washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine with improved accuracy in detecting the remaining amount of liquid. [Solution] The washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises a washing tub for storing laundry, a tank for storing liquid, and a liquid supply device for supplying the liquid stored in the tank to the washing tub. The tank has a first side wall, a second side wall facing the first side wall from a first direction, and a connecting portion provided on the first side wall and detachably connected to the liquid supply device from the first direction. The tank further comprises a light-emitting portion provided on the outside of the first side wall and irradiating light toward the outer surface of the first side wall, a reflective optical element provided on the inner surface of the first side wall above the connecting portion and reflecting light from the light-emitting portion, and a light-receiving portion provided on the outside of the first side wall and detecting the reflected light.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a washing tub and an automatic supply device that supplies a liquid agent to the washing tub. The automatic supply device includes a tank that stores the liquid agent, a float that moves together with the water level of the liquid agent, and a sensor that detects the position of the float.

[0003] In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the sensor detects the position of the float, thereby enabling detection of the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-37721 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine with improved accuracy in remaining amount detection. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a washing tub that stores laundry; a tank that stores a liquid agent; and a liquid agent supply device that supplies the liquid agent stored in the tank to the washing tub. The tank includes: a first side wall; a second side wall facing the first side wall from a first direction; and a connection portion provided on the first side wall and detachably connected to the liquid agent supply device from the first direction. The washing machine further includes: a light emitting portion provided on an outer side of the first side wall and configured to emit light toward an outer wall surface of the first side wall; a reflective optical element provided on an inner wall surface of the first side wall above the connection portion and configured to reflect light from the light emitting portion; and a light receiving portion provided on the outer side of the first side wall and configured to detect the reflected light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved accuracy in detecting remaining amount of water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure [Figure 2] schematic cross-section of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the automatic supply unit [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of an automatic supply unit [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of a tank [Figure 6] Top view of the tank [Figure 7] Rear view of the tank [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of a light sensor and a reflective optical element. [Figure 9] A graph showing the liquid level and the light intensity detected by the light-receiving unit. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of the tank during liquid replenishment. [Figure 11] Top view showing a modified arrangement of the light sensor and reflective optical element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors reached the point of this disclosure, there was a technology in washing machines that detected the remaining amount of liquid stored in a tank containing the liquid by using a float suspended in the liquid and a linear Hall element that detects the float. This allowed the washing machine to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the tank.

[0010] However, when a user of the washing machine performs maintenance on the tank, the user needs to maintain the float that has a complicated structure. Accordingly, in order to improve maintainability while detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent, the inventors invented a washing machine that includes a reflective optical element in the tank, and a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided outside the tank, with which the remaining amount of the liquid agent can be detected. On the other hand, in this washing machine, there has been a risk that, due to attachment / detachment of the tank and vibration during washing operation, the positions at which the reflective optical element, the light-emitting unit, and the light-receiving unit are provided deviate from appropriate positions, and thus the remaining amount of the liquid agent cannot be detected accurately.

[0011] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a washing machine that detects the remaining amount of a liquid agent by means of a reflective optical element, a light-emitting unit, and a light-receiving unit, with improved accuracy in remaining amount detection.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1. Hereinafter, two directions orthogonal to each other in a horizontal plane are defined as an X direction and a Y direction, and a vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane is defined as a Z direction (height direction).

[0014] The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 is a drum-type washing machine having a washing function. The washing machine 1 can execute a washing course to exert the washing function. The washing machine 1 may further have a drying function.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a driving unit 5 (FIG. 2), a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, a laundry amount detection unit 15 (FIG. 2), a control unit 16, a storage unit 16a, an operation unit 17, and a display unit 18.

[0016] The washing machine 1 further comprises an automatic supply unit 6, a manual feeding case 7, and a connection flow path 8, and supplies the treatment agent to the washing tub 4. The treatment agent is used when treating laundry such as clothes, towels, sheets and the like with the washing machine 1. The treatment agent may be liquid, powder, or solid. A liquid treatment agent is referred to as a liquid agent.

