CN111705474A

CN111705474A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN111705474A
Application number: CN202010119548.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 西村孝
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-18
Filing date: 2020-02-26
Publication date: 2020-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-26
Also published as: CN111705474B; JP2020151037A

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine with an automatic feeding device of washing treatment agent, which increases the types of the washing treatment agent capable of being automatically fed and improves the use easiness for users. The washing machine is provided with: a water containing barrel arranged in the main body and used for storing washing water; and an automatic loading device for automatically supplying a washing treatment agent to the water tank, the automatic loading device including: a plurality of types of tanks for storing the washing treatment agent, and capable of accommodating different types of washing treatment agents; a detection section provided in each of the tanks so as to be different for each type of the tank; a tank mounting section to which the tank is detachably mounted; and a detection device that detects the detected portion of the tank mounted to the tank mounting portion.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine.

Background

In a drum-type washing machine that automatically performs a washing operation, for example, a drawer-type detergent container is generally provided at the front of the upper portion of a main body, and a user manually stores a necessary amount of detergent or softening agent in the detergent container before starting washing, and supplies the detergent or softening agent into a water tub together with water during the washing operation. In recent years, in response to the desire of users to improve convenience, in addition to a storage box for a manual detergent or the like, it is conceivable to provide an automatic loading device as follows: a washing treatment agent such as a detergent or a softening agent is stored in a tank in advance in an amount of several times, and a necessary amount is automatically charged into the water tub from the tank during a washing operation (see, for example, patent document 1).

Prior art documents:

patent documents:

patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2017-74080

Disclosure of Invention

The conventional automatic supply device includes two tanks, i.e., a tank for detergent and a tank for softening agent, and automatically supplies one kind of detergent and one kind of softening agent during a cleaning operation. In contrast, in recent years, user preferences have been diversified, and there is a demand for separate use of two detergents, for example, a general detergent and a detergent for washing fashion clothes. However, conventionally, when a general detergent is contained in a tank, and when it is desired to use another detergent for washing fashionable clothes, the detergent can be manually put in only by a user using a container box such as a detergent, and further improvement in convenience is demanded.

Therefore, the washing machine with the automatic feeding device of the washing treatment agent is provided, which can increase the types of the washing treatment agent capable of being automatically fed and improve the use easiness of users.

The washing machine of the embodiment comprises: a water containing barrel arranged in the main body and used for storing washing water; and an automatic loading device for automatically supplying a washing treatment agent to the water tank, the automatic loading device including: a plurality of types of tanks for storing the washing treatment agent, and capable of accommodating different types of washing treatment agents; a detection section provided in each of the tanks so as to be different for each type of the tank; a tank mounting section to which the tank is detachably mounted; and a detection device that detects the detected portion of the tank mounted to the tank mounting portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment, and is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a drum type washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing two types of detergent tanks.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the cleaning operation executed by the control device.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment, and is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the washing operation executed by the control device.

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment, and is a sectional view showing a multi-chamber tank.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a multi-chamber tank according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment, and is a sectional view showing a multi-chamber tank.

Description of the reference numerals

In the drawings, 1 denotes a main body, 5 denotes an operation panel (operation device), 6 denotes a display unit (notification device), 8 denotes a water supply mechanism, 11 denotes an automatic loading device, 12 denotes a tank mounting unit, 13 denotes a soft processing agent tank, 14 denotes a detergent tank, 15 denotes an inlet and outlet, 16 denotes a lid, 17 and 24 denote permanent magnets for detection (detection target portions), 18 and 25 denote magnetic reed switches (detection devices), 21, 31 and 41 denote multi-chamber tanks, and 22, 23, 32, 33, 42 and 43 denote storage chambers.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, several embodiments applied to a drum-type (horizontal axis type) washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals as those in the previous embodiments are given to common parts, and new drawings and redundant description are omitted.

