CN116194632A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine capable of saving detergent. The fully automatic washing machine comprises: a washing dewatering barrel which is arranged in the box body and used for washing the washed objects; a detergent box for storing detergent; a water supply unit for throwing the detergent in the detergent box into the washing and dehydrating barrel; an ultrasonic decontamination device for decontaminating the laundry by applying ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator to the laundry immersed in the water storage tank; a drain part for draining water containing detergent from the water storage barrel into the washing and dehydrating barrel; an operation detection unit (803) that outputs a reuse signal indicating that the detergent used in the decontamination operation by the ultrasonic decontamination device has been reused in the washing operation; and a control unit (801) for controlling the detergent loading operation by the loading mechanism unit. Wherein the control unit (801) reduces the amount of detergent put into the washing and dehydrating tub based on the output of the reuse signal.

Description

Washing machine Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

For example, patent document 1 describes a washing machine capable of automatically charging a liquid detergent into a washing and dehydrating tub.

The washing machine of patent document 1 has a detergent box provided in a casing and accommodating a liquid detergent. The detergent box is closed inside by closing a supplementary inlet for supplementary detergent by a detergent box cover, and has an air inflow port and a liquid discharge port. The air inflow port is connected to an air pump. When the air pump works, the air pressure in the sealed detergent box is increased, and the detergent in the detergent box is extruded from the liquid outlet and put into the washing and dehydrating barrel. The user does not need to throw one-time detergent into the washing machine during each washing operation, so that the washing machine is convenient.

Patent document 2 describes a washing machine provided with an ultrasonic decontamination device including a water storage tub for storing water and an ultrasonic generator located above the water storage tub.

In the washing machine of patent document 2, in the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus, a dirt adhering portion of the laundry is provided in a water storage tub storing water, and a decontamination operation is started. Ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic wave generator acts on the dirt adhering portion saturated with water to peel off the dirt.

Therefore, it is considered that a washing machine having a function of automatically inputting a detergent at the time of washing operation and a function of performing a decontamination operation by an ultrasonic decontamination device is realized.

In the washing machine as described above, further, it is considered that water containing a detergent is stored in the water storage tub at the time of the decontamination operation to achieve an improvement in the decontamination effect.

However, in the case of adopting such a configuration, the detergent contained in the water used in the decontamination operation is directly discarded outside the machine after the end of the operation, and in the case of performing the washing operation thereafter, a predetermined amount (for example, an amount corresponding to the load of the laundry) of the detergent is automatically charged regardless of whether the decontamination operation is performed or not. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the amount of detergent automatically put in the washing operation by using the detergent used in the decontamination operation for the subsequent washing operation.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2001-259290

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-68435

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of saving a detergent in a case where the washing machine has a function of automatically inputting a detergent during a washing operation and a function of performing a decontamination operation by an ultrasonic decontamination device.

Solution for solving the problem

The washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention comprises: a washing barrel configured in the box body for washing the washed objects; a detergent box for storing detergent; an input mechanism part for inputting the detergent in the detergent box into the washing barrel; an ultrasonic decontamination device having a water storage tank for storing water containing a detergent, wherein ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator are applied to a laundry immersed in the water storage tank to decontaminate the laundry; a drain part for draining water containing detergent from the water storage tub into the washing tub; an output unit configured to output a reuse signal indicating that the detergent used in the decontamination operation by the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus has been reused in the washing operation; and a control unit for controlling the detergent loading operation by the loading mechanism unit. Wherein the control unit reduces the amount of detergent to be supplied to the washing tub based on the output of the reuse signal.

According to the above configuration, since the water containing the detergent can be discharged from the water storage tub into the washing tub by the discharge portion, the detergent used in the decontamination operation can be reused in the washing operation. When the detergent is reused, the control unit can be notified of the reuse of the detergent by the reuse signal output from the output unit, and the amount of the detergent to be put in from the detergent box can be reduced based on this, so that the detergent can be saved during the washing operation.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the washing machine may further include a first operation unit to be operated when the detergent is reused. In this case, the output section outputs the reuse signal based on the first operation section being operated.

According to the above configuration, the user can notify the control unit that the detergent is reused by operating the first operation unit.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the following structure may be adopted: the control unit subtracts the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation from the amount of the detergent which is input to the washing tub when the reuse signal is output and the reuse signal is not output, or the amount based on the amount of the detergent used.

According to the above structure, the amount of the detergent corresponding to the amount used in the decontamination operation or the amount based on the amount used can be saved in the washing operation.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the washing machine may further include a second operation unit for adjusting the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation.

The expression "adjustment of the amount to be used" includes the case where the amount to be used is zero.

According to the above structure, the user can set the usage amount of the detergent according to the degree of contamination of the laundry to be decontaminated by the decontamination operation.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a washing machine capable of saving detergent in the case of having a function of automatically inputting detergent during a washing operation and a function of performing a decontamination operation by an ultrasonic decontamination device can be provided.

The effects and meaning of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of the implementation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a full automatic washing machine of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus and the upper panel in a state in which the ultrasonic decontamination unit and the water storage unit are housed in the housing unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 (b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic decontamination device and the upper panel in a state in which the ultrasonic decontamination 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 decontamination device in a state in which the water storage unit is detached from the main body unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic decontamination portion and the main body portion of the embodiment.

Fig. 5 (a) is a top cross-sectional view of the front part of the water storage section in a state where the drain opening of the embodiment is closed, and fig. 5 (b) is a top cross-sectional view of the front part of the water storage section in a state where the drain opening of the embodiment is open.

Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the water supply device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 (a) and (b) are top and bottom views, respectively, of the detergent box of the embodiment, and fig. 7 (c) is A-A' cross-sectional view of fig. 7 (a).

