WO2022021969A1 - 洗衣机 - Google Patents

洗衣机 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022021969A1
WO2022021969A1 PCT/CN2021/090109 CN2021090109W WO2022021969A1 WO 2022021969 A1 WO2022021969 A1 WO 2022021969A1 CN 2021090109 W CN2021090109 W CN 2021090109W WO 2022021969 A1 WO2022021969 A1 WO 2022021969A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detergent
water
washing
liquid level
box
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CN2021/090109
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
大槻太郎
荒井英行
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Aqua Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Aqua Co Ltd filed Critical Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Priority to CN202180058378.5A priority Critical patent/CN116113735A/zh
Publication of WO2022021969A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022021969A1/zh
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/37—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine that can automatically inject liquid detergent into a washing and dehydrating tub.
  • the washing machine of Patent Document 1 is provided with a detergent box which is provided in a casing and accommodates a liquid detergent.
  • the detergent box closes the interior by closing the replenishment port for replenishing the detergent by the detergent box cover, and has an air inflow port and a liquid discharge port.
  • the air inlet is connected to the air pump. When the air pump works, the air pressure in the closed detergent box rises, and the detergent in the detergent box is squeezed out from the liquid discharge port and put into the washing and dewatering tub. The user does not need to input a single amount of detergent into the washing machine for each washing operation, which is very convenient.
  • a structure for detecting a decrease in the remaining liquid amount in the detergent box a structure may be adopted in which a pair of electrode terminals are arranged in the detergent box, electricity is applied between the pair of electrode terminals, and continuity between the pair of electrode terminals is detected. state.
  • the pair of electrode terminals is not energized by the detergent.
  • the pair of electrode terminals when electricity is applied between the pair of electrode terminals immersed in the liquid, the pair of electrode terminals may be galvanically corroded.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-259290
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the case while suppressing galvanic corrosion of the pair of electrode terminals using a pair of electrode terminals.
  • the washing machine of the main aspect of the present invention is provided with: a washing tub, which is arranged in a box, and performs washing of the laundry; a box body, which stores the liquid agent for washing; and an injection mechanism part for injecting the liquid agent in the box inside the washing tub; a pair of electrode terminals are arranged in the box body; the control unit determines whether the liquid level in the box body is lower than a predetermined liquid level based on the change of the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals ; and the Notification Department.
  • the control unit performs energization between the pair of electrode terminals for a predetermined time based on the arrival of a predetermined detection time, and a replenishment condition including the liquid level in the cartridge being lower than the predetermined liquid level is satisfied,
  • the notification unit is caused to notify that the liquid medicine needs to be replenished.
  • the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the cartridge is detected using a pair of electrode terminals, and when the remaining amount becomes small, the user is notified that the liquid agent needs to be replenished. Thereby, the user can replenish the liquid medicine when the liquid medicine in the cartridge becomes low.
  • the energization between the pair of electrode terminals is performed for a predetermined time based on the arrival of a predetermined detection time, the energization between the pair of electrode terminals for a long time can be avoided, and the galvanic corrosion of the pair of electrode terminals can be suppressed.
  • the detection time may include at least one of a time when the power of the washing machine is turned on, a time when an operation for checking the remaining amount of the liquid agent is performed, and a time when a washing operation is completed.
  • the notification unit informs the time when the power of the washing machine is turned on, when the operation for checking the remaining amount of the liquid agent is performed, and when the washing operation is completed, the user is likely to appear in the vicinity of the washing machine. Therefore, it is easy to notice the notification. Therefore, by energizing between the pair of electrode terminals at at least any one of these timings, the energization can be performed efficiently and without waste, the energization time can be shortened, and the occurrence of galvanic corrosion to the pair of electrode terminals can be suppressed.
  • control unit may start accumulating the usage amount of the liquid agent for each washing operation or the washing operation based on the liquid level in the case becoming lower than the predetermined liquid level. number of runs. In this case, when the liquid level in the cartridge is lower than the predetermined liquid level and the cumulative value of the usage amount or the number of operations exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the replenishment condition is satisfied.
  • the notification part when the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes smaller than the remaining amount when the liquid level in the cartridge is lower than the predetermined liquid level, the notification part is notified by the notification part, so that the interval for replenishing the liquid agent can be extended, and the user's troubles can be reduced. trouble.
  • the liquid agent in the box may include liquid detergent.
  • the washing machine may further include an ultrasonic cleaning device having a water storage tub that stores water containing the detergent injected by the injection mechanism, and may cause ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to act on the immersion Wash the laundry in the water in the water tank.
  • the detection time includes the time when the cleaning operation is completed and the time when the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device is completed.
  • the cleaning operation performed by the ultrasonic cleaning device it is possible to remove some dirt and the like from the laundry before washing. Furthermore, when the notification unit is notified of the completion time of the washing operation and the completion of the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the user is likely to be near the washing machine, and the notification is easily noticed. Therefore, when the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus is provided, by energizing between the pair of electrode terminals at such a timing, the energization can be performed efficiently and without waste, the energization time can be shortened, and galvanic corrosion of the pair of electrode terminals can be suppressed.
  • a configuration may be adopted in which the control unit starts accumulating the liquid level for each cleaning operation and each cleaning operation based on the liquid level in the case becoming lower than the predetermined liquid level.
  • the usage amount of the detergent or the number of operations of the washing operation and the cleaning operation is satisfied.
  • the notification part is notified by the notification unit, so that the interval for replenishing the liquid agent can be extended, and the reduction of trouble for users. Furthermore, not only the detergent usage amount or the number of operations of the washing operation but also the detergent usage amount or the number of operations of the cleaning operation performed by the ultrasonic cleaning device are accumulated, so that the detergent usage amount or the number of operations can be accurately obtained.
  • the present invention it is possible to provide a washing machine that can detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the case while suppressing galvanic corrosion of the pair of electrode terminals using a pair of electrode terminals.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 2( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit according to the embodiment are accommodated in the accommodating unit.
  • (b) and (c) of FIG. 2 are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and main parts of the upper panel in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are pulled out from the storage unit.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in a state in which the water storage unit is detached from the main body according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning part and a main body part according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the water supply apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • Fig. 6(a) and (b) are a plan view and a bottom view of the detergent box according to the embodiment, respectively, and Fig. 6(c) is an A-A' cross-sectional view of Fig. 6(a).
  • FIG. 7 are a plan view and a bottom view of the softener cartridge according to the embodiment, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of (a) of FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing for the liquid medicine replenishment notification function according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing a first replenishment notification process and a second replenishment notification process included in the control process for the liquid medicine replenishment notification function according to the embodiment, respectively.
  • washing machine automatic washing machine
  • 10 box body
  • 22 washing and dewatering bucket (washing bucket);
  • 50 ultrasonic cleaning device
  • 80 water supply device
  • 110 ultrasonic generator
  • 210 water storage bucket
  • 400 detergent case (case body); 421, 422: a pair of electrode terminals
  • 500 softener case (case body); 521, 522: a pair of electrode terminals
  • 600 water supply unit (injection mechanism part);
  • 720 display part (notifying Department); 801: Control Department.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a case 10 forming an outer contour.
  • the box 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body portion 11 whose upper and lower surfaces are open, an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11 , and a footrest 13 supporting the body portion 11 .
  • the upper panel 12 is formed with a laundry inlet 14 .
  • the input port 14 is covered with an upper cover 15 which can be opened and closed freely.
  • the control unit 16 is arranged inside the front part of the upper panel 12 . The control unit 16 controls the washing operation performed by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation performed by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .
  • the outer tub 20 with the upper surface opened is elastically suspended and supported in the box 10 by four suspension bars 21 with anti-vibration devices.
  • a washing and dewatering tub 22 whose upper surface is opened is arranged inside the outer tub 20, a washing and dewatering tub 22 whose upper surface is opened is arranged.
  • the washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction.
  • a large number of dewatering holes 22a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22 over the entire circumference.
  • a balance ring 23 is provided on the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 22 .
  • a pulsator 24 is arranged at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . On the surface of the pulsator 24, a plurality of blades 24a are radially provided. It should be noted that the washing and dewatering tub 22 corresponds to the "washing tub" of the present invention.
  • a drive unit 30 that generates torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 .
  • the drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32 .
  • the transmission mechanism part 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by the switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is only transmitted to the pulsator 24 during the washing process and the rinsing process, and only the pulsator 24 is rotated.
  • the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22, so that the pulsating wheel 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotate integrally.
  • the drain port part 20a is formed in the outer bottom part of the outer tub 20, the drain port part 20a is formed.
  • the drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port part 20a.
  • the drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41 . When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41 .
  • An overflow port 20b is formed in the upper part of the outer tub 20 .
  • the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b.
  • An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b.
  • One end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25 .
  • the other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the drain hose 41 .
  • the water discharged from the overflow port 20 b is received by the overflow water receiving portion 25 and then flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is arrange
  • the storage tank 60 is arrange
  • Detergent-containing water to be supplied to the water storage tub 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage tank 60 as washing water.
  • the storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 that opens and closes the outlet of the washing water from the tank.
  • the drain receiving portion 70 receives the water drained from the water storage tub 210 .
  • a drain hole 71 through which the received water is drained is formed in the drain receiving portion 70 .
  • One end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71 .
  • the other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26 .
  • the water received by the drain receiving portion 70 is discharged to the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26 .
  • the water supply apparatus 80 is arrange
  • the water supply device 80 is connected to the faucet, and has a function of supplying water to the washing and dewatering tub 22 .
  • the water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic injection device that automatically injects liquid detergent and softener into the washing and dewatering tub 22 .
  • the water supply device 80 has a function of supplying the washing water to the storage tank 60 .
  • detergents and softeners are liquid agents for washing, and the detergents and softeners are sometimes collectively referred to as "liquid agents" hereinafter.
  • FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are accommodated in the accommodating unit 17.
  • FIGS. 2( b ) and ( c ) are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out from the storage unit 17 .
  • FIG. 2( c ) the illustration of the cover 17 b is omitted in order to see the inside of the housing portion 17 .
  • the upper panel 12 is provided with an accommodation portion 17 in which the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is accommodated in the central portion of the rear.
  • the front of the accommodating part 17 in the upper panel 12 is opened as an entrance 17a.
  • a cover 17b is provided at the entrance and exit 17a.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 , a water storage unit 200 , and a main body unit 300 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves.
  • the water storage part 200 is provided with a water storage tub 210 which is located below the ultrasonic generator and stores washing water. The washing water is supplied to the water storage tub 210 from the supply nozzle 62 connected to the supply valve 61 of the storage tank 60 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the housing portion 17 and protrudes inside the input port 14 of the upper panel 12 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 17 .
  • the inlet/outlet 17a of the accommodating part 17 is closed by the cover 17b.
  • a funnel-shaped detergent injection port 18 is formed at the left rear of the injection port 14
  • a funnel-shaped softener injection port 19 is formed at the right rear of the injection port 14 .
  • the opening 18a formed in the center part of the detergent injection port 18 is connected to the input port of the detergent box 400 mentioned later.
  • the filter 410 is attached to the input port through the opening 18a.
  • the opening 19a formed in the center part of the softener injection port 19 is connected to the input port of the softener cartridge 500 mentioned later.
  • the filter 510 is attached to the input port through the opening 19a.