(1) First embodiment

A first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 shows an external appearance of a drum type washing machine as a washing machine of the present embodiment. Here, a main body (outer box) 1 of the drum type washing machine is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, a circular entrance 2 is provided at a front surface portion of the main body 1, the entrance 2 is located at a substantially central portion, and clothes are put in and out, and a door 3 is openably and closably attached to open and close the entrance 2.

A power switch 4 and an operation panel 5 are provided on the front right portion of the upper surface portion of the main body 1. Although not shown, the operation panel 5 is provided with various operation keys such as a start key and a program for setting a washing operation by a user. At this time, when the user executes the washing operation, the user can select whether or not to automatically feed the detergent and the softener, which are the washing treatment agents, by the automatic feeding device 11 described later, or to manually feed the detergent and the softener by one time using a manual storage case (not shown) on the operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 is provided with a display unit 6. Although not shown, a cleaning program of the cleaning operation to be executed and the like are displayed on the display unit 6.

Although not shown, a tub having a substantially cylindrical shape with a front surface opened and communicating with the inlet/outlet 2 and storing wash water is elastically supported in the main body 1 via an elastic support mechanism. A drum as a receiving tub receiving laundry is provided in the tub. The drum is formed in a cylindrical shape having a slightly smaller diameter than the water tub, and a drive mechanism such as a drum motor is connected to a central portion of a rear surface side of the drum to be rotationally driven. In addition, a water supply mechanism 8 for supplying water into the water tank is arranged in the main body 1, and the water supply mechanism 8 is positioned at the inner side of the left upper part of the water tank. A drain port is provided at the bottom of the water tub, and a drain pipe is connected to the drain port via a drain valve.

Although not shown in detail, the water supply mechanism 8 includes a water supply valve unit having a plurality of water supply valves, and a water supply path connected to the water supply valves. A connection port 9 connected to a tap water pipe or the like as a water supply source is provided at an upper portion of the water supply valve unit so as to be exposed to the upper surface of the main body 1. A supply unit for supplying the washing treatment agent by the automatic input device 11 is provided in the middle of the main water supply path among the water supply paths. In the present embodiment, the automatic loading device 11 is configured to be able to automatically supply the detergent and the softening agent as the cleaning treatment agent to the supply unit.

Thus, when the automatic water supply valve of the water supply valve unit is opened, the tap water supplied from the connection port 9 flows into the main water supply path and passes through the supply portion of the automatic loading device 11. The supply unit is supplied with a required amount of detergent or softening agent in advance before the operation of the water supply valve by the operation of the automatic loading device 11. When the detergent or the softening agent is present in the supply part, the water passing through the main water supply path flows into the water tub while dissolving the detergent or the softening agent.

When the manual detergent supply valve of the supply valve unit is opened, water from the supply source flows through the detergent storage part of the manual storage box through the second water supply path. When a detergent is stored in the detergent storage unit in advance, the detergent is supplied into the tub while being dissolved. Further, when the manual softener supply valve of the supply valve unit is opened, water from the supply source flows through the softener storage portion of the manual storage box through the third water supply path. When the softener storage unit stores a softening agent in advance, the softening agent is supplied into the water tub while being dissolved.

Here, the automatic loading device 11 is also described with reference to fig. 2. As shown in fig. 1, the automatic loading device 11 is provided in the upper left side of the main body 1, i.e., in front of the water supply valve unit above the tub, and includes a tank mounting portion 12, a plurality of tanks, a pump, and the like. The tank mounting part 12 is formed in a box shape with an open upper surface, and a softening agent tank 13 for storing a softening agent and a detergent tank 14 for storing a detergent are detachably provided in the tank mounting part 12 in a left-right arrangement, in this case, so as to be removable upward.

Both the softener tank 13 and the detergent tank 14 are formed of, for example, plastic in a rectangular box shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and the detergent tank 14 is formed to have a larger width, in other words, a larger volume, than the softener tank 13.

