JP7645504B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine that can automatically dispense liquid detergent into the washing and spin-drying tub.

The washing machine in Patent Document 1 is provided with a detergent tank that is disposed within an outer cover and that contains liquid detergent. The detergent tank has a refill port for refilling detergent that is closed by a detergent tank lid, thereby sealing the interior, and has an air inlet and a liquid outlet. An air pump is connected to the air inlet. When the air pump operates, the air pressure inside the sealed detergent tank increases, and the detergent in the detergent tank is pushed out through the liquid outlet and into the washing and spin tub. This is convenient for users as they do not need to add a full load of detergent to the washing machine each time a wash cycle is performed.

JP 2001-259290 A

When the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank becomes low, it is necessary to refill the detergent tank. Therefore, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration that detects the liquid level in the detergent tank and notifies the user that the detergent needs to be refilled when the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank becomes low.

In such a case, a configuration can be adopted to detect when the amount of liquid remaining in the detergent tank is low by disposing a pair of electrode terminals in the detergent tank, passing electricity between the pair of electrode terminals, and detecting the conductive state. When the amount of liquid remaining in the detergent tank is low and detergent is no longer present between the pair of electrode terminals, the pair of electrode terminals will no longer be conductive to the detergent.

However, in the above configuration, when electricity is passed between a pair of electrode terminals immersed in liquid, there is a concern that the pair of electrode terminals may be electrolytically corroded.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can detect the remaining amount of liquid agent in the tank by using a pair of electrode terminals while suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the electrode terminals.

A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub arranged in a housing in which laundry is washed, a tank for storing a washing liquid for multiple washing operations , a dosing mechanism for dosing the liquid in the tank into the washing tub, a pair of electrode terminals arranged in the tank, a control unit for determining whether the liquid level in the tank is lower than a predetermined liquid level based on a change in resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals, and an alarm unit. Here, the control unit applies current between the pair of electrode terminals for a predetermined time based on the arrival of a predetermined detection timing, starts accumulating the amount of the liquid used for each washing operation or the number of washing operations based on the liquid level in the tank being lower than the predetermined liquid level, and causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the liquid needs to be replenished when the liquid level in the tank is lower than the predetermined liquid level and the accumulated value of the amount used or the number of operations exceeds a predetermined threshold .

According to the above configuration, the remaining amount of liquid in the tank is detected using a pair of electrode terminals, and when the remaining amount becomes low, the user is notified that the liquid needs to be refilled. This allows the user to refill the liquid when the liquid in the tank becomes low.

Moreover, since current is passed between the pair of electrode terminals for only a specified period of time based on the arrival of a predetermined detection timing, it is possible to avoid current passing between the pair of electrode terminals for a long period of time, and thus it is possible to suppress electro-corrosion of the pair of electrode terminals.
Furthermore, the notification unit will issue a notification when the remaining amount of liquid becomes less than the amount remaining when the liquid level in the tank falls below a predetermined level, so the interval between refills of the liquid can be extended, reducing the hassle for the user.

In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the detection timing may include at least one of the timing when the washing machine is turned on, the timing when an operation is performed to check the remaining amount of the liquid agent, and the timing when the washing operation is completed.

According to the above configuration, if the notification unit notifies the user when the power is turned on to the washing machine, when an operation to check the remaining amount of liquid is performed, and when the washing operation is completed, the user is likely to be near the washing machine and therefore is likely to notice the notification. Therefore, by passing a current between the pair of electrode terminals at least at one of these times, it is possible to pass a current effectively and without waste, shorten the current passing time, and suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the pair of electrode terminals.

In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the liquid agent in the tank may contain liquid detergent. The washing machine may further include a water tank that stores water containing the detergent dispensed by the dispenser mechanism, and an ultrasonic cleaning device that applies ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to laundry immersed in the water in the water tank to clean the laundry. In this case, the detection timing includes the timing when the washing operation ends and the timing when the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device ends.

According to the above configuration, by performing a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device, partial dirt on the laundry can be removed prior to washing. Furthermore, if the notification unit issues a notification at the timing when the washing operation is completed and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device is completed, the user is likely to be near the washing machine and therefore likely to notice the notification. Therefore, when an ultrasonic cleaning device is provided, by passing electricity between the pair of electrode terminals at such a timing, it is possible to perform effective and waste-free electricity passing, shorten the electricity passing time, and suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the pair of electrode terminals.

In the above configuration, the control unit, upon detecting that the liquid level in the tank falls below the predetermined liquid level, begins accumulating the amount of detergent used for each washing operation and each cleaning operation or the number of washing operations and cleaning operations , and, when the liquid level in the tank is lower than the predetermined liquid level and the accumulated value of the amount used or the number of operations exceeds a predetermined threshold, causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the liquid needs to be replenished .

With this configuration, the notification unit will issue a notification when the remaining amount of liquid becomes less than the amount remaining when the liquid level in the tank falls below a predetermined level, so the interval between liquid replenishments can be lengthened, reducing the user's hassle. Furthermore, not only the amount of detergent used or the number of operations in the wash run, but also the amount of detergent used or the number of operations in the cleaning run by the ultrasonic cleaning device are accumulated, so the amount of detergent used or the number of operations can be obtained with high accuracy.