[0017] The housing 2 is a member that forms the appearance of the washing machine 1. As shown in Figure 2, an opening 20 and an openable / closable door 21 covering the opening 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0018] The outer tub 3 is a substantially cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and having a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tank or a tub. The outer tub 3 is provided with an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and the edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 by a bellows 32. Further, an axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as a central axis V0. The outer tub 3 is arranged to be inclined such that the central axis V0 forms an angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0019] The washing tub 4 is a substantially cylindrical member provided rotatably around the central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and capable of accommodating laundry. The washing tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum, an inner tub or a containing tub. A plurality of through holes 40 are formed in the washing tub 4, and the through holes 40 communicate the washing tub 4 with the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 is provided with an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3. When a user opens the door 21, the user can put laundry into the washing tub 4 through the openings 20, 31 and 41.

[0020] The driving unit 5 is a member that rotationally drives the washing tub 4 around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 includes, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0021] The automatic supply unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of liquid agent to the washing tub 4 from a tank that stores liquid agent for a plurality of washing cycles. The predetermined amount of liquid agent in the automatic supply unit 6 is, for example, an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent determined by the control unit 16 according to the weight of laundry, the water supply amount or a user's input.

[0022] In Embodiment 1, the liquid that can be supplied from the automatic supply unit 6 to the washing tub 4 is, for example, detergent, fabric softener, or delicate laundry detergent. The automatic supply unit 6 may also supply other types of liquids to the washing tub 4.

[0023] The manual dispensing case 7 is a container for the user to manually add one dose of the liquid agent each time the washing machine 1 is run. The manually added liquid agent is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the amount added.

[0024] For example, powdered detergent is put into the manual dispensing case 7. Powdered detergent is a detergent in powder form.

[0025] The connecting channel 8 connects the automatic supply unit 6 to the outer tub 3. Therefore, water and liquids flow from the automatic supply unit 6 into the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the connecting channel 8. Since the automatic supply unit 6 is positioned above the outer tub 3, the connecting channel 8 extends downward.

[0026] The water supply valve 10 has an openable and closable valve that is connected to a faucet via an external hose. When the water supply valve 10 is opened, water is supplied to the outer tank 3. Specifically, when the water supply valve 10 is opened, water flows into the outer tank 3 via the automatic supply unit 6 and the connecting channel 8. Other water supply devices may be provided to supply water to the outer tank 3 instead of or in addition to the water supply valve 10.

[0027] The drain valve 11 is an openable and closable valve that, when closed, stores water in the outer tank 3, and when open, drains the water stored in the outer tank 3. The drain valve 11 is located below the outer tank 3. Instead of the drain valve 11, another drainage device may be provided to drain water from the outer tank 3.

[0028] The laundry load detection unit 15 has a sensor that detects the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 4. The laundry load detection unit 15 has, for example, a sensor that measures the weight of the laundry. Specifically, the laundry load detection unit 15 has a sensor that measures the voltage applied to the motor of the drive unit 5, and a control circuit that converts the measured voltage into torque applied to the drive unit 5 when the drive unit 5 rotates, and calculates the weight of the laundry based on the torque. On the other hand, the laundry load detection unit 15 may be included in the control unit 16.

[0029] The control unit 16 is a controller that oversees the control of the washing machine 1. The control unit 16 controls components of the washing machine 1 such as the drive unit 5, automatic supply unit 6, water supply valve 10, drain valve 11, and display unit 18. For example, the control unit 16 controls the components of the washing machine 1 in response to user operations received by the operation unit 17. The control unit 16 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that realizes predetermined functions by executing a program. The control unit 16 can realize various controls in the washing machine 1 by calling and executing a control program stored in the memory unit 16a. The control unit 16 is not limited to realizing predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may also be a hardware circuit specifically designed to realize predetermined functions.

[0030] The storage unit 16a is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may also be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 16. The storage unit 16a can be implemented as, for example, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Device), hard disk, RAM, other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

[0031] The memory unit 16a stores information about the wash courses that can be executed by the washing machine 1. The information about the wash courses includes the name of the wash course and the operating conditions for the wash course. Furthermore, the memory unit 16a stores information about the liquid contained in the tank of the automatic supply unit 6. The information about the liquid includes the type of liquid and the amount to be added in a given wash course.

[0032] The operation unit 17 is configured to receive information entered by the user. In Embodiment 1, the operation unit 17 has a plurality of pressable buttons. The control unit 16 can store the information received by the operation unit 17 in the storage unit 16a.

[0033] The display unit 18 is configured to display information about the washing machine 1 to the user. In Embodiment 1, the display unit 18 has an LCD display. The display unit 18 may also be a touch panel integrated with the operation unit 17.

