JP7595258B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that automatically dispenses liquid agents such as liquid detergent into the washing tub.

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a tank that contains the liquid agent, and an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses the liquid agent from the tank into the washing tub. A float with a built-in magnet is provided inside the tank, and the magnetism of the magnet is detected by a magnetic sensor provided on the side of the tank. The remaining amount of liquid agent is detected based on the voltage value output by the magnetic sensor, and when the remaining amount of liquid agent becomes low, an alert is issued.

International Publication No. 2019/044306

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can notify the user of the remaining amount of liquid at a desired timing.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine that causes a notification unit to notify the user of an automatic dispensing operation, and includes an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a tank that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing device that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tub, a float having a magnetic body that is movable according to the liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank, a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body, and a control unit. The control unit monitors the output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic dispensing device is operating, and determines the timing for the notification unit to notify the user of a low remaining amount of liquid agent based on the point in time when the amount of variation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value.

In addition, a washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine that causes a notification unit to notify a notification regarding an automatic dispensing operation, and includes an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a tank that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing device that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank toward the outer tub, a float having a magnetic body that is movable according to the liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank, a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body, and a control unit. The tank includes at least a third tank and a fourth tank that has a larger capacity than the third tank. The control unit monitors the output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic dispensing device is driven, and starts counting until the notification unit notifies the low remaining amount based on the point in time when the amount of variation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value, and the count for the fourth tank is greater than the count for the third tank.

According to the present disclosure, the remaining amount of liquid can be notified at a desired timing.

Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic front view of a washing machine Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit Top view of the automatic feeding unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automatic insertion unit; Case perspective view Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit A perspective view of a tank and a liquid supply device Exploded view of the tank Perspective view of the lid Tank cross section A graph showing the relationship between the distance between the magnet and the sensor and the output voltage value Schematic diagram of electronic components associated with the float Schematic diagram showing the operation of a float Schematic diagram showing the operation of a float Cross-section of another tank Cross-section of another tank Cross-section of another tank Cross-section of another tank A graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of liquid in each tank and the sensor output value Flowchart explaining the process of detecting the remaining amount of liquid Graph showing an example of a method for calculating the rate of change of a sensor output value Flowchart explaining replenishment determination processing

(Embodiment)
A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a drum type washing machine having an automatic liquid dispenser function. In this specification, the liquid is a liquid used to wash laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergent, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply port 10, and a drain valve 11.

<Case>
The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

<Outer tank>
The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member having the function of storing wash water. The outer tub 3 may be called a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the tubular portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for passing water. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connection flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

Here, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is the front-rear direction M (Fig. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction M is the width direction K (Fig. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 toward the central axis V0.

<Inner tank>
The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that contains laundry 15, such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 4 is formed with a large number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 communicate the inner tub 4 with the outer tub 3, allowing the wash water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

<Drive unit>
The drive unit 5 is a member that drives the inner tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the inner tub 4.

<Automatic insertion unit>
The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank that stores the liquid agent into the outer tub 3. The automatic dosing unit 6 dispenses a predetermined amount of a predetermined type of liquid agent into the outer tub 3, for example, according to the amount and type of laundry 15, during a washing process, a rinsing process, etc. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3.

The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C (tanks 62B and 62C are not shown), liquid agent dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (liquid agent dispensing devices 63B and 63C are not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and a manual dispensing section 65.

As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic insertion unit 6 of this embodiment is provided inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tub 3. The automatic insertion unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the top surface of the housing 2. The automatic insertion unit 6 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tub 3.

<Connection flow path>
The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer bath 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer bath 3.

<Water supply port>
1, the water supply port 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply port 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

<Drain valve>
The drain valve 11 is a valve for draining water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and switches between a water storage state in which water is stored in the outer tub 3 and a drain state. The drain valve 11 is provided at the bottom of the housing 2.

<Control Unit>
The control unit 50 ( FIG. 1 ) is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit controls components of the washing machine 1, such as the drive unit 5, the liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C of the automatic dispenser unit 6, the water inlet 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit 50 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program, and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

Next, the components of the automatic insertion unit 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the automatic insertion unit 6. Fig. 5 is a top view of the automatic insertion unit 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the automatic insertion unit 6.

<Case>
3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic feeding unit 6, and the manual feeding part 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has an inclined shape along the outer periphery of the tube part 34 that is diagrammatically shown by a dotted line.

Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the case 61 is the front surface 56 (Fig. 3), and the surface of the rear side M2 of the case 61 is the rear surface 57 (Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 4, the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Fig. 6), the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the connection flow path 8, and the magnetic sensor 90 are connected to the rear surface 57 of the case 61.

<Tank>
As shown in Fig. 5, the case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents used in the washing process and the rinsing process. For example, the tank 62A stores a neutral detergent, the tank 62B stores a fabric softener, and the tank 62C stores a detergent. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are removable from the case 61. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be pulled forward M1 to be removed from the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Fig. 6), and then taken out upward.

<Manual input section>
The manual input unit 65 is a mechanism for a user to manually input a single dose of laundry treatment liquid. The manually input liquid flows from the case 61 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 1) into the outer tub 3 (FIG. 1) in the input amount. The manually input liquid may be in liquid or powder form. The manual input unit 65 is removably housed in the case 61.

<Liquid supply device (automatic supply device)>
As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, and discharge the liquid agent into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C may be called "automatic supplying devices". The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the front-rear direction M via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The liquid agent supplying device 63A is connected to the tank 62A, the liquid agent supplying device 63B is connected to the tank 62B, and the liquid agent supplying device 63C is connected to the tank 62C. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged side by side in the width direction K.

<Liquid material discharge flow path>
As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 (Fig. 1) via the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to three liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends at an incline downward toward the outside K1. The fluid (e.g., water W0) flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

Next, the structure of the case 61 of the automatic insertion unit 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case 61.

As shown in FIG. 7, the case 61 has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outer side K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is a surface located directly below the tank 62A (FIG. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is a surface located directly below the tank 62B (FIG. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is a surface located directly below the tank 62C (FIG. 6).

The rear surface 57 of the case 61 is formed with tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid agent outlet 81.

Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C are openings provided for connecting tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C housed in case 61 to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C arranged outside case 61.

The first case connection port 78 and the second case connection port 79 are openings that connect the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to the case 61. The liquid agent outlet 81 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed into the case 61 from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and the fluid that flows from the manual input part 65 to the connection flow path 8.