  • the liquid detergent is injected into the detergent box 400 through the detergent injection port 18
  • the liquid softener is injected into the softener box 500 through the softener injection port 19 .
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 in a state in which the water storage unit 200 is separated from the main body unit 300 .
  • FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body 300 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is held by the main body part 300 , and the water storage part 200 is detachably attached to the main body part 300 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a casing 120 .
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111 .
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by the high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111 .
  • the housing 120 has an arm shape long in the front-rear direction, and a distal end portion 121 thereof is bent downward.
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 is arranged in the front part of the casing 120 .
  • the distal end portion of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from the opening portion 122 of the housing 120 .
  • the rear part 123 of the casing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body part 300 .
  • a handle 201 is formed on the front surface.
  • the water storage tub 210 having a shape conforming to the shape of the water storage portion 200 is formed in the water storage portion 200 .
  • a drain port 211 is formed in the lower part of the rear surface. The drain port 211 is blocked by the valve body 220 .
  • the valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220 .
  • the rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward of the water storage portion 200 .
  • the valve movable member 230 is urged to the rear of the valve body 220 to be closed by a spring (not shown).
  • the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220 .
  • the valve movable member 230 abuts on the rear wall of the drain receiving portion 70 and moves forward. Thereby, the valve body 220 moves forward, and the drain port 211 is opened.
  • the drain port 211 is opened, the washing water in the water storage tub 210 is drained to the drain receiving portion 70 .
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the water supply apparatus 80 .
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 are a plan view and a bottom view of the detergent box 400, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 6 is an A-A' cross-sectional view of (a) of FIG. 6 .
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 7 are a plan view and a bottom view of the softener cartridge 500, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of (a) of FIG. 7 .
  • the water supply device 80 includes a detergent box 400 , a softener box 500 , and a water supply unit 600 .
  • Liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 400 .
  • the softener box 500 stores liquid softener.
  • the water supply unit 600 takes in detergent and softener from the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 , respectively, and flows the taken detergent and softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by supplying water to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 . In this way, the water supply unit 600 puts the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the softener in the softener box 500 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .
  • the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 correspond to the "box body" of the present invention.
  • the water supply unit 600 corresponds to the "insertion mechanism part" of this invention.
  • the detergent box 400 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a box shape long in the front and rear.
  • a circular input port 401 is formed on the front side.
  • a filter 410 is attached to the input port 401 .
  • the filter 410 traps foreign matter that has entered the detergent box 400 from the inlet 401 .
  • a circular discharge portion 402 protruding downward is formed on the front side.
  • a cylindrical discharge port 403 extending rearward is formed on the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 402 .
  • the detergent case 400 includes a detergent electrode unit 420 in order to detect that the remaining amount of the detergent in the case decreases.
  • the detergent electrode unit 420 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 , that is, a first electrode terminal 421 and a second electrode terminal 422 .
  • the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are formed of a conductive material such as steel, and include round bar-shaped terminal portions 421a and 422a and heads 421b and 422b provided at the upper ends of the terminal portions 421a and 422a.
  • a male screw is formed on the upper portion of each of the terminal portions 421a and 422a.
  • channel is formed in each head 421b, 422b so that the 1st electrode terminal 421 and the 2nd electrode terminal 422 can be rotated with a screwdriver.
  • a first mounting boss 404 and a second mounting boss 405 protruding toward the inside of the box body are formed on the top surface of the detergent box 400 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction.
  • the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are inserted into the interior of the detergent box 400 from above through the first fitting boss 404 and the second fitting boss 405 .
  • the upper portions of the respective terminal portions 421a and 422a having external threads pass through the first mounting boss 404 and the second mounting boss 405 and are fixed while being rotated. In this way, the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are fixed to the top surface portion of the detergent box 400 .
  • the terminal parts 421 a and 422 a of the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 extend downward from the top surface of the detergent box 400 , and their front ends are located near the bottom surface of the detergent box 400 .
  • the interval between the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 is relatively small, for example, set to about ten millimeters.
  • the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1, that is, the remaining amount of detergent is more than the predetermined amount, and the detergent is sufficiently interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the space between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422
  • the resistance value generated is relatively small, the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1, that is, the residual amount of detergent is less than the predetermined amount, and there is little or no gap between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422.
  • the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively large because the air between them is basically air.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are energized by the detergent.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are not energized by the detergent.
  • the softener case 500 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a box shape long in the front and rear.
  • a circular injection port 501 is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the softener box 500 .
  • a filter 510 is attached to the inlet 501. The filter 510 traps foreign matter entering the softener box 500 from the inlet 501 .
  • On the bottom surface of the softener cartridge 500 a circular discharge portion 502 protruding downward is formed on the front side.
  • a cylindrical discharge port 503 extending rearward is formed on the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 502 .
  • the softener case 500 is provided with a softener electrode unit 520 in order to detect that the remaining amount of the softener in the case decreases.
  • the softener electrode unit 520 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 , that is, a first electrode terminal 521 and a second electrode terminal 522 .
  • the structures of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 are the same as those of the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420, and include terminal parts 521a and 522a having external threads and head parts 521b and 521b having a cross-shaped groove. 522b.
  • a first fitting boss 504 and a second fitting boss 505 are formed on the top surface of the softener box 500 .
  • the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 are inserted into the interior of the softener cartridge 500 from above through these fitting bosses 504 , 505 , and are fixed to these fitting bosses 504 , 505 .
  • the terminal parts 521 a and 522 a of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 extend downward from the top surface of the softener case 500 , and their front ends are located near the bottom surface of the softener case 500 .
  • the interval between the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 is relatively small, for example, set to about ten millimeters.
  • the gap between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is The resulting resistance value is relatively small, the liquid level in the softener box 500 is lower than the specified liquid level L2, that is, the remaining amount of the softener is less than the specified amount, and there is little or no gap between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522.
  • the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively large because the air between them is basically air.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 are energized by the softener.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 are not energized by the softener.
  • the water supply unit 600 includes a water passage member 610 , a water supply valve 620 , a first three-way valve 630 , a second three-way valve 640 , a third three-way valve 650 , and a pump 660 .
  • the water channel member 610 is provided with a water injection chamber 611 .
  • a water injection port 611a is formed at the front end.
  • the water injection port 611a faces above the washing and dewatering tub 22 .
  • the water channel member 610 has a first water channel 612 and a second water channel 613 connected to the water injection chamber 611 , and is provided with an inflow port 614 for water flowing into the first water channel 612 and an inflow port 615 for water flowing in the second water channel 613 . Furthermore, the branch water path 616 branched from the 1st water path 612 in order to supply water into the storage tank 60 is formed in the water path member 610. As shown in FIG. The outflow port 616a of the branch water passage 616 is connected to the inflow port of the storage tank 60 .
  • the second three-way valve 640 , the first three-way valve 630 , the pump 660 , and the third three-way valve 650 are arranged in the middle of the path from the inflow port 614 to the water injection chamber 611 in the first water passage 612 in this order from upstream. Therefore, the first water passage 612 is partitioned at the positions of the second three-way valve 640, the first three-way valve 630, the pump 660, and the third three-way valve 650, and has upstream connection ports 617a, 617b, 617c, 617d and downstream side connection ports 618a, 618b, 618c, 618d.
  • the water supply valve 620 is a so-called double valve, and has a first valve 621 and a second valve 622 whose rated flow rate is larger than that of the first valve 621 .
  • the water inlet 623 of the water supply valve 620 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose not shown.
  • the water outlet 624 of the first valve 621 is connected to the inflow port 614
  • the water outlet 625 of the second valve 622 is connected to the inflow port 615 .
  • the first three-way valve 630 and the second three-way valve 640 have first water inlets 631, 641, second water inlets 632, 642, and water outlets 633, 643, and can be switched to make the first water inlets 631, 641 and the water outlet 633, 643 communicated, and the second water inlets 632, 642 communicated with the water outlets 633, 643.
  • the third three-way valve 650 has a water inlet 651 , a first water outlet 652 and a second water outlet 653 , and can be switched between a state in which the water inlet 651 and the first water outlet 652 communicate with each other, and a state in which the water inlet 651 and the second water outlet 653 communicate with each other. connected state.
  • the first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 of the first three-way valve 630 are respectively connected to the upstream connection port 617b and the downstream connection port 618b.
  • the water inlet 651 , the first water outlet 652 and the second water outlet 653 of the third three-way valve 650 are respectively connected to the upstream connection port 617d , the downstream connection port 618d and the connection port 616b of the branch water passage 616 .
  • the first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 of the second three-way valve 640 are connected to the upstream connection port 617a and the downstream connection port 618a, respectively.
  • Pump 660 is a piston pump.
  • the suction port 661 and the discharge port 662 of the pump 660 are connected to the upstream side connection port 617c and the downstream side connection port 618c, respectively.
  • the second water inlet 632 of the first three-way valve 630 is connected to the discharge port 403 of the detergent box 400 via a detergent supply pipe 430 made of rubber.
  • the second water inlet 642 of the second three-way valve 640 is connected to the discharge port 503 of the softener cartridge 500 via the softener supply pipe 530 made of rubber.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 is further provided with the operation part 710 and the display part 720 in addition to the structure mentioned above.
  • the control unit 16 includes a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, an operation detection unit 803, a detergent amount detection unit 804, a softener amount detection unit 805, a display drive unit 806, a motor drive unit 807, a clutch drive unit 808, and six valves Drive units 809 to 814 , pump drive unit 815 , and vibrator drive unit 816 .
  • the operation part 710 and the display part 720 can be provided in the front part of the upper panel 12 and the front part of the upper cover 15, for example.
  • the operation unit 710 includes various operation buttons such as a power ON button 711 , a power OFF button 712 , a start button 713 , a mode selection button 714 , a cleaning button 715 , a detergent injection button 716 , and a softener injection button 717 .
  • the power on button 711 and the power off button 712 are buttons for turning on and off the power to the fully automatic washing machine 1, respectively.
  • the start button 713 is a button for starting the washing operation and the washing operation.
  • the mode selection button 714 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation.
  • the cleaning button 715 is a button for selecting a cleaning operation.
  • Detergent injection button 716 is a button for selecting whether to set automatic injection of detergent, and when automatic injection is set, the amount of detergent is set to any one of normal, large, and small.
  • the softener injection button 717 is a button for selecting whether to set automatic injection of the softener, and when automatic injection is set, the amount of the softener is set to any one of normal, large, and small. It should be noted that not only when the power-off button 712 is operated, but also when the washing operation is not started after the power is turned on, or the washing operation has elapsed for a predetermined time, and the washing operation is completed. The power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is also turned off.
  • the display unit 720 includes a plurality of LEDs and a seven-segment display, and performs the display of the operation mode selected by the mode selection button 714, the display of the progress of the washing operation or the remaining time, and the setting of the detergent injection button 716 and the softener injection button 717.
  • the display of the determination result that is, the setting display of any one of "normal”, “large amount”, “small amount”, and “none", indicates that the detergent and softener need to be replenished, and the like.
  • the display unit 720 corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention.
  • the operation detection unit 803 outputs, to the control unit 801 , an operation signal corresponding to an operation button operated by the user among various operation buttons of the operation unit 710 .
  • the detergent amount detection unit 804 is connected to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420 .
