Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which suppresses a mistake of a combination of a liquid agent tank and a float.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: a washing tub; and a liquid agent tank housing a liquid agent which is supplied to the washing tub. The liquid agent tank includes a float having a pivot shaft and an arm extending from the pivot shaft. The float pivots from a first position toward a second position according to the lowering of a liquid level in the liquid agent tank around the pivot shaft. The washing machine further includes a display part which performs predetermined display when the float is positioned in the second position. As the liquid agent tank, the washing machine includes a first liquid agent tank, and a second liquid agent tank having a different shape from the first liquid agent tank. As the float, the washing machine includes a first float mounted to the first liquid agent tank, and a second float mounted to the second liquid agent tank. At least one of the first liquid agent tank and the second float further includes an interference member which stops the second float at a third position between the first position and the second position when the second float is mounted to the first liquid agent tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub, a plurality of liquid agent tanks, and a pump unit that supplies liquid agents in each liquid agent tank into the washing tub.

[0003] Each of the liquid tanks described in Patent Document 1 has a main body that stores the liquid and a float that is housed in the main body and displaces according to the liquid level. The float has a magnet. The magnet can be detected by a linear Hall element located outside the liquid tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7316918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the liquid agent tank and the float are mistakenly combined and the float is attached to the liquid agent tank.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to prevent incorrect combinations of liquid tanks and floats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub and a liquid agent tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub. The liquid agent tank has a float having a pivot axis and an arm extending from the pivot axis. The float rotates around the pivot axis from a first position to a second position in response to a decrease in the liquid level in the liquid agent tank. The washing machine further includes a display unit that displays a predetermined message when the float is positioned at the second position. The liquid agent tanks include a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank having a shape different from that of the first liquid agent tank. The floats include a first float attached to the first liquid agent tank and a second float attached to the second liquid agent tank. At least one of the first liquid agent tank and the second float further includes an interference member that stops the second float at a third position between the first position and the second position when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent incorrect combinations of a liquid agent tank and a float. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the liquid supply unit [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the liquid supply unit [Figure 5] Exploded view of the case, fluid reservoir, and base assembly [Figure 6] A perspective view of the case, fluid tank, and base member. [Figure 7] Cross-section of the case, first reservoir, and base plate [Figure 8] Cross-section of the case, second reservoir, and base plate [Figure 9] Cross-section of the case, third reservoir, and base assembly [Figure 10] Rear view showing the relative positions of the sensor and float [Figure 11] Rear view of the case, fluid reservoir, and base assembly [Figure 12] An enlarged view of the substrate member in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the float and tank body when they are combined incorrectly [Figure 14] Schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body and the first float [Figure 15] Schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body and the second float [Figure 16] Schematic cross-sectional view of the third tank body and the third float [Figure 17] Schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body and the second float [Figure 18] Schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body and the third float [Figure 19] Schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body and the third float [Figure 20] Schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body and the first float [Figure 21] Schematic cross-sectional view of the third tank body and the second float [Figure 22] A perspective view of the first tank body [Figure 23] Perspective view of the third float [Figure 24] Schematic cross-sectional view of a second tank body and a second float in a modified example. [Figure 25] 10 is a top view of the second tank body and the second float in a modified example. [Figure 26] Schematic cross-sectional view of a first tank body and a second float in a modified example. [Figure 27] 10 is a top view of the first tank body and the second float in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine, but is not limited thereto. The washing machine 1 may also be a top-loading washing machine or a washer-dryer.

[0012] In the following drawings, the mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as the Z direction. The horizontal direction and the vertical direction are the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively, when the washing machine 1 is used in a freestanding state. The X direction may also be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the Y direction may also be referred to as the width direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5, a liquid supply unit 6, a connecting flow path 8, a water supply device 10, a drain valve 11, a control unit 12, and a display unit 13.

[0014] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a lid 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0015] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a roughly cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tub. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 and is inclined relative to the horizontal (X direction). The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2. The edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32.

[0016] <Washing tub> The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatable about a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and used to store laundry such as clothes. The washing tub 4 may also be referred to as an inner tub, a storage tub, or a drum. The washing tub 4 has a large number of through-holes 40 formed therein. The through-holes 40 connect the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the movement of wash water between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 31 in the outer tub 3. A user of the washing machine 1 can open the lid 21 and place laundry into the washing tub 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0017] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the washing tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0018] <Liquid supply unit> The liquid supply unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a single dose of liquid from a liquid tank that stores multiple doses of liquid to the washing tub 4. The single dose of liquid is an appropriate amount and type of liquid determined by the control unit 12 according to, for example, the contents of the operation course and the amount of laundry.

[0019] The liquid drug supply unit 6 is disposed above the outer tank 3 within the housing 2. In the first embodiment, the bottom of the liquid drug supply unit 6 has a shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the outer tank 3.

[0020] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for connecting the liquid drug supply unit 6 and the outer tank 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the liquid drug supply unit 6 to an opening 33 provided in the upper part of the outer tank 3.

[0021] <Water supply device> The water supply device 10 is connected to a water source such as a tap, and supplies water to the outer tank 3 via the liquid agent supply unit 6 and the connecting flow path 8. The water supply device 10 has, for example, a water supply valve connected to the tap.

[0022] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed, and when closed, it stores water in the outer tub 3, and when open, it drains the water stored in the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 2, and is connected to an opening 35 provided at the bottom of the outer tub 3.

[0023] <Control unit> Control unit 12 is a controller that controls washing machine 1. Control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs to achieve predetermined functions. Control unit 12 calls and executes programs stored in memory (not shown) to achieve various controls in washing machine 1. Control unit 12 is not limited to a controller that achieves predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to achieve predetermined functions.