The state in which tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are attached to case 61 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of automatic dosing unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 8, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have depths D1, D2, and D3, respectively. Depths D1, D2, and D3 are the distances from the top surface to the deepest part of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively. Depths D1, D2, and D3 of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order. Depth D2 of tank 62B is deeper than depth D1 of tank 62A, and depth D3 of tank 62C is deeper than depth D2 of tank 62B. In addition, because the top surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape, the volumes of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order according to depths D1, D2, and D3.

As described above, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C store a neutral detergent, fabric softener, and detergent, respectively. By storing the least frequently used liquids in tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in ascending capacity order, the frequency of replacing the liquids in each tank 62A, 62B, and 62C can be made uniform. Note that the combinations of liquids are not limited to these, and other types of liquids may be stored, or the same liquid may be stored in multiple tanks.

Here, tank 62 is a general term for tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Similarly, liquid agent supply device 63 is a general term for liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and connection part 76 is a general term for connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C. In the following explanation, tank 62C will be used as a reference to be used as an example of tank 62.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tank 62 and the liquid agent injection device 63. Figure 10 is an exploded view of the tank 62.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tank 62 forms a connection part 76 at its deepest part. The connection part 76 is structured to be connected to the liquid agent injection device 63. Each connection part 76 includes a check valve (not shown) and a connection port.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tank 62 includes a main body 87 and a lid 88. The main body 87 is a box-shaped container that has a front surface 91 and a back surface 92. The top of the main body 87 is open and is covered by the lid 88. The lid 88 is a lid that is removably held on the main body 87. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A that can be opened and closed.

The upper part of the main body 87 has a common shape, and the shape of the lid 88 is also common. The lid 88 is made common so that it can be attached to the main body 87 of any of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C. In order to make it possible to distinguish the lids 88 that have a common shape, the color, pattern, lettering, and other aesthetic markings applied to the lids 88 may be different.

A float 94 is rotatably mounted on the back surface 89 of the lid 88, which faces the bottom surface of the main body 87. The float 94, in conjunction with a magnetic sensor 90 (FIG. 6) disposed on the back surface 57 of the case 61, is configured to detect the amount of liquid remaining in the tank 62. The float 94 is rotatably mounted around the float rotation axis V2.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the lid 88. As shown in Figure 11, the float 94 has a first arm 95, a second arm 97, and a floating portion 98.

The first arm 95 is a rod-shaped member that is rotatably attached to the lid 88. A second arm 97 is connected to the first arm 95. The second arm 97 is a rod-shaped member that is connected to the first arm 95 and extends in a direction that bends relative to the first arm 95. The connection point of the two arms 95, 97 is referred to as arm connection point P1. In this embodiment, the arms 95, 97 are integrally configured, and when the first arm 95 is extended downward, the second arm 97 extends diagonally downward.

The float 98 is a member that has buoyancy relative to the liquid agent, and is provided at the tip of the second arm 97. The float 98 is sealed while containing air, forming a cavity. The float 98 moves up and down along the rotation direction R2, following the liquid level LS1 of the liquid agent (Figure 12A). In response to the movement of the float 98, the first arm 95 and the second arm 97 rotate integrally.

The float 94 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 12A, which is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the float 94 further includes a magnet housing portion 96 near the arm connection point P1. The magnet housing portion 96 is a portion that houses a magnet 99. With this structure, the rotation radius X1 of the magnet housing portion 96 is smaller than the rotation radius X2 of the float portion 98. Therefore, when the float 94 rotates, the amount of movement of the magnet housing portion 96 along the rotation direction R1 is smaller than the amount of movement of the float portion 98 along the rotation direction R2.

In this embodiment, the magnet housing portion 96 is formed in the first arm 95. Therefore, the magnet housing portion 96 can be brought closer to the magnetic sensor 90.

The float rotation axis V2 is located in a recess 100 formed in the lid 88. Therefore, even if the liquid level LS1 of the liquid in the tank 62 rises, the float rotation axis V2 is separated from the liquid level LS1. This prevents the liquid from adhering to the float rotation axis V2, and improves the ability of the float 94 to follow the liquid level LS1.

The magnet 99 is a magnetic body that generates magnetism and is detected by the magnetic sensor 90. The magnet 99 is, for example, a ferrite magnet.

The magnetic sensor 90 is a proximity sensor that detects the target object, the magnet 99. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 90 includes a Hall IC that detects magnetic flux density, and outputs a voltage value according to the magnetic flux density passing through the Hall IC. The magnetic sensor 90 is positioned on the back surface 92 of the tank 62 so that the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnet 99 pass through it.

As the magnet 99 moves due to the movement of the float 94, the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 changes, and the voltage value output by the magnetic sensor 90 also changes accordingly. Here, the relationship between the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 and the voltage value output by the magnetic sensor 90 is illustrated in FIG. 12B.

As shown in FIG. 12B, as the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 decreases, the voltage value output from the magnetic sensor 90 decreases monotonically. In addition, as the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 decreases, the rate of change (rate of decrease) of the voltage output value increases.

Returning to FIG. 12A, a lid 101 is provided on the magnet storage section 96. The lid 101 seals the magnet storage section 96 by, for example, vibration welding. The lid 101 has a protrusion 102 that protrudes toward the internal space of the magnet storage section 96. The protrusion 102 suppresses rattling of the magnet 99 in the magnet storage section 96.

The voltage value output by the magnetic sensor 90 is processed by the control unit 50. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 90 is connected to the processing unit 82 and memory unit 83 of the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 13, as well as the display unit 84 (FIG. 13).

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of electronic components related to the float 94. As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 50 connected to the magnetic sensor 90 includes a processing unit 82 and a memory unit 83.

The processing unit 82 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program to achieve a predetermined function. The processing unit 82 calls up and executes a program stored in the memory unit 83, thereby detecting the remaining amount of liquid agent according to the voltage value output from the magnetic sensor 90. The processing unit 82 is not limited to a processor that achieves a predetermined function through the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to achieve the predetermined function.

The storage unit 83 is a recording medium that records various information. The storage unit 83 is realized, for example, by a flash memory, a solid state device (SSD), a hard disk, or other storage device, or an appropriate combination of these. The storage unit 83 stores the program executed by the processing unit 82, various information detected by the magnetic sensor 90, etc.

The control unit 50 is further connected to the display unit 84. The display unit 84 is a display device that displays various information such as images and text. The display unit 84 is configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or the like. The display unit 84 is provided in the housing 2 and is located in a position that is visible to the user of the washing machine 1. The display unit 84 displays, for example, the remaining amount of liquid agent. Also, instead of the display unit 84, an application executed by a terminal such as a smartphone of the user may be used.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the float 94 in response to changes in the amount of the liquid in the tank 62 will be described with reference to Figures 12A, 14, and 15. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62 filled with the liquid. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62 when the amount of the liquid has decreased.

