Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which has materialized low cost.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a washing tub; a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank each housing a liquid agent which is supplied to the washing tub; a first float provided in the first liquid agent tank, and movable according to liquid level; a second float provided in the second liquid agent tank, and movable according to the liquid level; a case housing the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank; a substrate mounted to a side surface of the case, and opposing to the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank; a first sensor mounted to the substrate, and capable of detecting the first float; and a second sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the second float. The substrate includes: one connector; and a pattern electrically connecting the first sensor and the second sensor to the connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

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 tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a float that displaces depending on the amount of liquid remaining in the tank, a linear Hall element that detects the displacement of the float, and a control unit. The float is equipped with a magnet.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 detects changes in the direction of the magnetic field generated by a magnet, which changes in response to the displacement of the float. Based on the detection results of the linear Hall element, the control unit determines the amount of rotation of the float and the remaining amount of liquid agent in the 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] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a linear Hall element, making it difficult to reduce the cost of the washing machine.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to reduce the cost of washing machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub, a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank for containing a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a first float provided in the first liquid agent tank and movable according to the liquid level, a second float provided in the second liquid agent tank and movable according to the liquid level, a case for housing the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank, a substrate attached to the side of the case and facing the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank, a first sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the first float, and a second sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the second float, the substrate having a connector and a pattern for electrically connecting the first sensor and the second sensor to the connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine that achieves low cost can be provided. [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, fluid reservoir, and base assembly [Figure 8] Cross-section of the case, fluid reservoir, and base assembly [Figure 9] Cross-section of the case, fluid 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] Exploded view of the board components [Figure 14] Exploded view of the board components 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, and a control unit 12.

[0014] <Case> The housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. The housing 2 accommodates an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5, a liquid agent supply unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply device 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12. The front surface of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 20 and an openable and closable lid 21 that covers the opening 20.

[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, and the drain valve 11.

[0025] Next, the structure of the liquid agent supply unit 6 will be described in more detail.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 liquid agent tank 61A stores a detergent, the liquid agent tank 61B stores a fabric softener, and the 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the liquid agent discharge device 63A is connected to the lower part of the liquid agent tank 61A in the X direction via the back surface 67. The liquid agent discharge device 63A sucks out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the 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 connection flow path 8 (Fig. 2).

[0032] Although only the liquid agent tank 61A and the liquid agent discharge device 63A are shown in FIG. 4, the same explanation can be applied to the other liquid agent tanks 61B and 61C and the liquid agent discharge devices 63B and 63C.

[0033] 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.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, the depths of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C decrease in this order. Therefore, when the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are housed in the case 62 and arranged with their tops at approximately the same height (see Fig. 6), the bottoms of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are arranged in a stepped manner with their bottoms rising in this order. Here, "arranged at approximately the same height" may mean that the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are arranged so that they can be placed below a common lid (for example, a lid provided on the housing 2).

[0035] 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.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the upper portions of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C have a common shape, and only the depths are different, so that the volumes of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C decrease in this order.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The substrate member 50 has a substrate 55 and a substrate case 56. The substrate 55 is a 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.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the liquid tank 61A, and the substrate member 50. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the liquid tank 61B, and the substrate member 50. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the case 62, the liquid tank 61C, and the substrate member 50.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the liquid agent tank 61A has a tank body 81A, a tank lid 82A, and a float 83A. The tank body 81A is a container that defines an internal space for storing the liquid agent. The tank lid 82A is a member that covers and closes the top of the tank body 81A. The float 83A is a member that is rotatably provided within the tank body 81A and that can rotate according to the liquid level of the liquid agent.

[0041] The float 83A has a rotation shaft 91, an arm 92, and a floating portion 93.