[0024] Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the drive unit 5, the liquid agent supply unit 6, the water supply device 10, the drain valve 11, and the display unit 13.

[0025] <Display> Display unit 13 is a display unit for displaying information related to the operation of washing machine 1 to the user, and displays information related to the remaining amount of liquid in liquid supply unit 6. When the remaining amount of liquid in liquid supply unit 6 falls below a predetermined amount, display unit 13 displays a predetermined display. Specifically, display unit 13 displays a display (hereinafter, low remaining amount display) to inform the user that the remaining amount of liquid is low, and displays the words "low remaining amount", for example. In the first embodiment, display unit 13 is an LCD display, but is not limited to this.

[0026] Next, the structure of the liquid agent supply unit 6 will be described in more detail.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the liquid medicine supply unit 6. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medicine supply unit 6.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid supply unit 6 has a plurality of liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, a case 62, a plurality of liquid discharge devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and a liquid discharge flow path 64.

[0029] The liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are containers for storing liquid agents to be supplied to the washing tub 4. In the first embodiment, the first liquid agent tank 61A stores a detergent, the second liquid agent tank 61B stores a fabric softener, and the third liquid agent tank 61C stores a neutral detergent. Note that the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C may store other types of liquid agents.

[0030] The plurality of liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, 61C are housed in a case 62. The liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, 61C are housed in the case 62 and lined up in order in the −Y direction.

[0031] A plurality of liquid agent discharge devices 63A, 63B, 63C and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are provided on a rear surface 67 (side surface on the +X side) of the case 62.

[0032] 4, the first liquid agent discharging device 63A is connected to the lower part of the first liquid agent tank 61A in the X direction via the rear surface 67 of the case 62. The first liquid agent discharging device 63A sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the first liquid agent tank 61A and discharges it toward the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent discharged into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 into the case 62 and is supplied to the outer tank 3 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 2).

[0033] Although FIG. 4 shows only the first liquid agent tank 61A and the first liquid agent discharge device 63A, the same explanation can be applied to the other liquid agent tanks 61B and 61C and the liquid agent discharge devices 63B and 63C.

[0034] 5 is an exploded view of the case 62, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, and the base member 50. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the case 62, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, and the base member 50.

[0035] 5, in the first embodiment, the upper portions of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C have a common shape, but the depths are different from each other. Therefore, the three-dimensional shapes of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C are different from each other.

[0036] Specifically, the depths of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C decrease in this order. When the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are housed in the case 62 so that their upper portions are aligned at approximately the same height (see FIG. 6), the bottoms of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C increase in this order and are arranged in a stepped pattern. Here, "aligned at approximately the same height" may mean that the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C can be arranged facing the underside of a common lid (for example, a lid provided on the housing 2).

[0037] The liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C have a common width (dimension in the Y direction) and differ only in depth, so that the volumes of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C decrease in this order.

[0038] Respective back surfaces 65A, 65B, 65C (side surfaces on the +X side) of the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, 61C face the inner surface of the back surface 67 of the case 62. Specifically, the back surfaces 65A, 65B, 65C are aligned on approximately the same plane. Here, "aligned on approximately the same plane" may mean that the back surfaces 65A, 65B, 65C can be adjacent to a common surface, specifically, the inner surface of the back surface 67 of the case 62.

[0039] 5 and 6, a base plate member 50 is further attached to the outer surface of a back surface 67 of the case 62 at a position facing the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C. The base plate member 50 faces back surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, respectively, via the back surface 67 of the case 62.

[0040] The substrate member 50 has a substrate 55 and a substrate case 56. The substrate 55 is a single substrate on which a plurality of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C (see FIGS. 7 to 9) are mounted to detect the remaining amounts of the liquid stored in the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C. The substrate case 56 is a case that houses the substrate 55.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the first liquid tank 61A, and the substrate member 50. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the second liquid tank 61B, and the substrate member 50. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the third liquid tank 61C, and the substrate member 50.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the first liquid agent tank 61A has a first tank body 81A, a first tank lid 82A, and a first float 83A. The first tank body 81A is a container that defines an internal space for storing the liquid agent. The top of the first tank body 81A is open. The first tank lid 82A is a member that covers and closes the top of the first tank body 81A. The first tank lid 82A is detachable from the first tank body 81A. The first float 83A is attached to the first tank lid 82A and is a member that can rotate in response to fluctuations in the liquid level in the first tank body 81A.

[0043] The first float 83A has a rotation shaft 91, an arm 92, and a floating portion 93.

[0044] The pivot shaft 91 is attached to the first tank lid 82A. The arm 92 extends linearly from the pivot shaft 91. A float 93 is connected to the tip of the arm 92. The float 93 has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent and rises and falls in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level. As the float 93 rises and falls, the arm 92 rotates around the pivot shaft 91.

[0045] Since the rotation shaft 91 is attached to the first tank lid 82A, the first float 83A can be removed from the first tank body 81A by removing the first tank lid 82A from the first tank body 81A.

[0046] When the first liquid agent tank 61A is filled with liquid agent, the float portion 93 abuts against the first tank lid 82A. Specifically, the float portion 93 contacts a protrusion that protrudes downward from the first tank lid 82A. The position of the first float 83A when the float portion 93 abuts against the first tank lid 82A is defined as a first position P11 (position indicated by a dotted line). At the first position P11, the arm 92 extends at an angle relative to the Z direction.