[0034] Next, the structure of the automatic supply unit 6 will be described in more detail. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the automatic supply unit 6. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the automatic supply unit 6. Figure 4 shows one tank 62A and one pump mechanism 63A, but the other tanks 62B to 62C and pump mechanisms 63B to 63C have a similar configuration.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic supply unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A to 62C, pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, and a liquid discharge channel 64.

[0036] Case 61 is a container that houses three tanks 62A to 62C. The back surface 57 of case 61 is provided with pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, a liquid discharge channel 64, and a water supply valve 10.

[0037] Tanks 62A to 62C are box-shaped containers for holding liquids. Tanks 62C, 62B, and 62A are arranged in order on the outer K1 (horizontal direction away from the central axis V0 in Figure 1) and housed in case 61. In Embodiment 1, the depth and volume of the three tanks 62A to 62C increase on the outer K1.

[0038] In Embodiment 1, tank 62A contains detergent, tank 62B contains fabric softener, and tank 62C contains detergent for delicate clothes.

[0039] The pump mechanisms 63A to 63C are devices that draw a predetermined amount of liquid from the corresponding tanks 62A to 62C and supply it to the liquid discharge channel 64. As shown in Figure 4, the pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C are each connected to a corresponding tank 62A, 62B, and 62C via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. In Embodiment 1, each of the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C has a piston pump.

[0040] Below the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C, a liquid discharge channel 64 is connected. The liquid discharge channel 64 is a channel member connected to the case 61, which combines water flowing in from the case 61 with the liquid supplied from the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C and returns it to the case 61. Below the tanks 62A to 62C, the case 61 has a channel that communicates with the liquid discharge channel 64 and through which water and liquid flow. The liquid passes through the channel in the case 61 and is supplied to the washing tub 4 (Figure 2) via the connecting channel 8.

[0041] Next, the structure of tanks 62A to 62C will be explained in more detail. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of tank 62A. Figure 6 is a top view of tank 62A with the upper part 65 omitted. Figure 7 is a rear view of tank 62A. In Figures 5 to 7, tank 62A is explained as a representative example of tanks 62A to 62C, but the following explanation also applies to tanks 62B to 62C.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the tank 62A has side walls 66, a connecting portion 68, a tank lid 71A, a filter 72, and an input lid 74. The side walls 66 include a first side wall 66A, a second side wall 66B, and a third side wall 66C.

[0043] The side wall 66 is a wall portion that extends along the Z direction and faces each other in the X and Y directions. Comparing Figures 5 and 6, the dimension D1 of the tank 62A in the X direction, where the side walls 66 (first side wall 66A and second side wall 66B) are aligned, is larger than the dimension D2 of the tank 62A in the Y direction. That is, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the tank 62A, and the Y direction is the short direction of the tank 62A. Dimensions D1 and D2 may be the maximum dimensions of the tank 62A in their respective directions.

[0044] The side wall 66 may extend at an inclination with respect to the Z direction, and may have steps that protrude in the X and Y directions.

[0045] Returning to Figure 5, the first side wall 66A is a portion of the side wall 66 located near the pump mechanism 63A (Figure 4) and extending in the Y direction adjacent to the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The second side wall 66B is a portion of the side wall 66 that extends in the Y direction away from the pump mechanism 63A and the rear surface 57. The third side wall 66C is a portion of the side wall 66 that extends in the X direction to connect the first side wall 66A and the second side wall 66B.

[0046] The outer surface 66AA of the first side wall 66A faces the rear surface 57 of the case 61 and the pump mechanism 63A (Figure 4). The inner surface 66AB of the first side wall 66A is in contact with the liquid contained in the tank 62A.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the first side wall 66A is provided with a connection portion 68 that connects to the pump mechanism 63A near the bottom 69 of the tank 62A. Specifically, the connection portion 68 is located at the lowest point of the first side wall 66A. The connection portion 68 is a flow path member that defines the flow path through which the liquid drawn out by the pump mechanism 63A passes.

[0048] Returning to Figure 5, in Embodiment 1, the connecting portion 68 is a cylindrical member that extends in the X direction so as to protrude from the first side wall 66A into the interior of the tank 62A, into which the tip of the pump mechanism 63A is inserted from the X direction. The connecting portion 68 extends between an opening 68A defined in the first side wall 66A and an opening 68B located inside the tank 62A.