First, as shown in FIG. 14, the tank 62 is filled with liquid. Due to the buoyancy generated by the liquid, the float portion 98 is located near the lid 88 together with the liquid level LS1 of the liquid. In this state, the magnet 99 is located away from the magnetic sensor 90 in the front-to-rear direction M. Therefore, the voltage value output from the magnetic sensor 90 is at its maximum (Y1 shown in FIG. 12B). On the other hand, because the rotation radius X1 (FIG. 12A) of the magnet 99 is small, the magnetic sensor 90 can detect the magnet 99 even in this position.

By carrying out the wash, the liquid in the tank 62 is used and reduced. As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid level LS1 in the tank 62 gradually approaches the bottom surface of the tank 62. As the liquid level LS1 descends, the float 98, which moves following the liquid level LS1, also approaches the bottom surface of the tank 62. As the float 98 descends, the second arm 97 and the first arm 95 rotate, and the magnet 99 approaches the magnetic sensor 90, and the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 90 changes. As shown in FIG. 12B, the voltage value output from the magnetic sensor 90 decreases.

After that, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the magnet housing 96 comes into contact with the rear surface 92 of the tank 62 and stops, the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 becomes the shortest, and the voltage value output by the magnetic sensor 90 becomes the smallest (Y2 shown in FIG. 12B).

Based on the voltage value output from the magnetic sensor 90, the control unit 50 determines whether or not to display "low remaining amount" on the display unit 84, indicating that the amount of liquid agent remaining in the tank 62 is low. Note that the low remaining amount may be notified by any notification method, such as by playing a sound, rather than by displaying it on the display unit 84.

The user of the washing machine 1 can check the information displayed on the display unit 84 and refill the tank 62 with liquid as appropriate. When the tank 62 is placed in the case 61, the liquid can be refilled by opening the small lid 88A as shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, when the tank 62 is removed from the case 61, the liquid can be refilled by removing the lid 88 or opening the small lid 88A.

The above explanation uses tank 62C, which has the largest capacity, as a representative of tanks 62. The same float 94 can be applied to the other tanks 62A and 62B. However, because tanks 62A and 62B have different depths compared to tank 62C, there are differences in the operation of float 94. Here, the operation of float 94 in tanks 62A and 62B will be explained, focusing on the differences with tank 62C.

Figures 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of tank 62B. As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, tank 62B has a lid 88 and a float 94 that are common to tank 62C. When the amount of liquid in tank 62B decreases and the float 98 drops together with the liquid level LS1, as shown in Figure 16B, the magnet housing 96 attaches to the back surface 92 of tank 62B and faces the magnetic sensor 90. In this state, a gap is formed between the float 98 and the bottom surface B12 of tank 62B.

Figures 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of tank 62A. As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, tank 62A has a lid 88 and a float 94 that are common to tanks 62B and 62C. However, tank 62A is shallower than tanks 62B and 62C. Therefore, when the liquid agent decreases in tank 62A and the float 98 descends, as shown in Figure 17B, the float 98 hits the inner bottom surface B13 of tank 62A before the magnet housing portion 96 attaches to the back surface 92 of tank 62A. In this state, further rotation of the float 94 is restricted.

Even if the magnet housing 96 does not contact the rear surface 92 of the tank 62 in the tank 62A, as shown in FIG. 12B, the voltage output value of the magnetic sensor 90 decreases monotonically as the magnet 99 approaches the magnetic sensor 90. By utilizing this, it is possible to apply the same control as for the tanks 62B and 62C and to notify the user that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low. Details will be described later.

As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, a protrusion 103 is formed on the inner bottom surface B13 of the tank 62A. When the remaining amount of the tank 62A decreases, the float 98 comes into contact with the protrusion 103. By moving the float 98 away from the inner bottom surface B13, it is possible to prevent the float 98 from adhering to the inner bottom surface B13 due to the liquid agent covering the inner bottom surface B13. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the float 98 from adhering even when the float 94 is applied to a tank 62 with a small depth.

(Low battery level notification control)
The notification control of "low remaining amount", which indicates that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low, will be described with reference to FIG. 18 and subsequent figures.

Figure 18 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of liquid in each tank 62A, 62B, 62C ("liquid remaining amount") and the voltage output value ("sensor output value") output by the magnetic sensor 90. The horizontal axis represents the remaining amount of liquid, and the vertical axis represents the sensor output value.

Figure 18 shows "residual amount progress lines L1, L2, L3" corresponding to each tank 62C, 62B, 62A. The remaining amount progress lines L1, L2, L3 show the progress of the remaining amount of liquid when the liquid supply devices 63C, 63B, 63A are driven from a state in which each tank 62C, 62B, 62A is full of liquid. The remaining amount progress line L1 shows the progress of the remaining amount in the tank 62C with the largest capacity, the remaining amount progress line L2 shows the progress of the remaining amount in the tank 62B with a medium capacity, and the remaining amount progress line L3 shows the progress of the remaining amount in the tank 62A with the smallest capacity.

The remaining amount transition lines L1, L2, and L3 start from starting points S1, S2, and S3, respectively. The tanks 62C, 62B, and 62A have the largest capacity in that order, so the starting points S1, S2, and S3 of the corresponding remaining amount transition lines L1, L2, and L3 are located on the left side of the page in that order (largest remaining amount).

When each tank 62C, 62B, 62A is full of liquid, the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 is approximately the same (Figures 14, 16A, 17A), so the sensor output values at the starting points S1, S2, and S3 shown in Figure 18 are approximately the same.

As described above, when the remaining amount of liquid decreases as a result of the operation of the liquid dosing device 63, the magnet 99 approaches the magnetic sensor 90 and the sensor output value decreases (monotonically decreases). As the remaining amount of liquid decreases, the float 94 reaches its lowest point (lowest limit point) and the movement of the magnet 99 stops. The remaining amount of liquid continues to decrease as the liquid dosing device 63 is operated, but because the distance between the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 does not change, the sensor output value remains constant.