  • the detergent amount detection unit 804 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit and has a circuit configuration that outputs to the control unit 801 a pulse signal having a high voltage pulse width corresponding to the resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 .
  • the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide, and the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.
  • the softener amount detection unit 805 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 of the softener electrode unit 520 .
  • the compliance dose detection unit 805 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit, and has a circuit configuration that outputs a pulse signal having a high voltage pulse width corresponding to the resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 to the control unit 801 .
  • the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide, and the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.
  • the resistance value of a detergent and a softener differs depending on the kind. Therefore, when the type of detergent stored in the detergent box 400 is changed, the high voltage of the pulse signal from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 Pulse width may vary. Similarly, when the type of softener stored in the softener cartridge 500 is changed, the high voltage of the pulse signal from the softener dose detection unit 805 when the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2 The pulse width may vary.
  • the display drive unit 806 , the motor drive unit 807 , the clutch drive unit 808 , the six valve drive units 809 to 814 , the pump drive unit 815 , and the vibrator drive unit 816 drive the display unit 720 and drive motors, respectively, according to control signals from the control unit 801 .
  • the storage section 802 includes an EEPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.
  • the storage unit 802 stores programs for executing the washing operation in various operation modes and the washing operation by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 .
  • the storage unit 802 stores various parameters and various control flags for execution of these programs.
  • the control unit 801 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the display drive unit 806, A motor drive unit 807 , a clutch drive unit 808 , six valve drive units 809 to 814 , a pump drive unit 815 , a vibrator drive unit 816 , and the like.
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform washing operation in various operation modes. During the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are performed in sequence.
  • the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise when water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 . Through the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.
  • the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 are integrally rotated at a high speed.
  • the laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .
  • the detergent is automatically injected into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water supply device 80 during water supply during the washing process.
  • the third three-way valve 650 is switched to the state where the water inlet 651 and the first water outlet 652 communicate with each other, and the first water passage 612 is blocked from the storage tank 60 and connected to the water injection chamber 611 .
  • the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 communicate with each other, and the first water passage 612 is in a state of being connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640 .
  • the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 632 and the water outlet 633 communicate with each other.
  • the detergent can flow into the first water passage 612 .
  • the pump 660 operates, the air on the upstream side of the pump 660 in the first water passage 612 is sucked, and the upstream side becomes negative pressure.
  • the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is sucked into the first water passage 612 via the detergent supply pipe 430 .
  • the amount of detergent corresponding to the operating time of the pump 660 is stored in the first water passage 612 .
  • the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 communicate with each other. As a result, the detergent cannot flow into the first water passage 612 . Then, the first water passage 612 is connected to each other at the position of the first three-way valve 630 . As shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 5 , the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and the water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612 . The water flowing through the first water passage 612 washes away the detergent stored in the first water passage 612 . The detergent washed away by the water flows into the water injection chamber 611 together with the water, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water injection port 611a.
  • the second valve 622 is opened at the same time as the first valve 621 is opened, and water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .
  • the water from the faucet is supplied into the second water passage 613, flows through the second water passage 613, reaches the water filling chamber 611, and is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling port 611a.
  • the flow rate of the water flowing through the second water path 613 is larger than the flow rate of the water flowing through the first water path 612 .
  • the first valve 621 and the second valve 622 are closed to end the water supply.
  • the softener When the automatic injection of the softener is set based on the operation of the softener injection button 717 , the softener is automatically injected into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water supply device 80 during water supply during rinsing. At this time, as in the cleaning process, the first water passage 612 is in a state of being connected to the water injection chamber 611 . In addition, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 communicate with each other, and the first water passage 612 is in a state of being connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630 .
  • the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 642 and the water outlet 643 communicate with each other.
  • the softener can flow into the first water passage 612 .
  • the pump 660 works, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 , the liquid softener in the softener box 500 is sucked into the first water passage 612 through the softener supply pipe 530 . An amount of softener corresponding to the operating time of the pump 660 is stored in the first water passage 612 .
  • the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 communicate with each other. As a result, the softener can flow into the first water passage 612 . Then, the first water passage 612 is in a state of being connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640 . As shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 5 , the first valve 621 is opened, and the water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612 . The softener stored in the first water passage 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 612 and flows into the water filling chamber 611, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling port 611a.
  • the second valve 622 and the first valve 621 are simultaneously opened to supply water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .
  • the water level that is, the amount of water in the washing and dewatering tub 22 during the washing process and the rinsing process, is determined according to the load amount of the laundry detected before water supply.
  • the amount of the liquid agent put into the washing and dewatering tub 22, that is, the usage amount of the liquid agent is determined according to the amount of water.
  • the amount of the liquid medicine with respect to the reference water amount (for example, 30 liters) is stored in the storage unit 802 in advance in association with the type of each liquid medicine.
  • the user selects and sets the types of liquid chemicals stored in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 from various types of liquid chemicals through a predetermined setting operation.
  • the control unit 801 reads out the amount of the liquid medicine of the set type relative to the reference water amount from the storage unit 802, and calculates the amount of the liquid medicine corresponding to the water amount from the read amount of the liquid medicine and the water amount determined by the load amount. , and the calculated amount of liquid agent is used as the amount of liquid agent used in this washing operation.
  • the setting of "a large amount” or "a small amount” is performed by the detergent injection button 716 and the softener injection button 717, the calculated amount of the liquid agent is increased or decreased by a predetermined ratio as the amount of the liquid agent. Usage amount.
  • the determined usage amount of the detergent is introduced from the detergent box 400 to the first water passage 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660 .
  • the softener in the determined usage amount is introduced from the softener box 500 to the first water channel 612 of the water supply unit 600 through the operation of the pump 660 .
  • the detergent is not introduced into the water supply unit 600 from the detergent box 400 and the tap water is not supplied to the first water path 612 during the water supply during the washing process, and the washing and dehydration are not supplied.
  • Detergent is automatically put into the tub 22 .
  • water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second water passage 613 of the water supply unit 600 .
  • the detergent is manually put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the user.
  • the softener when the automatic injection of softener is not set, the softener is not introduced from the softener box 500 to the water supply unit 600 and tap water is not supplied to the first water path 612 during the water supply during the rinsing process, and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is not supplied.
  • Softener is automatically injected inside. In this case, water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second water passage 613 of the water supply unit 600 . The softener is manually put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the user.
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .
  • the dirt adhering portion of the laundry is placed between the water storage tub 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110 .
  • the dirt adhering portion is soaked in the washing water stored in the water storage tub 210 and is in contact with the front end surface of the ultrasonic generator 110 .
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from the front end thereof. By the action of ultrasonic waves, the dirt is peeled off from the object to be cleaned. At this time, the cleaning power is improved by adding the force of the detergent.
  • the cleaning water is supplied into the storage tank 60 by the water supply device 80 .
  • the supply valve 61 is closed.
  • the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 and the second water outlet 653 communicate with each other.
  • the first water passage 612 is in a state of being blocked from the water injection chamber 611 and connected to the storage tank 60 via the branch water passage 616 .
  • the pump 660 is activated, and the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is sucked into the first water channel 612 . , stored in the first waterway 612 .
  • the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the detergent introduction path is closed and the first water passage 612 is connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630 .
  • the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and the water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612 .
  • the detergent stored in the first water passage 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 612, and the detergent is mixed with the water to become washing water.
  • the washing water flows into the storage tank 60 through the branch water passage 616 .
  • the first valve 621 is closed.
  • the supply valve 61 is opened, and the washing water in the storage tank 60 is supplied into the water storage tub 210 through the supply nozzle 62 . Then, during the washing operation, whenever the washing water in the water storage tub 210 decreases due to water absorption by the laundry, a corresponding amount of washing water is replenished from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210 .
  • the amount of the detergent contained in the washing water and put into the storage tank 60 is changed according to the type of the detergent stored in the detergent box 400 .
  • the control unit 801 reads the amount of detergent corresponding to the reference water amount among the types of detergent in the detergent box 400 from the storage unit 802, reduces the read amount by a predetermined ratio, and sets it as the amount of the detergent to be put in Even the dosage.
  • the washing water in the storage tank 60 When the washing water in the storage tank 60 is supplied to the water storage tub 210, the remaining amount of the washing water in the storage tank 60 decreases. In this case, the washing water is supplied from the water supply device 80 into the storage tank 60 again.
  • the usage-amount of the detergent at this time is set to be the same as the usage-amount at the time of the initial water supply, for example.
  • the second detergent usage amount may be smaller than that at the time of the first water supply.
  • the detergent usage amount in the cleaning operation is obtained by adding the initial usage amount and the second usage amount.
  • the cleaning water used in the previous cleaning operation remains in the water storage tank 210 at the start of the cleaning operation, and the cleaning water is not basically supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210, the storage tank is not supplied with the cleaning water. 60 The second washing water supply is performed.
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment has a function of notifying that the liquid agent needs to be replenished when the amount of the liquid agent in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 decreases.
  • this function will be referred to as a liquid agent replenishment notification function.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing for the liquid agent replenishment notification function.
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing a first replenishment notice process and a second replenishment notice process included in the control process for the liquid medicine replenishment notice function, respectively.
  • the control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 801 in parallel, respectively.
  • the softening agent is not used in the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. Therefore, regarding the softener in the softener cartridge 500, the process of determining the completion of the cleaning operation in S12 of FIG. 9 is not performed.
  • control process of the liquid agent replenishment notification function will be described by taking the control process of the detergent in the detergent box 400 as an example.
  • the control unit 801 monitors whether the washing operation is completed, whether the washing operation is completed, whether the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on by the operation of the power-on button 711, and whether the confirmation for confirming the remaining amount of the liquid agent is carried out. Operations (S11, S12, S13, S14).
  • the confirmation operation may be a so-called special operation, for example, an operation of pressing the power-on button 711 and a specific operation button at the same time.
  • the control unit 801 executes the first supplemental notification process shown in FIG. 10( a ).
  • the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds ( S101 ). Then, the control unit 801 detects the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the energization period, and determines whether or not the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 based on the detected pulse width (S102). ). Whether or not the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 is determined by whether the detected pulse width is larger than a threshold value set according to the type of detergent set by the user.
  • the control unit 801 When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 (102: YES), the control unit 801 adds the detergent usage amount X in the current washing operation or in the cleaning operation to the accumulated value XT of the usage amount. , and obtain a new cumulative value XT of the usage amount (S103). Then, the control unit 801 determines whether or not the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is larger than a threshold value ( S104 ).
  • the threshold value is set, for example, when the threshold value is subtracted from the amount of detergent when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is substantially at the predetermined liquid level L1, the detergent for one washing operation amount remains in the detergent box Such a value within 400.
  • the control unit 801 stores the accumulated value XT of the usage amount in the storage unit 802 ( S106 ). At this time, the integrated value XT of the usage amount is stored in the EEPROM of the storage unit 802 so as to be retained even when the fully automatic washing machine 1 is powered off.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to notify the display unit 720 that the detergent needs to be replenished in the detergent box 400 (S105). ).
  • the display unit 720 an LED assigned to a notification indicating that supplementation is required is turned on or blinked. The notification by the display unit 720 is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 20 minutes.
  • the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned off.
  • the control unit 801 stores the accumulated value XT of the usage amount exceeding the threshold value in the storage unit 802 (S106).