[0042] The rotation shaft 91 is provided on the tank lid 82A. The arm 92 extends linearly from the rotation shaft 91. A float portion 93 is connected to the tip of the arm 92. The float portion 93 has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent and is displaced in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level. When the liquid level falls, the float portion 93 descends while rotating around the rotation shaft 91, and when the liquid level rises, the float portion 93 ascends while rotating around the rotation shaft 91. Specifically, when the liquid level falls, the float portion 93 rotates from the vicinity of the tank lid 82A toward the vicinity of the back surface 65A of the liquid agent tank 61A.

[0043] When the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid tank 61A becomes less than a predetermined liquid level H1, the floating portion 93 of the float 83A abuts against the back surface 65A of the liquid tank 61A. The position of the float 83A abutting against the back surface 65A is set to the low-amount position.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 a magnet approaches within a predetermined distance, sensor 57A outputs a voltage value.

[0046] The sensor 57A is positioned opposite the float 93 in the X direction when the float 83A is in the low-amount position. When the float 83A is in the low-amount position, the magnet 94 faces the sensor 57A and is positioned within a predetermined distance, and the magnitude of the magnetic flux density of the magnet 94 passing through the Hall IC of the sensor 57A exceeds a threshold. As a result, the sensor 57A outputs a voltage value. With this configuration, the sensor 57A can detect that the magnet 94 has approached, i.e., that the remaining amount in the liquid agent tank 61A has fallen below a predetermined liquid level H1.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 8, the liquid agent tank 61B has a tank body 81B, a tank lid 82B, and a float 83B. As shown in Fig. 9, the liquid agent tank 61C has a tank body 81C, a tank lid 82C, and a float 83C.

[0048] In the first embodiment, tank bodies 81B and 81C have a similar structure to tank body 81A, but differ in depth. Tank lids 82B and 82C have a common structure with tank lid 82A. Floats 83B and 83C of liquid tanks 61B and 61C have a similar structure to float 83A of liquid tank 61A, but differ in the length of arm 92.

[0049] 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 become shorter in the order of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C. Therefore, the positions of the floating portions 93 in the low-amount posture become higher in the order of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C depending on the depths of the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Sensor 57B is disposed in a position facing the floating portion 93 of float 83B in the X direction when float 83B is in the low-amount posture. Sensor 57C is disposed in a position facing the floating portion 93 of float 83C in the X direction when float 83C is in the low-amount posture. Therefore, the positions of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C increase in order according to the positions of their respective floating portions 93. In other words, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are disposed in a staircase-like manner.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a rear view showing the positional relationship between sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C and floats 83A, 83B, and 83C in the low-amount position. When rear surface 67 of case 62 is viewed from the X direction, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are covered by substrate 55. However, for convenience, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are illustrated hatched in Fig. 10 and Figs. 11 and 12 described below. Also, Fig. 10 illustrates the interiors of solution tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C so that they can be seen.

[0053] 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, 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.

[0054] When viewed from the X direction, the substrate 55 on which the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are mounted has a rectangular shape. That is, the substrate 55 has a long side L1 along the Y direction and a short side L2 intersecting the long side L1. The long side L1 of the substrate 55 is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal. Specifically, the long side L1 is disposed at an angle downward along the +Y direction.

[0055] The inclined substrate 55 faces a part of the floating portion 93 of each of the floats 83A, 83B, and 83C in the low-amount posture. In the first embodiment, the substrate 55 is disposed so as to overlap with at least half of the area of ​​each of the floating portions 93 when viewed from the X direction.

[0056] By tilting the substrate 55, it is possible to overlap the respective floating portions 93 located at different heights, while realizing space saving for the substrate 55 compared to a non-tilted arrangement.

[0057] 11 is a rear view of the case 62, the liquid tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, and the base member 50. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the base member 50 in FIG.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the substrate 55 included in the substrate member 50 is attached to the rear surface 67 of the case 62 in an inclined state.