The present invention provides a washing machine that uses a pair of electrode terminals to detect the amount of liquid remaining in the tank while suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the electrode terminals.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit are stored in the storage unit according to the embodiment, and Figs. 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit are pulled out from the storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment with the water storage unit detached from the main body unit. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the main body unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water supply device according to an embodiment. 6(a) and (b) are respectively a plan view and a bottom view of a detergent tank according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 6(a). 7(a) and (b) are respectively a plan view and a bottom view of a fabric softener tank according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of FIG. 7(a). FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process for the liquid agent refill notification function according to the embodiment. 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing a first refill notification process and a second refill notification process, respectively, included in a control process for a liquid agent refill notification function according to an embodiment.

Below, one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 that forms an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom faces, a top panel 12 that covers the top face of the body 11, and a foot stand 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is disposed inside the front of the top panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

In the housing 10, an outer tub 20 with an open top is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with vibration isolation devices. A washing and spin-drying tub 22 with an open top is disposed inside the outer tub 20. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis extending vertically. A large number of spin-drying holes 22a are formed on the inner surface of the washing and spin-drying tub 22 all around. A balance ring 23 is provided on the top of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed on the bottom of the washing and spin-drying tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 corresponds to the "washing tub" of the present invention.

A drive unit 30 that generates torque to drive the washing and spin-drying 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 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation using the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing steps, causing only the pulsator 24 to rotate, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22 during the spin-drying step, causing the pulsator 24 and the washing and spin-drying tub 22 to rotate together.

A drain outlet 20a is formed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain outlet 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 spin-drying tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is drained outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

An overflow port 20b is formed at the top of the outer tub 20. When water reaches a predetermined overflow level or higher in the outer tub 20, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiver 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiver 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiver 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is located approximately in the center of the rear of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation to remove dirt partially attached to the item to be cleaned prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the top panel 12, and a drainage receiving section 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent that is supplied to the water tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water. The storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 that opens and closes the outlet for the cleaning water from within the tank.

The drainage receiver 70 receives water drained from the water tank 210. The drainage receiver 70 is formed with a drain hole 71 through which the received water is drained. One end of a drainage pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drainage pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drainage receiver 70 is drained through the drainage pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

A water supply device 80 is disposed at the rear of the top panel 12 so as to surround the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a water faucet and has the function of supplying water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid detergent and fabric softener into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The water supply device 80 also has the function of supplying wash water to the storage tank 60. Note that detergent and fabric softener are liquid agents used in washing, and hereinafter, detergent and fabric softener may be collectively referred to as "liquid agents".

Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out of the storage unit 17. Figs. 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are stored in the storage unit 17. In Fig. 2(c), the cover 17b is omitted so that the inside of the storage unit 17 can be seen.

A storage section 17 in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored is provided in the center of the rear part of the top panel 12. The top panel 12 opens in front of the storage section 17 as an entrance/exit 17a. A cover 17b is provided on the entrance/exit 17a.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 comprises an ultrasonic cleaning section 100, a water storage section 200, and a main body section 300. The ultrasonic cleaning section 100 has an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves. The water storage section 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 that is located below the ultrasonic generator and stores cleaning water. Cleaning water is supplied to the water storage tank 210 from a supply nozzle 62 that is connected to a supply valve 61 of a storage tank 60.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage section 17 and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the top panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(b) and (c), when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The inlet 17a is closed by the cover 17b.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the top panel 12 is formed with a funnel-shaped detergent spout 18 to the left rear of the inlet 14, and a funnel-shaped fabric softener spout 19 to the right rear of the inlet 14. An opening 18a formed in the center of the detergent spout 18 connects to the inlet of the detergent tank 400, which will be described later. A filter 410 is attached to the inlet through the opening 18a. An opening 19a formed in the center of the fabric softener spout 19 connects to the inlet of the fabric softener tank 500, which will be described later. A filter 510 is attached to the inlet through the opening 19a. Liquid detergent is poured into the detergent tank 400 through the detergent spout 18, and liquid fabric softener is poured into the fabric softener tank 500 through the fabric softener spout 19.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water storage unit 200 detached from the main body unit 300. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body unit 300.

In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held in the main body unit 300, and the water storage unit 200 is removably attached to the main body unit 300.

The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The housing 120 is long in the front-rear direction and has an arm shape with its tip 121 bent downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is disposed at the front of the housing 120. The tip of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 of the housing 120. The rear 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body 300.

The water storage unit 200 has a handle 201 formed on the front. The water storage unit 200 also has a water tank 210 formed in a shape that matches the shape of the water storage unit 200. The water tank 210 has a drain port 211 formed in the lower part of the rear. The drain port 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. The rear part 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward beyond the water storage unit 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased by a spring (not shown) in the rear direction in which the valve body 220 closes.

When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the storage section 17, the drain outlet 211 is closed by the valve body 220. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drain receptacle 70 and moves forward. This causes the valve body 220 to move forward and opens the drain outlet 211. When the drain outlet 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drain receptacle 70.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the water supply device 80. Figures 6(a) and (b) are plan and bottom views, respectively, of the detergent tank 400, and Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 6(a). Figures 7(a) and (b) are plan and bottom views, respectively, of the fabric softener tank 500, and Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 7(a).

As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply device 80 includes a detergent tank 400, a fabric softener tank 500, and a water supply unit 600.