[0047] When the liquid level in the first liquid tank 61A drops, the floating part 93 separates from the first tank lid 82A and descends toward the lower part of the back surface 65A of the first liquid tank 61A, and the first float 83A rotates downward.

[0048] When the liquid level in the first liquid tank 61A falls below a predetermined level H1, the float portion 93 approaches the lower part of the back surface 65A of the first liquid tank 61A. The position of the first float 83A when the float portion 93 approaches the back surface 65A is defined as a second position P12 (position indicated by a solid line). At the second position P12, the arm 92 extends along the Z direction. At the second position P12, the float portion 93 may abut against the back surface 65A.

[0049] Furthermore, when the liquid level rises, the float portion 93 rises, and the first float 83A rotates toward the first position P11.

[0050] The floating portion 93 forms a sealed space and houses a magnet 94 in the sealed space. The magnet 94 can be detected by a sensor 57A mounted on the substrate 55.

[0051] In the first embodiment, sensor 57A includes a Hall IC. When the magnitude of the magnetic flux density passing through the Hall IC exceeds a threshold, sensor 57A outputs a voltage value. In other words, when magnet 94 approaches within a predetermined distance, sensor 57A outputs a voltage value to detect magnet 94.

[0052] The sensor 57A is disposed at a position facing the lower part of the rear surface 65A of the first liquid tank 61A. When the remaining amount of liquid falls below a predetermined liquid level H1 and the first float 83A is positioned at the second position P12, the magnet 94 faces the sensor 57A in the X direction and is positioned within a predetermined distance from the sensor 57A. Therefore, the magnet 94 is detected by the sensor 57A. When the magnet 94 is detected, the display unit 13 (FIG. 2) displays a low remaining amount indication.

[0053] On the other hand, the magnet 94 at the first position P11 is at a distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance from the sensor 57A and cannot be detected by the sensor 57A.

[0054] Of the rotational trajectory of the first float 83A, the portion that cannot be detected by the sensor 57A, including the first position P11, is defined as an undetectable region R11, and the portion that can be detected by the sensor 57A, including the second position P12, is defined as a detectable region R12.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8, the second liquid tank 61B has a second tank body 81B, a second tank lid 82B, and a second float 83B. As shown in Fig. 9, the third liquid tank 61C has a third tank body 81C, a third tank lid 82C, and a third float 83C.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the tank bodies 81B and 81C have similar structures, but differ from the first tank body 81A and each other in terms of depth. The tank bodies 81B and 81C share the structure of the upper part with the first tank body 81A.

[0057] The tank lids 82B and 82C have the same shape as the first tank lid 82A. Specifically, the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C can be attached to any of the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C, respectively. Therefore, there is a risk that the user will mistakenly combine the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C with the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C.

[0058] The floats 83B and 83C of the liquid reservoirs 61B and 61C differ from the first float 83A of the first liquid reservoir 61A and each other in terms of the length of the arm 92, but have similar structures.

[0059] The lengths of the arms 92 of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C differ depending on the depths of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C that are accommodated therein. Specifically, the lengths of the arms 92 decrease in the order of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C.

[0060] While the arms 92 of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C are different lengths, the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C to which the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C are attached can be attached to any of the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C. Therefore, there is a possibility that the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may be combined incorrectly with the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C.

[0061] A float portion 93 is provided at the tip of each arm 92. Due to the difference in the lengths of the arms 92, the position of the float portion 93 in the second position P12 in the second liquid tank 61B is higher than that in the first liquid tank 61A. Furthermore, when the liquid tanks 61A and 61B are arranged side by side (FIG. 5), the predetermined liquid level H2 corresponding to the second position P12 is higher than the predetermined liquid level H1. In the third liquid tank 61C, the position of the float portion 93 in the second position P12 is higher than the liquid tanks 61A and 61B. Furthermore, when the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are arranged side by side (FIG. 5), the predetermined liquid level H3 corresponding to the second position P12 is higher than the predetermined liquid levels H1 and H2.

[0062] Magnets 94 housed in floating portions 93 of floats 83B and 83C can be detected by sensors 57B and 57C mounted on substrate 55. Sensors 57B and 57C have the same configuration as sensor 57A.

[0063] 8, the sensor 57B is disposed at a position facing the lower part of the rear surface 65B of the second liquid agent tank 61B. When the second float 83B is located at the second position P12, the magnet 94 faces the sensor 57B in the X direction and is located within a predetermined distance from the sensor 57B, and is detected by the sensor 57B. The magnet 94 at the first position P11 cannot be detected by the sensor 57B.

[0064] 9, the sensor 57C is disposed at a position facing the lower part of the rear surface 65C of the third liquid agent tank 61C. When the third float 83C is located at the second position P12, the magnet 94 faces the sensor 57C in the X direction and is positioned within a predetermined distance from the sensor 57C, and is detected by the sensor 57C. The magnet 94 at the first position P11 cannot be detected by the sensor 57C.

[0065] The positions of the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C increase in order according to the positions of the respective floating portions 93 at the second position P12. In other words, the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are arranged in a staircase pattern.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a rear view showing the positional relationship between sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C and floats 83A, 83B, and 83C at second position P12. Fig. 11 is a rear view of case 62, liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, and base member 50. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of base member 50 in Fig. 11. When rear face 67 of case 62 is viewed from the X direction, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are covered by base member 55. However, for convenience, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are illustrated with hatching in Figs. 10, 11, and 12. Furthermore, Fig. 10 illustrates the interiors of liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C so that they can be seen.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are aligned in the Y direction. The positions of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C increase in order of height, but they do not have to be aligned on a straight line. That is, the centers of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C do not have to be aligned on a straight line. In the first embodiment, the centers of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are aligned on a polygonal line. The difference in height between sensors 57A and 57B is different from the difference in height between sensors 57B and 57C. Note that sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C may be aligned on a straight line.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, the board member 50 including the board 55 on which the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are mounted is attached to the rear surface 67 of the case 62 in an inclined state.