As shown in FIG. 18, the points at which the float 94 reaches its lowest point and stops are float stop points E1, E2, and E3. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the float has reached one of the float stop points E1 to E3 based on the "rate of change" of the sensor output value. If the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62 when the float 94 reaches its lowest point is known in advance, it is possible to estimate the remaining amount of liquid with high accuracy by detecting that the float has reached one of the float stop points E1 to E3.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sensor output values are approximately the same at float stop points E1 and E2. This is because the float 94 stops when the magnet housing 96 comes into contact with the back surface 92 of the tank 62 in each of the tanks 62B and 62C (FIGS. 12A and 16B). That is, the movable range of the float 94 in the tanks 62B and 62C is the same. On the other hand, in the tank 62A, the float 98 comes into contact with the protruding portion 103 and stops before the magnet housing 96 comes into contact with the back surface 92 of the tank 62, so the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 are separated. That is, the movement range of the float 94 in the tank 62A is different from the movement range of the float 94 in the tanks 62B and 62C. Therefore, the sensor output value at the float stop point E3 is higher than the sensor output values at the other float stop points E1 and E2.

When the control unit 50 of this embodiment detects that the float has reached one of the float stop points E1 to E3, it starts counting the amount of liquid ejected. For example, it starts counting the drive time of the liquid injection device 63 (i.e., the amount of liquid ejected) as a parameter representing the amount of liquid ejected. Note that this is not limited to the amount of liquid ejected, and other parameters representing the amount of liquid ejected may also be used, such as directly counting the amount of liquid ejected.

When the count relating to the discharge of the liquid reaches a predetermined count number, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 84 to display "low remaining amount" (low remaining amount display line), indicating that the amount of liquid remaining is low.

In this embodiment, the specified count numbers are set to different counts C1, C2, and C3 for tanks 62C, 62B, and 62A, respectively. As shown in FIG. 18, the relationship is set as follows: count C1 from float stop point E1 > count C2 from float stop point E2 > count C3 from float stop point E3. The remaining amounts of liquid in tanks 62C, 62B, and 62A when float stop points E1 to E3 are in the relationship tank 62C > 62B > 62A depending on the capacity of each tank 62, so by setting counts C1 > C2 > C3, the remaining amounts of liquid in each tank 62 can be made uniform when a low remaining amount is displayed.

In Figure 18, the area to the left of the low battery indicator line is divided into multiple areas.

As shown in FIG. 18, a reference output value X is set as a reference for the sensor output value, and a "non-determination area," "abnormality detection area," and "count start area" are set based on the amount of variation (difference) from the reference output value X. The reference output value X is the output value output by the magnetic sensor 90 when the tank 62 is not attached to the case 61 (when there is no magnet 99 near the magnetic sensor 90), and corresponds to the midpoint voltage of the magnetic sensor 90. The reference output value X is set to a value higher than the sensor output values at the start points S1, S2, and S3.

The area where the amount of variation from the reference output value X is greater than the thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 is the "count start area." In the count start area, counting of the discharge of the liquid agent begins when it is detected that the float has reached the stop points E1, E2, and E3. The threshold ΔB1 is the threshold for tanks 62C and 62B, and the threshold ΔB2 is the threshold for tank 62A. In this embodiment, the setting is ΔB1>ΔB2.

The area where the amount of variation from the reference output value X is smaller than the thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 and larger than the threshold ΔC is an "abnormality detection area." In the abnormality detection area, when it is detected that the float 94 has stopped, no counting is performed regarding the discharge of the liquid agent, and an error is issued indicating that the state of the float 94 is abnormal.

The area where the amount of variation from the reference output value X is smaller than the threshold value ΔC is a "non-determination area." In the non-determination area, when it is detected that the float 94 has stopped, neither counting is started nor an abnormality is detected. In this case, it is not necessary to notify the user.

The "low remaining amount" notification control by the control unit 50 using the remaining amount transition lines L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 19. Each process according to the flowchart in FIG. 19 is executed by the processing unit 82 of the control unit 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the control unit 50). In addition, the process according to the flowchart in FIG. 19 is executed individually for each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

First, the control unit 50 monitors the sensor output value (S1). Specifically, the control unit 50 receives a voltage output value (sensor output value) transmitted from the magnetic sensor 90 at a predetermined cycle, and stores the received sensor output value in the memory unit 83 each time. The sensor output value is monitored when the washing machine 1 is powered on, including when the liquid agent dosing device 63 is in operation. The process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is executed by the control unit 50 at least while the liquid agent dosing device 63 is in operation.

The control unit 50 determines whether the rate of change of the sensor output value is smaller than a threshold value A (S2). Specifically, a threshold value A for the rate of change of the sensor output value is determined in advance, and the control unit 50 determines whether the rate of change of the most recent sensor output value is smaller than the threshold value A.

An example of a method for calculating the rate of change of the sensor output value in step S2 is described with reference to FIG. 20.

Figure 20 is a schematic graph showing the progress of the remaining amount of liquid, with time on the horizontal axis and sensor output value on the vertical axis. At times v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, and v6 on the horizontal axis, output values AD1, AD2, AD3, AD4, AD5, and AD6 are obtained, respectively. Because the magnetic sensor 90 transmits the sensor output values at regular intervals, the time intervals between times v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, and v6 are equal. Therefore, the differences between the sensor output values AD1 to AD6 can be used as the rate of change of the sensor output value.

Figure 20 shows the difference ΔAD1 between the sensor output value AD5 at time v5 and the sensor output value AD6 at time v6. In addition to the difference ΔAD1, the difference between the sensor output values at other timings may be calculated as the rate of change of the sensor output value. Alternatively, multiple differences may be calculated, and the average or weighted average of these values may be used as the rate of change of the sensor output value.

Returning to FIG. 19, if it is determined that the rate of change of the sensor output value is not smaller than threshold A (NO in S2), the control unit 50 executes step S2 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the rate of change of the sensor output value is smaller than threshold A (YES in S2), it is detected that the float 94 has stopped. In this case, the control unit 50 determines whether the amount of change from the reference output value X is greater than threshold ΔB1 or threshold ΔB2 (S3). This determines whether the area belongs to the count start area or the abnormality detection area (or the non-determination area).

As for the thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2, as shown in FIG. 18, the same threshold ΔB1 is used for tanks 62B and 62C, whereas a different threshold ΔB2 is used for tank 62A. As described above, the sensor output value at float stop point E3 of tank 62A is higher than that of tanks 62B and 62C, so by setting threshold ΔB2 to a value smaller than threshold ΔB1, it is possible to apply an appropriate threshold according to the capacity of each tank 62 and the movement range of the float 94. For tanks 62B and 62C, the attitude of the float 94 at float stop points E1 and E2 is the same, so the same threshold ΔB1 is used.