Fig. 8 (a) and (B) are top and bottom views, respectively, of the softener case of the embodiment, and fig. 8 (c) is a B-B' cross-sectional view of fig. 8 (a).

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the full-automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the detergent amount determining process according to the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the laundry detergent amount determining process according to the embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1: full automatic washing machine (washing machine); 10: a case; 22: washing dehydration barrel (washing barrel); 50: an ultrasonic decontamination device; 80: a water supply device; 110: an ultrasonic wave generator; 210: a water storage bucket; 240: a discharge section; 400: a detergent box; 600: a water supply unit (input mechanism part); 710: an operation unit; 716: a detergent input button (second operation part); 718: a detergent saving button (first operation section); 801: a control unit; 803: an operation detection unit (output unit).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

Referring to fig. 1, a fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a casing 10 that forms an outer contour. The case 10 includes a square tubular body portion 11 having an upper and lower surface open, an upper panel 12 covering an upper surface of the body portion 11, and a footstand 13 supporting the body portion 11. An inlet 14 for laundry is formed in the upper panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered with a freely openable and closable upper cover 15. A control unit 16 is disposed inside the front portion of the upper panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation of the full-automatic washing machine 1 and the decontamination operation of the ultrasonic decontamination device 50.

The tub 20 having an open upper surface is elastically suspended and supported in the cabinet 10 by four hanging bars 21 having vibration-proof devices. A washing and dehydrating tub 22 having an open upper surface is disposed in the outer tub 20. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A plurality of dehydration holes 22a are formed throughout the entire circumference on the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided at an upper portion of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 24. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 corresponds to a "washing tub" of the present invention.

A driving unit 30 for generating torque for driving the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed at an outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and transmits the torque of the drive motor 31 to only the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes, and transmits the torque of the drive motor 31 to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 to integrally rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the dehydrating process, by the switching operation performed by the clutch mechanism 32 a.

A drain port 20a is formed at an outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the wash water and dehydrating tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside through the drain hose 41.

An overflow 20b is formed at an upper portion of the outer tub 20. When water above a predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer tub 20, water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. An overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow 20b is received by the overflow receiving portion 25 and then flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26.

An ultrasonic decontamination device 50 is disposed substantially in the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 mainly performs a decontamination operation for removing dirt locally attached to the decontaminated object before the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs washing.

A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 at the rear of the upper panel 12, and a drain receiving portion 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50. The water containing the detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub 210 of the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 can be stored in the storage tank 60 as the decontaminated water. The storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 for opening and closing an outflow port of the sewage from the tank.

The drain receiving portion 70 receives water drained from the water storage tub 210. The drain receiving portion 70 has a drain hole 71 for discharging the received water. One end of a drain pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper portion of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drain receiving portion 70 is discharged to the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

A water supply device 80 is disposed at the rear of the upper panel 12 so as to surround the ultrasonic decontamination device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a faucet, and has a function of supplying water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic input device for automatically inputting the liquid detergent and the softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The water supply device 80 further has a function of supplying sewage to the storage tank 60. The detergent and softener are liquid agents for washing, and the rear surface may be referred to as "liquid agents" collectively.

Fig. 2 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state where the ultrasonic decontamination unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are housed in the housing unit 17. Fig. 2 (b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state in which the ultrasonic decontamination unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out from the storage unit 17. In fig. 2 (c), the cover 17b is not shown in general in order to see the inside of the housing 17.

The upper panel 12 is provided with a housing 17 for housing the ultrasonic decontamination device 50 at a central portion of the rear portion. The front of the housing 17 in the upper panel 12 is opened as an entrance 17 a. A cover 17b is provided at the inlet/outlet 17 a.

The ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 includes an ultrasonic decontamination unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body 300. The ultrasonic decontamination unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves. The water storage portion 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 which is located below the ultrasonic wave generator and can store sewage. The sewage is supplied to the water storage tub 210 from the supply nozzle 62 connected to the supply valve 61 of the storage tank 60.

As shown in fig. 2 (a), when the decontamination operation is performed, the ultrasonic decontamination device 50 is pulled forward from the storage portion 17, and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 2 (b) and (c), when the decontamination operation is not performed, the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 is housed in the housing portion 17. The inlet/outlet 17a of the housing 17 is closed by a cover 17b.

As shown in fig. 2 (a), the upper panel 12 has a funnel-shaped detergent injection port 18 formed at the rear left side of the inlet 14, and a funnel-shaped softener injection port 19 formed at the rear right side of the inlet 14. An opening 18a formed in the center of the detergent inlet 18 is connected to an inlet of a detergent box 400 described later. Filter 410 is attached to the inlet through opening 18 a. The opening 19a formed in the center of the softener inlet 19 is connected to an inlet of a softener cartridge 500 described later. The filter 510 is attached to the inlet through the opening 19 a. The liquid detergent is introduced into the detergent box 400 through the detergent injection port 18, and the liquid softener is introduced into the softener box 500 through the softener injection port 19.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic decontamination device 50 in a state in which the water storage section 200 is detached from the main body section 300. Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic decontamination portion 100 and the main body portion 300.

The ultrasonic decontamination unit 100 of the ultrasonic decontamination device 50 is held by the main body 300, and the water storage unit 200 is detachably attached to the main body 300.

The ultrasonic decontamination unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic wave generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The ultrasonic wave 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 has an arm shape with a front-rear raised length and a front end 121 bent downward. An ultrasonic wave generator 110 is disposed at the front inside the housing 120. The tip end portion of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from the opening 122 of the housing 120. The rear portion 123 of the housing 120 is fixed to an upper portion of the body portion 300.