The detergent tank 400 stores liquid detergent. The fabric softener tank 500 stores liquid fabric softener. The water supply unit 600 takes in detergent and fabric softener from the detergent tank 400 and fabric softener tank 500, respectively, and pours the taken in detergent and fabric softener into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 using water supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In this way, the water supply unit 600 puts the detergent in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The detergent tank 400 and fabric softener tank 500 correspond to the "tank" of the present invention. The water supply unit 600 also corresponds to the "put-in mechanism" of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the detergent tank 400 is formed, for example, from a resin material, and has a box shape that is long from front to back. A circular inlet 401 is formed at the front of the top surface of the detergent tank 400. A filter 410 is attached to the inlet 401. The filter 410 captures foreign matter that has entered the detergent tank 400 from the inlet 401. A circular discharge portion 402 that protrudes downward is formed at the front of the bottom surface of the detergent tank 400. A cylindrical discharge port 403 that extends rearward is formed on the periphery of the discharge portion 402.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the detergent tank 400 is provided with a detergent electrode unit 420 to detect when the amount of detergent remaining in the tank is low. The detergent electrode unit 420 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, i.e., a first electrode terminal 421 and a second electrode terminal 422.

The first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are formed from a conductive material such as steel, and include a round bar-shaped terminal portion 421a, 422a and a head portion 421b, 422b provided at the upper end of the terminal portion 421a, 422a. A male screw is formed at the top of each terminal portion 421a, 422a. In addition, a cross-shaped groove is formed in each head portion 421b, 422b so that the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 can be turned with a screwdriver.

The top surface of the detergent tank 400 is provided with a first mounting boss 404 and a second mounting boss 405 that protrude into the interior of the tank, and are aligned in the left-right direction. The first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are inserted into the detergent tank 400 from above through the first mounting boss 404 and the second mounting boss 405. At this time, the upper parts of the terminals 421a and 422a having male threads are passed through the first mounting boss 404 and the second mounting boss 405 while being turned and fixed. In this way, the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are fixed to the top surface of the detergent tank 400. The terminals 421a and 422a of the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 extend downward from the top surface of the detergent tank 400, and their tips are located near the bottom surface of the detergent tank 400. The distance between the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 is relatively small, for example, about 10 mm.

When the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1, i.e., the remaining amount of detergent is greater than the predetermined amount and sufficient detergent is present between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 becomes relatively small. When the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1, i.e., the remaining amount of detergent is less than the predetermined amount and little or no detergent is present between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, air is present, so the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 becomes relatively large. Therefore, when electricity is applied between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, if the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1, the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are in a state of electrical conduction due to the detergent, but if the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1, the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 are not in a state of electrical conduction due to the detergent.

As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the fabric softener tank 500 is formed, for example, from a resin material, and has a long box shape from front to back. A circular inlet 501 is formed at the front of the top surface of the fabric softener tank 500. A filter 510 is attached to the inlet 501. The filter 510 captures foreign matter that has entered the fabric softener tank 500 from the inlet 501. A circular discharge section 502 that protrudes downward is formed at the front of the bottom surface of the fabric softener tank 500. A cylindrical discharge port 503 that extends rearward is formed on the periphery of the discharge section 502.

As shown in FIG. 7(c), the fabric softener tank 500 is provided with a fabric softener electrode unit 520 to detect when the amount of fabric softener remaining in the tank is low. The fabric softener electrode unit 520 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 521, 522, i.e., a first electrode terminal 521 and a second electrode terminal 522.

The configuration of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 is similar to that of the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420, and includes terminal portions 521a, 522a having male threads and head portions 521b, 522b having cross-shaped grooves.

Similar to the detergent tank 400, a first mounting boss 504 and a second mounting boss 505 are formed on the top surface of the fabric softener tank 500. A first electrode terminal 521 and a second electrode terminal 522 are inserted into the interior of the fabric softener tank 500 from above through these mounting bosses 504, 505 and fixed to these mounting bosses 504, 505. The terminal portions 521a, 522a of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 extend downward from the top surface of the fabric softener tank 500, with their tips positioned near the bottom surface of the fabric softener tank 500. The distance between the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 is relatively small, for example, about 10 mm.

When the liquid level in the softener tank 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2, i.e., the remaining amount of softener is greater than the predetermined amount and sufficient softener is present between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 becomes relatively small, and when the liquid level in the softener tank 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2, i.e., the remaining amount of softener is less than the predetermined amount and little or no softener is present between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, air is present, so the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 becomes relatively large. Therefore, when electricity is applied between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, if the liquid level in the softener tank 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2, the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 will be in a conductive state due to the softener, but if the liquid level in the softener tank 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2, the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 will not be in a conductive state due to the softener.

Referring to FIG. 5, 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 of the bottom of the water injection chamber 611. The water injection port 611a faces above the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

The water channel member 610 is formed with a first water channel 612 and a second water channel 613 that are connected to the water injection chamber 611, and is provided with a water inlet 614 to the first water channel 612 and a water inlet 615 to the second water channel 613. In addition, the water channel member 610 is formed with a branch water channel 616 that branches off from the first water channel 612 to supply water to the storage tank 60. The outlet 616a of the branch water channel 616 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank 60.

In the first water passage 612, a second three-way valve 640, a first three-way valve 630, a pump 660, and a third three-way valve 650 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream on the path from the inlet 614 to the water injection chamber 611. Therefore, the first water passage 612 is divided 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, and 617d and downstream connection ports 618a, 618b, 618c, and 618d at each position.