[0069] 12, the substrate 55 has a rectangular shape, and is disposed so that the long side L1 of the substrate 55 is inclined relative to the horizontal. Specifically, the long side L1 is disposed so as to be inclined downward along the +Y direction.

[0070] 10, the inclined substrate 55 faces a part of the floating portion 93 of each of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C at the second position P12. In the first embodiment, the substrate 55 is disposed so as to overlap with half or more of the area of ​​each of the floating portions 93 when viewed from the X direction.

[0071] Next, the relationship between the floats 83A, 83B, 83C and the tank bodies 81A, 81B, 81C will be described in more detail.

[0072] As described above, there is a possibility that the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may be mistakenly combined with the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the floats and tank bodies when they are mistakenly combined in a conventional configuration.

[0073] 13, if the float and tank body are incorrectly combined and a float 83 having a shorter arm than a correct float is attached to tank body 81, there is a possibility that floating part 93 will be detected by sensor 57 before the liquid level H reaches the predetermined liquid level H0 corresponding to tank body 81. In other words, there is a possibility that display unit 13 will display that the remaining amount of liquid agent is low before the remaining amount of liquid agent actually becomes low.

[0074] Here, the "correct float" refers to a float that, when attached to an empty tank body 81, is located at the second position P12, and in that state the floating portion 93 and the sensor 57 face each other.

[0075] First, in the first embodiment, a state in which the float is correctly attached to the tank body will be described.

[0076] Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body 81A and the first float 83A. Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body 81B and the second float 83B. Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third tank body 81C and the third float 83C.

[0077] 14 to 16, when the correct floats are attached to the tank body, the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C can be positioned at the second position P12, and the floating portion 93 can abut against the rear surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C of the liquid agent tank. In other words, when the correct floats are attached to the tank body, the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C can be positioned at the second position P12, and therefore the floating portion 93 can be positioned within the range of the detectable region R12.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 14, the first tank body 81A has a tank protrusion 86A that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the back surface 65A. On the other hand, the arm 92 of the first float 83A does not have a protrusion that protrudes toward the back surface 65A of the first liquid agent tank 61A, and does not have a protrusion that abuts against the tank protrusion 86A. At the second position P12, the first float 83A is spaced from the tank protrusion 86A. The tank protrusion 86A does not interfere with the rotation trajectory of the first float 83A.

[0079] 15, the second tank body 81B has a tank protrusion 86B protruding inward from the inner surface of the back surface 65B. The arm 92 of the second float 83B has an arm protrusion 95B protruding toward the back surface 65B of the second liquid agent tank 61B.

[0080] When the second float 83B is located at the second position P12, the arm protrusion 95B of the second float 83B is misaligned with respect to the tank protrusion 86B. In the first embodiment, the arm protrusion 95B of the second float 83B is misaligned in the vertical direction (Z direction) with respect to the tank protrusion 86B and is located above the tank protrusion 86B. In other words, the arm protrusion 95B of the second float 83B does not abut against the tank protrusion 86B. At the second position P12, the second float 83B is spaced from the tank protrusion 86B. The tank protrusion 86B does not interfere with the rotation trajectory of the second float 83B.

[0081] 16, the arm 92 of the third float 83C has an arm protrusion 95C that protrudes toward the back surface 65C of the third liquid tank 61C. On the other hand, the third liquid tank 61C does not have a protrusion that protrudes inward on the back surface 65C, and does not have a protrusion that abuts against the arm protrusion 95C. When the third float 83C is located at the second position P12, the arm protrusion 95C of the third float 83C may be close to the inner surface of the back surface 65C of the third liquid tank 61C and may abut against the inner surface of the back surface 65C.

[0082] The protrusion amounts of the tank protrusions 86A, 86B, the arm protrusions 95B, 95C, and the float 93 are designed so that when the correct float relative to the tank body is located at the second position P12, the float 93 abuts against the rear surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C. Therefore, the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C can detect the magnet 94 provided within the float 93. Specifically, the protrusion amounts are designed so that the float 93 abuts against the rear surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C before the tank protrusions 86A, 86B abut against the arm 92 and before the arm protrusions 95B, 95C abut against the rear surfaces 65B, 65C of the liquid tanks 61B, 61C. When the arm 92 extends linearly, the protrusion amounts of the tank protrusions 86A, 86B and the arm protrusions 95B, 95C in the X direction may be smaller than the protrusion amount of the float 93 relative to the pivot shaft 91.

[0083] In order to prevent the floating portion 93 from sticking, the floating portion 93 may not contact the rear surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C, and a gap may be provided between the floating portion 93 and the rear surfaces 65A, 65B, and 65C.

[0084] Next, a state in which a float having an arm 92 shorter than that of a normal float is attached to the tank body will be described.

[0085] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body 81A and the second float 83B. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first tank body 81A and the third float 83C. Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body 81B and the third float 83C.

[0086] 17, when the second float 83B is attached to the first tank body 81A, the arm protrusion 95B abuts against the tank protrusion 86A as the second float 83B moves from the first position P11 to the second position P12. The abutment of the arm protrusion 95B with the tank protrusion 86A causes the second float 83B to stop at the third position P13 between the first position P11 and the second position P12. Movement of the second float 83B from the third position P13 to the second position P12 is restricted.