A handle 201 is formed on the front surface of the water storage portion 200. Further, a water tank 210 having a shape conforming to the shape of the water storage section 200 is formed in the water storage section 200. A drain port 211 is formed at a lower portion of the rear surface of the water storage tub 210. The drain port 211 is blocked by the valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is coupled to the valve body 220. The rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes rearward of the water storage portion 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased rearward of the closing of the valve body 220 by a spring, not shown.

When the ultrasonic decontamination device 50 is pulled out from the housing 17, the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220. When the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus 50 is stored in the storage portion 17, the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drain receiving portion 70, and moves forward. Thereby, the valve body 220 moves forward, and the drain port 211 opens. When the drain port 211 is opened, the waste water in the water storage tub 210 is discharged to the drain receiving portion 70.

Fig. 5 (a) is a top cross-sectional view of the front part of the water storage part 200 in a state where the drain port 241 is closed, and fig. 5 (b) is a top cross-sectional view of the front part of the water storage part 200 in a state where the drain port 241 is open.

The water storage portion 200 is provided with a drain portion 240 for draining the sewage from the water storage tub 210 to the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The drain portion 240 includes a drain port 241, a drain valve 242, and an opening and closing mechanism portion 243. A drain port 241 is formed at the front surface of the water tub 210. A drain groove 212 formed at the bottom surface of the water storage tub 210 is connected to the drain opening 241. The drain valve 242 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and closes the drain port 211 from the outside of the water storage unit 200.

The opening/closing mechanism unit 243 includes a slide member 244 and a spring 245, and opens and closes the drain valve 242. The slide member 244 is disposed between the water reservoir 210 and the right side surface of the water reservoir 200. The coupling portion 244a of the sliding member 244 extends between the water reservoir 210 and the front side portion of the water reservoir 200 and is coupled to the drain valve 242, and the lever portion 244b of the sliding member 244 is exposed to the outside from the operation window 202 formed on the right side portion of the water reservoir 200. The slide member 244 is held slidably in the front-rear direction by a holding portion 203 provided at the rear thereof. The spring 245 biases the slide member 244 rearward of the drain valve 242 closing the drain port 241.

As shown in fig. 5 (a), the drain valve 242 closes the drain port 241 by the urging force of the spring 245. As shown in fig. 5 (b), when the lever 244b is operated and the slide member 244 slides forward, the drain valve 242 moves forward, and the drain port 241 is opened. Thus, the waste water in the water storage tub 210 is discharged from the water discharge port 241 and falls into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the water supply device 80. Fig. 7 (a) and (b) are top and bottom views, respectively, of the detergent box 400, and fig. 7 (c) is A-A' cross-sectional view of fig. 7 (a). Fig. 8 (a) and (B) are top and bottom views, respectively, of the softener box 500, and fig. 8 (c) is a B-B' cross-sectional view of fig. 8 (a).

As shown in fig. 6, the water supply device 80 includes a detergent box 400, a softener box 500, and a water supply unit 600.

The detergent box 400 stores therein a liquid detergent. The softener box 500 stores therein a liquid softener. The water supply unit 600 intakes the detergent and the softener from the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500, respectively, and causes the taken-in detergent and softener to flow into the wash water dehydration tub 22 by supplying water to the wash water dehydration tub 22. In this manner, the water supply unit 600 inputs the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the softener in the softener box 500 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The water supply unit 600 corresponds to the "throw-in mechanism" of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 7 (a) and (b), the detergent box 400 is formed of, for example, a resin material and has a box shape long in the front-rear direction. A circular inlet 401 is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the detergent box 400. A filter 410 is attached to the inlet 401. The filter 410 captures foreign matters entering the detergent box 400 from the inlet 401. A circular discharge portion 402 protruding downward is formed on the front side of the bottom surface of the detergent box 400. A cylindrical discharge port 403 extending rearward is formed in the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 402.

As shown in fig. 7 (c), the detergent box 400 includes a detergent electrode unit 420 in order to detect that the remaining amount of the detergent in the box is reduced. 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 of a conductive material such as steel, and include round bar-shaped terminal portions 421a and 422a and head portions 421b and 422b provided at upper end portions of the terminal portions 421a and 422 a. External threads are formed at the upper portions of the respective terminal portions 421a, 422 a. Further, a cross-shaped groove is formed in each of the head portions 421b, 422b so that the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 can be rotated by a screwdriver.

A first fitting boss 404 and a second fitting boss 405 protruding toward the inside of the case are formed on the top surface of the detergent case 400 in a manner of being aligned in the left-right direction. The first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are inserted into the inside of the detergent box 400 from above through the first and second fitting bosses 404 and 405. At this time, the upper portions of the terminal portions 421a, 422a having the external threads are fixed through the first fitting boss 404 and the second fitting boss 405 while rotating. In this manner, the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 are fixed to the top surface portion of the detergent box 400. The terminal portions 421a, 422a of the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 extend downward from the top surface portion of the detergent box 400, and the tip ends thereof are located near the bottom surface portion of the detergent box 400. The interval between the first electrode terminal 421 and the second electrode terminal 422 is relatively small, and is set to be about ten millimeters, for example.

When the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1, that is, the remaining amount of the detergent is more than the predetermined amount and the detergent is sufficiently interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively small, and when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1, that is, the remaining amount of the detergent is less than the predetermined amount and the detergent is hardly interposed or not interposed at all between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is relatively large because the detergent is substantially air interposed between the both.

As shown in fig. 8 (a) and (b), the softener case 500 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a box shape long in the front-rear direction. A circular inlet 501 is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the softener case 500. A filter 510 is attached to the inlet 501. The filter 510 captures foreign matter entering the softener box 500 from the inlet 501. A circular discharge portion 502 protruding downward is formed on the front side of the bottom surface of the softener case 500. A cylindrical discharge port 503 extending rearward is formed in the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 502.