The water supply valve 620 is a so-called dual valve, and has a first valve 621 and a second valve 622 that has a higher rated flow rate than the first valve 621. The water inlet 623 of the water supply valve 620 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). The water outlet 624 of the first valve 621 is connected to the inlet 614, and the water outlet 625 of the second valve 622 is connected to the inlet 615.

The first three-way valve 630 and the second three-way valve 640 have a first water inlet 631, 641, a second water inlet 632, 642, and a water outlet 633, 643, and can be switched between a state in which the first water inlet 631, 641 communicates with the water outlet 633, 643 and a state in which the second water inlet 632, 642 communicates with the water outlet 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 communicates with the first water outlet 652 and a state in which the water inlet 651 communicates with the second water outlet 653.

The first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 of the first three-way valve 630 are connected to the upstream connection port 617b and the downstream connection port 618b, respectively. The water inlet 651, the first water outlet 652, and the second water outlet 653 of the third three-way valve 650 are connected to the upstream connection port 617d, the downstream connection port 618d, and the connection port 616b of the branch water channel 616, respectively. 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 type pump. The suction port 661 and discharge port 662 of pump 660 are connected to upstream connection port 617c and downstream connection port 618c, respectively.

The second water inlet 632 of the first three-way valve 630 is connected to the outlet 403 of the detergent tank 400 via a rubber detergent supply pipe 430. The second water inlet 642 of the second three-way valve 640 is connected to the outlet 503 of the fabric softener tank 500 via a rubber fabric softener supply pipe 530.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is equipped with an operation unit 710 and a display unit 720. The control unit 16 also includes a control unit 801, a memory unit 802, an operation detection unit 803, a detergent amount detection unit 804, a fabric softener amount detection unit 805, a 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, and a vibrator drive unit 816.

The operation unit 710 and the display unit 720 can be provided, for example, at the front of the top panel 12 or the front of the top cover 15.

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 course selection button 714, a wash button 715, a detergent input button 716, and a fabric softener input 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 a washing operation and a cleaning operation. The course selection button 714 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation course from a plurality of operation courses related to the washing operation. The cleaning button 715 is a button for selecting a cleaning operation. The detergent input button 716 is a button for selecting whether to set automatic detergent input, and if automatic input is set, whether the amount of detergent is normal, large, or small. The fabric softener input button 717 is a button for selecting whether to set automatic fabric softener input, and if automatic input is set, whether the amount of fabric softener is normal, large, or small. In addition to when the power-off button 712 is operated, the power to the fully automatic washing machine 1 is cut off when a predetermined time has passed after the power is turned on without the start of a washing or cleaning operation, and when a predetermined time has passed after the end of a washing operation.

The display unit 720 includes multiple LEDs and a 7-segment display, and displays the operation course selected by the course selection button 714, the progress of the washing operation and the remaining time, the setting results by the detergent dispense button 716 and fabric softener dispense button 717, i.e., displaying the setting of "normal", "more", "less" or "none", and displaying the need to replenish detergent and fabric softener. The display unit 720 corresponds to the "alert unit" of the present invention.

The operation detection unit 803 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 801 according to the operation button operated by the user from among the various operation buttons of the operation unit 710.

The detergent amount detection unit 804 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420. The detergent amount detection unit 804 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit, and is configured as a circuit that outputs to the control unit 801 a pulse signal having a high voltage pulse width corresponding to the resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422. For example, when the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 is relatively low, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide, and when the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 is relatively high, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.

The fabric softener amount detection unit 805 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 of the fabric softener electrode unit 520. The fabric softener amount detection unit 805 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit, and is configured as a circuit that outputs to the control unit 801 a pulse signal having a high voltage pulse width according to the resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522. For example, when the liquid level in the fabric softener tank 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 is relatively low, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively wide, and when the liquid level in the fabric softener tank 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 and the resistance value between the pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 is relatively high, the pulse width of the high voltage becomes relatively narrow.

Note that the resistance values of detergent and fabric softener may differ depending on the type. Therefore, when the type of detergent stored in the detergent tank 400 is changed, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the detergent amount detection unit 804 when the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 may change accordingly. Similarly, when the type of fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 500 is changed, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the fabric softener amount detection unit 805 when the liquid level in the fabric softener tank 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2 may change accordingly.

The display drive unit 806, motor drive unit 807, clutch drive unit 808, six valve drive units 809-814, pump drive unit 815 and transducer drive unit 816 each drive the display unit 720, drive motor 31, clutch mechanism 32a, water supply valve 620, first three-way valve 630, second three-way valve 640, third three-way valve 650, supply valve 61, drain valve 40, pump 660 and ultrasonic transducer 111 in accordance with control signals from the control unit 801.

The memory unit 802 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. The memory unit 802 stores programs for executing the washing operation of various operation courses and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The memory unit 802 also stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

The control unit 801 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the display drive unit 806, motor drive unit 807, clutch drive unit 808, six valve drive units 809-814, pump drive unit 815, vibrator drive unit 816, etc., in accordance with the programs stored in the memory unit 802, based on signals from the operation detection unit 803, detergent amount detection unit 804, fabric softener amount detection unit 805, etc.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform various washing operations. During the washing operation, the washing process, intermediate spin-drying process, rinsing process, and final spin-drying process are performed in order.

