WO2022027995A1 - 洗衣机 - Google Patents

洗衣机 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022027995A1
WO2022027995A1 PCT/CN2021/086500 CN2021086500W WO2022027995A1 WO 2022027995 A1 WO2022027995 A1 WO 2022027995A1 CN 2021086500 W CN2021086500 W CN 2021086500W WO 2022027995 A1 WO2022027995 A1 WO 2022027995A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detergent
water
washing
softener
box
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/086500
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
三崎日奈子
税所贵史
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Aqua株式会社
海尔智家股份有限公司
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 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司, Aqua株式会社, 海尔智家股份有限公司 filed Critical 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Priority to CN202180057625.XA priority Critical patent/CN116234953A/zh
Publication of WO2022027995A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022027995A1/zh

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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
    • 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 
    • D06F33/43—Control of cleaning or disinfection of washing machine parts, e.g. of tubs
    • 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 
    • D06F33/47—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of pumps 
    • 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 a liquid detergent into a washing and dewatering 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 increases, 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 pair of electrode terminals can be arranged in the detergent box, and whether or not the liquid level in the detergent box is lower than a predetermined liquid level can be determined based on a change in the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals.
  • the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals is greatly increased.
  • detergent when the liquid level in the detergent box is lower than a predetermined liquid level, detergent may remain on the surfaces of the pair of electrode terminals. If the detergent is left unattended for a long time without replenishing the detergent, the residual detergent may dry and solidify, and the solidified detergent may adhere to the surface of the electrode terminal and cover the surface.
  • the resistance value of the detergent that solidifies into a gel or solid state is greatly increased. Therefore, when the solidified detergent is stuck to the pair of electrode terminals, even if the detergent is then put into the detergent box and the remaining amount of the detergent increases, the liquid detergent and the electrode terminals are interposed between the electrode terminals.
  • the solidified detergent tends to keep the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals high. In this way, there is a risk of misjudging that the remaining amount of the detergent decreases.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-259290
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine that can appropriately cope with a case where a solidified cleaning liquid is adhered to an electrode terminal.
  • the washing machine is provided with: a washing tub, which is arranged in the box and washes the laundry; a box body, which stores the liquid agent for washing; put into the washing tub; a pair of electrode terminals are arranged in the box; a detection unit outputs a detection signal that changes according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals; and a control unit, based on the detection signal, performing a first determination of whether the liquid level in the box is lower than a predetermined liquid level; and a notification part.
  • the control unit performs a second determination on whether or not the solidified liquid agent adheres to the electrode terminal based on the detection signal, and when it is determined that the solidified liquid agent adheres to the electrode terminal Let the notification part perform notification.
  • the notification part when the solidified liquid agent is fixed on the electrode terminal, the notification part is used to notify the notification part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from being left unattended in a state where the liquid agent is stuck, and it is possible to prevent the liquid level in the case from being mistaken. sentence.
  • a configuration further including a storage portion may be employed.
  • the control unit may be configured to store the detection signal output from the detection unit in the storage as a reference detection signal in a state before the liquid medicine is put into the cartridge.
  • the second determination is performed based on a comparison result between the detection signal and the reference detection signal acquired for the second determination.
  • the reference detection signal actually obtained before the liquid medicine is put into the cartridge is used as a comparison reference with the detection signal obtained when the solidification of the solidified liquid medicine is determined, so that the presence or absence of the liquid medicine can be accurately determined. fixed.
  • control unit may be configured to perform a process of discharging the liquid medicine from the case and discharge the hot water stored in the case in the case after the liquid medicine is discharged based on a predetermined operation. Processing of ejection from the box at intervals after storage.
  • the liquid agent fixed to the electrode terminal can be dissolved and removed by the hot water stored in the case.
  • 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 diagram schematically showing the configuration of the water supply apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 are a plan view and a bottom view of the detergent box according to the embodiment, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 4 is an AA' cross-sectional view of FIG. 4( a ).
  • FIG. 5 are a plan view and a bottom view of the softener cartridge according to the embodiment, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of (a) of FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7( a ) is a flowchart showing a process for acquiring a reference pulse signal according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7( b ) is a flowchart showing the liquid medicine replenishment notification process according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 8( c ) is a diagram schematically showing a pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit when the solidified detergent is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing of the electrode cleaning operation according to the embodiment.
  • washing machine automatic washing machine
  • 10 box body
  • 22 washing and dewatering bucket (washing bucket); 400: detergent box (box body); 421, 422: a pair of electrode terminals; 500: softener box (box body); 521, 522: a pair of electrode terminals; 600: water supply unit (input mechanism part); 720: display part (notification part); 801: control part; 802: storage part; 804: detergent amount detection part (detection part ); 805: compliant dose detection unit (detection unit).
  • 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 of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of 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 .
  • 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 that accommodates the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 in the central portion of the rear portion.
  • 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 part 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves, and is held by the main body part 300 .
  • the water storage part 200 is provided with a water storage tub 210 which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator 110 and can store cleaning 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 water storage part 200 is detachably attached to the main body part 300 .
  • 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 inlet 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, and the liquid softener is injected into the softener box 500 through the softener injection port 19.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the water supply apparatus 80 .
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 4 are a plan view and a bottom view of the detergent box 400, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 4 is an AA' cross-sectional view of (a) of FIG. 4 .