As shown in fig. 8 (c), the softener cartridge 500 is provided with a softener electrode unit 520 for detecting that the remaining amount of the softener in the cartridge is reduced. The compliant 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 first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 have the same structure as the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420, and include terminal portions 521a and 522a having male screws and head portions 521b and 522b having cross-shaped grooves.

As with the detergent box 400, a first fitting boss 504 and a second fitting boss 505 are formed at the top surface portion of the softener box 500. The first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 are inserted into the inside of the softener case 500 from above through these fitting bosses 504, 505, and are fixed to these fitting bosses 504, 505. The terminal portions 521a and 522a of the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 extend downward from the top surface portion of the softener case 500, and the tips thereof are located near the bottom surface portion of the softener case 500. The interval between the first electrode terminal 521 and the second electrode terminal 522 is relatively small, and is set to be about ten millimeters, for example.

When the liquid level in the softener case 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2, that is, the remaining amount of the softener is more than the predetermined amount and the softener is sufficiently interposed between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively small, and when the liquid level in the softener case 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2, that is, the remaining amount of the softener is less than the predetermined amount and the softener is hardly interposed or not interposed at all between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522, the resistance value generated between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is relatively large because the softener is basically air interposed therebetween.

Referring to fig. 6, the water supply unit 600 includes a waterway 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 filling chamber 611. A water filling port 611a is formed at the bottom of the water filling chamber 611 and at the tip. The water filling port 611a faces above the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

A first waterway 612 and a second waterway 613 connected to the water filling chamber 611 are formed in the waterway member 610, and an inflow port 614 for water flowing to the first waterway 612 and an inflow port 615 for water flowing to the second waterway 613 are provided. Further, a branch waterway 616 branched from the first waterway 612 for supplying water to the storage tank 60 is formed in the waterway member 610. The outflow port 616a of the branch waterway 616 is connected to the inflow port of the storage tank 60.

A second three-way valve 640, a first three-way valve 630, a pump 660, and a third three-way valve 650 are disposed in the first waterway 612 in this order from the upstream, midway along the path from the inflow port 614 to the water injection chamber 611. Accordingly, the first waterway 612 is partitioned at the positions of the second three-way valve 640, the first three-way valve 630, the pump 660, and the third three-way valve 650, and has upstream side connection ports 617a, 617b, 617c, 617d and downstream side connection ports 618a, 618b, 618c, 618d at the respective positions.

The water supply valve 620 is a so-called double valve having a first valve 621 and a second valve 622 having a rated flow greater than that of the first valve 621. The water inlet 623 of the water supply valve 620 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose, not shown. The water outlet 624 of the first valve 621 is connected to the 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 first water inlets 631, 641, second water inlets 632, 642, and water outlets 633, 643, and can be switched between a state in which the first water inlets 631, 641 communicate with the water outlets 633, 643 and a state in which the second water inlets 632, 642 communicate with the water outlets 633, 643. The third three-way valve 650 has a water inlet 651, a first water outlet 652, and a second water outlet 653, and is switchable between a state in which the water inlet 651 is in communication with the first water outlet 652 and a state in which the water inlet 651 is in communication 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 waterway 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 pump. The suction port 661 and the discharge port 662 of the pump 660 are connected to the upstream connection port 617c and the downstream connection port 618c, respectively.

The second water inlet 632 of the first three-way valve 630 is connected to the discharge port 403 of the detergent box 400 via a 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 softener box 500 via a softener supply pipe 530 made of rubber.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine 1.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes an operation unit 710 and a display unit 720 in addition to the above-described configuration. Further, the control unit 16 includes: a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, an operation detection unit 803, a detergent amount detection unit 804, a softener amount detection unit 805, a display drive unit 806, a motor drive unit 807, a clutch drive unit 808, 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, in the front of the upper panel 12 and the front of the upper 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 mode selection button 714, a decontamination button 715, a detergent-on button 716, a softener-on button 717, and a detergent-saving button 718. The detergent input button 716 corresponds to the "second operation portion" of the present invention, and the detergent saving button 718 corresponds to the "first operation portion" of the present invention.

The power on button 711 and the power off button 712 are buttons for turning on and off power to the fully automatic washing machine 1, respectively. The start button 713 is a button for starting a washing operation and a soil-release operation. The mode selection button 714 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation. The decontamination button 715 is a button for selecting a decontamination operation. The detergent input button 716 is a button for selecting whether or not to set automatic input of detergent and setting the amount of detergent to be any one of normal, large amount, and small amount when the automatic input is set. The softener input button 717 is a button for selecting whether or not to set automatic input of a softener, and if the automatic input is set, setting the amount of the softener to any one of normal, large amount, and small amount. The detergent saving button 718 is a button operated when the detergent used in the decontamination operation is to be reused in the washing operation in order to save the detergent used in the washing operation. When the decontamination operation is selected by the decontamination button 715, the detergent input button 716 functions as a button for selecting the detergent in a normal, large or small amount when the detergent is set to be used in setting whether the detergent is used in the decontamination operation.

The power supply of the fully automatic washing machine 1 is turned off not only when the power off button 712 is operated, but also when a predetermined time has elapsed since the washing operation or the decontamination operation was not started after the power on, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after the washing operation was completed.

The display unit 720 includes a plurality of LEDs and a seven-segment display, and displays the operation mode selected by the mode selection button 714, the progress degree or the remaining time of the washing operation, and the setting result of the detergent push-in button 716 and the softener push-in button 717, that is, any of "normal", "large amount", "small amount", and "none", which indicate that the detergent and the softener need to be replenished.