[0049] The connection section 68 performs a positioning function between the tank 62A and the pump mechanism 63A in the Y and Z directions.

[0050] The connecting portion 68 may be a cylindrical member protruding outward from the first side wall 66A. Furthermore, the pump mechanism 63A may have a cylindrical member that receives the connecting portion 68 protruding outward from the first side wall 66A.

[0051] The connection part 68 is detachably connected to the pump mechanism 63A. Specifically, the tank 62A can be detached from the pump mechanism 63A by moving the tank 62A in the X direction relative to the pump mechanism 63A. After removing the manual dispensing case 7 from the automatic supply unit 6, the tank 62A can be detached from the pump mechanism 63A and removed from the case 61 by pulling it in the -X direction to the space where the manual dispensing case 7 was housed. The pump mechanisms 63A to 63C are fixed to the case 61 together with the liquid discharge channel 64.

[0052] The user of washing machine 1 may remove the tank 62A from the pump mechanism 63A and take it out of the case 61 in order to clean or otherwise maintain the tank 62A.

[0053] A valve may be provided at the connection point 68 to suppress leakage of the liquid from the tank 62A when the pump mechanism 63A is disconnected.

[0054] A filter 72 is provided upstream of the connection portion 68. The filter 72 is a component that collects foreign matter in the tank 62A and prevents foreign matter from flowing into the pump mechanism 63A. Specifically, the filter 72 is provided upstream of the opening 68B of the connection portion 68. In Embodiment 1, the filter 72 is provided so as to extend inclined from the inner wall surface 66AB of the first side wall 66A above the connection portion 68 to the bottom 69 of the tank 62A, but is not limited to this.

[0055] Tank 62A has an opening at the top 65, forming an upper opening 71. In other words, in tank 62A, the first side wall 66A, the second side wall 66B, and the third side wall 66C form an upper opening 71 at the top 65. Tank 62A also has a tank lid 71A that covers the upper opening 71 from above. The tank lid 71A is detachably attached to tank 62A. The user of washing machine 1 can remove the tank lid 71A from tank 62A to clean and maintain tank 62A.

[0056] In a portion of the upper part 65 near the second side wall 66B, the tank 62A defines an inlet opening 73. The inlet opening 73 only needs to be located closer to the second side wall 66B than to the first side wall 66A. In Embodiment 1, the inlet opening 73 is defined at a position adjacent to the second side wall 66B.

[0057] The input lid 74 is a component that covers the input opening 73 in a retractable manner and is attached to the tank lid 71A. With the tank 62A connected to the pump mechanism 63A, the user of the washing machine 1 can open the input lid 74 to open the input opening 73 and replenish the tank 62A with liquid through the input opening 73.

[0058] The user may detach the tank 62A from the pump mechanism 63A, remove it from the case 61, and then refill the tank 62A with the liquid agent.

[0059] To enable users to replenish the liquid at the appropriate time, tank 62A is equipped with a remaining amount detection means that enables detection of the remaining amount of liquid in tank 62A. The automatic supply unit 6 has an optical sensor 80 and a reflective optical element 90 as the remaining amount detection means.

[0060] The light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 8. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 5, and is a schematic diagram of the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the light sensor 80 is located on the outside of the tank 62A and detects the reflected light when it is shone toward the tank 62A. The reflective optical element 90 is located on the inside of the tank 62A and is an optical element that reflects the light shone by the light sensor 80. Based on the reflected light that is reflected by the reflective optical element 90 and detected by the light sensor 80, the control unit 16 calculates the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62A.

[0062] The light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 are arranged on both sides of the first side wall 66A, facing each other. The light sensor 80 is located on the outside of the first side wall 66A, on the back surface 57 of the case 61 facing the outer wall surface 66AA. The reflective optical element 90 is located above the connection portion 68, on the inner wall surface 66AB of the first side wall 66A.