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 5 are a plan view and a bottom view of the softener cartridge 500, respectively, and (c) of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of (a) of FIG. 5 .
  • the water supply device 80 includes a detergent box 400 , a softener box 500 , and a water supply unit 600 .
  • Liquid detergent can be stored in the detergent box 400 .
  • Liquid softener can be stored in the softener box 500 .
  • 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 discharged from the detergent box 400 and the softener discharged from 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, and the water supply unit 600 corresponds to the input mechanism portion.
  • 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 is reduced.
  • 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 resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively small.
  • the air between them is basically air. The resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively large.
  • 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 input port 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 includes a softener electrode unit 520 in order to detect that the remaining amount of the softener in the case is reduced.
  • 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 box 500 , and their front ends are located near the bottom surface of the softener box 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 resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively small.
  • the air between them is basically air. The resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively large.
  • the water supply unit 600 includes a water channel 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. 6 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 generator drive unit 816 .
  • the detergent amount detection unit 804 and the softener amount detection unit 805 correspond to the "detection unit" of the present invention.
  • 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 the automatic injection is set, the amount of the softener is set to one of normal, large, and small.
  • 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 is a setting display of one of "normal”, “large amount”, “small amount”, and “none”. Further, the display unit 720 displays that the detergent and softener need to be replenished, and that the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 or the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the softener box 500 needs to be cleaned.
  • 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 has a circuit configuration including a rectangular wave generating circuit and an inversion circuit that inverts the output voltage of the rectangular wave generating circuit, and constitutes the square wave generating circuit based on the resistance values generated in the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422.
  • the voltage waveform of the reference terminal of the comparator is shifted in the direction of the magnitude of the voltage, thereby outputting a pulse signal whose pulse width and period of the high voltage are changed according to the above-mentioned resistance value.
  • the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide, and the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.
  • the softening amount detection unit 805 has the same circuit configuration as the detergent amount detection unit 804 , and outputs a pulse signal whose pulse width and period of a high voltage vary according to the resistance values generated in the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 .
  • the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide
  • the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.
  • the resistance values of detergents and softeners vary according to their type. 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.
  • pulse width of a high voltage is abbreviated as “pulse width”.
  • 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 generator drive unit 816 respectively drive the display unit 720 and drive the
  • 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 generator 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 in which 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 introduction path between the 1st water path 612 implemented by the detergent supply pipe 430, and the detergent box 400 becomes an open state.
  • 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.
  • the detergent introduction path between the first water passage 612 and the detergent box 400 realized by the detergent supply pipe 430 is in a closed state.
  • the first water passage 612 is connected to each other 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 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 filling chamber 611 together with the water, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling 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 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 introduction path of the softener between the first water passage 612 and the softener cartridge 500 realized by the softener supply pipe 530 is in an open state.
  • the pump 660 operates, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 , 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.
  • the introduction path of the softener between the first water passage 612 and the softener cartridge 500 realized by the softener supply pipe 530 is in a closed state.
  • the first water passage 612 is in a state of being connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640 .
  • the first valve 621 is opened, and 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 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 liquid medicine with respect to the reference water amount (for example, 30 liters) is associated with each type of liquid medicine, and is stored in the storage unit 802 in advance.
  • 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 the liquid agent is used as the liquid agent usage 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 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.
  • the processing for this function that is, the liquid medicine replenishment notification processing is executed by the control unit 801.
  • the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are used to detect the liquid level in the detergent box 400
  • the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 are used to detect the liquid level in the softener box 500 .
  • the liquid agent may remain on the surfaces of the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 . If the solution is left unattended for a long time without replenishing the solution, the remaining solution will dry and solidify, and the solidified solution may be fixed on the surfaces of the electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 .
  • the resistance value of the liquid agent solidified into a gel or solid state is greatly increased. Therefore, when the solidified liquid agent is stuck to the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 , the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 is easily maintained even if the liquid agent is replenished. In a high state, there is a risk of misjudging that the amount of the liquid agent decreases.
  • the liquid agent replenishment notification process it is also notified that the liquid agent detected to be solidified is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 and the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the softener box 500 and needs to be cleaned.
  • These electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 These electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 .
  • the processing for acquiring the reference pulse signal A for detecting the fixation of the solidified liquid agent in this process The timing is performed, for example, at the time of shipment inspection of the factory of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • FIG. 7( a ) is a flowchart showing a process for acquiring the reference pulse signal A.
  • the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 and between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the softener box 500 for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds ( S101). Then, the control unit 801 acquires the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 as the reference pulse signal A related to the detergent, and acquires the pulse signal output from the softener amount detection unit 805 as the reference pulse signal A related to the softener (S102).
  • the reference pulse signal A has a pair of electrodes in a state where the liquid agent is not interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 and the liquid agent that is solidified is not fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 A waveform corresponding to the resistance value generated between the terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 .
  • the control unit 801 stores the acquired reference pulse signal A related to the detergent and the softener, that is, information defining the waveform of the pulse signal, such as the pulse width and period of the high voltage, in the storage unit 802 (S103).
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the liquid medicine replenishment notification process.
  • (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 schematically show pulses output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 and when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level, respectively.
  • FIG. 8( c ) is a diagram schematically showing a pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when the solidified detergent is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 .