The operation detection unit 803 outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operation button operated by the user, among the various operation buttons of the operation unit 710, to the control unit 801. The operation signal output from the operation detection unit 803 when the detergent saving button 718 is operated becomes a reuse signal indicating that the detergent used in the decontamination operation has been reused for the washing operation. The operation detection unit 803 corresponds to an "output unit" of the present invention.

The detergent amount detector 804 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 of the detergent electrode unit 420. The detergent amount detecting section 804 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit, and is configured to output a pulse signal having a pulse width of a high voltage corresponding to a resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 to the control section 801. For example, when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1 and the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is in a relatively low state, the pulse width of the high voltage is relatively widened, and when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 and the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 is in a relatively high state, the pulse width of the high voltage is relatively narrowed.

The softener amount detecting section 805 is connected to a pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 of the softener electrode unit 520. The compliance amount detecting unit 805 includes a rectangular wave generating circuit, and is configured to output a pulse signal having a pulse width of a high voltage corresponding to a resistance value generated in the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 to the control unit 801. For example, when the liquid level in the softener case 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2 and the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is in a relatively low state, the pulse width of the high voltage is relatively wide, and when the liquid level in the softener case 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 and the resistance between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 is in a relatively high state, the pulse width of the high voltage is relatively narrow.

The resistance values of the detergent and the softener vary depending on the types thereof. Therefore, when the type of the detergent stored in the detergent box 400 is changed, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the detergent amount detecting unit 804 may be changed when the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L1. Similarly, when the type of the softener stored in the softener cartridge 500 is changed, the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal from the softener amount detecting unit 805 may be changed when the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is higher than the predetermined liquid level L2.

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

The memory section 802 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and the like. The storage unit 802 stores therein programs for performing a washing operation in various operation modes and a decontamination operation by the ultrasonic decontamination device 50. The storage unit 802 stores various parameters and various control flags for execution of these programs.

The control unit 801 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and controls the display driving unit 806, the motor driving unit 807, the clutch driving unit 808, the six valve driving units 809 to 814, the pump driving unit 815, the vibrator driving unit 816 and the like according to programs stored in the storage unit 802 based on respective signals from the operation detecting unit 803, the detergent amount detecting unit 804, the softener amount detecting unit 805 and the like.

When the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 421 and 422 and determines that the liquid level in the detergent box 400 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L1 based on the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal outputted from the detergent amount detection unit 804, the display unit 720 is caused to notify that the detergent needs to be replenished into the detergent box 400 immediately or after the predetermined amount of detergent is used. Similarly, when the control unit 801 energizes between the pair of electrode terminals 521 and 522 and determines that the liquid level in the softener cartridge 500 is lower than the predetermined liquid level L2 based on the pulse width of the high voltage of the pulse signal output from the softener amount detection unit 805, the display unit 720 is caused to notify that the softener cartridge 500 needs to be replenished with the detergent immediately or after the time when the predetermined amount of softener is used.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a washing operation in various operation modes. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydrating process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydrating process are sequentially performed.

During the washing and rinsing processes, the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise in a state that water is stored in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. By the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water current is generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

The wash and dehydration tub 22 and the pulsator 24 integrally rotate at a high speed during the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

When automatic detergent supply is set based on the operation of the detergent supply button 716, detergent is automatically supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water supply device 80 at the time of water supply during washing. At this time, the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 is connected to the first water outlet 652, and the first water passage 612 is blocked from the storage tank 60 and connected to the water injection chamber 611. The second three-way valve 640 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 641 is connected to the water outlet 643, and the first water channel 612 is connected to 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 communicates with the water outlet 633. Thereby, the detergent can flow into the first water path 612. The pump 660 operates, and air on the upstream side of the pump 660 in the first water path 612 is sucked, and the upstream side becomes negative pressure. Thereby, as shown by the one-dot chain line in fig. 5, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is sucked into the first waterway 612 through the detergent supply pipe 430. An amount of detergent corresponding to the operation time of the pump 660 is stored in the first waterway 612.

Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 communicates with the water outlet 633. This makes it impossible for the detergent to flow into the first water path 612. The first waterway 612 is connected to the position of the first three-way valve 630. As shown by solid arrows in fig. 6, the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and water from the tap is supplied into the first waterway 612. The water flowing through the first waterway 612 washes away the detergent stored in the first waterway 612. The detergent washed away by the water flows into the water injection chamber 611 together with the water, and is poured into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water injection port 611 a.

Further, in the water supply valve 620, the first valve 621 is opened and the second valve 622 is opened, so that water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. As shown by the dotted arrow in fig. 6, water from the faucet is supplied into the second water passage 613, flows into the second water passage 613, reaches the water injection chamber 611, and is discharged from the water injection port 611a into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. At this time, the flow rate of the water flowing through the second waterway 613 is greater than that of the water flowing through the first waterway 612. When the water level in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the first and second valves 621 and 622 are closed, and the water supply is terminated.

When automatic softener input is set based on the operation of the softener input button 717, the softener is automatically input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water supply device 80 at the time of water supply during rinsing. At this time, the first waterway 612 is connected to the water injection chamber 611 as in the cleaning process. The first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 631 communicates with the water outlet 633, and the first water path 612 is connected to 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 communicates with the water outlet 643. Thereby, the softener can flow into the first waterway 612. The pump 660 operates, as shown by the two-dot chain line of fig. 6, the liquid softener in the softener box 500 is sucked into the first waterway 612 via the softener supply pipe 530. A quantity of softener corresponding to the operation time of the pump 660 is stored in the first waterway 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 in communication. Thereby, the softener can flow into the first waterway 612. The first waterway 612 is connected to the second three-way valve 640. As shown by solid arrows in fig. 6, the first valve 621 is opened, and water from the tap is supplied into the first waterway 612. The softener stored in the first water path 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water path 612 and flows into the water injection chamber 611, and is poured into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water injection port 611 a.