  • the control part 801 sets the integrated value XT of the usage amount to zero (S107). That is, when the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is not zero, it is reset to zero, and when the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is zero, it is maintained at zero. In addition, when the liquid level lower than predetermined liquid level L1 becomes more than predetermined liquid level L1 by replenishing detergent in detergent box 400, the integrated value XT of the usage amount is reset to zero.
  • the control unit 801 stores the accumulated value XT of the usage amount of zero in the storage unit 802 (S106).
  • the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 for a predetermined period of time ( S201 ). Then, the control unit 801 detects the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the energization period, and determines whether or not the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 based on the detected pulse width (S202). ).
  • the control unit 801 determines whether or not the integrated value XT of the usage amount is larger than the threshold value (S203). When the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is greater than the threshold value (S203: YES), the replenishment condition is satisfied, and the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to notify the display unit 720 to urge the detergent to be replenished in the detergent box 400 (S204). The notification by the display part 720 is performed until the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned off, for example. However, in the first replenishment notification process when the detergent box 400 is replenished and the washing operation is completed, when the energization state to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is confirmed, the notification is stopped.
  • the notification through the display unit 720 when it is determined that the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is larger than the threshold value refers to the case where the first replenishment after the previous washing operation or the completion of the washing operation is performed.
  • the notification process even if it is determined that the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is larger than the threshold value and the display unit 720 is notified, the user does not replenish the detergent into the detergent box 400 .
  • control unit 801 sets the accumulated value XT of the usage amount to zero (S205). Then, the control unit 801 stores the accumulated value XT of the usage amount of zero in the storage unit 802 (S206).
  • control process related to the softener in the softener box 500 is the same as the control process related to the detergent in the detergent box 400 . That is, based on the arrival of the time when the washing operation is completed, the time when the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on, or the time when the confirmation operation is performed, electricity is energized between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, and the softener cartridge is determined based on the conduction state thereof. Whether the liquid level in 500 is lower than the specified liquid level L2. In addition, in the state where the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2, when the integrated value XT of the usage amount of the softener exceeds the threshold value, the display unit 720 informs it. For example, in the display unit 720, the LED assigned to the notification indicating the need to replenish the softener blinks or lights up.
  • the liquid level in the two boxes is determined. Whether or not the liquid levels are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2 is established based on the fulfillment of the replenishment conditions including that the liquid levels are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2, and the display unit 720 informs that the liquid agent needs to be replenished. Thereby, the user can replenish the detergent and the softener when the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the softener in the softener box 500 decreases.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , 522 are sent to the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , 522 based on the time when the washing operation is completed, the time when the washing operation is completed, the time when the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on, or the time when the confirmation operation is performed. power on between.
  • the accumulated usage amount of the liquid agent per washing operation is started, and when the liquid level is low
  • the liquid levels L1 and L2 are predetermined and the integrated value XT of the usage amount exceeds the threshold value, it is considered that the replenishment condition is satisfied, and the display unit 720 informs it.
  • the liquid agent can be replenished when the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes smaller than the remaining amount when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2. Therefore, the interval for replenishing the liquid agent can be extended, and the user's troubles can be reduced.
  • the detergent usage amount per cleaning operation performed by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accumulated, so that the detergent usage amount can be accurately acquired.
  • all of the timings are the timing when the power of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on by the operation of the power-on button 711 , the timing when the confirmation operation for checking the remaining amount of the liquid agent is performed, and the timing when the washing operation is completed. All of them are set as detection timings when electricity is energized between the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 . However, not all of the above three times may be used as the detection time, and at least one of the times may be used as the detection time. In addition, although the time at which the washing operation is completed is set as the detection time in the above-described embodiment, the time at which the washing operation is completed may be set as the detection time.
  • the cleaning operation of the detergent and the usage amount of the cleaning operation per cleaning operation are started.
  • the display unit 720 displays the cumulative amount of the softener used in each washing operation. inform.
  • the washing operation of the detergent instead of the accumulation of the usage amount, the washing operation of the detergent, the accumulation of the operation times of the washing operation, and the accumulation of the washing operation of the softener may be started when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2 and the operation frequency is When the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value, it is considered that the supplementary condition is satisfied, and the display unit 720 informs it.