[0059] 11 , the case 62 has ribs 68 that protrude outward (in the +X direction) from the back surface 67 of the case 62 above the board member 50. The ribs 68 are formed in an area that avoids the area of ​​the back surface 67 where the board case 56 of the board member 50 is attached. The ribs 68 have portions that extend in the Z direction and the Y direction. The ribs 68 may also be formed below the board member 50.

[0060] 13 and 14 are exploded views of the base member 50. FIG.

[0061] 13 and 14, the substrate 55 is a plate-like member having a main surface R1 (FIG. 14) and an opposite main surface R2 (FIG. 13). The substrate case 56 is a case that opens toward the +X direction. Specifically, the substrate case 56 has a bottom 45 facing the main surface R1 and a sidewall 46 that surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom 45.

[0062] 14, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C and pattern 58 are provided on main surface R1 of substrate 55. With this configuration, sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C and pattern 58 are protected by substrate case 56.

[0063] 13, one connector 59 is provided on main surface R2. Connector 59 is electrically connected to each of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C by pattern 58. Because sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are mounted on one substrate 55, there is no need to provide dedicated connectors corresponding to each of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C.

[0064] A plurality of lead wires are connected to connector 59. Specifically, one power supply wire 51 for supplying power, one ground wire 52 connected to ground, and output wires 53A, 53B, and 53C connected to output terminals of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C, respectively, are connected to connector 59. Power supply wire 51, output wires 53A, 53B, and 53C, and ground wire 52 may be connected to control unit 12.

[0065] The sensors 57A, 57B, 57C and the connector 59 are mounted at a predetermined distance from the edge of the substrate 55.

[0066] The substrate 55 is fixed to the substrate case 56 with two screws 54. One screw 54 is disposed between the sensors 57A and 57B, and the other screw 54 is disposed between the sensors 57B and 57C.

[0067] [summary] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0068] In washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1, liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are shallower in this order. Magnets 94 of floats 83A, 83B, and 83C housed in respective liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are positioned at successively higher positions in the low-amount posture. Sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C are also positioned at successively higher positions corresponding to the positions of magnets 94 of respective floats 83A, 83B, and 83C.

[0069] Instead of three boards each mounting one each of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C, board member 50 has one board 55 mounting sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C. By providing one board 55 mounting sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C, there is no need to provide dedicated connectors corresponding to each of sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C, and it is possible to use only one connector 59. By reducing the number of connectors, it is possible to reduce the number of lead wires connected to the connectors, thereby reducing the cost of washing machine 1.

[0070] Furthermore, the substrate 55 is attached to the case 62 in an inclined state, which makes it easy to mount the sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C arranged in a stepped manner.

[0071] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0072] Washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 includes a washing tub, liquid agent tank 61A (first liquid agent tank) and liquid agent tank 61B (second liquid agent tank) that contain the liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, and case 62 that contains liquid agent tank 61A and liquid agent tank 61B. Washing machine 1 further includes float 83A (first float) that is provided in liquid agent tank 61A and is movable according to the liquid level, and float 83B (second float) that is provided in liquid agent tank 61B and is movable according to the liquid level. Washing machine 1 further includes substrate 55 that is attached to rear surface 67 (side surface) of case 62 and faces liquid agent tank 61A and liquid agent tank 61B. Washing machine 1 further includes sensor 57A (first sensor) that is mounted on substrate 55 and is capable of detecting float 83A, and sensor 57B (second sensor) that is mounted on substrate 55 and is capable of detecting float 83B. The substrate 55 has one connector 59 and a pattern 58 that electrically connects the sensors 57A and 57B to the connector 59.

[0073] With this configuration, by mounting two sensors 57A and 57B on the same board 55, it is not necessary to provide dedicated connectors for each of sensors 57A and 57B, and lead wires connected to each connector can be omitted, thereby realizing low cost of washing machine 1.

[0074] In washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, connector 59 is connected to one power line 51 for supplying power and one ground line 52 connected to the ground.

[0075] This configuration allows the number of leads on the substrate member 50 to be reduced while still providing power supply and ground connections.