  • the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed in parallel by the control unit 801, respectively.
  • the timing at which the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed can be set to, for example, at least one of the timing of completing the washing operation, the timing of turning on the power to the fully automatic washing machine 1, and the timing of performing an operation for checking the remaining amount of detergent and softener.
  • the liquid agent replenishment notification process when executed at the time when the washing operation is completed, the liquid agent replenishment notification process may also be executed at the time when the washing operation is completed.
  • notification solution replenishment process will be described by taking the process of the detergent in the detergent box 400 as an example.
  • the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds ( S201 ), and acquires the pulse signal B output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the energization period ( S202 ) . Then, the control unit 801 determines whether or not the pulse width of the acquired pulse signal B is smaller than a threshold value ( S203 ).
  • the pair of electrode terminals 421 , 422 does not matter whether the liquid level is higher or lower than the predetermined liquid level L1
  • the resistance value between 422 will increase due to the presence of solidified detergent, and the pulse width will become narrower. It should be noted that when the solidified detergent is fixed on the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value will be lower than the resistance value when air is interposed, and the pulse width will be lower than the pulse width when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1. wide width. In addition, the period of the pulse signal will be shorter than the period when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1.
  • the threshold value is set between the pulse width when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 and the pulse width when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level.
  • the control unit 801 reads the reference pulse signal A related to the detergent from the storage unit 802, compares the reference pulse signal A with the pulse signal B obtained in S202, and determines whether the two are substantially equal, that is, the difference between the two. Whether it is within a predetermined range that is considered to be equal and set in consideration of detection errors and the like ( S204 ).
  • the pulse width of the low voltage changes more than the pulse width of the high voltage. Therefore, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 8 , when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 and when the solidified detergent is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 In this case, the period of the pulse signal is likely to vary greatly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A are substantially equal is determined by whether or not the periods of the two signals are substantially equal. It should be noted that, instead of the period, the pulse widths of the low voltages whose differences become larger similarly to the period may be compared.
  • the control part 801 adds the latest detergent usage amount X to the accumulated value XT of the usage amount, and obtains a new accumulated value XT of the usage amount (S205). For example, when the liquid agent replenishment notification process is executed when the washing operation is completed, the latest detergent usage X is the amount used in the current washing operation, and the liquid agent is executed when the fully automatic washing machine 1 is powered on. In the case of supplemental notification processing, the most recent detergent usage amount X is the usage amount in the previous washing operation.
  • the control unit 801 determines whether or not the accumulated value XT of the usage amount is larger than a threshold value ( S206 ).
  • 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 ( S208 ). 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 if the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned off.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to notify that the detergent box 400 needs to be replenished (S207). For example, in 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 stopped when, for example, a predetermined time elapses.
  • the control unit 801 stores the accumulated value XT of the usage amount exceeding the threshold value in the storage unit 802 (S208).
  • the control part 801 makes the display part 720 notify that the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 needs to be cleaned (S209).
  • the display unit 720 an LED assigned to a notification indicating that cleaning is required is turned on or blinked. The notification by the display unit 720 is stopped when the control unit 801 accepts an operation for an electrode cleaning operation to be described later.
  • the control unit 801 sets the accumulated value XT of the usage amount to zero (S210). 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 (S208).
  • the 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, electricity is energized between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 to determine whether or not the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 based on the conduction state, and it is also determined whether or not the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 adheres to the liquid level. Solidified softener. Then, in the state where the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 , when the accumulated value XT of the usage amount of the softener exceeds the threshold value, the display unit 720 informs it.
  • the LED assigned to the notification indicating the need to replenish the softener blinks or lights up. Furthermore, when the solidified softener is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 , it is notified by the display unit 720 . For example, in the display unit 720, an LED assigned to a notification that the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 needs to be cleaned blinks or lights up.
  • liquid agent replenishment notification process when executed at the time when the washing operation is completed, when the power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on, and/or when the operation for checking the remaining amount of detergent and softener is performed. , in the liquid agent replenishment notification process at the time of turning on the power to the fully automatic washing machine 1 and/or at the time of performing the operation for confirming the remaining amount of detergent and softener, the calculation of the cumulative value XT of the usage amount in S205 is not performed. processing.
  • the user when a notification is given to urge the cleaning of the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 or the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 in the softener box 500, the user can An electrode cleaning operation for cleaning the electrode terminals 421 , 422 , 521 , and 522 , ie, electrode cleaning, is performed.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control processing of the electrode cleaning operation.
  • the electrode cleaning operation is started. It should be noted that a configuration may be adopted in which the control unit 801 does not accept an operation other than the operation for the electrode cleaning operation after the notification of prompting electrode cleaning is given by the display unit 720 .
  • the control unit 801 waits for the operation for discharging the detergent or the operation for discharging the softener ( S301 , S302 ).
  • the controller 801 operates the first three-way valve 630 , the pump 660 , and the first valve 621 as in the case of automatically injecting the detergent, and the washing After all the detergent in the detergent box 400 is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 22, the drain valve 40 is opened to discharge the detergent to the outside of the machine (S303).
  • the control unit 801 When the operation for discharging the softener is performed ( S302 : YES), the control unit 801 operates the second three-way valve 640 , the pump 660 and the first valve 621 as in the case of automatically injecting the softener. After all the softener in the cartridge 500 is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 22, the drain valve 40 is opened to discharge the softener to the outside of the machine (S304).