Further, as in the washing process, the second valve 622 and the first valve 621 are simultaneously opened to supply water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

The water level, i.e., the amount of water in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the washing and rinsing processes is determined according to the load amount of laundry detected before the water supply. The amount of the liquid agent to be put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, that is, the amount of the liquid agent to be used, is determined based on the amount of water.

For example, the amount of the liquid agent with respect to the reference water amount (for example, 30 liters) is associated with the type of each liquid agent, and is stored in the storage unit 802 in advance. The user selects and sets the type of liquid agent stored in the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500 from the types of liquid agents by a predetermined setting operation. The control unit 801 reads out the amount of the liquid formulation of the set type with respect to the reference water amount from the storage unit 802, calculates the amount of the liquid formulation corresponding to the water amount from the read out amount of the liquid formulation and the water amount determined based on the load amount, and uses the calculated amount of the liquid formulation as the usage amount of the liquid formulation in the washing operation. When the "large amount" or "small amount" is set by the detergent input button 716 and the softener input button 717, the calculated amount of the liquid agent is increased or decreased by a predetermined ratio as the usage amount of the liquid agent. The process for determining the amount of detergent used in the washing operation performed before the water supply in the washing process will be described in detail later.

At the time of water supply in the washing process, a certain amount of detergent is introduced from the detergent box 400 into the first waterway 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660. Likewise, at the time of water supply in the rinsing process, the determined usage amount of the softener is introduced from the softener box 500 into the first waterway 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660.

When automatic detergent supply is not set, detergent is not introduced from the detergent box 400 to the water supply unit 600 and tap water is supplied to the first water path 612 during water supply during washing, and detergent is not automatically supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this case, water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second waterway 613 of the water supply unit 600. The detergent is manually put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by a user. Similarly, in the case where automatic softener input is not set, no softener is introduced from the softener box 500 into the water supply unit 600 and tap water is supplied to the first water path 612 at the time of water supply in the final rinsing process, and no softener is automatically input into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this case, water is supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 only through the second waterway 613 of the water supply unit 600. The softener is manually thrown into the wash dewatering tub 22 by a user.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a decontamination operation by the ultrasonic decontamination device 50.

In the decontamination operation, after the decontaminating water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210, the dirt adhering portion of the laundry is interposed between the water storage tank 210 and the ultrasonic wave generating body 110. The dirt adhering portion is soaked by the sewage stored in the water storage tub 210 and is in contact with the front end surface of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110. When the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is operated, ultrasonic waves are generated from the front end thereof. The dirt is peeled from the object to be decontaminated by the action of ultrasonic waves. In this case, the detergency is improved by adding the detergent power.

In the water supply during the decontamination operation, the decontaminated water is supplied into the storage tank 60 by the water supply device 80 before the water is supplied into the water storage tank 210. At this time, the supply valve 61 is closed. When the detergent is not used in the decontamination operation set by the operation of the detergent input button 716, the detergent in the detergent box 400 is not input, and the water containing no detergent is supplied into the storage tank 60.

First, the third three-way valve 650 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 651 is communicated with the second water outlet 653. Thereby, the first water channel 612 is isolated from the water filling chamber 611 and connected to the storage tank 60 via the branch water channel 616. As in the cleaning process, after the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the detergent can flow into the first waterway 612, the pump 660 is operated, and the liquid detergent in the detergent box 400 is sucked into the first waterway 612 and stored in the first waterway 612.

Next, the first three-way valve 630 is switched to a state in which the detergent introduction path is closed and the first waterway 612 is connected at the position of the first three-way valve 630. Then, the first valve 621 of the water supply valve 620 is opened, and water from the tap is supplied into the first waterway 612. The detergent stored in the first waterway 612 is washed away by the water flowing through the first waterway 612, and the detergent is mixed with the water to become sewage. The sewage flows into the storage tank 60 through the branch waterway 616. When a predetermined amount of sewage is stored in the storage tank 60, the first valve 621 is closed.

The supply valve 61 is opened, and the decontaminated water in the storage tank 60 is supplied into the water storage tank 210 via the supply nozzle 62. Then, in the decontaminating operation, whenever the decontaminating water in the water storage tub 210 is reduced due to the water absorption of the laundry, a corresponding amount of decontaminating water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210.

When the decontaminated water in the storage tank 60 is supplied to the water storage tank 210, the remaining amount of the decontaminated water in the storage tank 60 becomes small. In this case, the sewage is supplied again from the water supply device 80 into the storage tank 60. In the case where the decontaminated water used in the previous decontamination operation remains in the water storage tank 210 at the start of the decontamination operation and substantially no decontaminated water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210, the second supply of decontaminated water is not performed to the storage tank 60.

Before the supply of the decontaminated water into the storage tank 60, a process for determining the amount of the detergent to be put into the storage tank 60, that is, the amount of the detergent to be used is performed. Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as a detergent amount determining process.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the detergent amount determining process.

As described above, the user can select and set whether to use the detergent or not and set the usage amount of the detergent to be any one of normal, large amount, and small amount by operating the detergent input button 716.

Referring to fig. 10, the control unit 801 determines whether or not the use of the detergent is set (S101). If the use of the detergent is not set (S101: no), the control unit 801 sets the current use amount of the detergent to zero (S102).