When it is determined that the sensor output value is greater than the threshold value ΔB1 or threshold value ΔB2 (YES in S3), the control unit 50 starts counting the amount of liquid added (S4). Because it is in the count start area shown in FIG. 18, it starts counting the amount of liquid added, and continues counting until it issues a notification that the amount is low.

After counting starts, the control unit 50 judges whether the count has reached a specified number (S5). For example, when counting the driving time of the liquid agent injection device 63, the count is judged to have reached the specified number when the total driving time of the liquid agent injection device 63 after detecting that the float has reached the float stop points E1, E2, E3 reaches a predetermined specified driving time (YES in S5). The count is not limited to the driving time of the liquid agent injection device 63, and may be any parameter related to the discharge of the liquid agent. For example, if the driving source of the liquid agent injection device 63 is a volumetric pump (piston pump, gear pump), the driving time of the pump may be counted, if it is an aspirator, the discharge amount of the liquid agent detected by a flow meter may be counted, and if it is an air pump, the injected amount of air may be counted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the relationship is set as follows: count C1 from float stop point E1 > count C2 from float stop point E2 > count C3 from float stop point E3. The count for each tank 62 is determined by the difference between (amount of liquid at the float stop position of each tank 62) and (amount of liquid remaining for which a small amount is desired to be displayed for each tank 62). In other words, the count is the number of counts required to eject the difference in liquid. As a result, even if the amount of liquid remaining differs in each tank 62, a small amount can be displayed when the desired amount of liquid remaining is reached for which a small amount is desired to be displayed. The counts may be the same or different for each of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

If it is determined that the count has not reached the specified number (NO in S5), the control unit 50 executes step S5 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the count has reached the specified number (YES in S5), the control unit 50 notifies the user that the remaining amount is low (S6). Specifically, the portion of the display unit 84 that indicates "low amount remaining" is lit to notify the user that the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62 is low.

In the above method, when the amount of change from the reference output value X is equal to or greater than the thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 and the device is in the "count start area" (YES in S3), the time point at which the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 are reached is used as the reference point (YES in S2), and when the count number of the drive time of the liquid agent injection device 63 reaches a specified number from that point is used as the reference point and an "amount remaining" is notified (S4 to S6). According to this method, (1) the amount of liquid agent remaining when the float 94 reaches the float stop points E1, E2, and E3, and (2) the amount of liquid agent injected corresponding to the specified count number are calculated in advance, so that it becomes easier to notify the user that the amount of liquid agent remaining is low when the amount of liquid agent remaining reaches a pre-calculated design value. This makes it possible to control the amount of liquid agent actually remaining in the tank 62 to be as constant as possible when an indication of a low amount is made, and to notify the user of the amount of liquid agent remaining at a desired timing.

Returning to FIG. 19, if it is determined that the amount of variation from the reference output value X is not greater than the threshold value ΔB1 or threshold value ΔB2 (NO in S3), the control unit 50 determines whether the amount of variation is greater than the threshold value ΔC (S7). If the amount of variation is greater than the threshold value ΔC, it is assumed that the float 94 stopped due to some malfunction before reaching the lowest point in the abnormality detection area shown in FIG. 18. For this reason, no counting is performed regarding the liquid injection, and an abnormality detection for the float 94 is performed.

In step S7, the control unit 50 uses the threshold value ΔC shown in FIG. 18 to determine whether the amount of variation (difference) from the reference output value X regarding the sensor output value when the float 94 stops is greater than the threshold value ΔC. This determines whether the state belongs to the abnormality detection area or the non-determining area based on the sensor output value when it is detected that the float 94 has stopped. The threshold value ΔC may be the same value for each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, or may be a different value.

If it is determined that the amount of change is greater than the threshold value ΔC (YES in S7), the control unit 50 notifies an error (S8). Because it is in the abnormality detection area shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 84 to display an error. This makes it possible to inform the user that the float 94 has stopped due to some malfunction before reaching its lowest point.

When it is determined that the amount of change is not greater than the threshold value ΔC (NO in S7), the control unit 50 ends this flow. Because it is in the non-determination area shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 50 ends this flow without displaying an error on the display unit 84 (S8). In this case, the fact that the liquid agent has been refilled into the tank 62 may be displayed on the display unit 84 to notify the user.

As shown in FIG. 18, the remaining amount progress lines L1, L2, and L3 form a monotonically decreasing curve, and the rate of change (rate of decrease) of the sensor output value is small near the starting points S1, S2, and S3. If the rate of change of the sensor output value is small immediately after the float 94 starts to move, even though the float 94 is moving, it may be determined in step S2 that the rate of change of the sensor output value is smaller than threshold value A. To prevent this, an error notification (S8) is not issued when the liquid agent is nearly full, making it easier to issue an error notification (S8) only when the float 94 actually stops due to a malfunction.

(Supplementary Judgment)
In relation to the notification of the low remaining amount in step S6 described above, the control unit 50 of this embodiment determines whether or not to cancel the display of the low remaining amount (refill determination). Specific details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 50 judges whether the current sensor output value minus the sensor output value at the end of the previous automatic dispensing is greater than threshold value D (S9). If the liquid has not been replenished when a certain automatic dispensing ends and the next automatic dispensing is resumed, the remaining amount transition lines L1, L2, and L3 will draw a continuous curve as shown in FIG. 18. On the other hand, if the liquid has been replenished while the automatic dispensing is stopped, the sensor output value will rise when the next automatic dispensing is resumed, and will show a discontinuous transition rather than a continuous curve as shown in FIG. 18. Using this, the presence or absence of replenishment is determined depending on whether the difference between the current sensor output value and the sensor output value at the end of the previous automatic dispensing is greater than threshold value D.

When it is determined that the current sensor output value minus the sensor output value at the end of the previous automatic dispensing is greater than the threshold D (YES in S9), the control unit 50 cancels the low level notification (S10). Specifically, the low level notification is canceled by changing the part of the display unit 84 that indicates low level from a lit state to an unlit state. This allows the user to be informed that the liquid has been replenished to a sufficient amount. Note that if a count has already been started in preparation for the low level indicator being lit (S4), and it is determined that the current sensor output value minus the sensor output value at the end of the previous automatic dispensing is greater than the threshold D (YES in S9), the count may be canceled and the process may return to the float stop determination (S2). After that, when it is detected that the float stop points E1 to E3 have been reached (YES in S2) and it is determined that the device is in the count start area (YES in S3), the liquid dispensing count may be started from scratch (S4).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the current sensor output value minus the sensor output value at the end of the previous automatic dispensing is not greater than threshold D (NO in S9), the control unit 50 executes step S9 again. As a result, the display unit 84 continues to display the low remaining amount until the tank 62 is fully refilled with the liquid agent.