[0063] Considering that a pump mechanism 63A is also provided on the rear surface 57, the light sensor 80 is fixed to the pump mechanism 63A. The reflective optical element 90 is fixed to the tank 62A. With this arrangement, the connection part 68 can be used to align the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90. That is, by connecting the connection part 68 to the pump mechanism 63A, alignment can be achieved between the light sensor 80, which is fixed to the pump mechanism 63A, and the reflective optical element 90, which is fixed to the tank 62A. Thus, misalignment in the Y and Z directions between the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, even if the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 are misaligned in the X direction, the influence on the detection of the light sensor 80 is smaller than that of misalignment in the Y or Z direction, because the direction of the misalignment is aligned with the direction of propagation of the incident and reflected light.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the light sensor 80 has a light-emitting unit 81 and a light-receiving unit 82. The light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The light-emitting unit 81 irradiates light toward the outer wall surface 66AA of the first side wall 66A. The light-emitting unit 81 irradiates, for example, infrared light. The light-receiving unit 82 detects the light reflected by the reflective optical element 90. The light-receiving unit 82 detects, for example, the intensity of the reflected light.

[0066] In Embodiment 1, the light sensor 80 integrally includes a light-emitting unit 81 and a light-receiving unit 82, but is not limited to this. The light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 may be formed as separate components.

[0067] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the light-emitting unit 81 of the light sensor 80 is provided above the light-receiving unit 82, but the invention is not limited to this. The light-emitting unit 81 may be located below the light-receiving unit 82.

[0068] The reflective optical element 90 reflects light from the light-emitting unit 81 toward the light-receiving unit 82. Specifically, the reflective optical element 90 has two reflective surfaces 91 and 92 that reflect light from the light-emitting unit 81 toward the light-receiving unit 82. In Embodiment 1, the reflective optical element 90 is a right-angle prism having two right-angle reflective surfaces 91 and 92 and has a solid structure.

[0069] Corresponding to the arrangement of the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are also aligned in the Z direction, with the first reflective surface 91 facing the light-emitting unit 81 and the second reflective surface 92 facing the light-receiving unit 82 in the X direction. The first reflective surface 91 reflects light from the light-emitting unit 81 toward the second reflective surface 92, and the second reflective surface 92 reflects light from the first reflective surface 91 and causes it to enter the light-receiving unit 82.

[0070] Specifically, the first reflective surface 91 is inclined at 45° with respect to the Z direction, deflecting the light from the light-emitting section 81 toward the second reflective surface 92 from the X direction to the Z direction. The second reflective surface 92 is located below the first reflective surface 91 and is inclined at 45° with respect to the Z direction in the opposite direction to the first reflective surface 91, deflecting the light from the first reflective surface 91 toward the light-receiving section 82 from the Z direction to the X direction.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 extend in the Y direction. Therefore, even if the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 are misaligned in the Y direction, the light from the light-emitting unit 81 can still reach the reflective optical element 90.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, when the tank 62A is shifted around the Z-axis with respect to the connection part 68 (Figure 5) (see dotted line in Figure 6), the rotational radius of the reflective optical element 90 becomes smaller compared to when the reflective optical element 90 is provided on the second side wall 66B or the third side wall 66C. Therefore, the positional displacement of the reflective optical element 90 with respect to the light sensor 80 becomes smaller.

[0073] Furthermore, when the tank 62A is filled with liquid and the reflective optical element 90 is immersed in the liquid, light escapes into the liquid. In this case, the light that escapes into the liquid is reflected by the second side wall 66B, which may cause the output value at the light receiving unit 82 to increase. In Embodiment 1, since the light sensor 80 is far from the second side wall 66B, the light reflected from the second side wall 66B is less likely to reach the light receiving unit 82. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of remaining amount detection due to light reflected from the second side wall 66B.

[0074] The back surface 57 of the case 61 and the first side wall 66A of the tank 62A, located between the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90, each have transparent sections 84 and 94 that are transparent to the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 81. The light sensor 80 is located in the transparent section 84, and the reflective optical element 90 is located in the transparent section 94. Therefore, the light from the light-emitting unit 81 can reach the reflective optical element 90, and the reflected light can reach the light-receiving unit 82.

[0075] The entire back surface 57 of the case 61 may be made transparent and function as a transparent section 84. Furthermore, all, or at least the first side wall 66A, of the side wall 66 of the tank 62A may be made transparent and function as a transparent section 94. Additionally, a portion of the back surface 57 of the case 61 may be formed by the optical sensor 80.