During the washing and rinsing processes, the pulsator 24 rotates to the right and left while water is stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and spin-drying 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.

In the intermediate and final spin-drying steps, the washing and spin-drying tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is spin-dried by the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

When automatic detergent injection is set based on the operation of the detergent injection button 716, detergent is automatically injected into the washing and spin tub 22 by the water supply device 80 when water is supplied in the washing process. At this time, the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 and the first water outlet 652 are in communication, and the first water passage 612 is in a state in which it is cut off from the storage tank 60 and connected to the water injection chamber 611. In addition, the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 are in communication, and the first water passage 612 is in a state in which it is connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640.

First, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 632 and the water outlet 633 are in communication. This allows detergent to flow into the first water passage 612. The pump 660 is operated, and air is sucked in from the upstream side of the pump 660 in the first water passage 612, creating a negative pressure on the upstream side. This causes liquid detergent in the detergent tank 400 to be sucked into the first water passage 612 via the detergent supply pipe 430, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5. An amount of detergent according to the operation time of the pump 660 accumulates in the first water passage 612.

Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 and the water outlet 633 are connected. This prevents detergent from flowing into the first water passage 612. The first water passage 612 is also connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630. The first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and water from the water faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 5. The water flowing through the first water passage 612 washes away the detergent that has accumulated in the first water passage 612. The detergent washed away by the water flows together with the water into the water injection chamber 611, and is poured into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water injection port 611a.

Furthermore, in the water supply valve 620, the first valve 621 is opened and the second valve 622 is opened at the same time to supply water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. As shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 5, water from the water faucet is supplied into the second water passage 613, flows through the second water passage 613 to the water injection chamber 611, and is released into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 from the water injection port 611a. At this time, the flow rate of water flowing through the second water passage 613 is greater than the flow rate of water flowing through the first water passage 612. When the water level in the washing and spin-drying tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the first valve 621 and the second valve 622 are closed, and the water supply is terminated.

When automatic softener dispensing is set based on the operation of the softener dispensing button 717, the water supply device 80 automatically dispenses softener into the washing and spin tub 22 when water is supplied during the rinsing process. At this time, the first water passage 612 is connected to the water supply chamber 611, as in the washing process. 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 are in communication, and the first water passage 612 is in a connected state at the position of the first three-way valve 630.

First, the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 642 and the water outlet 643 are in communication. This allows fabric softener to flow into the first water passage 612. The pump 660 is operated, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the liquid fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500 is sucked into the first water passage 612 via the fabric softener supply pipe 530. An amount of fabric softener according to the operating time of the pump 660 accumulates in the first water passage 612.

Next, the second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 641 and the water outlet 643 are connected. This prevents fabric softener from flowing into the first water passage 612. The first water passage 612 is also connected at the position of the second three-way valve 640. The first valve 621 is opened, and water from the water faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 5. The fabric softener that has accumulated in the first water passage 612 is swept away by the water flowing through the first water passage 612 and flows into the water injection chamber 611, and is poured into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the water injection port 611a.

Furthermore, similar to the washing process, the second valve 622 is opened simultaneously with the first valve 621 to supply water into the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

The water level, i.e., the amount of water, in the washing and drying tub 22 during the washing and rinsing processes is determined according to the laundry load detected before water is supplied. The amount of liquid agent added to the washing and drying tub 22, i.e., the amount of liquid agent used, is determined according to the amount of water.

For example, the amount of liquid for a standard water volume, for example 30 liters, is stored in advance in the memory unit 802 in association with each type of liquid. The user selects and sets the type of liquid contained in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener tank 500 from among the various types of liquid by a predetermined setting operation. The control unit 801 reads out the amount of liquid for the standard water volume of the set type from the memory unit 802, calculates the amount of liquid appropriate for that amount of water from the read amount of liquid and the amount of water determined according to the load amount, and sets the calculated amount of liquid as the amount of liquid used in the current wash run. If the detergent dispense button 716 and fabric softener dispense button 717 are set to "more" or "less," the calculated amount of liquid is increased or decreased by a predetermined percentage to set the amount of liquid used.

When supplying water for the wash cycle, the determined amount of detergent is introduced from the detergent tank 400 to the first water passage 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660. Similarly, when supplying water for the rinse cycle, the determined amount of fabric softener is introduced from the fabric softener tank 500 to the first water passage 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660.

When automatic detergent injection is not set, when water is supplied in the washing process, the detergent is not introduced from the detergent tank 400 to the water supply unit 600 and tap water is not supplied to the first water passage 612, and the detergent is not automatically injected into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In this case, only water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the second water passage 613 of the water supply unit 600. The detergent is manually injected into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by the user. Similarly, when automatic fabric softener injection is not set, when water is supplied in the rinsing process, the fabric softener is not introduced from the fabric softener tank 500 to the water supply unit 600 and tap water is not supplied to the first water passage 612, and the fabric softener is not automatically injected into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. In this case, only water is supplied to the washing and spin-drying tub 22 through the second water passage 613 of the water supply unit 600. The fabric softener is manually injected into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by the user.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

During the washing operation, after washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210, the dirty part of the laundry is set between the water tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110. The dirty part is immersed in the washing water stored in the water tank 210 and comes into contact with the tip surface of the ultrasonic generator 110. When the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated, ultrasonic waves are generated from its tip. The action of the ultrasonic waves peels off the dirt from the item being washed. At this time, the power of the detergent is added, increasing the cleaning power.