Covers

13a and 14a are provided on the upper wall portions of the softener tank 13 and the detergent tank 14. Thus, the user can open the

lids

13a and 14a of the softener tank 13 and the detergent tank 14 to replenish the softener and the detergent.

As shown in fig. 1, an access 15 corresponding to the upper surface of the tank attachment portion 12 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1, and a cover 16 for opening and closing the access 15 is provided. The user can open the lid 16 and take out the soft processing agent tank 13 and the detergent tank 14 from above. Further, the softening agent tank 13 and the detergent tank 14 are provided with not-shown joining nozzles, respectively, and these joining nozzles are connected to the suction port side of the pump.

Although not shown, the pump has two sets of a suction port and a discharge port, and the motor is configured as a drive source. The pump is configured to switch between a suction port for sucking liquid and a discharge port for discharging liquid by switching a rotation direction (energization direction) of a motor. One suction port of the pump is connected to the detergent tank 14 side, and the detergent is sucked from the detergent tank 14 by one-directional rotation of the motor and discharged from one discharge port. The other suction port of the pump is connected to the softener tank 13 side, and the softener is sucked from the softener tank 13 by the rotation of the motor in the other direction and discharged from the other discharge port.

The two discharge ports of the pump are disposed in the supply portion. The discharge amount of the detergent and the softener, that is, the supply amount to the supply unit is controlled by the drive time of the motor of the pump. Thus, the automatic loading device 11 can supply a required amount of the detergent contained in the detergent tank 14 or the softening agent contained in the softener tank 13 to the supply unit by driving the pump.

In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 14 of the tank of the automatic loading device 11 includes a plurality of types, for example, two types, which store different detergents. As shown in fig. 2, when the two types of detergent tanks 14 are distinguished, they are referred to as a detergent tank 14(a) and a detergent tank 14 (B). In this case, for example, a general detergent is stored in the detergent tank 14(a), and a detergent for washing fashionable clothes is stored in the detergent tank 14 (B). Thus, the two types of detergent tanks 14(a), 14(B) are detachably (replaceably) mounted and selectively mounted to the right side portion of the tank mounting portion 12.

In this case, as shown in fig. 2, the detergent tanks 14(a) and 14(B) are provided with detection target portions so as to be different for each type of tank. In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 14(a) is provided with a permanent magnet 17(a) for detection at a portion near the upper portion of the right side wall portion as a detection target portion. In contrast, in the detergent tank 14(B), the permanent magnet 17(B) for detection is provided in a lower portion of the right sidewall portion, which is a position having a different height from the permanent magnet 17(a) for detection.

A detection device for detecting a detected portion of the detergent tank 14 attached to the tank attachment portion 12 is provided on the right wall portion of the tank attachment portion 12. In this case, as the detection device, a reed switch 18(a) operated by the permanent magnet 17(a) to be detected and a reed switch 18(B) operated by the permanent magnet 17(B) to be detected are provided vertically.

Thus, when the detergent tank 14(a) is attached, the reed switch 18(a) is actuated by the permanent magnet 17(a) for detection (the reed switch 18(B) is not actuated). When the detergent tank 14(B) is attached, the reed switch 18(B) is actuated by the permanent magnet 17(B) for detection (the reed switch 18(a) is not actuated). The signals of the reed switches 18(a) and 18(B) are input to a control device described below.

Although not shown, a control device for controlling the entire washing machine is provided in the main body 1, for example, as a main body by a microcomputer. The control device controls the water supply valves of the water supply mechanism 8, the pump of the automatic charging device 11, the drum motor, the drain valve, and the like, based on input signals from the sensors and a control program stored in advance, in accordance with an operation program set by a user on the operation panel 5. Thereby, the washing operation composed of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process is automatically performed. The details of each process of these washing operations are well known, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here.