[0087] The third position P13 is located within the non-detectable region R11 for the sensor 57A. Therefore, the sensor 57A facing the first liquid tank 61A cannot detect the magnet 94 provided in the floating portion 93 of the second float 83B at the third position P13. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level H1 in the first liquid tank 61A, a low remaining amount display is not performed.

[0088] The tank protrusion 86A is disposed so that a distance W1 in the Z direction (i.e., a difference in height) between the tank protrusion 86A and the rotation shaft 91 of the second float 83B is smaller than a distance W2 between the tank protrusion 86A and the bottom surface of the first liquid agent tank 61A. In addition, the arm protrusion 95B is disposed along the direction in which the arm 92 of the second float 83B extends so that a distance W3 (FIG. 15) between the arm protrusion 95B and the rotation shaft 91 is smaller than a distance W4 (FIG. 15) between the arm protrusion 95B and the floating portion 93.

[0089] The tank protrusion 86B may have a similar arrangement to the tank protrusion 86A, and the arm protrusion 95C may have a similar arrangement to the arm protrusion 95B.

[0090] 18, when the third float 83C is attached to the first tank body 81A, the third float 83C rotates from the first position P11 toward the fourth position P14. The arm protrusion 95C is offset in the Z direction with respect to the tank protrusion 86A. Therefore, the arm protrusion 95C does not come into contact with the tank protrusion 86A while the third float 83C is moving from the first position P11 to the fourth position P14.

[0091] The fourth position P14 is close to the rear surface 65A, but is spaced apart from the sensor 57A in the Z direction, and is therefore located within the non-detectable region R11 for the sensor 57A. Therefore, the sensor 57A, which faces the first liquid tank 61A, cannot detect the magnet 94 provided within the floating portion 93 of the third float 83C at the fourth position P14. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level H1 in the first liquid tank 61A, a low remaining amount display is not performed. The fourth position P14 may be located away from the rear surface 65A.

[0092] The tank protrusion 86A is located closer to the rotation axis 91 of the third float 83C than the bottom surface of the first liquid agent tank 61 A. The arm protrusion 95C is located closer to the rotation axis 91 of the third float 83C than the float portion 93.

[0093] 19, when the third float 83C is attached to the second tank body 81B, the arm protrusion 95C abuts against the tank protrusion 86B as the third float 83C moves from the first position P11 to the second position P12. Due to the abutment between the arm protrusion 95C and the tank protrusion 86B, the third float 83C stops at the fifth position P15 between the first position P11 and the second position P12. Movement of the third float 83C from the fifth position P15 to the second position P12 is restricted.

[0094] The fifth position P15 is located within the non-detectable region R11 for the sensor 57B. Therefore, the sensor 57B facing the second liquid tank 61B cannot detect the magnet 94 provided in the floating portion 93 of the third float 83C at the fifth position P15. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level H2 in the second liquid tank 61B, a low remaining amount display is not performed.

[0095] The tank protrusions 86A, 86B and the arm protrusions 95B, 95C may be collectively referred to as "interference members" because they interfere with the rotation of the floats 83A, 83B, 83C.

[0096] Next, a state in which a float having an arm 92 longer than that of a normal float is attached to the tank body will be described.

[0097] Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second tank body 81B and the first float 83A, and Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third tank body 81C and the second float 83B.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 20 , when the first float 83A is attached to the second tank body 81B, the float portion 93 comes into contact with the filter 66 provided at the bottom of the second tank body 81B as the first float 83A moves from the first position P11 to the second position P12. Although not shown in FIGS. 13 to 19 , the filter 66 is provided in each of the liquid agent tanks 61A to 61C upstream of the tubular portion 68 that receives the liquid agent discharge devices 63A to 63C, and serves to prevent foreign matter from entering the tubular portion 68. By coming into contact with the filter 66 of the second tank body 81B, the first float 83A stops at a sixth position P16 between the first position P11 and the second position P12. In the first embodiment, the float portion 93 comes into contact with the filter 66, but may also come into contact with the tubular portion 68 or another portion on the bottom surface of the second tank body 81B.

[0099] The sixth position P16 is located within the non-detectable region R11. Therefore, the sensor 57B facing the second tank 61B cannot detect the magnet 94 provided in the floating portion 93 of the first float 83A at the sixth position P16. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level H2 in the second tank 61B, the low remaining amount display is not performed.

[0100] When the first float 83A is attached to the third tank body 81C, the floating portion 93 also comes into contact with the bottom of the third tank body 81C when the first float 83A moves from the first position P11 to the second position P12.

[0101] 21, when the second float 83B is attached to the third tank body 81C, the floating part 93 comes into contact with the filter 66 provided on the bottom of the third tank body 81C as the second float 83B moves from the first position P11 to the second position P12. By coming into contact with the filter 66 of the third tank body 81C, the second float 83B stops at the seventh position P17 between the first position P11 and the second position P12.

[0102] The seventh position P17 is located within the non-detectable region R11. Therefore, the sensor 57C facing the third tank 61C cannot detect the magnet 94 provided in the floating portion 93 of the second float 83B at the seventh position P17. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level H3 of the third tank 61C, the low remaining amount display is not performed.

[0103] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, if a float having an arm 92 longer than that of a correct float is installed, the floats 83B and 83C will come into contact with the bottom surface of the liquid agent tanks 61A and 61B and stop midway through their rotation, even if no tank protrusions or arm protrusions are provided.

[0104] As shown in Figures 17 to 21, if the tank body and float are combined incorrectly, the low level indicator will not be displayed even if the remaining amount of liquid is low. If the user notices that the low level indicator is not displayed, the user can realize that the float and tank body are combined incorrectly. By correcting the combination, the user can prevent the float from being attached to the wrong tank body.