  • the liquid agent can be replenished when the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes smaller than that when the liquid levels in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2. Therefore, the liquid agent can be replenished. , can prolong the interval of replenishing liquid.
  • the usage amount and the number of operations are not included in the establishment conditions.
  • the liquid level in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2, it is considered that the replenishment condition is satisfied, and the display unit 720 informs it.
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 is provided with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , and the supply nozzle 62 and the storage tank 60 are provided in order to supply water to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 may adopt a configuration in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the supply nozzle 62 and the storage tank 60 are not provided.
  • the third three-way valve 650 and the branch water passage 616 are not provided in the water supply device 80 .
  • the process of determining the completion of the cleaning operation in S12 is not performed.
  • the shape of the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, and 522, and the arrangement in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be any shape as long as the remaining amount of the liquid agent can be detected , configuration.
  • the water supply device 80 is configured to include the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 and to automatically inject both the detergent and the softener into the washing and dewatering tub 22 .
  • the water supply device 80 may have a structure that does not include either of the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 .
  • the intake of the detergent and the softener is used.
  • the first water channel 612 allows detergent and softener to flow into the water supply unit 600 in the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water flowing in the first water channel 612 .
  • an injection mechanism part having a structure different from that of the water supply unit 600 may be used.
  • the detergent amount detection unit 804 adopts a circuit configuration that outputs a pulse signal whose pulse width varies according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the high voltage.
  • the circuit configuration of the detection signal different from the pulse signal such as the voltage signal.
  • the compliance amount detection unit 805 may have a circuit configuration that outputs a detection signal different from the pulse signal.
  • the display unit 720 is used to notify that the liquid agent needs to be replenished.
  • notification by a loud sound such as a sound indicating the need for replenishment of the liquid agent may be performed by a speaker (not shown) provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 was shown.
  • the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum-type washing machine having a horizontal-axis drum as a washing tub.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a fully automatic washer-drying machine and a drum-type washer-drying all-in-one machine with a drying function.

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  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
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Abstract

一种洗衣机，具备：洗涤脱水桶，配置于箱体内，进行洗涤物的洗涤；洗涤剂盒(400)，贮存液体洗涤剂；供水单元，用于将洗涤剂盒(400)内的洗涤剂投入洗涤脱水桶内；一对电极端子(421、422)，配置于洗涤剂盒(400)内；控制部，基于一对电极端子(421、422)间产生的阻值的变化，判定洗涤剂盒(400)内的液位是否低于规定液位(L1)；以及显示部。控制部基于规定的检测时刻到来，向一对电极端子(421、422)间进行规定时间的通电，基于包括洗涤剂盒(400)内的液位低于规定液位(L1)在内的补充条件成立，使显示部进行表示需要补充洗涤剂的告知。

Description

洗衣机 技术领域
本发明涉及一种洗衣机。
背景技术
例如，专利文献1中记载了一种能将液体洗涤剂自动投入洗涤兼脱水桶内的洗衣机。
专利文献1的洗衣机具备设置于外壳内并容纳液体洗涤剂的洗涤剂盒。洗涤剂盒通过由洗涤剂盒盖关闭补充洗涤剂的补充口来封闭内部，并且具有空气流入口和液体排出口。空气流入口与空气泵相连。当空气泵工作时，密闭的洗涤剂盒内的气压升高，洗涤剂盒内的洗涤剂被从液体排出口挤出，投入洗涤兼脱水桶内。用户不用在每次洗涤运转时都向洗衣机投入一次量的洗涤剂，很方便。
当洗涤剂盒内的洗涤剂的剩余量变少时，需要向洗涤剂盒内补充洗涤剂。因此，可以考虑采用如下结构：通过检测洗涤剂盒内的液位，在洗涤剂盒内的洗涤剂的剩余量变少的时刻告知需要补充洗涤剂。
这种情况下，作为用于检测洗涤剂盒内的剩余液量变少的结构，可以采用如下结构：在洗涤剂盒内配置一对电极端子，向一对电极端子间进行通电，检测其导通状态。当洗涤剂盒内的剩余液量变少而一对电极端间不介有洗涤剂时，一对电极端子变得不通过洗涤剂呈通电状态。
但是，上述结构中，在向浸渍于液体中的一对电极端子间进行通电的情况下，一对电极端子恐怕被电蚀。
现有技术文献
专利文献
专利文献1：日本特开2001－259290号公报
发明内容
发明所要解决的问题
本发明是鉴于上述问题而完成的，其目的在于提供一种使用一对电极端子并能在抑制这一对电极端子的电蚀的同时检测盒体内的液剂的剩余量的洗衣机。
用于解决问题的方案
本发明的主要方案的洗衣机具备：洗涤桶，配置于箱体内，进行洗涤物的洗涤；盒体，贮存洗涤用的液剂；投入机构部，用于将所述盒体内的所述液剂投入所述洗涤桶内；一对电极端子，配置于所述盒体内；控制部，基于所述一对电极端子间产生的阻值的变化，判定所述盒体内的液位是否低于规定液位；以及告知部。其中，所述控制部基于规定的检测时刻到来，向所述一对电极端子间进行规定时间的通电，基于包括所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位在内的补充条件成立，使所述告知部进行表示需要补充所述液剂的告知。
根据上述结构，使用一对电极端子，检测盒体内的液剂的剩余量，在剩余量变少的情况下，通知用户需要补充液剂。由此，用户能在盒体内的液剂变少时补充液剂。
而且，由于向一对电极端子间的通电基于预先确定的检测时刻到来而进行规定时间，因此能避免长时间向一对电极端子间进行通电，能抑制一对电极端子的电蚀。
本方案的洗衣机中，所述检测时刻可以包括对所述洗衣机接通电源的时刻、进行用于确认所述液剂的剩余量的操作的时刻以及洗涤运转完成的时刻中的至少一个时刻。
根据上述结构，在对洗衣机接通电源的时刻、进行用于确认液剂的剩余量的操作的时刻以及洗涤运转完成的时刻通过告知部进行了告知的情况下，用户很可能出现在洗衣机附近，因此容易注意到该告知。因此，通过在这样的时刻 中的至少任一个时刻向一对电极端子间进行通电，能进行有效而不浪费的通电，能缩短通电时间，抑制对一对电极端子产生电蚀。
本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用如下结构：所述控制部基于所述盒体内的液位变得低于所述规定液位，开始累计每次洗涤运转的所述液剂的使用量或者洗涤运转的运转次数。这种情况下，在所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位且所述使用量或者所述运转次数的累计值超过规定阈值的情况下，所述补充条件成立。
根据上述结构，在液剂的剩余量变得比盒体内的液位低于规定液位时的剩余量少的时刻，通过告知部进行告知，因此，能延长补充液剂的间隔，能减少用户的麻烦。
本方案的洗衣机中，所述盒体内的所述液剂可以包括液体洗涤剂。而且，可以是，洗衣机还具备超声波清洗装置，所述超声波清洗装置具有蓄留含有由所述投入机构部投入的所述洗涤剂的水的贮水桶，使超声波发生体所产生的超声波作用于浸渍在该贮水桶内的水中的洗涤物来清洗洗涤物。这种情况下，所述检测时刻包括洗涤运转完成的时刻和通过所述超声波清洗装置来进行的清洗运转完成的时刻。
根据上述结构，通过由超声波清洗装置来进行的清洗运转，能在洗涤之前去除洗涤物的部分污垢等。进而，在洗涤运转完成的时刻和通过超声波清洗装置来进行的清洗运转完成的时刻通过告知部进行了告知的情况下，用户很可能出现在洗衣机附近，因此容易注意到该告知。因此，在具备超声波清洗装置的情况下，通过在这样的时刻向一对电极端子间进行通电，能进行有效而不浪费的通电，能缩短通电时间，抑制对一对电极端子产生电蚀。
在采用上述结构的情况下，进一步地，可以采用如下结构：所述控制部基于所述盒体内的液位变得低于所述规定液位，开始累计每次洗涤运转和每次清洗运转的所述洗涤剂的使用量或者洗涤运转和清洗运转的运转次数。这种情况下，在所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位且所述使用量或者所述运转次数的累计值超过规定阈值的情况下，所述补充条件成立。
如果采用这样的结构，在液剂的剩余量变得比盒体内的液位低于规定液位 时的剩余量少的时刻，通过告知部进行告知，因此，能延长补充液剂的间隔，能减少用户的麻烦。而且，不仅累计洗涤运转的洗涤剂使用量或者运转次数，还累计通过超声波清洗装置来进行的清洗运转的洗涤剂使用量或者运转次数，因此，能精确地取得洗涤剂使用量或者运转次数。
发明效果
根据本发明，能提供一种使用一对电极端子并能在抑制这一对电极端子的电蚀的同时检测盒体内的液剂的剩余量的洗衣机。
本发明的效果以及意义通过以下所示的实施方式的说明会更加明了。不过，以下实施方式仅仅是实施本发明时的一个示例，本发明不受以下实施方式中所记载的内容的任何限制。
附图说明
图1是实施方式的全自动洗衣机的侧剖图。
图2的(a)是实施方式的超声波清洗部和贮水部收纳于收纳部的状态的超声波清洗装置和上面板的立体图。图2的(b)和(c)是实施方式的超声波清洗部和贮水部从收纳部拉出的状态的超声波清洗装置和上面板的主要部分的立体图。
图3是实施方式的贮水部从主体部脱离状态的超声波清洗装置的立体图。
图4是实施方式的超声波清洗部和主体部的侧剖图。
图5是示意性地表示实施方式的供水装置的结构的图。
图6的(a)和(b)分别是实施方式的洗涤剂盒的俯视图和仰视图，图6的(c)是图6的(a)的A-A′剖视图。
图7的(a)和(b)分别是实施方式的柔顺剂盒的俯视图和仰视图，图7的(c)是图7的(a)的B-B′剖视图。
图8是表示实施方式的全自动洗衣机的结构的框图。