[0076] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the liquid agent tank 61A is deeper than the liquid agent tank 61B. The sensor 57A is disposed at a height corresponding to the depth of the liquid agent tank 61A. The sensor 57B is disposed at a height corresponding to the depth of the liquid agent tank 61B.

[0077] With this configuration, the sensors 57A and 57B can detect the remaining amounts in the corresponding liquid agent tanks 61A and 61B more accurately than if they were arranged at the same height.

[0078] In washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, base plate 55 is inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0079] With this configuration, the sensors 57A and 57B can be easily mounted with a difference in height.

[0080] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, substrate 55 is inclined downward along the +Y direction from liquid agent tank 61B toward liquid agent tank 61A.

[0081] With this configuration, the sensors 57A and 57B that are offset in the height direction can be mounted more easily.

[0082] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment further includes a liquid agent tank 61C (third liquid agent tank) that is shallower than the liquid agent tank 61B. The liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C are arranged in order of depth. The substrate 55 is inclined downward along the +Y direction from the liquid agent tank 61C toward the liquid agent tank 61A.

[0083] With this configuration, when the liquid agent tank 61C has the float 83C, it is easy to arrange the sensor 57C capable of detecting the float 83C on one substrate 55.

[0084] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, case 62 has ribs 68 protruding from rear surface 67 of case 62 above base plate 55. Washing machine 1 further includes board case 56 that houses board 55 and is attached to case 62.

[0085] With this configuration, the provision of ribs 68 can improve the strength of case 62. By improving the strength of case 62, the positional relationship between sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C provided in case 62 and magnet 94 inside case 62 can be accurately maintained. This improves the detection accuracy of magnet 94 by sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C. Furthermore, although ribs 68 cannot be provided in the portion of case 62 where board 55 is disposed, board case 56 functions as a rib, ensuring the strength of case 62.

[0086] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, rear surface 65A (side surface) of liquid agent tank 61A and rear surface 65B (side surface) of liquid agent tank 61B, which face substrate 55, are aligned on approximately the same plane.

[0087] With this configuration, it becomes easy to keep constant the distance in the X direction between the floats 83A, 83B and the substrate 55 (that is, the sensors 57A, 57B), and it becomes easy to maintain the detection accuracy.

[0088] In washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, substrate 55 has long side L1 along the Y direction along which sensors 57A and 57B are arranged, and short side L2 intersecting with long side L1.

[0089] With this configuration, board 55 is rectangular, and the area of ​​board 55 can be made smaller than when it is square, thereby achieving further cost reduction of washing machine 1.

[0090] The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0091] In the first embodiment, the liquid agent supply unit 6 has three liquid agent tanks 61A, 61B, and 61C, but the liquid agent supply unit 6 is not limited to this. The liquid agent supply unit 6 may have two liquid agent tanks or four or more liquid agent tanks.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C are shallower in this order, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two of the liquid reservoirs 61A, 61B, and 61C may have the same depth.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the substrate 55 is attached to the case 62 at an angle, but the present invention is not limited to this. The substrate 55 may be disposed parallel to the horizontal (Y direction).

[0094] In the first embodiment, an example in which five lead wires are connected to connector 59 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a smaller number of lead wires may be connected to connector 59. Furthermore, other lead wires may be connected to connector 59.

[0095] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which pattern 58 connects sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C to connector 59, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, pattern 58 may connect sensors 57A, 57B, and 57C to one another.

[0096] In the first embodiment, an example in which the substrate 55 is housed in the substrate case 56 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the substrate 55 may be directly attached to the rear surface 67 of the case 62. Furthermore, the substrate case 56 may be integrated with the case 62.

[0097] A washing machine in a first aspect includes a washing tub, a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank for storing liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a first float provided in the first liquid agent tank and movable according to the liquid level, a second float provided in the second liquid agent tank and movable according to the liquid level, a case for storing the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank, a substrate attached to the side of the case and facing the first liquid agent tank and the second liquid agent tank, a first sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the first float, and a second sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the second float, and the substrate has one connector and a pattern for electrically connecting the first sensor and the second sensor to the connector.