When supplying water during cleaning operation, cleaning water is supplied to the storage tank 60 by the water supply device 80 before water is supplied to the water tank 210. At this time, the supply valve 61 is closed.

First, the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 and the second water outlet 653 are in communication. This blocks the first water passage 612 from the water injection chamber 611 and connects it to the storage tank 60 via the branch water passage 616. As in the washing process, after the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which detergent can flow into the first water passage 612, the pump 660 is operated and the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 400 is sucked into the first water passage 612 and accumulates in the first water passage 612.

Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which detergent cannot flow into the first water passage 612 and the first water passage 612 is connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630. After that, the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened and water from the water faucet is supplied into the first water passage 612. The detergent that has accumulated in the first water passage 612 is swept away by the water flowing in the first water passage 612, and the detergent is mixed with the water to become cleaning water. The cleaning water flows into the storage tank 60 through the branch water passage 616. When a predetermined amount of cleaning water has accumulated in the storage tank 60, the first valve 621 is closed.

The supply valve 61 is opened, and the wash water in the storage tank 60 is supplied to the water tank 210 through the supply nozzle 62. Thereafter, during the wash operation, each time the wash water in the water tank 210 decreases due to absorption by the laundry, the amount of wash water that has been reduced is replenished from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210.

The amount of detergent contained in the wash water and dispensed into the storage tank 60 is changed according to the type of detergent stored in the detergent tank 400. For example, the control unit 801 reads from the memory unit 802 the amount of detergent relative to the reference water volume for the type of detergent in the detergent tank 400, and reduces the read amount by a predetermined percentage to determine the amount of detergent dispensed, i.e., the amount used.

When the cleaning water in the storage tank 60 is supplied to the water tank 210, the amount of cleaning water remaining in the storage tank 60 decreases. In this case, cleaning water is again supplied from the water supply device 80 to the storage tank 60. The amount of detergent used at this time is, for example, the same as the amount used during the first water supply. Alternatively, taking into consideration that the amount of cleaning water supplied will be less due to the amount of cleaning water remaining in the storage tank 60, the amount of detergent used the second time may be less than the amount used during the first water supply. The amount of detergent used in the cleaning operation is the sum of the amount used the first time and the amount used the second time.

In addition, if cleaning water used in the previous cleaning operation remains in the water tank 210 when the cleaning operation is started and little cleaning water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210, a second supply of cleaning water to the storage tank 60 will not be performed.

Now, the fully automatic washing machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a function that notifies the user that liquid needs to be refilled when the amount of liquid in the detergent tank 400 or fabric softener tank 500 becomes low. Hereinafter, this function will be referred to as the liquid refill notification function.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control process for the liquid refill notification function. Figures 10(a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the first refill notification process and the second refill notification process, respectively, included in the control process for the liquid refill notification function.

The control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed in parallel by the control unit 801 for each of the detergent in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500. Note that fabric softener is not used during the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. Therefore, the process of determining the end of the cleaning operation in S12 of FIG. 9 is not performed for the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500.

The control process for the liquid refill notification function will be explained below using the control process for the detergent in the detergent tank 400 as an example.

9, the control unit 801 monitors whether the washing operation has ended, whether the cleaning operation has ended, whether the power has been turned on to the fully automatic washing machine 1 by operating the power on button 711, and whether a confirmation operation has been performed to check the remaining amount of liquid (S11, S12, S13, S14). The confirmation operation can be a so-called special operation, for example, an operation of simultaneously pressing the power on button 711 and a specific operation button.

When the washing operation is completed (S11: YES) or when the cleaning operation is completed (S12), the control unit 801 executes the first refill notification process shown in FIG. 10(a).

Referring to FIG. 10(a), the control unit 801 applies electricity between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 for a predetermined time, for example, two seconds (S101). The control unit 801 then detects the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the application of electricity, and determines whether the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than a predetermined liquid level L1 based on the detected pulse width (S102). Whether the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 is determined by whether the detected pulse width is greater than a threshold value set according to the type of detergent set by the user.

If the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 (102: YES), the control unit 801 adds the amount of detergent used in the current washing or cleaning operation X to the accumulated amount of usage XT to obtain a new accumulated amount of usage XT (S103). The control unit 801 then determines whether the accumulated amount of usage XT is greater than a threshold value (S104). Here, the threshold value is set to a value such that an amount of detergent for one washing operation remains in the detergent tank 400 when the amount of detergent used when the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is approximately at the predetermined liquid level L1 is subtracted from the threshold amount.

If the accumulated usage amount XT is equal to or less than the threshold value (S104: NO), the control unit 801 stores the accumulated usage amount XT in the memory unit 802 (S106). At this time, the accumulated usage amount XT is stored in the EEPROM of the memory unit 802 so that it is retained even if the power supply to the fully-automatic washing machine 1 is cut off.

If the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1, the amount of detergent used X is added each time a washing or cleaning operation is completed, and the cumulative amount of detergent used XT increases. As a result, if the cumulative amount of detergent used XT exceeds the threshold value (S104: YES), the control unit 801 determines that the refill condition is met and causes the display unit 720 to issue a notification indicating that detergent needs to be refilled into the detergent tank 400 (S105). For example, in the display unit 720, an LED assigned to the notification indicating that refilling is required lights up or flashes. The notification by the display unit 720 is issued for a predetermined period of time, for example 20 minutes. When the notification by the display unit 720 ends, the power to the fully automatic washing machine 1 is cut off.