图9是表示实施方式的用于液剂补充告知功能的控制处理的流程图。
图10的(a)和(b)分别是表示实施方式的用于液剂补充告知功能的控制处理中包括的第一补充告知处理和第二补充告知处理的流程图。
附图标记说明
1：全自动洗衣机(洗衣机)；10：箱体；22：洗涤脱水桶(洗涤桶)；50：超声波清洗装置；80：供水装置；110：超声波发生体；210：贮水桶；400：洗涤剂盒(盒体)；421、422：一对电极端子；500：柔顺剂盒(盒体)；521、522：一对电极端子；600：供水单元(投入机构部)；720：显示部(告知部)；801：控制部。
具体实施方式
以下，参照附图对本发明的洗衣机的一个实施方式进行说明。
图1是全自动洗衣机1的侧剖图。
参照图1，全自动洗衣机1具备构成外轮廓的箱体10。箱体10包括上下表面敞开的方形筒状的机身部11、覆盖机身部11的上表面的上面板12以及支承机身部11的脚台13。在上面板12形成有洗涤物的投入口14。投入口14由自由开闭的上盖15覆盖。在上面板12的前部，于内部配置有控制单元16。控制单元16控制通过全自动洗衣机1来进行的洗涤运转和通过超声波清洗装置50来进行的清洗运转。
上表面开口的外桶20由具有防振装置的四根吊棒21弹性地悬挂支承在箱体10内。在外桶20内配置有上表面开口的洗涤脱水桶22。洗涤脱水桶22以沿铅垂方向延伸的旋转轴为中心进行旋转。在洗涤脱水桶22的内周面遍及整周地形成有许多脱水孔22a。在洗涤脱水桶22的上部设置有平衡环23。在洗涤脱水桶22的底部配置有波轮24。在波轮24的表面呈辐射状地设置有多个叶片24a。需要说明的是，洗涤脱水桶22相当于本发明的“洗涤桶”。
在外桶20的外底部配置有产生驱动洗涤脱水桶22和波轮24的转矩的驱动单元30。驱动单元30包括驱动马达31和传递机构部32。传递机构部32具有离合机构32a，通过由该离合机构32a实现的切换操作，在清洗过程和漂洗过程中将驱动马达31的转矩仅传递给波轮24而仅使波轮24旋转，在脱水过程中将 驱动马达31的转矩传递给波轮24和洗涤脱水桶22而使波轮24和洗涤脱水桶22一体地旋转。
在外桶20的外底部形成有排水口部20a。在排水口部20a设置有排水阀40。排水阀40与排水软管41连接。当排水阀40打开时，蓄于洗涤脱水桶22和外桶20的水经过排水软管41排出到机外。
在外桶20的上部形成有溢水口20b。当外桶20内蓄有规定的溢水水位以上的水时，水会从溢水口20b排出。在外桶20的外表面以覆盖溢水口20b的方式设置有溢水承接部25。在溢水承接部25的底部连接有溢水管26的一端。溢水管26的另一端与排水软管41连接。从溢水口20b排出的水被溢水承接部25承接之后经过溢水管26流向排水软管41。
在上面板12的后部的大致中央配置有超声波清洗装置50。超声波清洗装置50主要进行用于在全自动洗衣机1进行洗涤之前去除局部附着于被清洗物的污垢的清洗运转。
在上面板12的后部，于超声波清洗装置50的后方配置有贮留箱60，于超声波清洗装置50的下方配置有排水承接部70。贮留箱60中蓄有要供给至超声波清洗装置50的贮水桶210的含有洗涤剂的水来作为清洗水。在贮留箱60设置有对来自箱内的清洗水的流出口进行开闭的供给阀61。
排水承接部70承接从贮水桶210排出的水。在排水承接部70形成有供被承接的水排出的排出孔71。在排出孔71连接有排水管72的一端。排水管72的另一端与溢水管26的上部连接。排水承接部70所承接的水经过排水管72和溢水管26向排水软管41排出。
在上面板12的后部，以包围超声波清洗装置50的方式配置有供水装置80。供水装置80与水龙头相连，具有向洗涤脱水桶22内进行供水的功能。而且，供水装置80也作为将液体洗涤剂和柔顺剂自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内的自动投入装置发挥作用。进而，供水装置80还具备向贮留箱60供给清洗水的功能。需要说明的是，洗涤剂和柔顺剂是用于洗涤的液剂，后面有时会将洗涤剂和柔顺剂统称为“液剂”。
图2的(a)是超声波清洗部100和贮水部200收纳于收纳部17的状态的 超声波清洗装置50和上面板12的立体图。图2的(b)和(c)是超声波清洗部100和贮水部200从收纳部17拉出的状态的超声波清洗装置50和上面板12的主要部分的立体图。图2的(c)中，为了看到收纳部17的内部，省略了罩17b的图示。
在上面板12，于后部的中央部设置有收纳超声波清洗装置50的收纳部17。上面板12中收纳部17的前方作为出入口17a开口。在出入口17a设置有罩17b。
超声波清洗装置50具备超声波清洗部100、贮水部200以及主体部300。超声波清洗部100具有产生超声波的超声波发生体。在贮水部200设置有位于超声波发生体的下方并蓄留清洗水的贮水桶210。从与贮留箱60的供给阀61相连的供给喷嘴62向贮水桶210供给清洗水。
如图2的(a)所示，进行清洗运转时，超声波清洗装置50被从收纳部17向前方拉出并，向上面板12的投入口14的内侧伸出。另一方面，如图2的(b)和(c)所示，不进行清洗运转时，超声波清洗装置50收纳于收纳部17。收纳部17的出入口17a由罩17b关闭。
如图2的(a)所示，在上面板12，于投入口14的左后方形成有漏斗状的洗涤剂注入口18，于投入口14的右后方形成有漏斗状的柔顺剂注入口19。形成于洗涤剂注入口18的中央部的开口18a与后述的洗涤剂盒400的投入口相连。过滤器410经过开口18a装接于投入口。此外，形成于柔顺剂注入口19的中央部的开口19a与后述的柔顺剂盒500的投入口相连。过滤器510经过开口19a装接于投入口。液体洗涤剂经过洗涤剂注入口18被投入洗涤剂盒400内，液体柔顺剂经过柔顺剂注入口19被投入柔顺剂盒500内。
图3是贮水部200从主体部300脱离状态的超声波清洗装置50的立体图。图4是超声波清洗部100和主体部300的侧剖图。
超声波清洗装置50的超声波清洗部100由主体部300保持，贮水部200可脱离地装接于主体部300。
超声波清洗部100具备超声波发生体110和壳体120。超声波发生体110包括超声波振子111和结合于超声波振子111的振动变幅杆112。超声波发生体110通过超声波振子111的高频振动，从振动变幅杆112的顶端产生超声波。壳 体120具有前后方向上长且其顶端部121向下方屈曲的臂形状。在壳体120内的前部配置有超声波发生体110。振动变幅杆112的顶端部从壳体120的开口部122露出。壳体120的后部123固定于主体部300的上部。
在贮水部200，于前表面形成有把手201。此外，在贮水部200形成有具有顺应贮水部200的形状的形状的贮水桶210。在贮水桶210，于后表面的下部形成有排水口211。排水口211被阀体220闭塞。在阀体220连结有阀可动构件230。阀可动构件230的后部231比贮水部200向后方突出。阀可动构件230被未图示的弹簧向阀体220关闭的后方施力。
当超声波清洗装置50从收纳部17拉出时，呈排水口211被阀体220关闭的状态。当超声波清洗装置50收纳于收纳部17时，阀可动构件230与排水承接部70的后壁抵接，向前方移动。由此，阀体220向前方移动，排水口211打开。当排水口211打开时，贮水桶210内的清洗水向排水承接部70排出。
图5是示意性地表示供水装置80的结构的图。图6的(a)和(b)分别是洗涤剂盒400的俯视图和仰视图，图6的(c)是图6的(a)的A-A′剖视图。图7的(a)和(b)分别是柔顺剂盒500的俯视图和仰视图，图7的(c)是图7的(a)的B-B′剖视图。
如图5所示，供水装置80具备洗涤剂盒400、柔顺剂盒500以及供水单元600。
洗涤剂盒400中贮存液体洗涤剂。柔顺剂盒500中贮存液体柔顺剂。供水单元600从洗涤剂盒400和柔顺剂盒500分别摄入洗涤剂和柔顺剂并通过供给向洗涤脱水桶22的水来使摄入的洗涤剂和柔顺剂流入洗涤脱水桶22内。如此，供水单元600将洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂和柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂投入洗涤脱水桶22内。洗涤剂盒400和柔顺剂盒500相当于本发明的“盒体”。此外，供水单元600相当于本发明的“投入机构部”。
如图6的(a)和(b)所示，洗涤剂盒400例如由树脂材料形成，具有前后长的箱状。在洗涤剂盒400的上表面，于前侧形成有圆形的投入口401。在投入口401装接有过滤器410。过滤器410捕获从投入口401进入洗涤剂盒400内的异物。在洗涤剂盒400的底面，于前侧形成有向下方突出的圆形的排出部402。 在排出部402的周面形成有向后方延伸的圆筒状的排出口403。
如图6的(c)所示，为了检测到该盒体内的洗涤剂的剩余量变少的情况，洗涤剂盒400具备洗涤剂电极单元420。洗涤剂电极单元420由一对电极端子421、422即第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422构成。
第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422由钢等具有导电性的材料形成，包括圆棒状的端子部421a、422a和设置于端子部421a、422a的上端部的头部421b、422b。在各个端子部421a、422a的上部形成有外螺纹。此外，在各个头部421b、422b形成有十字形状的槽，以便能用螺丝刀来旋转第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422。
在洗涤剂盒400的顶面部，以沿左右方向排列的方式形成有向盒体的内部突出的第一装配凸台404和第二装配凸台405。第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422穿过第一装配凸台404和第二装配凸台405从上方插入洗涤剂盒400的内部。这时，具有外螺纹的各个端子部421a、422a的上部一边转动一边穿过第一装配凸台404和第二装配凸台405而被固定。如此，第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422被固定至洗涤剂盒400的顶面部。第一电极端子421和第二电极端子422的端子部421a、422a从洗涤剂盒400的顶面部向下方延伸，其前端位于洗涤剂盒400的底面部附近。第一电极端子421与第二电极端子422的间隔比较小，例如设定为十几毫米左右。
在洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1即洗涤剂的剩余量多于规定量而一对电极端子421、422之间充分介有洗涤剂时，一对电极端子421、422间产生的阻值相对较小，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1即洗涤剂的剩余量少于规定量而一对电极端子421、422之间几乎不介有或完全不介有洗涤剂时，由于介于两者之间的基本是空气，因此一对电极端子421、422间产生的阻值相对较大。因此，在向一对电极端子421、422间进行通电时，如果洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1，则一对电极端子421、422通过洗涤剂呈通电状态，如果洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1，则一对电极端子421、422不会通过洗涤剂呈通电状态。
如图7的(a)和(b)所示，柔顺剂盒500例如由树脂材料形成，具有前后长的箱状。在柔顺剂盒500的上表面，于前侧形成有圆形的投入口501。在投 入口501装接有过滤器510。过滤器510捕获从投入口501进入柔顺剂盒500内的异物。在柔顺剂盒500的底面，于前侧形成有向下方突出的圆形的排出部502。在排出部502的周面形成有向后方延伸的圆筒状的排出口503。
如图7的(c)所示，柔顺剂盒500中，为了检测到其盒体内的柔顺剂的剩余量变少的情况，具备柔顺剂电极单元520。柔顺剂电极单元520由一对电极端子521、522即第一电极端子521和第二电极端子522构成。
第一电极端子521和第二电极端子522的结构与洗涤剂电极单元420的一对电极端子421、422相同，包括具有外螺纹的端子部521a、522a和具有十字形状的槽的头部521b、522b。
与洗涤剂盒400一样，在柔顺剂盒500的顶面部形成有第一装配凸台504和第二装配凸台505。第一电极端子521和第二电极端子522穿过这些装配凸台504、505从上方插入柔顺剂盒500的内部，并且固定于这些装配凸台504、505。第一电极端子521和第二电极端子522的端子部521a、522a从柔顺剂盒500的顶面部向下方延伸，其前端位于柔顺剂盒500的底面部的附近。第一电极端子521与第二电极端子522的间隔比较小，例如设定为十几毫米左右。
在柔顺剂盒500内的液位高于规定液位L2即柔顺剂的剩余量多于规定量而一对电极端子521、522之间充分介有柔顺剂时，一对电极端子521、522间产生的阻值相对较小，在柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L2即柔顺剂的剩余量少于规定量而一对电极端子521、522之间几乎不介有或完全不介有柔顺剂时，由于介于两者之间的基本是空气，因此一对电极端子521、522间产生的阻值相对较大。因此，在向一对电极端子521、522间进行通电时，如果柔顺剂盒500内的液位高于规定液位L2，则一对电极端子521、522通过柔顺剂呈通电状态，如果柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L2，则一对电极端子521、522不会通过柔顺剂呈通电状态。
参照图5，供水单元600包括：水路构件610、供水阀620、第一三通阀630、第二三通阀640、第三三通阀650以及泵660。
在水路构件610设置有注水室611。在注水室611的底部，于前端部形成有注水口611a。注水口611a面向洗涤脱水桶22的上方。
在水路构件610形成有与注水室611相连的第一水路612和第二水路613，并且设置有流向第一水路612的水的流入口614和流向第二水路613的水的流入口615。进而，在水路构件610形成有为了向贮留箱60内供水而从第一水路612分支的分支水路616。分支水路616的流出口616a与贮留箱60的流入口连接。
在第一水路612中从流入口614到注水室611的路径的中途，从上游开始按顺序配置有第二三通阀640、第一三通阀630、泵660以及第三三通阀650。因此，第一水路612在这些第二三通阀640、第一三通阀630、泵660以及第三三通阀650的位置被隔开，在各自的位置具有上游侧连接口617a、617b、617c、617d和下游侧连接口618a、618b、618c、618d。
供水阀620是所谓的双联阀，具有第一阀621和额定流量比第一阀621多的第二阀622。供水阀620的入水口623经由未图示的供水软管与水龙头连接。第一阀621的出水口624与流入口614连接，第二阀622的出水口625与流入口615连接。
第一三通阀630和第二三通阀640具有第一入水口631、641、第二入水口632、642以及出水口633、643，能切换为使第一入水口631、641与出水口633、643连通的状态和使第二入水口632、642与出水口633、643连通的状态。第三三通阀650具有入水口651、第一出水口652以及第二出水口653，能切换为使入水口651与第一出水口652连通的状态和使入水口651与第二出水口653连通的状态。