  • control part 801 makes the display part 720 and the buzzer which is not shown in figure notify that it urges to inject warm water (S305). According to this notification, the user puts warm water into the detergent box 400 from which the detergent is discharged or the softener box 500 from which the softener is discharged, and then performs the start operation.
  • the control unit 801 waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse (S307).
  • the standby time is about several tens of minutes, during which the detergent fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 in the detergent box 400 or the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 fixed to the softener box 500 The softener is dissolved and removed by the warm water put in.
  • control unit 801 discharges the warm water in the detergent box 400 or the softener box 500 to the outside of the machine by the same control operation as when the detergent is discharged or when the softener is discharged (S308 ).
  • the control unit 801 determines whether the fixation of the solidified detergent to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 or the fixation of the solidified softener to the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 has been eliminated ( S309 ). That is, the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 or between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, obtains the pulse signal B and compares it with the reference pulse signal A, and compares the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A between the pulse signal B and the reference pulse signal A. When they are substantially equal, it is determined that the fixation of the detergent or softener has been eliminated.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 and the buzzer to notify that the electrode cleaning is completed with the elimination of sticking ( S310 ), and the electrode cleaning operation is completed.
  • the control unit 801 repeats the series of processes from S305 to S308 until the series of processes reaches a predetermined number of times or the sticking is eliminated.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 and the buzzer to notify that the electrode cleaning has been completed in a state where the sticking has not been eliminated ( S312 ), and the electrode cleaning is completed. run.
  • the present embodiment it is determined whether or not the solidified detergent is adhering to the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 based on the pulse signal B that changes according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422.
  • the pulse signal B which changes according to the resistance value generated between the electrode terminals 521 and 522, determines whether or not the solidified softener is fixed to the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522.
  • a notification indicating that the electrode needs to be cleaned is given by the display unit 720 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the solidified detergent and the softener from being left unattended, and to prevent the liquid level in the detergent box 400 and the liquid level in the softener box 500 from being misjudged.
  • the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the detergent is put into the detergent box 400 and the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the softener is put into the softener box 500 are set relative to the determination of solidification
  • the electrode cleaning operation including the process of discharging the detergent from the detergent box 400 or the softener from the softener box 500 and the process of discharging the detergent or the softener box 500 can be performed based on a predetermined operation.
  • the warm water stored in the detergent box 400 or the softener box 500 is discharged from the box at intervals after storage, so that the fixation of the solidified detergent and softener can be eliminated.
  • the reference pulse signal A actually detected before the detergent is put into the detergent box 400 and the reference pulse signal A actually obtained before the softener is put into the softener box 500 are set relative to the determination
  • the comparison standard of the pulse signal B obtained when the solidified detergent and softener are fixed.
  • the reference pulse signal may not be actually acquired on a product-by-product basis, but the reference pulse signal prepared in advance may be uniformly used as a comparison reference with respect to the pulse signal B.
  • the water supply device 80 has a structure including the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 and can 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 processes of S302 and S304 are not performed in the electrode cleaning operation of FIG. 9 .
  • the processes of S301 and S303 are not performed in the electrode cleaning operation of FIG. 9 .
  • the detergent amount detection unit 804 adopts a circuit configuration in which the pulse width and cycle of the high voltage are outputted according to the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422.
  • the circuit configuration of the detection signal different from the pulse signal such as a different voltage signal.
  • the compliance amount detection unit 805 may have a circuit configuration that outputs a detection signal different from the pulse signal.
  • the notification indicating that the liquid agent needs to be replenished and the notification indicating that the electrode cleaning is necessary are performed through the display on the display unit 720 .
  • these notification may be performed by the sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1, the sound from a buzzer, or the like.
  • 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 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 or arrangement.
  • the user manually injects hot water into the detergent box 400 or the softener box 500, but the hot water may be automatically injected from a hot water supply source such as a water heater.
  • 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. In this case, the third three-way valve 650 and the branch water passage 616 are not provided in the water supply device 80 .