[0105] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the first tank body 81A showing the tank protrusion 86A. As shown in Fig. 22, the tank protrusion 86A protrudes inward and has two protrusions 88 extending in the Z direction and one protrusion 89 extending in the Y direction.

[0106] The two protrusions 88 are provided with a gap between them. Therefore, while providing the tank protrusion 86A, a space capable of accommodating the liquid is provided between the two protrusions 88, thereby ensuring the volume of the first liquid tank 61A. Furthermore, by providing a gap between the two protrusions 88, the width of the tank protrusion 86A increases, allowing the arm protrusions 95B and 95C to contact more reliably.

[0107] The dimension of the two protrusions 88 in the Z direction is greater than the distance between the two protrusions 88 .

[0108] One protrusion 89 connects two protrusions 88 to each other in the Y direction, improving the strength of the two protrusions 88 and suppressing deformation.

[0109] The tank protrusion 86B of the second tank body 81B may have a structure similar to that of the tank protrusion 86A.

[0110] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the third float 83C. As shown in Fig. 23, the arm protrusion 95C has protrusions 96 protruding in the X direction from both side surfaces of the arm 92, and a protrusion 97 connecting the two protrusions 96 and extending in the Y direction.

[0111] The protrusion 97 extends in a direction intersecting the protrusion 88 of the tank protrusion 86A, which makes it easier for the arm protrusion 95C to come into contact with the tank protrusion 86A.

[0112] The dimension in the Z direction of the protrusion 97 is smaller than the dimension in the Z direction of the protrusion 88 of the tank protrusion 86A. Therefore, the arm protrusion 95C can more reliably abut against the tank protrusion 86A. Also, the arm protrusions 95B and 95C, which are located at different heights, can abut against one tank protrusion 86A.

[0113] The thickness of the protrusion 97 in the Z direction is smaller than the thickness of the protrusion 96 in the Z direction. Therefore, the volume of the arm protrusion 95C is reduced, and the volume of the third liquid agent tank 61C can be ensured.

[0114] The arm protrusion 95B of the second tank body 81B may have a structure similar to that of the arm protrusion 95C.

[0115] [summary] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0116] In the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C have the same structure. Therefore, there is a possibility that the combination of the tank body and the tank lid, that is, the combination of the tank body and the float may be mistaken.

[0117] In the first embodiment, if a float with a shorter arm 92 than a correct float is attached to the tank body, the arm protrusions 95B and 95C come into contact with the tank protrusions 86A and 86B, stopping the rotation of the float before it reaches the second position P12. If a float with a longer arm 92 than a correct float is attached to the tank body, the floating part 93 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the tank body, stopping the rotation of the float before it reaches the second position P12.

[0118] When the float 93 is stopped, the magnet 94 provided in the float 93 is separated from the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C and is therefore not detected by the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes low, the low remaining amount display is not displayed. This absence of the low remaining amount display allows the user to realize that the tank body and float are incorrectly combined and correct the problem.

[0119] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0120] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a washing tub 4 and liquid agent tanks 61A and 61B that contain a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent tanks 61A and 61B include floats 83A and 83B, each having a rotation shaft 91 and an arm 92 extending from the rotation shaft 91. The floats 83A and 83B rotate about the rotation shaft 91 from a first position P11 to a second position P12 in response to a drop in the liquid level in the liquid agent tank. The washing machine 1 further includes a display unit 13 that displays a predetermined message when the floats 83A and 83B are positioned at the second position P12. The washing machine 1 includes a first liquid agent tank 61A and a second liquid agent tank 61B that has a different shape from the first liquid agent tank 61A. The washing machine 1 has, as floats, a first float 83A attached to the first liquid tank 61A and a second float 83B attached to the second liquid tank 61B. At least one of the first liquid tank 61A and the second float 83B has an interference member that stops the second float 83B at a third position P13 between the first position P11 and the second position P12 when the second float 83B is attached to the first liquid tank 61A.

[0121] With this configuration, when the second float 83B is attached to the first liquid agent tank 61A, the rotation of the second float 83B can be stopped at the third position P13, which is just before the second position P12. Therefore, the user is notified that the second float 83B is attached to the wrong liquid agent tank (the first liquid agent tank 61A), and it is possible to prevent the second float 83B from being attached to the wrong liquid agent tank.

[0122] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first liquid agent tank 61A has, as an interference member, a tank protrusion 86A (first tank protrusion) that protrudes inward from a rear surface 65A (side surface) of the first liquid agent tank 61A.

[0123] With this configuration, the tank protrusion 86A abuts against the second float 83B, preventing the second float 83B from approaching the back surface 65A and restricting the second float 83B from rotating toward the second position P12, thereby preventing the second float 83B from being positioned at the second position P12.

[0124] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the arm 92 of the second float 83B has, as an interference member, an arm protrusion 95B that protrudes toward the back surface 65B of the second liquid tank 61B. When the second float 83B is attached to the first liquid tank 61A, the tank protrusion 86A of the first liquid tank 61A and the arm protrusion 95B of the second float 83B come into contact with each other.

[0125] This configuration can further prevent the second float 83B from approaching the rear surface 65A.

[0126] In the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, when the second float 83B is attached to the first liquid agent tank 61A, the distance W1 between the tank protrusion 86A and the pivot axis 91 of the second float 83B is smaller than the distance W2 between the first tank protrusion 86A and the bottom surface of the first liquid agent tank 61A.