The process according to the flowchart in FIG. 21 is executed by the control unit 50 when the washing machine 1 is turned on, including at least when the liquid agent dosing device 63 is in operation, similar to the process according to the flowchart in FIG. 19.

(Determining whether or not a tank is present)
The control unit 50 of this embodiment further determines the presence or absence of the tank 62 by utilizing the fact that the remaining amount transition lines L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. 18 decrease monotonically and that the magnetic sensor 90 outputs a midpoint voltage (first voltage ≈ reference output value X) when the tank 62 is not attached. Specifically, the arrangement of the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 is designed so that the voltage (sensor output value at the start points S1, S2, and S3) output by the magnetic sensor 90 when the tank 62 full of the liquid agent is attached is a voltage (second voltage) lower than the midpoint voltage. Thus, if the sensor output value is the first voltage corresponding to the midpoint voltage, it is determined that the tank 62 is not attached, and if the sensor output value is equal to or lower than the second voltage lower than the midpoint voltage (if the amount of change from the reference output value X is greater than a predetermined threshold), it is determined that the tank 62 is attached. If it is determined that the tank 62 is not attached, the display unit 84 may display that fact. In addition, when the SN of the magnet 99 is reversed, the magnitude relationship of the sensor output value is reversed, so the arrangement of the magnet 99 and the magnetic sensor 90 is designed so that the voltage output by the magnetic sensor 90 when the tank 62 full of the liquid agent is attached is a voltage (second voltage) higher than the midpoint voltage (first voltage ≒ reference output value X). Thus, if the sensor output value is the first voltage corresponding to the midpoint voltage, it is determined that the tank 62 is not attached, and if the sensor output value is equal to or lower than the second voltage higher than the midpoint voltage (if the amount of change from the reference output value X is greater than a predetermined threshold), it is determined that the tank 62 is attached. The predetermined threshold, which is the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, is set to a value smaller than any of the thresholds ΔB1, ΔB2, and ΔC shown in FIG. 18.

Furthermore, by arranging the magnet 99 so that the SN orientation is different for each tank 62, when a certain tank 62 is attached to the automatic insertion device 63, it is possible to determine which of tanks 62A to 62C has been attached based on the fluctuation in the sensor output value.

(Determining the type of liquid)
The control unit 50 of this embodiment further determines the type of liquid contained in the tank 62 based on the output value of the magnetic sensor 90, utilizing the fact that the sensor output value changes depending on the type of liquid. In addition to the sensor output value of the magnetic sensor 90, the type of liquid may be determined based on the area in which the tank 62 is placed. As shown in FIG. 7, inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are provided as areas for placing the tank 62, and the area in which the tank 62 is placed can be specified depending on which automatic dosing device 63 the tank 62 is connected to. The control unit 50 determines the type of liquid contained in the tank 62 based on the combination of the output value of the magnetic sensor 90 and the area in which the tank 62 is placed. This allows the type of liquid to be determined more accurately.

The above explanations are summarized below to describe the features of this disclosure.

18 and the like, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the arrival of the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 is detected based on the rate of change of the sensor output value, and the timing of the low remaining amount notification is determined based on the detection time point. In particular, by judging the arrival of the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 based on the "rate of change" of the sensor output value, it is possible to more accurately grasp the remaining amount of the liquid agent and notify the low remaining amount. For such control, it is possible to set a threshold value for the sensor output value itself rather than the rate of change of the sensor output value, and to determine the timing of the low remaining amount notification based on the time point when the sensor output value falls below the threshold value. However, since the sensor output value fluctuates due to the characteristics of the magnet 99 and various other factors, if the low remaining amount is notified based on the sensor output value itself as a threshold value, the amount of liquid agent actually remaining in the tank 62 when the low remaining amount is notified will vary widely. In the control method of this embodiment, the reaching of the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 is detected based on the "rate of change" of the sensor output value, not the sensor output value itself, so that the time when the float reaches a predetermined remaining amount can be detected while reducing the influence of variations due to various factors such as the characteristics of the magnet 99. The remaining amount of the liquid can be notified at a desired timing by determining the timing of the low remaining amount based on the detection time. Furthermore, thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 are set for the amount of variation from the reference output value X, and if the amount of variation is greater than the threshold ΔB1 or ΔB2 and the rate of change of the sensor output value is less than the threshold A, counting is started until the remaining amount of the liquid is notified. This makes it possible to accurately detect that the float 94 has reached its lowest point and notify the remaining amount of the liquid at a desired timing.

[effect]
The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is a washing machine that causes the display unit 84 (alarm unit) to notify notifications regarding the automatic dispensing operation, and is equipped with an outer tub 3 elastically supported within the housing 2, a tank 62 that contains the liquid agent, a liquid agent dosing device 63 (automatic dosing device) that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank 62 into the outer tub 3, a float 94 that is arranged to be movable according to the liquid level LS1 of the liquid agent in the tank 62 and has a magnet 99 (magnetic material), a magnetic sensor 90 that detects the magnetic field of the magnet 99, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 monitors the output value of the magnetic sensor 90 when the liquid drug injection device 63 is driven (S1), and determines the timing for causing the display unit 84 to notify the user that the remaining amount of liquid drug is low based on the point in time when the amount of variation from a predetermined reference output value X is equal to or greater than the threshold value ΔB1 or threshold value ΔB2 (first threshold value) (YES in S3) and the rate of change in the output value becomes smaller than the threshold value A (second threshold value) (YES in S2) (S4-S6).

According to this configuration, the point in time when the amount of variation from the reference output value X becomes greater than thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 corresponds to a state in which the tank 62 is attached to the case 61 and the remaining amount of liquid has decreased to a certain extent from the full state. In addition, the point in time when the rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than threshold A corresponds to the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 where the float 94 reaches its lowest point, and the timing for notifying the low remaining amount is determined based on the point in time when it is detected that the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 have been reached. In this way, it is possible to notify the low remaining amount based on the point in time when the remaining amount of liquid reaches a predetermined amount calculated in advance, and it is possible to notify the remaining amount of liquid at the desired timing.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 50 monitors the output value, if the amount of variation from the reference output value X is smaller than the thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 (first thresholds) (NO in S3) and the rate of change is smaller than the threshold A (second threshold) (YES in S2), it decides to have the display unit 84 notify an abnormality (S8).