第一三通阀630的第一入水口631和出水口633分别与上游侧连接口617b和下游侧连接口618b连接。第三三通阀650的入水口651、第一出水口652以及第二出水口653分别与上游侧连接口617d、下游侧连接口618d以及分支水路616的连接口616b连接。第二三通阀640的第一入水口641和出水口643分别与上游侧连接口617a和下游侧连接口618a连接。
泵660为活塞泵。泵660的吸入口661和排出口662分别与上游侧连接口617c和下游侧连接口618c连接。
第一三通阀630的第二入水口632经由橡胶制的洗涤剂供给管430与洗涤 剂盒400的排出口403连接。此外，第二三通阀640的第二入水口642经由橡胶制的柔顺剂供给管530与柔顺剂盒500的排出口503连接。
图8是表示全自动洗衣机1的结构的框图。
全自动洗衣机1除了上述的结构以外，还具备操作部710和显示部720。此外，控制单元16包括：控制部801、存储部802、操作检测部803、洗涤剂量检测部804、柔顺剂量检测部805、显示驱动部806、马达驱动部807、离合器驱动部808、六个阀驱动部809～814、泵驱动部815以及振子驱动部816。
操作部710和显示部720能例如设置于上面板12的前部、上盖15的前部。
操作部710包括电源接通按钮711、电源断开按钮712、开始按钮713、模式选择按钮714、清洗按钮715、洗涤剂投入按钮716、柔顺剂投入按钮717等各种操作按钮。电源接通按钮711和电源断开按钮712分别是用于对全自动洗衣机1接通和断开电源的按钮。开始按钮713是用于使洗涤运转和清洗运转开始的按钮。模式选择按钮714是用于从洗涤运转的多个运转模式中选择任意的运转模式的按钮。清洗按钮715是用于选择清洗运转的按钮。洗涤剂投入按钮716是用于选择是否设定洗涤剂的自动投入并在设定为自动投入的情况下将洗涤剂的量设为正常、量多、量少中的任一者的按钮。柔顺剂投入按钮717是用于选择是否设定柔顺剂的自动投入并在设为自动投入的情况下将柔顺剂的量设定为正常、量多、量少中的任一者的按钮。需要说明的是，不仅是电源断开按钮712被操作的情况，在电源接通后未开始洗涤运转或清洗运转的状态经过了规定时间的情况和洗涤运转完成后经过了规定时间的情况下，也断开全自动洗衣机1的电源。
显示部720包括多个LED和七段显示器，进行由模式选择按钮714选择的运转模式的显示、洗涤运转的进展程度或剩余时间的显示、洗涤剂按投入钮716和柔顺剂投入按钮717的设定结果的显示即“普通”、“量多”、“量少”以及“无”的任一者的设定显示，表示需要补充洗涤剂和柔顺剂的显示等。显示部720相当于本发明的“告知部”。
操作检测部803向控制部801输出与操作部710的各种操作按钮中被用户操作了的操作按钮对应的操作信号。
洗涤剂量检测部804与洗涤剂电极单元420的一对电极端子421、422连接。洗涤剂量检测部804包括矩形波发生电路，设为向控制部801输出具有与一对电极端子421、422中产生的阻值对应的高电压的脉冲宽度的脉冲信号的电路结构。例如，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1而一对电极端子421、422之间的阻值处于相对较低的状态时，高电压的脉冲宽度相对变宽，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1而一对电极端子421、422之间的阻值处于相对较高的状态时，高电压的脉冲宽度相对变窄。
柔顺剂量检测部805与柔顺剂电极单元520的一对电极端子521、522连接。柔顺剂量检测部805包括矩形波发生电路，设为向控制部801输出具有与一对电极端子521、522中产生的阻值对应的高电压的脉冲宽度的脉冲信号的电路结构。例如，在柔顺剂盒500内的液位高于规定液位L2而一对电极端子521、522之间的阻值处于相对较低的状态时，高电压的脉冲宽度相对变宽，在柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L2而一对电极端子521、522之间的阻值处于相对较高的状态时，高电压的脉冲宽度相对变窄。
需要说明的是，洗涤剂和柔顺剂的阻值根据其种类而不同。因此，当贮存在洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的种类变更时，随之，洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1时的来自洗涤剂量检测部804的脉冲信号的高电压的脉冲宽度可能发生变化。同样地，当贮存在柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂的种类变更时，随之，柔顺剂盒500内的液位高于规定液位L2时的来自柔顺剂量检测部805的脉冲信号的高电压的脉冲宽度可能发生变化。
显示驱动部806、马达驱动部807、离合器驱动部808、六个阀驱动部809～814、泵驱动部815以及振子驱动部816分别根据来自控制部801的控制信号来驱动显示部720、驱动马达31、离合机构32a、供水阀620、第一三通阀630、第二三通阀640、第三三通阀650、供给阀61、排水阀40、泵660以及超声波振子111。
存储部802包括EEPROM(带电可擦可编程只读存储器)、RAM(随机存取存储器)等。存储部802中存储有用于执行各种运转模式的洗涤运转和通过超声波清洗装置50来进行的清洗运转的程序。此外，存储部802中存储有用于这些程序的执行的各种参数、各种控制标记。
控制部801包括CPU(中央处理器)等，基于来自操作检测部803、洗涤剂量检测部804、柔顺剂量检测部805等的各个信号，根据存储于存储部802的程序来控制显示驱动部806、马达驱动部807、离合器驱动部808、六个阀驱动部809～814、泵驱动部815、振子驱动部816等。
全自动洗衣机1能进行各种运转模式的洗涤运转。洗涤运转中，按顺序执行清洗过程、中间脱水过程、漂洗过程以及最终脱水过程。
清洗过程和漂洗过程中，在洗涤脱水桶22内蓄有水的状态下，波轮24顺时针和逆时针旋转。通过波轮24的旋转，洗涤脱水桶22内产生水流。清洗过程中，通过产生的水流和水中所含的洗涤剂，洗涤物被清洗。漂洗过程中，通过产生的水流，洗涤物被漂洗。
中间脱水过程和最终脱水过程中，洗涤脱水桶22和波轮24一体地高速旋转。通过洗涤脱水桶22中产生的离心力的作用，洗涤物被脱水。
在基于洗涤剂投入按钮716的操作设定了自动投入洗涤剂的情况下，在清洗过程中的供水时，洗涤剂通过供水装置80被自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内。这时，第三三通阀650被切换为使入水口651与第一出水口652连通的状态，第一水路612成为与贮留箱60隔断并与注水室611相连的状态。此外，第二三通阀640被切换为使第一入水口641与出水口643连通的状态，第一水路612成为在第二三通阀640的位置相连的状态。
首先，第一三通阀630被切换为使第二入水口632与出水口633连通的状态。由此，成为洗涤剂能流入第一水路612的状态。泵660工作，第一水路612内的泵660的上游侧的空气被抽吸，上游侧变为负压。由此，如图5的单点划线所示，洗涤剂盒400内的液体洗涤剂经由洗涤剂供给管430被抽吸至第一水路612内。与泵660的工作时间对应量的洗涤剂蓄于第一水路612内。
接着，第一三通阀630被切换为使第一入水口631与出水口633连通的状态。由此，成为洗涤剂不能流入第一水路612的状态。而且，第一水路612成为在第一三通阀630的位置相连的状态。如图5的实线箭头所示，供水阀620的第一阀621打开，来自水龙头的水被供给至第一水路612内。流过第一水路612内的水冲走蓄于第一水路612内的洗涤剂。被水冲走的洗涤剂与水一起流向 注水室611，从注水口611a投入洗涤脱水桶22内。
进而，供水阀620中，第一阀621打开的同时第二阀622打开，向洗涤脱水桶22内进行供水。如图5的虚线箭头所示，来自水龙头的水被供给至第二水路613内并流过第二水路613内到达注水室611，从注水口611a放出至洗涤脱水桶22内。这时，流过第二水路613的水的流量多于流过第一水路612的水的流量。当洗涤脱水桶22内的水位达到规定的清洗水位时，关闭第一阀621和第二阀622，结束供水。
在基于柔顺剂投入按钮717的操作而设定了自动投入柔顺剂的情况下，在漂洗过程中的供水时，柔顺剂通过供水装置80被自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内。这时，与清洗过程一样，第一水路612成为与注水室611相连的状态。此外，第一三通阀630被切换为使第一入水口631与出水口633连通的状态，第一水路612成为在第一三通阀630的位置相连的状态。
首先，第二三通阀640被切换为使第二入水口642与出水口643连通的状态。由此，成为柔顺剂能流入第一水路612的状态。泵660工作，如图5的双点划线所示，柔顺剂盒500内的液体柔顺剂经由柔顺剂供给管530被抽吸至第一水路612内。与泵660的工作时间对应量的柔顺剂蓄于第一水路612内。
接着，第二三通阀640被切换为使第一入水口641与出水口643连通的状态。由此，成为柔顺剂能流入第一水路612的状态。而且，第一水路612成为在第二三通阀640的位置相连的状态。如图5的实线箭头所示，第一阀621打开，来自水龙头的水被供给至第一水路612内。蓄于第一水路612内的柔顺剂被流过第一水路612内的水冲走而流向注水室611，从注水口611a投入洗涤脱水桶22内。
进而，与清洗过程一样，同时打开第二阀622和第一阀621，向洗涤脱水桶22内进行供水。
清洗过程和漂洗过程中的洗涤脱水桶22内的水位即水量根据供水前检测出的洗涤物的负荷量来决定。并且，投入洗涤脱水桶22内的液剂的量即液剂的使用量根据水量来决定。
例如，相对于基准水量(例如30升)的液剂的量与各种液剂的种类建立对 应，预先存储于存储部802。用户通过规定的设定操作，从各种液剂的种类中选择并设定洗涤剂盒400和柔顺剂盒500中收容的液剂的种类。控制部801从存储部802读出设定种类的相对于基准水量的液剂的量，由读出的液剂的量和根据负荷量确定的水量，计算出与该水量相符的液剂的量，将计算出的液剂的量作为这次洗涤运转中的液剂的使用量。在通过洗涤剂投入按钮716和柔顺剂投入按钮717进行了“量多”或者“量少”的设定的情况下，将计算出的液剂的量增加或减少规定的比例来作为液剂的使用量。
在清洗过程的供水时，确定的使用量的洗涤剂通过泵660的工作而从洗涤剂盒400导入供水单元600的第一水路612。同样地，在漂洗过程的供水时，确定的使用量的柔顺剂通过泵660的工作而从柔顺剂盒500导入供水单元600的第一水路612。
需要说明的是，在未设定自动投入洗涤剂的情况下，清洗过程中的供水时不从洗涤剂盒400内向供水单元600导入洗涤剂和向第一水路612供给自来水，并且不向洗涤脱水桶22内自动投入洗涤剂。这种情况下，只通过供水单元600的第二水路613向洗涤脱水桶22的供水。洗涤剂被用户手动投入洗涤脱水桶22内。同样地，在未设定自动投入柔顺剂的情况下，漂洗过程中的供水时不从柔顺剂盒500内向供水单元600导入柔顺剂和向第一水路612供给自来水，并且不向洗涤脱水桶22内自动投入柔顺剂。这种情况下，只通过供水单元600的第二水路613向洗涤脱水桶22的供水。柔顺剂被用户手动投入洗涤脱水桶22内。
全自动洗衣机1能通过超声波清洗装置50来进行清洗运转。
在清洗运转时，从贮留箱60向贮水桶210供给清洗水之后，洗涤物的污垢附着部分被置于贮水桶210与超声波发生体110之间。污垢附着部分被蓄于贮水桶210内的清洗水浸泡，并且与超声波发生体110的前端面接触。当超声波发生体110工作时，从其前端产生超声波。通过超声波的作用，从被清洗物中剥离污垢。这时，通过加上洗涤剂的力，清洗力提高。
在清洗运转中的供水时，在向贮水桶210进行供水之前，通过供水装置80向贮留箱60内供给清洗水。这时，供给阀61关闭。
首先，第三三通阀650被切换为使入水口651与第二出水口653连通的状 态。由此，第一水路612成为与注水室611隔断并经由分支水路616与贮留箱60相连的状态。与清洗过程一样，在第一三通阀630被切换为能使洗涤剂流入第一水路612的状态之后，泵660工作，洗涤剂盒400内的液体洗涤剂被抽吸至第一水路612内，蓄于第一水路612内。
接着，第一三通阀630被切换为使洗涤剂导入路径关闭并使第一水路612在第一三通阀630的位置相连的状态。然后，供水阀620的第一阀621打开，来自水龙头的水被供给至第一水路612内。蓄于第一水路612内的洗涤剂被流过第一水路612内的水冲走，洗涤剂与水混合成为清洗水。清洗水经过分支水路616流入贮留箱60内。当贮留箱60内蓄有规定量的清洗水时，第一阀621关闭。
打开供给阀61，贮留箱60内的清洗水经由供给喷嘴62被供给至贮水桶210内。然后，清洗运转中，每当贮水桶210内的清洗水由于被洗涤物吸水而减少时，相应量的清洗水会从贮留箱60补给向贮水桶210。
包含在清洗水中被投入贮留箱60内的洗涤剂的量根据贮存于洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的种类而变更。例如，控制部801从存储部802读出洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的种类中与基准水量对应的洗涤剂的量，使读出的量减少规定的比例，设为投入的洗涤剂的量即使用量。
当贮留箱60内的清洗水供给至贮水桶210时，贮留箱60内的清洗水的剩余量会变少。这种情况下，再次从供水装置80向贮留箱60内进行清洗水的供给。这时的洗涤剂使用量设定为例如与最初供水时的使用量相同。或者，考虑到供给的清洗水的量按照贮留箱60内残留的清洗水的量减少，第二次的洗涤剂使用量可以设为比最初供水时少。清洗运转中的洗涤剂使用量通过将最初的使用量和第二次的使用量相加而得。
需要说明的是，在清洗运转开始时上一次清洗运转中使用的清洗水残留于贮水桶210而基本上不会从贮留箱60向贮水桶210供给清洗水的情况下，不向贮留箱60进行第二次的清洗水供给。
另外，本实施方式的全自动洗衣机1具备在洗涤剂盒400内、柔顺剂盒500内的液剂的量变少时通知需要补充液剂的功能。以下，将该功能称为液剂补充 告知功能。
图9是表示用于液剂补充告知功能的控制处理的流程图。图10的(a)和(b)分别是表示用于液剂补充告知功能的控制处理中包括的第一补充告知处理和第二补充告知处理的流程图。
关于洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂和柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂，分别通过控制部801并行地重复执行图9的控制处理。需要说明的是，通过超声波清洗装置50来进行的清洗运转中不使用柔顺剂。因此，关于柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂，不进行图9的S12的判定清洗运转完成的处理。
以下，对于液剂补充告知功能的控制处理，以关于洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的控制处理为例进行说明。
参照图9，控制部801监视洗涤运转是否完成、清洗运转是否完成、是否通过电源接通按钮711的操作对全自动洗衣机1接通了电源、是否进行了用于确认液剂的剩余量的确认操作(S11、S12、S13、S14)。确认操作可以设为所谓的特殊操作，例如，可以设为将电源接通按钮711和特定的操作按钮同时按下的操作。
在完成了洗涤运转的情况(S11：是)或者完成了清洗运转的情况下(S12)，控制部801执行图10的(a)所示的第一补充告知处理。