  • 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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Abstract

一种能在凝固的洗涤用液剂固着于电极端子的情况下进行适当的应对的洗衣机，全自动洗衣机（1）具备：洗涤脱水桶（22），配置于箱体（10）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（600），用于将洗涤剂盒（400）内的洗涤剂投入洗涤脱水桶（22）内；一对电极端子（421,422），配置于洗涤剂盒（400）内；洗涤剂量检测部(804)，输出根据一对电极端子（421,422）间产生的电阻值而变化的脉冲信号；控制部(801)；以及显示部(720)。控制部(801)基于脉冲信号进行电极端子（421,422）上是否固着有凝固的洗涤剂的判定，并在判定为电极端子（421,422）上固着有凝固的液剂的情况下使显示部(720)进行告知。

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中记载了一种能向洗涤兼脱水桶内自动投入液体洗涤剂的洗衣机。
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而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的消息。
这种情况下，能在洗涤剂盒内配置一对电极端子，并基于一对电极端子间产生的电阻值的变化来判定洗涤剂盒内的液位是否低于规定液位。当洗涤剂盒内的剩余液量变少而呈一对电极端子间不介有洗涤剂而介有空气的状态时，一对电极端子间的电阻值大幅变大。
另外，当洗涤剂盒内的液位低于规定液位时，洗涤剂可能会残留在一对电极端子的表面。如果在不补充洗涤剂的状态下长时间置之不顾的话，有可能会成为残留的洗涤剂变干凝固而凝固的洗涤剂固着于电极端子的表面并覆盖表面的状态。
凝固成凝胶状、固体状的洗涤剂的电阻值大度增大。因此，在一对电极端 子发生了凝固的洗涤剂的固着的情况下，即使之后向洗涤剂盒内投入洗涤剂而使得洗涤剂的剩余量变多，也会因液体洗涤剂与电极端子间介有凝固的洗涤剂而容易导致一对电极端子间的电阻值保持较高的状态。如此一来，存在误判为洗涤剂的剩余量变少的隐患。
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能在电极端子上固着有凝固的洗涤用液剂的情况下进行适当的应对的洗衣机。
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，从所述盒体内排出所述液剂并将其投入所述洗涤桶内；一对电极端子，配置于所述盒体内；检测部，输出根据所述一对电极端子间产生的电阻值而变化的检测信号；控制部，基于所述检测信号，进行所述盒体内的液位是否低于规定液位的第一判定；以及告知部。其中，所述控制部基于所述检测信号进行所述电极端子上是否固着有凝固的所述液剂的第二判定，并在判定为所述电极端子上固着有凝固的所述液剂的情况下使所述告知部进行告知。
根据上述结构，在电极端子上固着有凝固的液剂的情况下，通过告知部进行告知，因此，能防止在发生液剂的固着的状态下置之不顾，能防止盒体内的液位被误判。
本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用还具备存储部的结构。这种情况下，所述控制部可以采用如下结构：将在向所述盒体内投入所述液剂之前的状态下从所述检测部输出的所述检测信号作为基准检测信号存储于所述存储部，基于为了进 行所述第二判定而取得的所述检测信号与所述基准检测信号的比较结果来进行所述第二判定。
根据上述结构，在向盒体内投入液剂之前实际取得的基准检测信号被设为相对于判定凝固的液剂的固着时取得的检测信号的比较基准，因此，能精确地判定有无液剂的固着。
本方案的洗衣机中，所述控制部可以配置为基于规定的操作来执行从所述盒体内排出所述液剂的处理和在排出所述液剂之后将贮存于所述盒体内的热水在贮存之后隔一段时间从所述盒体内排出的处理。
根据上述结构，能通过贮存于盒体内的热水来将固着于电极端子的液剂溶解并去除。
发明效果
根据本发明，能提供一种能在电极端子上固着有凝固的洗涤用液剂的情况下进行适当的应对的洗衣机。
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是示意性地表示实施方式的供水装置的结构的图。
图4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4的(c)是图4的(a)的A－A′剖视图。
图5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5 的(c)是图5的(a)的B－B′剖视图。
图6是表示实施方式的全自动洗衣机的结构的框图。
图7的(a)是表示实施方式的用于取得基准脉冲信号的处理的流程图。图7的(b)是表示实施方式的液剂补充告知处理的流程图。
图8的(a)和(b)分别是示意性地表示实施方式的洗涤剂盒内的液位高于规定液位的情况下和低于规定液位的情况下从洗涤剂量检测部输出的脉冲信号的图。图8的(c)是示意性地表示实施方式的一对电极端子上固着有凝固的洗涤剂的情况下从洗涤剂量检测部输出的脉冲信号的图。
图9是表示实施方式的电极清洗运转的控制处理的流程图。
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)；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；802：存储部；804：洗涤剂量检测部(检测部)；805：柔顺剂量检测部(检测部)。
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控制全自动洗衣机1的洗涤运转和超声波清洗装置50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向机外排出。
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。
参照图2的(a)至(c)，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110，并由主体部300保持。在贮水部200设置有位于超声波发生体110的下方并能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。贮水部200可脱离地装接于主体部300。
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 的柔顺剂经过柔顺剂注入口19被投入柔顺剂盒500内。
图3是示意性地表示供水装置80的结构的图。图4的(a)和(b)分别是洗涤剂盒400的俯视图和仰视图，图4的(c)是图4的(a)的A－A′剖视图。图5的(a)和(b)分别是柔顺剂盒500的俯视图和仰视图，图5的(c)是图5的(a)的B－B′剖视图。
如图3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中能贮存液体洗涤剂。柔顺剂盒500中能贮存液体柔顺剂。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将从洗涤剂盒400排出的洗涤剂和从柔顺剂盒500排出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”，供水单元600相当于投入机构部。
如图4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4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。如此一来，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之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，因此在一对电极端子421、422之间产生的阻值相对较大。