With this configuration, if the amount of variation from the reference output value X is smaller than the threshold values ΔB1 and ΔB2, it is assumed that the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62 is large and the float 94 has stopped abnormally. In such a case, it is possible to notify the user of the abnormality by deciding to have the display unit 84 notify the abnormality.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when monitoring the output value, if the rate of change is smaller than threshold A (second threshold) (YES in S2) and the amount of change from the reference output value X is smaller than threshold ΔC (third threshold) (NO in S7), the control unit 50 determines that the remaining amount of liquid agent is not low.

According to this configuration, when the amount of variation from the reference output value X is smaller than the threshold value ΔC, it is assumed that the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62 is in an initial state where it is close to full. In such a case, even if the rate of change in the output value becomes smaller than the threshold value A, by controlling so as not to notify that the remaining amount of liquid is low, it is possible to notify that the remaining amount of liquid is low only when the remaining amount of liquid has decreased to a certain extent.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 includes at least tanks 62B, 62C (first tanks) and tank 62A (second tank) having a different shape from tanks 62B, 62C, and tanks 62A to 62C are each provided with a float 94 of the same shape, the movable range of the float 94 in tanks 62B, 62C is different from the movable range of the float 94 in tank 62A, and the control unit 50 differentiates a threshold value ΔB1 (first threshold value) used to monitor the output value in tanks 62B, 62C from a threshold value ΔB2 (first threshold value) used to monitor the output value in tank 62A.

With this configuration, even if the movable range of the float 94 differs and the remaining amount of liquid differs when the float stop points E1 to E3 are detected, the remaining amount of liquid can be made uniform when a low remaining amount is notified for each tank 62 by varying the threshold values ΔB1 and ΔB2 according to the remaining amount of liquid.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 includes at least tanks 62B and 62C (first tanks) and tank 62A (second tank) different from tanks 62B and 62C, and the float 94 includes floats 94 (first floats) provided in tanks 62B and 62C and floats 94 (second floats) provided in tank 62A. As the amount of liquid in tank 62C decreases, the float 94 of tank 62A comes into contact with the inner bottom surface of tank 62A facing the magnetic sensor 90 and stops, and as the amount of liquid in tank 62A decreases, the control unit 50 differentiates the threshold value ΔB1 (first threshold value) used to monitor the output value in tanks 62B and 62C from the threshold value ΔB2 (first threshold value) used to monitor the output value in tank 62A.

With this configuration, even if the stop position of the float 94 is different and the remaining amount of liquid differs when the float stop points E1 to E3 are detected, the remaining amount of liquid when a low remaining amount is notified can be made uniform by varying the threshold values ΔB1 and ΔB2 according to the remaining amount of liquid in each tank 62.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 includes a tank 62B (third tank) and a tank 62C (fourth tank) having a larger capacity than the tank 62B, and the control unit 50, in monitoring the sensor output value, starts counting until the display unit 84 (notification unit) notifies the remaining amount of water low (S4) based on the point in time when the amount of fluctuation from the reference output value X is equal to or greater than the thresholds ΔB1, ΔB2 (first thresholds) (YES in S3) and the rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than the threshold A (second threshold) (YES in S2), and the count C3 for the tank 62C is greater than the count C2 for the tank 62B.

With this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid when a low amount is notified for each tank 62B, 62C can be made uniform by varying the counts C2, C3 until a low amount is notified according to the difference in capacity between tanks 62B, 62C. Note that this is not limited to the combination of tanks 62B, 62C, but also applies to the combination of tanks 62A, 62B and the combination of tanks 62A, 62C according to the difference in capacity.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the multiple tanks 62 have different depths.

With this configuration, even if there are multiple tanks 62, the timing for notifying the remaining amount can be determined based on the amount of fluctuation and rate of change of the output value of the magnetic sensor 90, so that the remaining amount can be notified at the desired timing while applying the same control to each tank 62.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the reference output value X is the output value output by the magnetic sensor 90 when the tank 62 is not attached to the automatic loading device 63.

With this configuration, by monitoring the amount of variation from the reference output value X, it is possible to determine whether the tank 62 is attached to the case 61, and to identify whether the remaining amount of liquid has decreased from full when the tank 62 is attached to the case 61.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a case 61 (tank housing) that houses the tank 62 when the tank 62 is attached to the automatic loading device 63, and the control unit 50, when monitoring the sensor output value, determines that the tank 62 is attached to the automatic loading device 63 if the amount of variation from the reference output value X is greater than a predetermined threshold value (fourth threshold value), and the predetermined threshold value is smaller than threshold values ΔB1 and ΔB2 (first threshold value).

With this configuration, the presence or absence of the tank 62 can be determined based on the amount of variation from the reference output value X.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 includes multiple tanks 62 that contain different types of liquid, and the control unit 50, in monitoring the sensor output value, determines the type of liquid contained in the tank 62 according to the output value of the magnetic sensor 90.

This configuration makes it easy to determine the type of liquid contained in the tank 62.

In addition, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a case 61 that houses the tanks 62 when attached to the automatic dispenser 63, and the case 61 has areas for housing the tanks 62 that each house a different type of liquid agent. In monitoring the sensor output value, the control unit 50 determines the type of liquid agent contained in the tank 62 according to the combination of the output value of the magnetic sensor 90 and the area.

This configuration allows the type of liquid contained in the tank 62 to be determined with greater accuracy.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the washing machine is a washing machine that notifies the display unit 84 (notification unit) of a notification regarding an automatic dispensing operation, and includes an outer tub 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, a tank 62 that contains a liquid agent, an automatic dispensing device 63 that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank 62 toward the outer tub 3, a float 94 that is movable according to the liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank 62 and has a magnet 99 (magnetic material), a magnetic sensor 90 that detects the magnetism of the magnet 99, and a control unit 50, and the tank 62 includes at least a tank 62B (third tank) and tank 62C (fourth tank) having a larger capacity than tank 62B. The control unit 50 monitors the output value of the magnetic sensor 90 when the automatic dosing device 63 is operating, and starts counting until the display unit 84 notifies the remaining amount of the tank 84 that the tank is low, based on the point in time when the amount of variation from a predetermined reference output value X becomes equal to or exceeds thresholds ΔB1 and ΔB2 (first thresholds) and the rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than threshold A (second threshold). The count C3 for tank 62C is greater than the count C2 for tank 62B.

