (YES). For example, subsequently, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent dispenser 20 is equal to or larger than the reference amount as in step S8 (step S17).
If it is determined as ES), the necessary amount of the finishing agent is charged (step S18).

As described above, the supply of the finishing agent is carried out by energizing the motor 32 of the pump 27 of the finishing agent input device 20 and supplying the impeller 31 with the electric power.
Is also performed by turning on the motor 32 for a time corresponding to the amount of the laundry determined in step S10, whereby the amount of the finishing agent corresponding to the amount of the laundry is obtained. Finishing agent charging case 34 from inside finishing agent case 21
Will be put in.

Thereafter, the control device 58 executes the final (in this case, the second) rinsing step (step S1).
9). In this final rinsing step, at the start, by supplying electricity to the second water supply valve 35, tap water is supplied into the finishing case 34, and the detergent stored in the finishing agent case 34 is supplied to the tap water. Finishing agent charging case 3 with water
4 to be supplied to the inside of the tank. The rinsing operation itself is performed in the same manner as in the first rinsing operation.

After that, the control device 58 executes a dewatering process (step S20). This dehydration step is performed by rotating the tank at a high speed by the motor 3 of the drive mechanism.
Thereafter, the operation of the washing machine ends.

In contrast, if it is determined in step S7 that the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent dispenser 6 is not equal to or greater than the reference amount (NO), the buzzer 63 is operated and the remaining amount of the detergent is stored in the detergent dispenser 6. It is notified that there is no more than the reference amount (step S2).
1) Then, the operation of the washing machine is terminated. Therefore, in this case, the operation of the motor 14 and the coil 13 of the detergent dispenser 6, that is, the operation of the detergent carrying out means is stopped, and the execution of the washing operation is also stopped.

On the other hand, in step S8, the finishing agent
If it is determined that the remaining amount of the finishing agent is not equal to or more than the reference amount (NO), it is determined whether or not the "finishing agent" switch 50 has been operated as in step S6 (step S2).
2) If it is determined that the operation has been performed (YES), the buzzer 6
3 to notify the finishing agent dispenser 20 that the remaining amount of the finishing agent is not more than the reference amount (step S23), and then proceed to step S9. Therefore, in this case, the washing operation is performed. If it is determined in step S22 that the "finishing agent" switch 50 has not been operated (NO), the process proceeds to step S9.

If it is determined in step S16 that the "finishing agent" switch 50 has not been operated (NO), and in step S17, the finishing agent input device 2
If it is determined that the remaining amount of the finishing agent at 0 is not more than the reference amount (NO), the process proceeds to step S19, that is, in these cases, the motor 32 of the pump 27 of the finishing agent injector 20 And the operation of the impeller 31, that is, the operation of the washing aid carrying-out means is stopped.

If it is determined in step S5 that the "detergent" switch 49 has not been operated (NO), it is determined whether or not the "finishing agent" switch 50 has been operated, as in step S6. (Step S24) If it is determined that the operation has been performed (YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

If it is determined in step S24 that the "finishing agent" switch 50 has not been operated (NO), it is determined whether or not the start switch 43 has been operated as in step S9 (step S25). This step S9 is repeated while it is determined that the operation has not been performed (NO). However, if it is determined that the operation has been performed (YES), the determination of the laundry amount is performed in the same manner as in step S10 (step S26).
Similar to step S11, the display of the required detergent amount corresponding to the determined amount of laundry (step S27) and the display of the required finish agent amount corresponding to the determined amount of laundry (step S2)
8) is performed in order, and the process proceeds to step S14. In this case, the display of the required detergent amount and the display of the required finish agent amount are as follows.
This is because the user puts the detergent and the finishing agent by hand.

Further, if it is determined in step S6 that the "finishing agent" switch 50 has not been operated (NO),
It is determined whether or not the "detergent" switch 49 has been operated, as in step S5 (step S29). If it is determined that the "detergent" switch 49 has been operated (YES), the process proceeds to step S7, and if it has not been operated (NO). If determined, step S25
Proceed to.