[0098] A washing machine according to a second aspect is the washing machine according to the first aspect, wherein the connector is connected to one power line for supplying power and one ground line connected to ground.

[0099] As a washing machine in the third aspect, in the washing machine in the first or second aspect, the first liquid tank is deeper than the second liquid tank, the first sensor is positioned at a height corresponding to the depth of the first liquid tank, and the second sensor is positioned at a height corresponding to the depth of the second liquid tank.

[0100] In a fourth aspect of the washing machine, the base plate is inclined relative to the horizontal in the washing machine in the third aspect.

[0101] A fifth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the fourth aspect, wherein the base plate is inclined downward along a direction from the second liquid agent tank to the first liquid agent tank.

[0102] A sixth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the fourth or fifth aspect, further comprising a third liquid tank that is shallower than the second liquid tank, the first liquid tank, the second liquid tank and the third liquid tank being arranged in depth order, and the base plate being inclined downward in the direction from the third liquid tank to the first liquid tank.

[0103] As a washing machine in a seventh aspect, in a washing machine in any of the first to sixth aspects, the case has a rib protruding from the side of the case above the substrate, and further includes a substrate case in which the substrate is housed and attached to the case.

[0104] In an eighth aspect of the washing machine, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the side surfaces of the first and second liquid tanks facing the substrate are aligned on approximately the same plane.

[0105] As a washing machine in a ninth aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the substrate has a long side along the direction in which the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged, and a short side that intersects with the long side.

[0106] 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]

[0107] The washing machine of the present disclosure, when equipped with an automatic liquid dispensing function, can detect the remaining amount of liquid with a simple configuration, making it useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Washing machine 6 Fluid supply unit 50 Substrate material 51 Power line 52 Ground Line 55 PCB 56 Circuit board case 58 patterns 59 Connector 61A Fluid Tank 61B Fluid Tank 61C Fluid Tank 62 cases 65A back 65B Back 65C back 67 Back 68 Ribs 83A Float 83B Float 83C Float 91 Rotation axis 92 Arm 93 Float

Claims

1. A washing machine and a first liquid agent tank and a second liquid agent tank for storing liquid agents to be supplied to the washing tub; a first float provided in the first liquid tank and movable according to the liquid level; a second float provided in the second liquid tank and movable according to the liquid level; a case that accommodates the first liquid tank and the second liquid tank; a base plate attached to a side surface of the case and facing the first liquid tank and the second liquid tank; a first sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the first float; a second sensor mounted on the substrate and capable of detecting the second float; Equipped with The washing machine, wherein the substrate has one connector and a pattern that electrically connects the first sensor and the second sensor to the connector.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the connector is connected to one power line for supplying power and one ground line connected to ground.

3. The first fluid reservoir is deeper than the second fluid reservoir; the first sensor is disposed at a height corresponding to the depth of the first liquid agent tank; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second sensor is disposed at a height corresponding to a depth of the second liquid agent tank.

4. The washing machine of claim 3 , wherein the substrate is inclined relative to the horizontal.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the base plate is inclined downward along a direction from the second liquid tank to the first liquid tank.

6. Further provided is a third liquid agent tank that is shallower than the second liquid agent tank, the first liquid agent tank, the second liquid agent tank, and the third liquid agent tank are arranged in order of depth; The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the base plate is inclined downward along a direction from the third liquid agent tank to the first liquid agent tank.

7. the case has a rib protruding from the side surface of the case above the substrate, The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a substrate case in which the substrate is housed and attached to the case.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a side surface of the first liquid agent tank and a side surface of the second liquid agent tank facing the substrate are aligned on approximately the same plane.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a long side along a direction in which the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged, and a short side intersecting the long side.

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