In the present embodiment, when executing the cleaning operation, the user can select whether to automatically feed the detergent and the softening agent by the automatic feeding device 11 or to manually feed the detergent and the softening agent by one time using the storage case for hand on the operation panel 5. When the user selects the manual input, a necessary amount of detergent is stored in the manual detergent storage portion of the manual storage box in advance at the start of the washing operation. In addition, when the softening agent is used, a required amount of the softening agent is put into the hand softener storage part together with the detergent.

When the automatic input of the detergent and the softening agent is selected, the control device supplies a required amount of the detergent to the supply part by the automatic input device 11 before the water supply in the washing process is started, and then opens the automatic water supply valve to supply water. Before the final rinsing step, the required amount of the softening agent is supplied to the supply portion by the automatic charging device 11, and then the automatic water supply valve is opened to supply water. On the other hand, when the manual input of the detergent and the softening agent is selected, the automatic input device 11 is not operated, and the water supply valve for the manual detergent supplies water in the washing process. In addition, during the final water supply in the rinsing process, the water supply valve for the manual softener is opened to supply water.

In this case, as described in the following description (flowchart), the control device detects which detergent tank 14 is mounted on the tank mounting portion 12 based on the signals of the reed switches 18(a) and 18(B) when the washing operation is performed, for example, when the power switch 4 is turned on. Then, the display unit 6 displays the detected type of the detergent tank 14 and the cleaning program suitable for the type of the detergent. Specifically, for example, when the detergent tank 14(a) containing a general detergent is detected, the "standard program" is displayed on the display unit 6, and when the detergent tank 14(B) containing a detergent for washing fashionable clothes is detected, the "fashionable clothes program" is displayed on the display unit 6.

Next, the operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described with reference to fig. 3. In preparation for using the automatic loading device 11, the user stores the softening agent in the softening agent tank 13 and mounts the softening agent on the left side of the tank mounting portion 12. Similarly, the detergent is contained in the detergent tank 14 and is mounted on the right side of the tank mounting portion 12. In this case, a general detergent is stored in the detergent tank 14(a), and a detergent for washing fashionable clothes is stored in the detergent tank 14 (B). Then, a detergent tank 14 of a certain detergent type to be used for the washing operation is attached to the tank attachment portion 12.

In addition, the control device needs to know in advance which type of detergent is stored in which detergent tank 14. In this case, the relationship between the tank and the type of detergent may be fixed in advance, as in the case where the detergent tank 14(a) is a general detergent and the detergent tank 14(B) is a detergent for washing fashionable clothes. Alternatively, the user may determine that a general detergent is put into the detergent tank 14(a), and a detergent for washing the laundry is still put into the detergent tank 14(B), and then input and set the relationship to the control device.

In the washing machine, when a washing operation is performed while automatically feeding a detergent and a softening agent, a user operates the power switch 4 to turn on the power supply, and stores laundry in the drum. Then, it is confirmed that a desired cleaning program is displayed on the display unit 6, and the start key of the operation panel 5 is operated. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence executed by the control apparatus when the power is turned on.

That is, when the power switch 4 is turned on, first, in step S1, which detergent tank 14 is mounted in the tank mounting portion 12 is detected based on the signals of the reed switches 18(a) and 18 (B). In this case, as described above, when the reed switch 18(a) is operated by the detection permanent magnet 17(a), it can be determined that the detergent tank 14(a) is attached, and when the reed switch 18(B) is operated by the detection permanent magnet 17(B), it can be determined that the detergent tank 14(B) is attached.

If it is determined that the detergent tank 14(a) is mounted, in the next step S2, a "standard program" that is a cleaning program suitable for the detergent is displayed on the display unit 6. Here, in the standard procedure, as is well known, a washing process (step S4), a first dehydrating process (step S5), a spray rinsing process (step S6), a second dehydrating process (step S7), a water storage rinsing process (step S8), and a final dehydrating process (step S9) are sequentially performed.