As described above, in the present configuration, the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent dispenser 6 is detected by the strain of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 due to the weight of the detergent. Detection by this means is highly accurate without being affected by dirt or the like by a detergent as in a conventional optical sensor.
The remaining amount of the detergent can be detected more accurately, and no error occurs in the operation of the control device 58.

In addition, in the case of this configuration, the control device 5
8, when it is determined from the detection result of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 that the remaining amount of the detergent is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the driving of the coil 13 by the motor 14 (the operation of the detergent carrying out means) is stopped; The execution of the washing operation is stopped. Thus, it is possible to prevent the coil 13 from being uselessly driven in a situation where the detergent is not sufficiently supplied, and also possible to prevent the washing operation from being performed without the detergent being supplied sufficiently. .

The controller 58 also determines the remaining amount of the detergent based on the detection result of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8 according to the type of the detergent. As a result, the remaining amount of the detergent can be more accurately detected in accordance with the type of the detergent, and the operation of the control device 58 can be further prevented from making an error.

In addition, the detergent charging device 6 has a finishing agent charging device 2
0 are juxtaposed so that they can be arranged in the washing machine in a small space. Also, if you try to replenish one of the detergent and the finishing agent, you will notice the replenishment of the other and forget it because the dosing device containing the other is located next to it and juxtaposed. Can be done without. Especially,
Generally, the detergent and the finish are proportionally consumed each time the laundry is washed. Therefore, when one of the two needs to be replenished, it is usually necessary to replenish the other, and as described above, both replenishments can be made without forgetting. It can be performed as desired without shortage of both finishing agents.

In this case, the remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 is also determined by the distortion of the finishing agent remaining amount sensor 22 due to the weight of the finishing agent. To detect. The detection by this means is highly accurate without being affected by dirt or the like by the finishing agent, so that the remaining amount of the finishing agent can be detected more accurately, and an error in the operation of the control device 58 may still occur. Absent.

Further, in this case, the control device 58 determines that the remaining amount of the detergent is not less than the predetermined amount from the detection result of the detergent remaining amount sensor 8,
When it is determined from the detection result of No. 2 that the remaining amount of the finishing agent is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the washing operation is performed. As a result, a situation where the remaining amount of the finishing agent is less than or equal to the predetermined amount (a situation where the amount of the detergent exceeds the predetermined amount remains)
Therefore, the washing operation can be prevented from being stopped.

Then, the detergent input device 6 and the finish agent input device 20
Has a common lid 40, which allows its lid 4
If you open 0, check the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent case 7,
The remaining amount of the finishing agent in the finishing agent case 21 can be checked at the same time. Therefore, when one of the detergent and the finishing agent is to be replenished as described above, the replenishment of the other can be more surely noticed and can be performed without forgetting.

In the above embodiment, a synthetic powder detergent was exemplified as the detergent. However, the detergent is not limited thereto.
For example, powdered soap (natural oils and fats) and liquid detergents may be used. In the case of liquid detergents in particular, it is preferable to change the detergent carrying means to a pump. Also, when the detergent is a powder detergent, the detergent carrying out means is provided by the coil 13 and the motor 14 described above.
It is not limited to those consisting of

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a softening agent was exemplified as a laundry aid, but the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be another finishing agent such as a sizing agent, and may be another washing auxiliary agent such as a bleaching agent. In particular, when the washing auxiliary agent is a bleaching agent, the addition thereof is performed by the first water supply. What is necessary is just to change it by the valve 17 so that it may be performed before a washing process. others,
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and in particular, the washing machine as a whole is not limited to the above-described washing machine with dehydration and may be a two-tub washing machine. The present invention can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the scope.

[0071]

The present invention is as described above.
The following effects are obtained. According to the washing machine of claim 1, the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage section can be more accurately detected without being affected by dirt or the like due to the detergent,
It is possible to prevent an error in the operation of the control means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the detergent discharging means from being uselessly operated in a situation where the detergent is not sufficiently supplied, and to execute the washing operation without sufficiently supplying the detergent. Can be avoided. According to the washing machine of the third aspect, the detection of the remaining amount of the detergent can be more accurately performed in accordance with the type of the detergent, and the operation of the control unit can be further prevented from making an error.