[0076] The light sensor 80 may be screwed to the transparent portion 84 on the back surface 57. The reflective optical element 90 may be integrally formed with the transparent portion 94 of the first side wall 66A as a single component. If the reflective optical element 90 and the transparent portion 94 are made of resin, the reflective optical element 90 may be integrally molded with the transparent portion 94, for example. With such a configuration, the reflective optical element 90 may function as a reinforcing rib of the first side wall 66A of the tank 62A.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are provided on the inner wall surface 66AB, so that they can come into contact with the liquid in the tank 62A. For example, when the liquid level in the tank 62A is the first liquid level L1, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are in contact with the liquid. On the other hand, for example, when the liquid level in the tank 62A is the second liquid level L2, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are in contact with air. As the liquid level decreases from the first liquid level L1 to the second liquid level L2, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are exposed from the liquid level, the medium in contact with the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 changes from the liquid to air, and the refractive index of the contacting medium decreases. As the refractive index of the contacting medium decreases, the difference with the refractive index of the reflective optical element 90 increases, the reflectance by the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 increases, and the intensity of light detected by the light receiving unit 82 increases.

[0078] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the liquid level L and the light intensity J detected by the light receiving unit 82. As shown in Figure 9, as the liquid level L decreases, the light intensity J detected by the light receiving unit 82 increases. Specifically, as the liquid level L decreases from the first liquid level L1 to the second liquid level L2 so that the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are exposed above the liquid surface, the light intensity J detected by the light receiving unit 82 increases sharply from J1 to J2.

[0079] Returning to Figure 5, the reflective optical element 90 is positioned at a predetermined height H1 relative to the bottom 69 of the tank 62A. The predetermined height H1 corresponds to the liquid level height at which the control unit 16 determines that the remaining amount in the tank 62A is low (hereinafter referred to as "low remaining amount"). The predetermined height H1 is below the center of the tank 62A in the Z direction. The predetermined height H1 is, for example, the liquid level height when the remaining amount in the tank 62A is the amount of liquid used in one operation course (for example, any operation course such as a standard washing course).

[0080] The statement that the reflective optical element 90 is positioned at a predetermined height H1 may mean, for example, that the lower end of the reflective optical element 90 is located at the predetermined height H1. In this case, when the liquid level reaches the predetermined height H1, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are exposed above the liquid level, and the light-receiving unit 82 detects an intensity J2. When the light-receiving unit 82 detects an intensity J2, the control unit 16 may determine that "the remaining amount is low." On the other hand, the statement that the reflective optical element 90 is positioned at a predetermined height H1 may mean that at least a part of the reflective optical element 90 is positioned higher than the predetermined height H1. In this case, when the liquid level reaches the predetermined height H1, a part of the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 is exposed above the liquid level, and the light-receiving unit 82 detects an intensity J3 between intensity J1 and intensity J2. When the light-receiving unit 82 detects an intensity J3, the control unit 16 may determine that "the remaining amount is low."

[0081] Considering the above, the reflective optical element 90 functions as a scale indicating "low remaining amount". If the user can see the reflective optical element 90 through the input opening 73, they can determine whether the remaining amount of liquid corresponds to "low remaining amount" by checking whether the reflective optical element 90 is exposed above the liquid surface.

[0082] In addition, the tank 62A may have other markings, such as a scale line, to indicate "low remaining amount," separate from the reflective optical element 90. In this case, the other markings may be provided on the inner wall surface of a side wall different from the first side wall 66A.

[0083] In Embodiment 1, the reflective optical element 90 is provided above the filter 72. The reflective optical element 90 may also be provided adjacent to the upper end of the filter 72.

[0084] Furthermore, since it is provided on the first side wall 66A, the reflective optical element 90 is spaced apart from the input opening 73 in the X direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the tank 62A).

[0085] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the tank 62A when refilling with liquid through the input opening 73. As shown in Figure 10, when liquid is refilled through the input opening 73, bubbles B are generated in the liquid below the input opening 73. When bubbles B are generated, the reflective optical element 90 is far from where the bubbles B are generated. Therefore, bubbles B are less likely to adhere to the reflective optical element 90. When bubbles B adhere, air comes into contact with the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 at the point of adhesion, increasing the reflectivity of the reflective surfaces 91 and 92. When light shines on the area where bubbles B are attached, the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving unit 82 increases, causing the control unit 16 to mistakenly determine that the amount is low. By suppressing the adhesion of bubbles B, it is possible to prevent the control unit 16 from mistakenly determining that the amount is low.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the reflective optical element 90 is provided with a gap between it and the corners 75 and 76 of the tank 62A. If the first side wall 66A is divided into three equal parts in the Y direction, the reflective optical element 90 may be provided in the central region. Therefore, when bubbles B (Figure 10) generated by the replenishment of the liquid agent approach the first side wall 66A, the adhesion of bubbles B can be further suppressed by moving the reflective optical element 90 away from the corners 75 and 76 where bubbles B tend to accumulate.