At this time, when the washing process (step S4) is started, the cloth amount detection operation is first performed, and the water level, the amount of detergent, and the amount of softening agent are determined in accordance with the detected cloth amount. In the washing process, water is supplied into the water tub by the water supply mechanism 8 to a predetermined water level, and at this time, the pump of the automatic loading device 11 is driven and controlled to supply a required amount of detergent, in this case, a general detergent, from the detergent tank 14(a) to the supply part. Thereby, a washing process is performed by automatically putting a required amount of detergent into the tub. In the rinsing step (step S8), a required amount of the softening agent is automatically supplied from the softening agent tank 13 together with the supplied water.

In contrast, when it is determined in step S1 that the detergent tank 14(B) is mounted, in the next step S10, a "fashion program" which is a washing program suitable for the detergent is displayed on the display unit 6. In this case, the user also operates the start key in step S11 to start the washing operation as it is, and the washing operation of the "fashion clothes program" is executed.

In this fashion laundry program, the washing process (step S12), the first dehydrating process (step S13), the spray rinsing process (step S14), the second dehydrating process (step S15), the water storage rinsing process (step S16), and the final dehydrating process (step S17) are also sequentially performed. At this time, in the washing process (step S12), the detergent for washing the fashion laundry is automatically thrown into the tub from the detergent tank 14 (B).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, two types of detergent tanks 14(a) and 14(B) capable of storing different types of detergents are detachably mounted on the tank mounting portion 12 of the automatic loading device 11, and the detergent stored in the detergent tank 14 can be automatically supplied to the tub by the automatic loading device 11. Therefore, if the detergent desired by the user is stored in the detergent tanks 14 of a plurality of types in advance, and the detergent tank 14 is mounted on the tank mounting portion 12 in a replaceable manner, the detergent preferred by the user can be selected and supplied to the tub by the automatic loading device 11.

In this case, the permanent magnet 17 to be detected as the detection target portion is provided in each of the detergent tanks 14(a) and 14(B) so as to be different for each type of the detergent tank 14, and the type of the detergent tank 14 and the type of the detergent supplied to the tub can be detected based on the detection of the permanent magnet 17 to be detected by the reed switch 18 as the detection means. As a result, according to the present embodiment, when the automatic detergent supply device 11 is provided, the excellent effect of increasing the types of detergents that can be automatically supplied and improving the ease of use for the user can be obtained. The automatic loading device 11 and the entire tank are not necessarily large.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the washing program can be selected as appropriate for the type of detergent tank 14 detected by the reed switch 18 as the detection device. This enables execution of a cleaning program suitable for the type of the detergent tank 14 and the type of the detergent to be mounted. In other words, a washing process that is not suitable for the kind of detergent that may be automatically supplied into the tub cannot be selected and executed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the situation where an erroneous washing program contrary to the user's desire is executed or the washing operation is performed using an erroneous detergent.

(2) Second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 4. In the embodiments described below, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and new drawings and detailed description are omitted, and the description will be centered on differences from the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of software of the control device. The hardware configuration of the washing machine such as the automatic loading device 11 is common to the first embodiment.

That is, in the present embodiment, the operation panel 5 is provided with a program selection key as an operation device for the user to select the washing program. The control device executes the cleaning operation of the selected cleaning program, and is provided with a notification device which notifies that the type of the detergent tank 14 detected by the reed switch 18 as a detection device is not suitable for the cleaning program selected by the operation panel 5. The notification device is configured to display on the display unit 6 a message indicating that the detergent is not suitable for the washing program, and to generate a buzzer sound or the like.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the control apparatus when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, if it is first determined in step S1 that detergent tank 14(B) is mounted, a "fashion program" suitable for a washing program of detergent is displayed on display unit 6 in subsequent step S21. Here, when the user desires to execute the "standard program" instead of the "fashion clothing program", the user operates the operation panel 5 to select and operate the "standard program" in step S22.