According to the washing machine of the fourth aspect, the washing aid dispenser can be arranged in the washing machine in a small space together with the detergent dispenser. In addition, when one of the detergent and the laundry aid is replenished, the other is easily noticed, and the replenishment can be performed without forgetting. In addition, the remaining amount of the laundry aid in the laundry aid storage unit can be more accurately detected without being affected by dirt or the like due to the laundry aid, so that the operation of the control unit does not cause an error. Can be

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the washing operation is stopped in a situation where the remaining amount of the laundry aid is not more than the predetermined amount even though the amount of the detergent remaining exceeds the predetermined amount. Can be avoided.

According to the washing machine of the sixth aspect, it is possible to simultaneously check the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent dispenser and the remaining amount of the laundry aid in the laundry dispenser. When one of the laundry aids is to be replenished, the other can be more reliably noticed and refilled without forgetting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a portion of a detergent dispenser and a laundry aid dispenser taken along line aa of FIG. 2, showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the washing machine where a detergent dispenser and a laundry aid dispenser are disposed.

FIG. 3 is a vertical side view of a detergent dispenser section taken along line bb in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing aid dispenser section taken along the line cc of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation, part 1

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation 2

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 6 denotes a detergent dispenser, 7 denotes a detergent case (detergent storage section), 8 denotes a detergent remaining amount sensor (detergent remaining amount detecting means), 13 denotes a coil (detergent carrying out means), 14 denotes a motor (detergent carrying out means), 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a detergent input case, 17 denotes a first water supply valve, 18 denotes an outlet portion, 20 denotes a finishing agent input device (washing agent input device), 21 denotes a finishing agent case (washing agent storage portion), and 22 denotes a finishing agent. Remaining amount sensor (washing aid remaining amount detecting means), 27 is a pump (washing aid discharging means), 33 is a connection pipe (washing aid discharging means),
34 is a finishing agent charging case, 35 is a second water supply valve, 38 is a siphon outlet, 40 is a lid, 49 is a “detergent” switch,
50 is a "finishing agent" switch, 54, 56, 57 are display units (display means), 58 is a control device (control means), and 63 is a buzzer (notification means).

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A detergent dispenser having a detergent reservoir for storing a plurality of washings of detergent and a detergent discharging means for discharging the detergent from the detergent reservoir, wherein the detergent dispenser is provided in the detergent reservoir, A washing machine comprising: a detergent remaining amount detecting means for detecting a residual amount of a detergent in the detergent storing section by a strain due to a weight of the detergent; and a control means responsive to a detection result of the detergent remaining amount detecting means. . 2. When the control means determines from the detection result of the detergent remaining amount detecting means that the remaining amount of detergent is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control means stops the operation of the detergent carrying out means and executes the washing operation. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing is stopped. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the remaining amount of the detergent based on the detection result of the detergent remaining amount detector in accordance with the type of the detergent. 4. A washing machine comprising: a washing agent storage section for storing a plurality of washing assistants in a detergent dispenser; and a washing aid discharging means for discharging the washing assistant from the washing agent detergent storing section. Auxiliary agent dispenser is juxtaposed, the laundry auxiliary agent storage section is provided with a laundry auxiliary agent remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the laundry auxiliary by distortion due to the weight of the laundry auxiliary, the control means, 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine also responds to the detection result of the washing auxiliary agent remaining amount detecting means. 5. The control means, when it is determined from the detection result of the detergent remaining amount detecting means that the remaining amount of the detergent is not less than the predetermined amount, and based on the detection result of the laundry auxiliary agent remaining amount detecting means,
The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the washing operation is performed even when it is determined that the remaining amount of the washing aid is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. 6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the detergent storage and the laundry aid storage have a common lid.