When the detergent is set to be used (S101: yes), the control unit 801 calculates the basic usage amount of the detergent (S103). The basic usage amount varies according to the kind of detergent stored in the detergent box 400. The control unit 801 reads out the amount of the detergent in the type of the detergent in the detergent box 400 from the storage unit 802, for example, with respect to the reference water amount, and reduces the read amount by a predetermined ratio as the basic usage amount. Next, the control unit 801 determines whether or not a large amount of detergent is set and whether or not a small amount of detergent is set (S104, S105).

When the amount is set to be large (yes in S104), the control unit 801 determines the current amount of detergent to be twice the basic amount of detergent to be used (S106). If the amount is small (yes in S105), the control unit 801 determines the current amount of detergent to be used as one half of the basic amount of detergent to be used (S107). When the amount of the present detergent is not set to be large or small but is set to be normal (S105: NO), the control unit 801 determines the amount of the present detergent to be used as a basic amount (S108).

In the case where the amount is set to be large, the ratio of the basic amount to be used may be not twice but other ratios. Similarly, the ratio of the basic usage amount to be reduced in the case of setting to a small amount may be not half but other ratio. In addition, in the case where the decontaminating water is supplied into the storage tank 60 twice during the decontamination operation, the basic usage amount calculated in S101 can be made the same in the first decontamination detergent amount determination process and the second decontamination detergent amount determination process. Alternatively, the amount of the desmear water to be supplied may be reduced by the amount corresponding to the desmear water remaining in the storage tank 60, or the basic amount of the second detergent dosage determining process may be smaller than the basic amount of the first detergent dosage determining process.

In this way, when the sewage is supplied into the storage tank 60, the detergent of the determined usage amount is introduced from the detergent box 400 to the first water path 612 of the water supply unit 600 by the operation of the pump 660. The amount of detergent used in the decontamination operation is one time when the decontamination water is supplied once, and the amount of detergent used in the decontamination operation is two times when the decontamination water is supplied twice. When the determined amount of use is zero, that is, when the detergent is not used, the detergent in the detergent box 400 is not introduced into the first water path 612, and the water containing no detergent is supplied into the storage tank 60 through the first water path 612.

The usage amount of the detergent in the decontamination operation is stored in the storage unit 802. Each time the decontamination operation is performed, the usage amount of the detergent in the storage unit 802 is updated to the usage amount of the detergent in the decontamination operation.

When the decontamination operation is completed and the detergent used in the decontamination operation is reused in the washing operation, the user moves the lever 244b provided in the water storage unit 200 forward to open the drain valve 242, and the decontaminated water is discharged from the water storage tub 210 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the drain port 241 (see fig. 5 (b)). At this time, the supply valve 61 is opened, and the waste water remaining in the storage tank 60 is discharged into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water storage tub 210. When the waste water in the water storage tank 210 and the waste water in the storage tank 60 are discharged into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the user returns the lever 244b to the original position to close the drain valve 242.

The laundry decontaminated by the decontamination operation contains decontamination water. Accordingly, the decontaminating water in the water storage tank 210 and in the storage tank 60 is supplied into the wash and dehydration tank 22, and the laundry containing the decontaminated water is put into the wash and dehydration tank 22, with the result that the detergent in an amount almost equal to that used in the decontaminating operation is put into the wash and dehydration tank 22.

Next, a process for determining the amount of detergent used in the washing operation will be described. Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as a laundry detergent amount determining process. The laundry detergent amount determining process is performed before the water supply of the washing course is performed.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a detergent amount determining process.

Referring to fig. 11, the control unit 801 calculates a first basic usage amount of detergent (S201). For example, as described above, the amount of the detergent with respect to the reference water amount is stored in the storage unit 802 in advance in correspondence with the types of the respective detergents. The control unit 801 reads out the amount of the detergent corresponding to the reference water amount set by the user from the storage unit 802, calculates the amount of the detergent corresponding to the amount of the water based on the read-out amount of the detergent and the water amount determined based on the load amount of the laundry, and sets the calculated amount of the detergent as the first basic use amount.

Next, the control unit 801 determines whether or not a large amount of detergent is set and whether or not a small amount of detergent is set (S202, S203). As described above, the user can select and set the usage amount of the detergent to be normal, large amount, or small amount by operating the detergent input button 716.

When the number is set to be large (S202: yes), the control unit 801 sets the first basic usage amount to be 1.2 times the second basic usage amount (S204). If the amount is small (yes in S203), the control unit 801 sets the amount that is 0.8 times the first basic use amount to the second basic use amount (S205). When the first basic usage amount is not set to a large amount or a small amount but set to a normal amount (S203: no), the control unit 801 sets the first basic usage amount to a second basic usage amount (S206). When the amount is set to be large, the ratio of the second basic usage amount may be not 1.2 times but other ratios. Similarly, the ratio of the second basic use amount to be reduced in the case of setting to a small amount may be other than 0.8 times.

Next, the control unit 801 determines whether or not the detergent saving is set (S207). After the decontamination operation, if the decontamination water remaining in the water storage tub 210 and the storage tank 60 is moved to the wash water removal tub 22 in a case where the detergent used in the decontamination operation is reused for the washing operation, the user operates the detergent saving button 718. Thereby, the operation detection unit 803 outputs a reuse signal to the control unit 801. The control unit 801 sets a detergent saving function based on the output of the reuse signal.

If the saving of the detergent is set (yes in S207), the control unit 801 reads the amount of detergent used in the decontamination operation stored in the storage unit 802, and determines the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of detergent used in the decontamination operation from the second basic amount of use as the amount of detergent used in the current washing operation (S208). On the other hand, if the saving of the detergent is not set (S207: NO), the control unit 801 determines the second basic usage amount as the usage amount of the detergent in the current washing operation (S209). The amount of the detergent used when the detergent saving is set is an amount obtained by subtracting the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation from the amount of the detergent used when the detergent saving is not set.