Then, since the type of the detergent tank 14 (detergent type) and the program of the washing operation are not appropriate, in the next step S23, "detergent error" is displayed on the display unit 6 and is reported to the user together with the buzzer sound. After that, in step S24, the control device monitors whether or not the detergent tank 14 of the tank mounting portion 12 is mounted in place of the detergent tank 14(B) as the detergent tank 14(a) based on the detection of the reed switch 18. If the user determines that the detergent tank 14 is properly set by replacing the detergent tank 14 (yes in step S24), the washing operation can be started. After the user operates the start key to start the washing operation in step S25, the washing operation of the "standard program" is executed in steps S26 to S31 in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the automatic detergent feeding device 11 is provided, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the kinds of detergents which can be automatically fed can be increased to improve the ease of use for the user. In the present embodiment, when the detected type of the detergent tank 14 does not match the washing program selected by the operation panel 5, the notification is made. Therefore, the user can know that the type of the detergent tank 14 is not suitable for the washing program, and can replace the detergent tank 14 or reselect the washing program in order to use a desired detergent and execute the desired washing program.

(3) Third to fifth embodiments and other embodiments

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment, and shows a configuration of a multi-chamber tank 21 in the case where the multi-chamber tank 21 is included as one of detergent tanks for storing a detergent, for example. The multi-chamber tank 21 has a rectangular box shape slightly elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole, and is divided into two chambers in the left and right direction by a partition wall 21a at the intermediate portion in the left-right direction. Of the two partitioned chambers, the chamber on the right side in the drawing is referred to as a first housing chamber 22, and the chamber on the left side in the drawing is referred to as a second housing chamber 23. The first and

second storage chambers

22 and 23 store different types of detergents.

In the upper wall portion of the multi-chamber tank 21, covers 22a and 23a for replenishing the detergent are provided in the

chambers

22 and 23. Further, joining

nozzles

22b and 23b for connecting to the suction port side of the pump are provided in the side wall portion of the multi-chamber tank 21. Although not shown in detail, the tank attachment portion is configured to allow the multi-chamber tank 21 to be attached in any of the front and rear directions, and for example, the detergent is automatically drawn from the storage chamber located on the right side and supplied.

That is, in the case where the multi-chamber tank 21 is mounted to the tank mounting portion in the first state in which the first housing chamber 22 is disposed on the right side and the second housing chamber 23 is disposed on the left side, as shown in the figure, the automatic loading device is capable of automatically supplying the detergent in the first housing chamber 22 by connecting the first housing chamber 22 to the pump. In contrast, the multi-chamber tank 21 is removed from the tank mounting portion, and is rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis from the state of the drawing, that is, is inverted in the front-rear direction, so that the second housing chamber 23 is disposed on the right side and the first housing chamber 22 is disposed on the left side, which is the second state, in this case, the multi-chamber tank can be mounted in a replaceable manner. In this second state, the second housing chamber 23 is connected to a pump, and the detergent in the second housing chamber 23 can be automatically supplied.

In the present embodiment, a detection device for detecting whether the multi-chamber tank 21 is mounted on the tank mounting portion in the first state or the second state is provided. In this case, as the detection target portion, the permanent magnet 24(a) for detection is provided in a portion near the upper portion of the side outer wall portion of the first housing chamber 22. A permanent magnet 24(B) for detection is provided in a portion near the lower portion of the side outer wall portion of the second housing chamber 23.