[0127] With this configuration, the tank protrusion 86A is positioned close to the pivot shaft 91, so even if the protrusion amount is small, the second float 83B can be positioned farther away from the back surface 65A than if it were farther away from the pivot shaft 91.

[0128] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the second liquid agent tank 61B has a tank protrusion 86B (second tank protrusion) that protrudes inward from a back surface 65B (side surface) of the second liquid agent tank 61B. When the second float 83B is attached to the second liquid agent tank 61B and the second float 83B is located at the second position P12, the arm protrusion 95B is misaligned with respect to the tank protrusion 86B.

[0129] With this configuration, when the combination is correct, the second float 83B can approach the rear surface 65B and be positioned at the second position P12.

[0130] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, the float has floating portion 93 that is buoyant with respect to the liquid agent. Distance W3 between arm protrusion 95B and rotation shaft 91 of second float 83B is smaller than distance W4 between arm protrusion 95B and floating portion 93.

[0131] With this configuration, the arm protrusion 95B is positioned close to the pivot shaft 91, so even if the protrusion amount is small, the second float 83B can be positioned farther away from the back surface 65A than when it is farther away from the pivot shaft 91.

[0132] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B have tank bodies 81A, 81B that are open at the top and tank lids 82A, 82B that cover the tops of the tank bodies 81A, 81B. Floats 83A, 83B can be attached to the tank lids 82A, 82B. The first tank lid 82A of the first liquid agent tank 61A and the second tank lid 82B of the second liquid agent tank 61B have the same shape.

[0133] This configuration increases the possibility of attaching the second float 83B to the first tank body 81A and the first float 83A to the second tank body 81B, while providing an interference member reduces the chance of incorrect combination.

[0134] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first liquid agent tank 61A has a depth different from that of the second liquid agent tank 61B.

[0135] This configuration prevents the floats 83A, 83B from being attached incorrectly to the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B having different depths, making it easy to attach the floats 83A, 83B appropriate for the respective depths.

[0136] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first liquid tank 61A has a depth greater than that of the second liquid tank 61B.

[0137] With this configuration, by providing the tank protrusion 86A on the deeper first liquid tank 61A, it is possible to more reliably prevent the second float 83B from being attached to the deeper first liquid tank 61A.

[0138] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first float 83A has an arm 92 having a different length from that of the second float 83B.

[0139] This configuration prevents the floats 83A, 83B having arms 92 of different lengths from being installed incorrectly, making it easier to install floats 83A, 83B that are suitable for each depth.

[0140] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first float 83A has an arm 92 that is longer than the second float 83B.

[0141] With this configuration, by providing the arm protrusion 95B on the shorter second float 83B, it is possible to more reliably prevent the second float 83B from being attached to the deeper first liquid agent tank 61A.

[0142] Washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 further includes sensors 57A and 57B capable of detecting floats 83A and 83B. Liquid agent tanks 61A and 61B define a detectable region R12 in which sensors 57A and 57B can detect floats 83A and 83B, and an undetectable region R11 in which sensors 57A and 57B cannot detect the floats. First position P11 and third position P13 are located in undetectable region R11, and second position P12 is located in detectable region R12.

[0143] With this configuration, when the floats 83A, 83B are located at the second position P12, the sensors 57A, 57B detect the magnets 94 provided in the floats 83A, 83B, and a low fuel level indication is displayed. When the floats 83A, 83B are located at the first position P11 or the third position P13, the sensors 57A, 57B do not detect the magnets 94 provided in the floats 83A, 83B, and no low fuel level indication is displayed.

[0144] The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0145] In the first embodiment, the liquid supply unit 6 has three liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid supply unit 6 may have any number of liquid tanks.

[0146] In the first embodiment, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C have different depths, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C may have different shapes. For example, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C may have the same depth, but may have different widths (dimension in the Y direction).

[0147] In the first embodiment, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C have different capacities, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C may have the same capacity. Even in this case, if the second positions P12 of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are set to different heights, there is a possibility that the tank bodies and floats will be combined incorrectly.

[0148] In the first embodiment, the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C are attached to the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may be directly and detachably attached to the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C. For example, the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may be attached to a bar bridging the upper portions of the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C. The floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may also be directly and detachably attached to the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C. Therefore, even if the tank lids 82A, 82B, and 82C of the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C have different outer shapes, there is a possibility that the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C may be mistakenly combined with the tank bodies 81A, 81B, and 81C.

[0149] In the first embodiment, the washing machine 1 has been described as having an LCD display as the display unit 13, but this is not limiting. The washing machine 1 may display the remaining amounts of the liquid agent in the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C in another manner based on the displacement of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C.

[0150] For example, instead of the display unit 13, each of the liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C may have a movable part that displaces in response to the rotation of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C, and a window through which the user can visually recognize the displacement of the movable part. The remaining amount may be displayed through the window by changes in the posture or appearance of the movable part.

[0151] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the tank protrusion 86B and the arm protrusion 95B are misaligned in the up-down direction when the second tank body 81B and the second float 83B are correctly combined, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0152] Fig. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second tank body 81B and a second float 83B in a modified example. Fig. 25 is a top view of the second tank body 81B and the second float 83B in a modified example. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first tank body 81A and a second float 83B in a modified example. Fig. 27 is a top view of the first tank body 81A and the second float 83B in a modified example.

[0153] 24 and 25, the tank protrusion 186B and the arm protrusion 95B may be misaligned in the width direction (Y direction). In this case, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the tank protrusion 86A may have a different position or shape in the Y direction from the tank protrusion 186B so that the arm protrusion 95B abuts against the tank protrusion 86A of the first tank body 81A.