The control unit 801 stores the integrated value XT of the usage amount that exceeds the threshold in the memory unit 802 (S106).

In S102, if the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is not lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 (S102: NO), the control unit 801 resets the integrated usage value XT to zero (S107). That is, if the integrated usage value XT was not zero, it is reset to zero, and if the integrated usage value XT was zero, it remains at zero. Note that if the liquid level becomes lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 and then becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 due to refilling of the detergent tank 400 with detergent, the integrated usage value XT is reset to zero.

The control unit 801 stores the integrated usage value XT, which is zero, in the memory unit 802 (S106).

This completes the first replenishment notification process.

On the other hand, if the power is turned on to the fully automatic washing machine 1 (S13: YES), or if a confirmation operation is performed (S14: YES), the control unit 801 executes the second refill notification process shown in FIG. 10(b).

Referring to FIG. 10(b), the control unit 801 applies electricity between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 for a predetermined time (S201). Then, the control unit 801 detects the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal output from the detergent amount detection unit 804 during the application of electricity, and determines whether the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 based on the detected pulse width (S202).

If the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 (S202: YES), the control unit 801 determines whether the accumulated usage amount XT is greater than the threshold value (S203). If the accumulated usage amount XT is greater than the threshold value (S203: YES), the control unit 801 determines that the refill condition is met and causes the display unit 720 to issue a notification to prompt the user to refill the detergent tank 400 with detergent (S204). The notification by the display unit 720 continues, for example, until the power supply to the fully automatic washing machine 1 is cut off. However, if the detergent tank 400 is refilled and the first refill notification process at the end of the washing operation confirms that the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422 are energized, the notification stops.

In the second refill notification process, the accumulated usage amount XT is determined to be greater than the threshold value, and the display unit 720 issues a notification, if, in the first refill notification process after the previous washing or cleaning operation is completed, the accumulated usage amount XT is determined to be greater than the threshold value, and the display unit 720 issues a notification, but the user does not refill the detergent tank 400 with detergent.

If the control unit 801 determines in S202 that the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 is not lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 (S202: NO), it sets the cumulative usage amount XT to zero (S205). Then, the control unit 801 stores the cumulative usage amount XT, which is zero, in the memory unit 802 (S206).

This completes the second replenishment notification process.

The control process for the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500 is the same as the control process for the detergent in the detergent tank 400. That is, based on the timing when the washing operation ends, when the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned on, or when a confirmation operation is performed, a pair of electrode terminals 521, 522 are energized, and whether or not the liquid level in the fabric softener tank 500 is lower than a predetermined liquid level L2 is determined based on the conductive state. Then, when the liquid level is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 and the integrated value XT of the amount of fabric softener used exceeds a threshold value, an alert is issued by the display unit 720. For example, in the display unit 720, an LED assigned to the alert indicating that fabric softener needs to be replenished flashes or lights up.

<Effects of the embodiment>
As described above, according to this embodiment, it is determined whether the liquid levels in the detergent tank 400 and the softener tank 500 are lower than predetermined liquid levels L1, L2 based on the change in resistance value between the pairs of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 arranged in these tanks, and when a refill condition is met including the liquid level being lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2, a notification indicating that the liquid needs to be refilled is given by the display unit 720. This allows the user to refill the detergent and softener when the remaining amounts of the detergent in the detergent tank 400 and the softener in the softener tank 500 become low.

In addition, according to this embodiment, electricity is passed between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 based on the timing when the washing operation is completed, the cleaning operation is completed, the power is turned on to the fully-automatic washing machine 1, or the confirmation operation is performed. This allows electricity to be passed between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 at a timing when the user is likely to be near the fully-automatic washing machine 1 and is likely to notice the notification by the display unit 720, so that electricity can be passed effectively and without waste, and the current passing time can be shortened, thereby suppressing the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the accumulation of the amount of liquid used for each washing operation is started based on the liquid level in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener tank 500 becoming lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2, and when the liquid level becomes lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2 and the accumulated amount of use XT exceeds the threshold value, the refill condition is met and an announcement is made by the display unit 720. As a result, the liquid can be replenished when the remaining amount of liquid becomes less than the amount remaining when the liquid level becomes lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2, so that the interval between refills of the liquid can be lengthened and the user's effort can be reduced. Moreover, since the amount of detergent used for each washing operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as well as the washing operation is accumulated, the amount of detergent used can be obtained with high accuracy.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications to the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, the timing when the power is turned on to the fully automatic washing machine 1 by operating the power on button 711, the timing when a check operation is performed to check the remaining amount of liquid, and the timing when the washing operation is completed are all set as detection timings when electricity is passed between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522. However, it is not necessary for all three of the above timings to be detection timings, as long as at least one of the timings is set as the detection timing. Also, in the above embodiment, the timing when the washing operation is completed is set as the detection timing, but the timing when the washing operation is completed does not have to be set as the detection timing. In addition, if the timing when the washing operation ends is not the detection timing and the first refill notification process based on the end of the washing operation is not performed, when it is determined in S202 of the second refill notification process that the liquid levels in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener tank 500 are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2, the process of adding the amount of detergent used in the previous washing operation X to the cumulative usage value XT and storing the cumulative usage value XT after the addition in the memory unit 802 is executed.