如图5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5的(c)所示，为了检测到该盒体内的柔顺剂的剩余量变少的情况，柔顺剂盒500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之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之间产生的阻值相对较大。
参照图3，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6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以及发生体驱动部816。洗涤剂量检测部804和柔顺剂量检测部805相当于本发明的“检测部”。
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、量少中的某一者的按钮。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、量少中的某一者的按钮。
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”的某一者的设定显示等。进而，显示部720进行表示需要补充洗涤剂和柔顺剂的显示、表示需要清洗洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422或柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极端子521、522的显示。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具有包括矩形波发生电路和使矩形波发生电路的输出电压反转的反转电路的电路结构，根据一对电极端子421、422中产生的阻值，构成矩形波发生电路的比较器的基准端子的电压波形在电压大小方向上位移，由此输出高电压的脉冲宽度和周期根据上述阻值而变化的脉冲信号。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具有与洗涤剂量检测部804相同的电路结构，输出高电压的脉冲宽度和周期根据一对电极端子521、522中产生的阻值而变化的脉冲信号。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。
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。
需要说明的是，后面的说明中，将“高电压的脉冲宽度”简称为“脉冲宽度”。
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以及发生体驱动部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以及超声波发生体110。
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由超声波清洗装置50实现的清洗运转的程序。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、发生体驱动部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，由洗涤剂供给管430实现的第一水路612与洗涤剂盒400之间的洗涤剂导入路径成为打开状态。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3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，由洗涤剂供给管430实现的第一水路612与洗涤剂盒400之间的洗涤剂导入路径成为关闭状态。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3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3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，由柔顺剂供给管530实现的第一水路612与柔顺剂盒500之间的柔顺剂的导入路径成为打开状态。泵660工作，如图3的双点划线所示，柔顺剂盒500内的液体的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，由柔顺剂供给管530实现的第一水路612与柔顺剂盒500之间的柔顺剂的导入路径成为关闭状态。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3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到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能进行由超声波清洗装置50实现的清洗运转。
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。
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。用于该功能的处理即液剂补充告知 处理由控制部801执行。
液剂补充告知处理中，一对电极端子421、422用于检测洗涤剂盒400内的液位，一对电极端子521、522用于检测柔顺剂盒500内的液位。这里，在液位低于规定液位L1、L2时，液剂可能会残留在一对电极端子421、422、521、522的表面。如果在不补充液剂的状态下长时间置之不顾的话，残留的液剂会变干凝固，凝固的液剂可能会固着于这些电极端子421、422、521、522的表面。
凝固成凝胶状、固体状的液剂的电阻值大幅增大。因此，在一对电极端子421、422、521、522发生了凝固的液剂的固着的情况下，即使补充液剂，一对电极端子421、422、521、522之间的电阻值也容易保持较高的状态，存在误判为液剂的量变少的隐患。
因此，在液剂补充告知处理中，还告知检测到凝固的液剂固着于洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422和柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极端子521、522而需要清洗这些电极端子421、422、521、522。
在执行液剂补充告知处理之前，用于在该处理中取得用于检测凝固的液剂的固着的基准脉冲信号A的处理在向洗涤剂盒400内和柔顺剂盒500内投入液剂之前的时刻，例如在全自动洗衣机1的工厂的出货检查时执行。
图7的(a)是表示用于取得基准脉冲信号A的处理的流程图。
参照图7的(a)，控制部801对洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422间和柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极端子521、522间进行规定时间例如2秒的通电(S101)。然后，控制部801取得从洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号来作为与洗涤剂相关的基准脉冲信号A，取得从柔顺剂量检测部805输出的脉冲信号来作为与柔顺剂相关的基准脉冲信号A(S102)。基准脉冲信号A具有与一对电极端子421、422、521、522之间不介有液剂并且一对电极端子421、422、521、522上未固着凝固的液剂的状态下的一对电极端子421、422、521、522间产生的电阻值对应的波形。
控制部801将所取得的分别与洗涤剂和柔顺剂有关的基准脉冲信号A即限定该脉冲信号的波形的信息，例如高电压的脉冲宽度和周期存储于存储部802(S103)。