参照图10的(a)，控制部801在一对电极端子421、422之间进行规定时间例如2秒的通电(S101)。然后，控制部801检测通电期间从洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号的高电压的脉冲宽度，根据检测出的脉冲宽度来判定洗涤剂盒400内的液位是否低于规定液位L1(S102)。洗涤剂盒400内的液位是否低于规定液位L1通过检测出的脉冲宽度是否大于根据用户设定的洗涤剂的种类而设定的阈值来判定。
在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况下(102：是)，控制部801对使用量的累计值XT加上本次洗涤运转或清洗运转中的洗涤剂使用量X，求出新的使用量的累计值XT(S103)。然后，控制部801判定使用量的累计值XT是否大于阈值(S104)。这里，阈值例如被设定为在从洗涤剂盒400内的液位大致处于规定液位L1时的洗涤剂的量中减去阈值量时，一次洗涤运转量的洗 涤剂会残留在洗涤剂盒400内这样的值。
在使用量的累计值XT为阈值以下的情况下(S104：否)，控制部801将使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802(S106)。这时，使用量的累计值XT以即使切断全自动洗衣机1的电源也会被保存的方式存储于存储部802的EEPROM。
在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况下，由于每次洗涤运转或清洗运转完成时都要加上洗涤剂使用量X，因此，使用量的累计值XT不断增加。由此，在使用量的累计值XT超过阈值的情况下(S104：是)，设为补充条件成立，控制部801使显示部720进行表示需要向洗涤剂盒400内补充洗涤剂的告知(S105)。例如，显示部720中，被分配给表示需要补充的告知的LED点亮或者闪烁。通过显示部720来进行的告知进行规定的时间例如20分钟。当通过显示部720来进行的告知完成时，全自动洗衣机1的电源断开。
控制部801将超过阈值的使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802(S106)。
S102中，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位不低于规定液位L1的情况下(S102：否)，控制部801将使用量的累计值XT设为零(S107)。即，在使用量的累计值XT不是零的情况下，复位为零，在使用量的累计值XT为零的情况下维持为零不变。需要说明的是，在比规定液位L1低的液位通过向洗涤剂盒400内补充洗涤剂而变为规定液位L1以上的情况下，使用量的累计值XT被复位为零。
控制部801将为零的使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802(S106)。
这样，第一补充告知处理完成。
另一方面，在对全自动洗衣机1接通了电源的情况(S13：是)或进行了确认操作的情况下(S14：是)，控制部801执行图10的(b)所示的第二补充告知处理。
参照图10的(b)，控制部801向一对电极端子421、422间进行规定时间的通电(S201)。并且，控制部801检测通电期间从洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号的高电压的脉冲宽度，基于检测出的脉冲宽度来判定洗涤剂盒400内的液位是否低于规定液位L1(S202)。
在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况下(S202：是)，控制部801判定使用量的累计值XT是否大于阈值(S203)。在使用量的累计值XT大 于阈值的情况下(S203：是)，补充条件成立，控制部801使显示部720进行督促向洗涤剂盒400内补充洗涤剂的告知(S204)。通过显示部720来进行的告知进行到例如全自动洗衣机1的电源断开为止。但是，在向洗涤剂盒400内补充了洗涤剂而洗涤运转完成时的第一补充告知处理中，在向一对电极端子421、422的通电状态被确认的情况下，停止告知。
需要说明的是，第二补充告知处理中，判定为使用量的累计值XT大于阈值而通过显示部720来进行的告知是指如下情况：在上一次洗涤运转或清洗运转完成之后的第一补充告知处理中，即使判定为使用量的累计值XT大于阈值并通过显示部720进行了告知，用户也未向洗涤剂盒400内进行洗涤剂的补充。
S202中，在判定为洗涤剂盒400内的液位不低于规定液位L1的情况下(S202：否)，控制部801将使用量的累计值XT设为零(S205)。然后，控制部801将为零的使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802(S206)。
这样，第二补充告知处理完成。
需要说明的是，涉及柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂的控制处理与涉及洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的控制处理相同。即，基于洗涤运转完成的时刻、对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻或进行确认操作的时刻的到来，向一对电极端子521、522间进行通电，根据其导通状态来判定柔顺剂盒500内的液位是否低于规定液位L2。并且，在液位低于规定液位L2的状态下，当柔顺剂的使用量的累计值XT超过阈值时，通过显示部720进行告知。例如，显示部720中，被分配给表示需要补充柔顺剂的告知的LED闪烁或者点亮。
＜实施方式的效果＞
以上，根据本实施方式，基于配置于洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极端子421、422、521、522间产生的阻值的变化，判定这两个盒体内的液位是否低于规定液位L1、L2，基于包括液位低于规定液位L1、L2在内的补充条件成立，通过显示部720进行表示需要补充液剂的告知。由此，用户能在洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂和柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂的剩余量变少的时刻补充洗涤剂和柔顺剂。
此外，根据本实施方式，基于洗涤运转完成的时刻、清洗运转完成的时刻、 对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻或者进行确认操作的时刻到来，向一对电极端子421、422、521、522间进行通电。由此，能在用户很可能出现在全自动洗衣机1附近、容易注意到通过显示部720来进行的告知的时刻向一对电极端子421、422、521、522间进行通电，因此，能进行有效而不浪费的通电，能缩短通电时间，抑制对一对电极端子421、422、521、522产生电蚀。
进而，根据本实施方式，基于洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的液位变得低于规定液位L1、L2，开始累计每次洗涤运转的液剂的使用量，在液位低于规定液位L1、L2且使用量的累计值XT超过阈值的情况下，视为补充条件成立，通过显示部720进行告知。由此，能在液剂的剩余量变得比液位低于规定液位L1、L2时的剩余量少的时刻进行液剂的补充，因此，能延长补充液剂的间隔，能减少用户的麻烦。而且，不仅累计洗涤运转，还累计通过超声波清洗装置50来进行的每次清洗运转的洗涤剂使用量，因此，能精确地取得洗涤剂使用量。
以上，对本发明的实施方式进行了说明，但本发明不受上述实施方式的任何限制，此外，本发明的实施方式除了上述以外还可以进行各种变形。
例如，上述实施方式中，通过电源接通按钮711的操作而对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻、进行用于确认液剂的剩余量的确认操作的时刻、洗涤运转完成时刻这所有的时刻都被设为向一对电极端子421、422、521、522间进行通电的检测时刻。但是，也可以不将上述三个时刻都设为检测时刻，至少将一个时刻设为检测时刻即可。此外，虽然在上述实施方式中将洗涤运转完成的时刻设为检测时刻，但是也可以将清洗运转完成的时刻设为检测时刻。需要说明的是，在不将洗涤运转完成的时刻设为检测时刻，不进行基于洗涤运转的完成的第一补充告知处理的情况下，第二补充告知处理的S202中，在判定为洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L1、L2时，执行将使用量的累计值XT与上一次洗涤运转中的洗涤剂使用量X相加的处理和将相加后的使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802的处理。
此外，上述实施方式中，基于洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的液位变得低于规定液位L1、L2，开始洗涤剂的每次洗涤运转和每次清洗运转的使用量的累计、柔顺剂的每次洗涤运转的使用量的累计，在液位低于规定液位L1、L2且使用量的累计值XT超过阈值的情况下，视为补充条件成立，通过显示部720 来进行告知。但是，也可以是，代替使用量的累计，开始洗涤剂的洗涤运转和清洗运转的运转次数的累计、柔顺剂的洗涤运转的累计，在液位低于规定液位L1、L2且运转次数的累计值超过阈值的情况下，视为补充条件成立，通过显示部720来进行告知。这种情况下也能在液剂的剩余量变得比洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L1、L2时的剩余量少的时刻进行液剂的补充，因此，能延长补充液剂的间隔。进而，也可以采用成立条件中不包括使用量和运转次数的结构。这种情况下，当洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的液位低于规定液位L1、L2时，视为补充条件成立，通过显示部720来进行告知。
进而，上述实施方式中，全自动洗衣机1中设置有超声波清洗装置50，为了向超声波清洗装置50供水而设置有供给喷嘴62和贮留箱60。但是，全自动洗衣机1也可以采用不设置超声波清洗装置50、供给喷嘴62以及贮留箱60的结构。这种情况下，供水装置80中不设置第三三通阀650和分支水路616。而且，在用于图9的液剂补充告知功能的控制处理中，不进行判定S12的清洗运转完成的处理。
进而，一对电极端子421、422、521、522的形状、在洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内的配置不局限于上述实施方式，只要能检测液剂的剩余量，可以是任何形状、配置。
进而，上述实施方式中，供水装置80采用包括洗涤剂盒400和柔顺剂盒500并能将洗涤剂和柔顺剂双方自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内的结构。但是，供水装置80也可以采用不包括洗涤剂盒400和柔顺剂盒500中的任一方的结构。
进而，上述实施方式中，作为用于将洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂和柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内的投入机构部，使用了将洗涤剂和柔顺剂摄入第一水路612并通过在第一水路612内流动的水来使洗涤剂和柔顺剂流入洗涤脱水桶22内的供水单元600。但是，只要能将洗涤剂和柔顺剂自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内，也可以使用与供水单元600不同结构的投入机构部。
进而，上述实施方式中，洗涤剂量检测部804采用输出高电压的脉冲宽度根据一对电极端子421、422之间产生的阻值而变化的脉冲信号的电路结构，但是也可以采用输出大小不同的电压信号等与脉冲信号不同的检测信号的电路结构。同样地，柔顺剂量检测部805也可以采用输出与脉冲信号不同的检测信号 的电路结构。
进而，上述实施方式中，通过显示部720进行需要补充液剂的告知。但是，也可以由设置于全自动洗衣机1的未图示的扬声器来进行表示需要补充液剂的声音等响声实现的告知。
进而，上述实施方式中，示出了全自动洗衣机1。但是，本发明也能应用于全自动洗衣机1之外的洗衣机，例如具有横轴型滚筒来作为洗涤桶的滚筒式洗衣机。此外，本发明也能应用于具有烘干功能的全自动洗干一体机和滚筒式洗干一体机。
此外，本发明的实施方式能在技术方案所示的技术思想的范围内适当地进行各种变形。

Claims (5)

  1. 一种洗衣机，其特征在于，具备：
    洗涤桶，配置于箱体内，进行洗涤物的洗涤；
    盒体，贮存洗涤用的液剂；
    投入机构部，用于将所述盒体内的所述液剂投入所述洗涤桶内；
    一对电极端子，配置于所述盒体内；
    控制部，基于所述一对电极端子间产生的阻值的变化，判定所述盒体内的液位是否低于规定液位；以及
    告知部，
    所述控制部基于规定的检测时刻到来，向所述一对电极端子间进行规定时间的通电，
    所述控制部基于包括所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位在内的补充条件成立，使所述告知部进行表示需要补充所述液剂的告知。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    所述检测时刻包括对所述洗衣机接通电源的时刻、进行用于确认所述液剂的剩余量的操作的时刻以及洗涤运转完成的时刻中的至少一个时刻。
  3. 根据权利要求1或2所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    所述控制部基于所述盒体内的液位变得低于所述规定液位，开始累计每次洗涤运转的所述液剂的使用量或者洗涤运转的运转次数，
    在所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位且所述使用量或者所述运转次数的累计值超过规定阈值的情况下，所述补充条件成立。
  4. 根据权利要求1或2所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    所述盒体内的所述液剂包括液体洗涤剂，
    所述洗衣机还具备：超声波清洗装置，具有蓄留含有由所述投入机构部投入的所述洗涤剂的水的贮水桶，使超声波发生体所产生的超声波作用于浸渍在 该贮水桶内的水中的洗涤物来清洗洗涤物，
    所述检测时刻包括洗涤运转完成的时刻和通过所述超声波清洗装置来进行的清洗运转完成的时刻。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    所述控制部基于所述盒体内的液位变得低于所述规定液位，开始累计每次洗涤运转和每次清洗运转的所述洗涤剂的使用量或者洗涤运转和清洗运转的运转次数，
    在所述盒体内的液位低于所述规定液位且所述使用量或者所述运转次数的累计值超过规定阈值的情况下，所述补充条件成立。
PCT/CN2021/090109 2020-07-30 2021-04-27 洗衣机 Ceased WO2022021969A1 (zh)

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