With this configuration, the timing for notifying the remaining amount is determined based on the point in time when it is detected that the float stop points E1, E2, and E3 have been reached, so that the remaining amount can be notified based on the point in time when the remaining amount of the liquid reaches a predetermined amount calculated in advance, and the remaining amount of the liquid can be notified at a desired timing. Also, by varying the counts C2 and C3 until the remaining amount is notified according to the difference in the capacity of the tanks 62B and 62C, the remaining amount of the liquid when the remaining amount is notified for each tank 62B and 62C can be made uniform. Note that this is not limited to the combination of tanks 62B and 62C, but also applies to the combination of tanks 62A and 62B and the combination of tanks 62A and 62C according to the difference in capacity.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented in various other forms.

In the embodiment, the tank 62 is described as being provided in three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, but this is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient to have at least one tank 62.

In the embodiment, a case has been described in which the display unit 84 of the washing machine 1 is used to notify the user of the automatic loading operation, but this is not limited to the above case. For example, an app for operating home appliances downloaded to the user's mobile terminal may be used as a notification unit to notify the user of the automatic loading operation.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the case where the sensor output value monotonically decreases as the remaining amount of liquid in each tank 62 decreases has been described, but this is not limited to the case. For example, the SN direction of the magnet 99 may be reversed so that the sensor output value monotonically increases as the remaining amount of liquid decreases. Even in such a case, similar control can be applied.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

The washing machine disclosed herein is useful as a home or commercial washing machine (e.g., a home drum washing machine).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Washing machine 2 Housing 3 Outer tub 4 Inner tub 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic dosing unit 8 Connection flow path 10 Water supply port 11 Drain valve 50 Control unit 61 Case (tank housing unit)
62 Tank 63 Liquid agent supply device (automatic supply device)
64 Liquid agent discharge flow path 65 Manual input unit 82 Processing unit 83 Memory unit 84 Display unit (notification unit)
87 Main body 88 Lid 90 Magnetic sensor 94 Float 95 First arm 96 Magnet storage section 97 Second arm 98 Float section 99 Magnet K Width direction M Front-rear direction L1, L2, L3 Remaining amount transition line S1, S2, S3 Start point E1, E2, E3 Float stop point

Claims (10)

A washing machine that notifies a notification unit of a notification regarding an automatic insertion operation,
An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
A tank for storing a liquid agent;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tank;
a float having a magnetic body and movable in response to a liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank;
a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body;
A control unit,
The control unit is
monitoring an output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic insertion device is operating;
In the monitoring,
when an amount of variation from a predetermined reference output value is between a third threshold value and a first threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value, and when a rate of change in the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value, causing the notification unit to notify of an abnormality;
The washing machine determines the timing for causing the notification unit to notify that the remaining amount of liquid agent is low, based on the point in time when the amount of fluctuation is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the rate of change becomes smaller than a second threshold value. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the washing machine so as not to notify the user of a low remaining amount of the liquid agent when the rate of change is smaller than the second threshold value and the amount of fluctuation is smaller than a third threshold value during the monitoring. A washing machine that notifies a notification unit of a notification regarding an automatic insertion operation,
An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
A tank for storing a liquid agent;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tank;
a float having a magnetic body and movable in response to a liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank;
a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body;
A control unit,
The control unit is
monitoring an output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic insertion device is operating;
In the monitoring, a timing for causing the notification unit to notify that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low is determined based on a point in time when an amount of fluctuation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value;
The tank includes at least a first tank and a second tank having a shape different from that of the first tank,
the first tank and the second tank are provided with the floats having the same shape, and a movable range of the float in the first tank is different from a movable range of the float in the second tank;
The control unit makes the first threshold value different between the monitoring of the first tank and the monitoring of the second tank .
washing machine. A washing machine that notifies a notification unit of a notification regarding an automatic insertion operation,
An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
A tank for storing a liquid agent;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tank;
a float having a magnetic body and movable in response to a liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank;
a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body;
A control unit,
The control unit is
monitoring an output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic insertion device is operating;
In the monitoring, a timing for causing the notification unit to notify that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low is determined based on a point in time when an amount of fluctuation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value;
The tank includes at least a first tank and a second tank different from the first tank,
The float includes a first float provided in the first tank and a second float provided in the second tank,
The first float comes into contact with an inner bottom surface of the first tank and stops in response to a decrease in the amount of the liquid agent in the first tank,
the second float comes into contact with an inner surface of the second tank facing the magnetic sensor and stops in response to a decrease in the amount of the liquid agent in the second tank;
The control unit makes the first threshold value different between the monitoring of the first tank and the monitoring of the second tank .
washing machine. A washing machine that notifies a notification unit of a notification regarding an automatic insertion operation,
An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
A tank for storing a liquid agent;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tank;
a float having a magnetic body and movable in response to a liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank;
a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body;
A control unit,
The control unit is
monitoring an output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic insertion device is operating;
In the monitoring, a timing for causing the notification unit to notify that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low is determined based on a point in time when an amount of fluctuation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a rate of change of the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value;
The tanks include at least a third tank and a fourth tank having a capacity larger than that of the third tank,
the control unit, in the monitoring, starts a count of the discharge of the liquid agent until the notification unit notifies the remaining amount of the liquid agent that the amount of the liquid agent is low, based on a point in time when the amount of the fluctuation becomes equal to or larger than a first threshold value and the rate of change becomes smaller than a second threshold value;
the count for the fourth tank is greater than the count for the third tank ;
washing machine. The tanks are of different depths.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5 . The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the reference output value is the output value output by the magnetic sensor when the tank is not attached to the automatic loading device. a tank accommodating section that accommodates the tank in a state in which the tank is attached to the automatic dosing device;
When the amount of change is greater than a fourth threshold during the monitoring, the control unit determines that the tank is attached to the automatic dosing device, and
The fourth threshold is smaller than the first threshold.
The washing machine according to claim 7 . The tank includes a plurality of tanks containing different types of liquid agents;
The control unit, during the monitoring, determines the type of the liquid agent contained in the tank according to an output value of the magnetic sensor.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . A washing machine that notifies a notification unit of a notification regarding an automatic insertion operation,
An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
A tank for storing a liquid agent;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the liquid agent contained in the tank into the outer tank;
a float having a magnetic body and movable in response to a liquid level of the liquid agent in the tank;
a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body;
A control unit,
The tanks include at least a third tank and a fourth tank having a capacity larger than that of the third tank,
The control unit is
monitoring an output value of the magnetic sensor when the automatic insertion device is operating;
a counting unit that starts counting the amount of liquid medicine discharged until the notification unit notifies the user that the remaining amount of the liquid medicine is low, based on a point in time when an amount of fluctuation from a predetermined reference output value becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a rate of change in the output value becomes smaller than a second threshold value;
the count for the fourth tank is greater than the count for the third tank;
washing machine.

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