图7的(b)是表示液剂补充告知处理的流程图。图8的(a)和(b)分别是示意性地表示洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1的情况和低于规定液位的情况下的洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号的图。图8的(c)是示意性地表示一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂的情况下从洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号的图。
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并行地执行液剂补充告知处理。执行液剂补充告知处理的时刻可以设定为例如完成洗涤运转的时刻、对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻、进行用于确认洗涤剂、柔顺剂的剩余量的操作的时刻中的至少一者。需要说明的是，关于洗涤剂，可以在液剂补充告知处理于完成洗涤运转的时刻被执行的情况下，在清洗运转完成的时刻也执行液剂补充告知处理。
以下，对于告知液剂补充处理，以关于洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂的处理为例进行说明。
参照图7的(b)，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(S201)，取得通电期间从洗涤剂量检测部804输出的脉冲信号B(S202)。然后，控制部801判定取得的脉冲信号B的脉冲宽度是否小于阈值(S203)。
如图8的(a)所示，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1的情况下，一对电极端子421、422间的阻值因介有洗涤剂而变低，因此，脉冲宽度变宽。另一方面，如图8的(b)所示，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况下，一对电极端子421、422间的阻值因介有空气而变高，因此，脉冲宽度变窄。此外，如图8的(c)所示，在一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂的情况下，无论液位高于还是低于规定液位L1，一对电极端子421、422间的电阻值都会因介有凝固的洗涤剂而变高，脉冲宽度变窄。需要说明的是，当一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂时，电阻值会比介有空气时的电阻值低，脉冲宽度会比液位低于规定液位L1时的脉冲宽度宽。此外，脉冲信号的周期会比液位低于规定液位L1时的周期短。
阈值被设定于洗涤剂盒400内的液位高于规定液位L1时的脉冲宽度与低于规定液位时的脉冲宽度之间。
在脉冲宽度小于阈值的情况下(S203：是)，可以视为洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1或一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂中的某种情况。因此，控制部801从存储部802读取与洗涤剂有关的基准脉冲信号A并对基准脉冲信号A和S202中取得的脉冲信号B进行比较，判定两者是否大致相等，即判定两者之差是否处于考虑到检测误差等而设定的视为相等的规定范围内(S204)。
洗涤剂量检测部804中，在电路结构上，当电阻值在一对电极端子421、422间的电阻值高的范围内变化时，低电压的脉冲宽度比高电压的脉冲宽度变化大。因此，如图8的(b)和(c)所示，在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况和一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂的情况下，脉冲信号的周期容易相差大。因此，本实施方式中，脉冲信号B和基准脉冲信号A是否大致相等通过两信号的周期是否大致相等来判定。需要说明的是，也可以代替周期对与周期同样差异变大的低电压的脉冲宽度进行比较。
在脉冲信号B和基准脉冲信号A大致相等的情况下(S204：是)，可以视为处于一对电极端子421、422上未固着凝固的洗涤剂且洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的状态。因此，控制部801对使用量的累计值XT加上最近的洗涤剂使用量X，求出新的使用量的累计值XT(S205)。例如在完成洗涤运转的时刻执行了液剂补充告知处理的情况下，最近的洗涤剂使用量X为本次洗涤运转中的使用量，在对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻执行了液剂补充告知处理的情况下，最近的洗涤剂使用量X为上次洗涤运转中的使用量。
接着，控制部801判定使用量的累计值XT是否大于阈值(S206)。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(S205：否)，控制部801将使用量的累计值XT存储于存储部802(S208)。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中。
在洗涤剂盒400内的液位低于规定液位L1的情况下，由于每次使用洗涤剂 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(S206：是)，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(S207)。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。由显示部720实现的告知例如在经过规定时间时停止。
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(S208)。
S204中，在判定为脉冲信号B和基准脉冲信号A不大致相等的情况下(S204：否)，可以视为一对电极端子421、422上固着有凝固的洗涤剂。因此，控制部801使显示部720进行表示需要清洗洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422的告知(S209)。例如，显示部720中，被分配给表示需要清洗的告知的LED点亮或者闪烁。由显示部720实现的告知在控制部801接受用于后述的电极清洗运转的操作时停止。
S203中，在脉冲宽度为阈值以上的情况下(S203：否)，可以视为洗涤剂盒400内的液位为规定液位L1以上。因此，控制部801将使用量的累计值XT设为零(S210)。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(S208)。
这样，液剂补充告知处理结束。
对于柔顺剂盒500内的柔顺剂相关的控制处理，与洗涤剂盒400内的洗涤剂相关的控制处理相同。即，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，并且判定一对电极端子521、522上是否固着有凝固的柔顺剂。然后，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。而且，在一对电极端子521、522上固着有凝固的柔顺剂的情况下，通过显示部720进行告知。例如，显示部720中，被分配给表示需要清洗一对电极端 子521、522的告知的LED闪烁或者点亮。
需要说明的是，在完成洗涤运转的时刻及对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻和/或进行用于确认洗涤剂、柔顺剂的剩余量的操作的时刻执行液剂补充告知处理的情况下，在对全自动洗衣机1接通电源的时刻和/或进行用于确认洗涤剂、柔顺剂的剩余量的操作的时刻的液剂补充告知处理中，不执行S205的计算使用量的累计值XT的处理。