In the above embodiment, when the liquid levels in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener tank 500 become lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2, the amount of detergent used per washing operation and the amount of fabric softener used per washing operation are accumulated, and when the liquid levels are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2 and the accumulated amount of usage XT exceeds a threshold value, the display unit 720 notifies the user that the refill condition is met. However, instead of accumulating the amount of usage, the number of washing operations and the number of cleaning operations are accumulated for the detergent, and the number of washing operations is accumulated for the fabric softener, and when the liquid levels are lower than the predetermined liquid levels L1 and L2 and the accumulated amount of usage exceeds a threshold value, the display unit 720 notifies the user that the refill condition is met. In this case, too, the liquid can be replenished when the remaining amount of liquid becomes less than the amount remaining when the liquid levels in the detergent tank 400 and fabric softener tank 500 fall below the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2, so the interval between liquid replenishments can be lengthened. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of use and the number of operations are not included in the conditions to be met. In this case, when the liquid levels in the detergent tank 400 and fabric softener tank 500 fall below the predetermined liquid levels L1, L2, the refill condition is met and a notification is given by the display unit 720.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is provided with an ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and a supply nozzle 62 and a storage tank 60 are provided for supplying water to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, the fully automatic washing machine 1 may be configured without the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the supply nozzle 62, and the storage tank 60. In this case, the water supply device 80 is not provided with the third three-way valve 650 and the branch water passage 616. And, in the control process for the liquid refill notification function of FIG. 9, the process of determining the end of the cleaning operation in S12 is not performed.

Furthermore, the shape of the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, 521, 522 and their arrangement within the detergent tank 400 and fabric softener tank 500 are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and may be of any shape or arrangement as long as the remaining amount of liquid can be detected.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply device 80 includes the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener tank 500, and is configured to automatically dispense both detergent and fabric softener into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. However, the water supply device 80 may be configured not to include either the detergent tank 400 or the fabric softener tank 500.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a water supply unit 600 is used as an input mechanism for automatically inputting the detergent in the detergent tank 400 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 500 into the washing and spin-drying tub 22, which takes in the detergent and fabric softener into the first water passage 612 and pours them into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 with the water flowing through the first water passage 612. However, an input mechanism having a different configuration from the water supply unit 600 may be used as long as the detergent and fabric softener can be automatically input into the washing and spin-drying tub 22.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the detergent amount detection unit 804 is configured as a circuit that outputs a pulse signal in which the pulse width of the high voltage changes depending on the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421, 422, but the circuit may be configured to output a detection signal different from the pulse signal, such as a voltage signal of a different magnitude. Similarly, the fabric softener amount detection unit 805 may be configured as a circuit that outputs a detection signal different from the pulse signal.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a notification indicating that the liquid needs to be replenished is made by the display unit 720. However, a notification indicating that the liquid needs to be replenished may be made by a sound such as a voice from a speaker (not shown) provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a fully automatic washing machine 1 is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, drum-type washing machines having a horizontal-axis drum as a washing tub. The present invention can also be applied to fully automatic washer-dryers and drum-type washer-dryers that have a drying function.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine)
10. Housing
22 Washing and spin-drying tub (washing tub)
50 Ultrasonic cleaning device
80 Water supply system
110 Ultrasonic generator
210 Water tank
400 Detergent tank (tank)
421, 422 Pair of electrode terminals
500 Fabric softener tank (tank)
521, 522 Pair of electrode terminals
600 Water supply unit (feed mechanism)
720 Display unit (notification unit)
801 Control unit

Claims (4)

A washing tub is disposed in the housing and in which laundry is washed;
A tank that can store enough liquid for multiple wash runs ,
A pouring mechanism for pouring the liquid agent from the tank into the washing tub;
A pair of electrode terminals disposed in the tank;
a control unit that determines whether or not the liquid level in the tank is lower than a predetermined liquid level based on a change in resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals;
A notification unit,
The control unit is
When a predetermined detection timing has arrived, a current is applied between the pair of electrode terminals for a predetermined time.
When the liquid level in the tank becomes lower than the predetermined liquid level, an accumulation of the amount of the liquid used per washing operation or the number of washing operations is started;
When the liquid level in the tank is lower than the predetermined liquid level and the integrated value of the usage amount or the number of operations exceeds a predetermined threshold, the notification unit issues a notification indicating that the liquid agent needs to be replenished.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 1,
The detection timing includes at least one of a timing when the washing machine is turned on, a timing when an operation for checking the remaining amount of the liquid agent is performed, and a timing when a washing operation is completed.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
the liquid in the tank includes a liquid detergent;
The ultrasonic cleaning device further includes a water tank for storing the water containing the detergent dispensed by the dispenser mechanism, and applies ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator to laundry immersed in the water in the water tank to clean the laundry,
The detection timing includes a timing when a washing operation is completed and a timing when a cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device is completed.
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 3 ,
The control unit is
Based on the fact that the liquid level in the tank has become lower than the predetermined liquid level, accumulating the amount of the detergent used for each washing operation and each cleaning operation or the number of times the washing operation and each cleaning operation have been performed is started,
When the liquid level in the tank is lower than the predetermined liquid level and the integrated value of the usage amount or the number of operations exceeds a predetermined threshold, the notification unit issues a notification indicating that the liquid agent needs to be replenished.
A washing machine characterized by:

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