By supplying the dirty water from the water storage tub 210, a detergent having a quantity almost equal to that used in the decontamination operation is put into the wash water removal tub 22 before the water supply in the cleaning process. Therefore, at the time of water supply in the washing process, if the detergent of the usage amount determined in S208 is put into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the amount of the detergent in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 becomes almost equal to the usage amount of the detergent determined in S209.

Effect of the embodiments >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the drain portion 240 can drain the desmutted water from the water storage tub 210 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the detergent used in the decontamination operation can be reused in the washing operation. When the detergent is reused, the control unit 801 can be notified of the reuse of the detergent by the reuse signal output from the operation detection unit 803, and the amount of the detergent to be fed from the detergent box 400 can be reduced based on this, so that the detergent can be saved during the washing operation.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the detergent saving button 718 is provided which is operated when the detergent is reused, and the reuse signal is output from the operation detection unit 803 based on the operation of the detergent saving button 718, the user can notify the control unit 801 that the detergent is reused by operating the detergent saving button 718.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the saving of the detergent is set when the reuse signal is output and the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation is subtracted from the amount of the detergent used in the case where the saving is not set, the amount of the detergent corresponding to the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation can be saved in the washing operation.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation can be adjusted by the detergent input button 716, the user can set the amount of the detergent used according to the degree of contamination of the laundry to be decontaminated by the decontamination operation.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications other than the above embodiments may be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, the decontaminated water in both the water storage tank 210 and the storage tank 60 is discharged to the washing and dehydrating tank 22 through the discharge portion 240. However, the structure may be adopted in which the waste water in the water storage tub 210 is discharged into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, and the waste water in the storage tank 60 is not discharged into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In this case, in S208 of the laundry detergent amount determining process shown in fig. 11, the amount of the detergent contained in the wastewater corresponding to the capacity of the water storage tub 210 is subtracted from the second basic usage amount, and the amount of the detergent used in the current laundry operation may be determined.

In the above embodiment, the drain portion 240 includes the drain port 241 formed in the water storage tub 210, the drain valve 242 closing the drain port 241, and the opening/closing mechanism portion 243 closing the drain valve 242. However, any structure of the drain portion may be used as long as the drain portion can drain the waste water from the water storage tub 210 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. For example, a discharge portion having the following structure may be used: a supply hose facing the upper side of the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is connected to the drain receiving unit 70, and the direction of the decontaminated water received by the drain receiving unit 70 to the drain hose 41 or the supply hose is switched by a switching valve.

Further, in the above embodiment, the detergent saving button 718 is provided, which is operated when the detergent is reused, and the reuse signal is output from the operation detecting unit 803 based on the operation of the detergent saving button 718. However, the structure for outputting the reuse signal is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, as the output unit for outputting the reuse signal, a detection unit for detecting that the decontaminated water is discharged from the water storage tub 210 to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the discharge unit 250 and outputting the reuse signal may be used. For example, the forward movement of the lever 244b of the drain portion 240 and the drain valve 242 is detected by a detection element such as a photoelectric sensor or a micro switch, and it is detected that the decontaminated water is discharged from the water storage tank 210 to the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

Further, in the above embodiment, the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation from the second basic amount of the detergent used in the case where the saving is not set is determined as the amount of the detergent used in the washing operation based on the case where the saving is set by outputting the reuse signal. However, the amount of the predetermined ratio may be subtracted from the amount based on the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation (for example, the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the detergent input button 716 for setting automatic input of the detergent in the washing operation is also used as the operation button for adjusting the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation, but a dedicated operation button may be provided to adjust the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the input mechanism portion for automatically inputting the detergent in the detergent box 400 and the softener in the softener box 500 into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, the water supply unit 600 that intakes the detergent and the softener into the first water passage 612 and causes the detergent and the softener to flow into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the water flowing in the first water passage 612 is used. However, as long as the detergent and softener can be automatically introduced into the washing and dehydrating tub 22, an introduction mechanism having a different structure from the water supply unit 600 may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the water supply device 80 includes the detergent box 400 and the softener box 500, and is configured to automatically feed both the detergent and the softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. However, the water supply device 80 may also be configured not to include the softener case 500.

Further, in the above embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum type washing machine having a horizontal axis type drum as a washing tub. In addition, the invention can also be applied to a full-automatic washing and drying integrated machine with a drying function and a drum-type washing and drying integrated machine.

Further, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical proposal.

Claims (4)

1. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

   a washing barrel configured in the box body for washing the washed objects;

   a detergent box for storing detergent;

   an input mechanism part for inputting the detergent in the detergent box into the washing barrel;

   an ultrasonic decontamination device having a water storage tank for storing water containing a detergent, wherein ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator are applied to a laundry immersed in the water storage tank to decontaminate the laundry;

   a drain part for draining water containing detergent from the water storage tub into the washing tub;

   an output unit configured to output a reuse signal indicating that the detergent used in the decontamination operation by the ultrasonic decontamination apparatus has been reused in the washing operation; and

   a control part for controlling the detergent input operation by the input mechanism part,

   the control unit reduces the amount of detergent to be put into the washing tub based on the output of the reuse signal.
2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

   Further comprises a first operation part operated when the detergent is reused,

   the output section outputs the reuse signal based on the first operation section being operated.
3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

   the control unit subtracts the amount of the detergent used in the decontamination operation from the amount of the detergent which is input to the washing tub when the reuse signal is output and the reuse signal is not output, or the amount based on the amount of the detergent used.
4. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that,

   the washing machine further comprises a second operation part for adjusting the usage amount of the detergent in the decontamination operation.

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