本实施方式的全自动洗衣机1中，在进行了督促清洗洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422或柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极端子521、522的告知的情况下，用户可以进行用于这些电极端子421、422、521、522的清洗即电极清洗的电极清洗运转。
图9是表示电极清洗运转的控制处理的流程图。
当由用户进行了用于电极清洗运转的操作时，开始电极清洗运转。需要说明的是，可以采用如下结构：在通过显示部720进行督促电极清洗的告知之后，控制部801不接受用于电极清洗运转的操作以外的操作。
参照图9，控制部801等待进行用于排出洗涤剂的操作或者用于排出柔顺剂的操作(S301、S302)。在进行了用于排出洗涤剂的操作的情况下(S301：是)，与自动投入洗涤剂时相同，控制部801使第一三通阀630、泵660以及第一阀621工作，在将洗涤剂盒400内的所有洗涤剂排出到洗涤脱水桶22内之后，打开排水阀40，将洗涤剂排出到机外(S303)。在进行了用于排出柔顺剂的操作的情况下(S302：是)，与自动投入柔顺剂时相同，控制部801使第二三通阀640、泵660以及第一阀621工作，在将柔顺剂盒500内的所有柔顺剂排出到洗涤脱水桶22内之后，打开排水阀40，将柔顺剂排出到机外(S304)。
接着，控制部801使显示部720和未图示的蜂鸣器进行督促投入温水的告知(S305)。根据该告知，用户向排出了洗涤剂的洗涤剂盒400内或者排出了柔顺剂的柔顺剂盒500内投入温水，然后进行开始操作。
当进行了开始操作时(S306：是)，控制部801等待经过规定的待机时间(S307)。待机时间被设为几十分钟左右的时间，在此期间，固着于洗涤剂盒400内的一对电极端子421、422的洗涤剂或固着于柔顺剂盒500内的一对电极 端子521、522的柔顺剂被投入的温水溶解并去除。
当经过待机时间时(S307：是)，控制部801通过与排出洗涤剂时或者排出柔顺剂时相同的控制动作，将洗涤剂盒400内或者柔顺剂盒500内的温水排出到机外(S308)。
接着，控制部801判定凝固的洗涤剂对一对电极端子421、422的固着或者凝固的柔顺剂对一对电极端子521、522的固着是否已消除(S309)。即，控制部801对一对电极端子421、422间或者一对电极端子521、522间进行通电，取得脉冲信号B并将其与基准脉冲信号A进行比较，在脉冲信号B和基准脉冲信号A大致相等的情况下，判定为洗涤剂或柔顺剂的固着已消除。
在固着已消除的情况下(S309：是)，控制部801使显示部720和蜂鸣器进行表示随着固着的消除而完成了电极清洗的告知(S310)，完成电极清洗运转。
在固着未消除的情况下(S309：否)，控制部801反复进行S305～S308的一系列处理，直到这一系列处理达到规定次数或者固着消除为止。在尚未消除固着就达到规定次数的情况下(S311：是)，控制部801使显示部720和蜂鸣器进行表示在固着尚未消除的状态下完成了电极清洗的告知(S312)，完成电极清洗运转。
＜实施方式的效果＞
以上，根据本实施方式，基于根据一对电极端子421、422间产生的电阻值而变化的脉冲信号B，判定一对电极端子421、422上是否固着有凝固的洗涤剂，并且基于根据一对电极端子521、522间产生的电阻值而变化的脉冲信号B，判定一对电极端子521、522上是否固着有凝固的柔顺剂，在发生了凝固的洗涤剂或柔顺剂的固着的情况下，通过显示部720进行表示需要清洗电极的告知。由此，能防止在发生了凝固的洗涤剂、柔顺剂的固着的状态下置之不顾，能防止洗涤剂盒400内的液位、柔顺剂盒500内的液位被误判。
此外，根据本实施方式，在向洗涤剂盒400内投入洗涤剂之前实际取得的基准脉冲信号A和向柔顺剂盒500内投入柔顺剂之前实际取得的基准脉冲信号A被设为相对于判定凝固的洗涤剂、柔顺剂的固着时取得的脉冲信号B的比较 基准，因此，能精确地判定有无洗涤剂、柔顺剂的固着。
进而，根据本实施方式，能基于规定的操作来进行电极清洗运转，该电极清洗运转包括从洗涤剂盒400内排出洗涤剂或从柔顺剂盒500内排出柔顺剂的处理和在排出洗涤剂或柔顺剂之后将贮存于洗涤剂盒400内或者柔顺剂盒500内的温水在贮存之后隔一段时间从盒体内排出的处理，因此，能消除凝固的洗涤剂、柔顺剂的固着。
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，在向洗涤剂盒400内投入洗涤剂之前实际检测到的基准脉冲信号A和向柔顺剂盒500内投入柔顺剂之前实际取得的基准脉冲信号A被设为相对于判定凝固的洗涤剂、柔顺剂的固着时取得的脉冲信号B的比较基准。但是，也可以不以制品为单位实际取得基准脉冲信号，而是一律以预先准备好的基准脉冲信号作为相对于脉冲信号B的比较基准。
此外，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中的某一者的结构。在采用没有柔顺剂盒500的结构的情况下，图9的电极清洗运转中没有S302和S304的处理。同样地，在采用没有洗涤剂盒400的结构的情况下，图9的电极清洗运转中没有S301和S303的处理。
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和周期根据一对电极端子421、422之间产生的电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，在液剂补充告知处理中，通过显示部720的显示来进行表示需要补充液剂的告知和表示需要电极清洗的告知。但是，这些告知也可以通过来自设置于全自动洗衣机1的未图示的扬声器的声音、来自蜂鸣器的声音等来进行。
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，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，可以是任何形状、配置。
进而，上述实施方式中，在电极清洗运转时，由用户手动将热水投入洗涤剂盒400或柔顺剂盒500中，但也可以设为从供热水器等供热水源自动投入热水。
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。
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 (3)

  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，从所述盒体内排出所述液剂并将其投入所述洗涤桶内；
    一对电极端子，配置于所述盒体内；
    检测部，输出根据所述一对电极端子间产生的电阻值而变化的检测信号；
    控制部，基于所述检测信号，进行所述盒体内的液位是否低于规定液位的第一判定；以及
    告知部，
    所述控制部基于所述检测信号进行所述电极端子上是否固着有凝固的所述液剂的第二判定，并在判定为所述电极端子上固着有凝固的所述液剂的情况下使所述告知部进行告知。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    还具备存储部，
    所述控制部将在向所述盒体内投入所述液剂之前的状态下从所述检测部输出的所述检测信号作为基准检测信号存储于所述存储部，并基于为了进行所述第二判定而取得的所述检测信号与所述基准检测信号的比较结果来进行所述第二判定。
  3. 根据权利要求1或2所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，
    所述控制部基于规定的操作，执行从所述盒体内排出所述液剂的处理和在排出所述液剂之后将贮存于所述盒体内的热水在贮存之后隔一段时间从所述盒体内排出的处理。
PCT/CN2021/086500 2020-08-06 2021-04-12 洗衣机 WO2022027995A1 (zh)

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