[0154] In a first aspect, the washing machine comprises a washing tub and a liquid agent tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub. The liquid agent tank has a float having a pivot shaft and an arm extending from the pivot shaft. The float pivots from a first position to a second position around the pivot shaft in response to a drop in the liquid level in the liquid agent tank. The washing machine further comprises a display unit that displays a predetermined message when the float is positioned at the second position. The liquid agent tanks include a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank having a shape different from that of the first liquid agent tank. The floats include a first float attached to the first liquid agent tank and a second float attached to the second liquid agent tank. At least one of the first liquid agent tank and the second float further has an interference member that stops the second float at a third position between the first position and the second position when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank.

[0155] In a second aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the first aspect, the first liquid agent tank has a first tank protrusion protruding inward from a side surface of the first liquid agent tank as an interference member.

[0156] In a third aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the second aspect, the arm of the second float has an arm protrusion that protrudes toward the side of the second liquid tank as an interference member, and when the second float is attached to the first liquid tank, the first tank protrusion of the first liquid tank and the arm protrusion of the second float abut against each other.

[0157] As a washing machine in the fourth aspect, in the washing machine in the second or third aspect, when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank, the distance between the first tank protrusion and the rotation axis of the second float is smaller than the distance between the first tank protrusion and the bottom surface of the first liquid agent tank.

[0158] As a washing machine in a fifth aspect, in the washing machine in the third aspect, the second liquid tank has a second tank protrusion that protrudes inward from the side of the second liquid tank, and when the second float is attached to the second liquid tank and positioned in the second position, the arm protrusion is misaligned with respect to the second tank protrusion.

[0159] As a washing machine in the sixth aspect, in the washing machine in the third or fifth aspect, the float has a floating portion that has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent, and the distance between the arm protrusion and the pivot axis of the second float is smaller than the distance between the arm protrusion and the floating portion.

[0160] As a washing machine in a seventh aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to sixth aspects, the liquid agent tank has a tank body with an open top and a tank lid that covers the top of the tank body, the float can be attached to the tank lid, and the tank lid of the first liquid agent tank and the tank lid of the second liquid agent tank have the same shape.

[0161] As a washing machine according to an eighth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first liquid agent tank has a different depth from the second liquid agent tank.

[0162] A ninth aspect of the invention relates to the washing machine of the eighth aspect, wherein the first liquid tank has a greater depth than the second liquid tank.

[0163] A tenth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the first float has an arm of a different length from the second float.

[0164] In an eleventh aspect of the washing machine, in the tenth aspect, the first float has a longer arm than the second float.

[0165] In a twelfth aspect, the washing machine is a washing machine in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a sensor capable of detecting the float, and the liquid agent tank defines a detectable area where the float can be detected by the sensor and an undetectable area where the float cannot be detected by the sensor, the first position and the third position being located in the undetectable area, and the second position being located in the detectable area.

[0166] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0167] The washing machine of the present disclosure is useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer, because when equipped with multiple liquid tanks for an automatic dispensing function, the user can detect an incorrect combination of the liquid tank and the float. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Washing machine 6 Fluid supply unit 57A~57C Sensor 61A~61C Fluid Tank 62 cases 81A~81C Tank body 82A~82C Tank lid 83A~83C Float 86A Tank protrusion 86B Tank protrusion 91 Rotating shaft 92 Arm 93 Float 95B Arm protrusion 95C Arm protrusion

Claims

1. A washing machine and A liquid agent tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub; Equipped with the liquid agent tank has a float having a rotation shaft and an arm extending from the rotation shaft; the float rotates about the rotation axis from a first position to a second position in response to a decrease in the liquid level in the liquid agent tank; a display unit that displays a predetermined message when the float is positioned at the second position; The liquid tank includes a first liquid tank and a second liquid tank having a shape different from that of the first liquid tank, The floats include a first float attached to the first liquid tank and a second float attached to the second liquid tank, At least one of the first liquid agent tank and the second float further has an interference member that causes the second float to stop at a third position between the first position and the second position when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first liquid agent tank has, as the interference member, a first tank protrusion protruding inward from a side surface of the first liquid agent tank.

3. the arm of the second float has an arm protrusion as the interference member, the arm protruding toward a side surface of the second liquid agent tank, The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank, the first tank protrusion of the first liquid agent tank and the arm protrusion of the second float abut against each other.

4. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the second float is attached to the first liquid agent tank, a distance between the first tank protrusion and the rotation axis of the second float is smaller than a distance between the first tank protrusion and a bottom surface of the first liquid agent tank.

5. the second liquid agent tank has a second tank protrusion protruding inward from a side surface of the second liquid agent tank, 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein when the second float is attached to the second liquid agent tank and is positioned at the second position, the arm protrusion is misaligned with respect to the second tank protrusion.

6. The float has a floating portion that has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent, The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein a distance between the arm protrusion and the pivot shaft of the second float is smaller than a distance between the arm protrusion and the floating portion.

7. the liquid agent tank has a tank body with an open top and a tank lid that covers the top of the tank body, The float is attachable to the tank lid, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the tank lid of the first liquid agent tank and the tank lid of the second liquid agent tank have a common shape.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first reservoir has a different depth from the second reservoir.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the first liquid tank has a depth greater than that of the second liquid tank.

10. 2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the first float has a different length of the arm than the second float.

11. The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the first float has a longer arm than the second float.

12. Further provided is a sensor capable of detecting the float, The liquid agent tank defines a detectable area in which the sensor can detect the float and an undetectable area in which the sensor cannot detect the float, the first position and the third position are located in the undetectable area, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second position is located in the detectable area.

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