On the other hand, a detection device for detecting a detected portion of the multi-chamber tank 21 attached to the tank attachment portion is provided on the right wall portion of the tank attachment portion. In this case, as the detection means, a reed switch 25(a) operated by the permanent magnet 24(a) to be detected and a reed switch 25(B) operated by the permanent magnet 24(B) to be detected are provided at upper and lower positions. Signals of these reed switches 25(a) and 25(B) are input to the control device.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the detergent contained in the multi-chamber tank 21 can be automatically supplied to the tub by the automatic loading device. When two kinds of detergents desired by the user are stored in the first storage chamber 22 and the second storage chamber 23, respectively, the detergent preferred by the user can be selected by replacing the multi-chamber tank 21 with respect to the tank mounting portion, that is, by changing the mounting direction, and supplied to the water tub by the automatic loading device. Further, since two kinds of detergents can be stored in one multi-chamber tank 21, the number of tanks to be prepared can be reduced for a plurality of kinds of washing treatment agents desired by the user.

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment, and shows a configuration of a multi-chamber tank 31 different from that of the third embodiment. That is, the multi-chamber tank 31 still includes the first housing chamber 32 and the second housing chamber 33 on the left and right sides, but here, the first housing chamber 32 is configured to be wider than the second housing chamber 33, that is, to have a larger volume. The

lid

32a, 33a is provided on the upper wall portion of the multi-chamber tank 31, and the joining

nozzle

32b, 33b is provided on the front wall portion. In this case, the detergent with a high frequency of use can be stored in the first storage chamber 32, and the detergent with a relatively low frequency of use can be stored in the second storage chamber 33. This can reduce the frequency of detergent replenishment, and can improve convenience.

Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment, and further shows a structure of a different multi-chamber tank 41. In this case, the multi-chamber tank 41 is divided into two chambers, i.e., a right side and a lower side space and a left upper side space when viewed from the front by a partition wall 41a, and the two chambers are respectively defined as a first housing chamber 42 and a second housing chamber 43. The

lid

42a, 43a is provided on the upper wall portion of the multi-chamber tank 41, and the joining

nozzle

42b, 43b is provided on the side wall portion. In this configuration, the first housing chamber 42 can be configured to have a larger volume than the second housing chamber 43.

In the above embodiments, the detergent tank for storing the detergent is configured to be capable of automatically charging a plurality of types of detergents, but a configuration in which a plurality of tanks are provided to be capable of automatically charging a plurality of types of softening agents as the softening agent for the washing treatment agent may be similarly employed. A plurality of types of detergent and softening agent may be automatically supplied. Various modifications are possible to the configuration of the detection unit provided on the detection target portion of the tank and the detection device provided on the main body side. For example, a reflective plate (light reflection unit) may be provided at a predetermined position of the tank, and the type of the tank may be detected using a reflective photosensor. The plurality of types of tanks can be identified by the combination of the positions and the number of the detection portions.

The configuration of the automatic loading device is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be changed as follows. That is, a piston pump may be used as a pump for transferring the detergent, and the detergent may be supplied by opening and closing an electromagnetic valve. The present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which a detergent tank and a softening agent tank are provided. In addition, although the above embodiment is applied to a drum-type washing machine, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine. Various modifications can be made to the structure of the water supply path.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a water containing barrel arranged in the main body and used for storing washing water; and

an automatic input device for automatically supplying a washing treatment agent to the water tub,

the automatic loading device is provided with:

a plurality of types of tanks for storing the washing treatment agent, and capable of accommodating different types of washing treatment agents;

a detection section provided in each of the tanks so as to be different for each type of the tank;

a tank mounting section to which the tank is detachably mounted; and

and a detection device for detecting the detected part of the tank mounted on the tank mounting part.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

a plurality of cleaning procedures can be performed,

the cleaning program can be selected according to the type of the tank detected by the detection device.

3. A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

a plurality of cleaning procedures can be performed,

the washing machine is provided with:

an operation device for a user to select a washing program; and

and a reporting device for reporting that the type of the tank detected by the detection device is not suitable for the cleaning program selected by the operation device.

4. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the tank includes a multi-chamber tank having a plurality of housing chambers, each of the housing chambers being capable of housing a different cleaning agent,

in the multi-chamber tank, a detection target portion is provided for each of the housing chambers, and the detection device detects the detection target portion of each of the housing chambers.