[0087] (summary) The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a light sensor 80 and a reflective optical element 90. The light sensor 80 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and the reflective optical element 90 is provided on the first side wall 66A. Therefore, the connection part 68 can be used to align the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90. That is, positional misalignment in the Y and Z directions can be suppressed between the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90. Compared to the case where the reflective optical element 90 is provided on the second side wall 66B, when the tank 62A is shifted around the Z axis with respect to the connection part 68, the rotation radius of the reflective optical element 90 becomes smaller, and the positional misalignment with respect to the light sensor 80 becomes smaller. In addition, because the connection part 68 has a cylindrical shape, alignment between the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90 can be achieved more reliably.

[0088] Furthermore, by positioning the reflective optical element 90 away from the input opening 73 and the corners 75 and 76 of the tank 62A, air bubbles are less likely to adhere to the reflective optical element 90. This suppresses the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 from exhibiting high reflectivity even when immersed in the liquid, thereby preventing the control unit 16 from mistakenly determining that the remaining amount is low.

[0089] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0090] As described above, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a washing tub 4 for storing laundry, a tank 62A for storing liquid, and a pump mechanism 63A (liquid supply device) for supplying the liquid stored in the tank 62A to the washing tub. The tank 62A has a first side wall 66A, a second side wall 66B facing the first side wall 66A from the X direction (first direction), and a connecting part 68 provided on the first side wall 66A and detachably connected to the pump mechanism 63A from the X direction. The washing machine 1 further includes a light-emitting unit 81, a reflective optical element 90, and a light-receiving unit 82. The light-emitting unit 81 is provided on the outside of the first side wall 66A and irradiates light toward the outer wall surface 66AA of the first side wall 66A. The reflective optical element 90 is provided on the inner wall surface 66AB of the first side wall 66A above the connecting part 68 and reflects light from the light-emitting unit 81. The light-receiving unit 82 is located on the outside of the first side wall 66A and detects reflected light.

[0091] This configuration allows the connection section 68 to be used for aligning the light-emitting section 81 and light-receiving section 82 with the reflective optical element 90. This suppresses misalignment between the light-emitting section 81 and light-receiving section 82 and the reflective optical element 90. Therefore, the accuracy of remaining amount detection is improved.

[0092] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the dimension D1 of the tank 62A in the X direction is larger than the dimension D2 of the tank 62A in the Y direction (second direction) which intersects with the X direction and the Z direction (height direction).

[0093] This configuration prevents the light from the light-emitting unit 81 from being reflected by the second side wall 66B and detected by the light-receiving unit 82. Therefore, the accuracy of remaining amount detection is improved. In addition, when the washing machine 1 has multiple tanks 62A to 62C arranged in the Y direction, it is possible to prevent the dimensions of the automatic supply unit 6 in the Y direction from becoming too large.

[0094] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the tank 62A has an input opening 73 formed in its upper part 65 into which a liquid can be added, and the input opening 73 is located closer to the second side wall 66B than to the first side wall 66A.

[0095] This configuration prevents bubbles generated by the replenishment of the liquid through the input opening 73 from adhering to the reflective optical element 90. Therefore, the accuracy of remaining amount detection is improved.

[0096] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the tank 62A has an input lid 74 (lid) that can open and cover the input opening 73.

[0097] This configuration prevents foreign matter from entering the tank 62A through the input opening 73 and adhering to the reflective optical element 90.

[0098] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the reflective optical element 90 is provided with a gap between it and the corners 75 and 76 of the tank 62A.

[0099] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the adhesion of air bubbles that accumulate near the corners 75 and 76 to the reflective optical element 90.

[0100] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the reflective optical element 90 and a portion of the transparent part 94 of the first side wall 66A are integrally formed, and the transparent part 94 of the first side wall 66A is transparent to the light from the light-emitting part 81.

[0101] This configuration makes it easier for the light from the light-emitting unit 81 to reach the reflective optical element 90, and for the reflected light from the reflective optical element 90 to reach the light-receiving unit 82.

[0102] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the tank 62A further has a filter 72 located upstream of the connection portion 68 inside. The reflective optical element 90 is positioned above the filter 72.

[0103] With this configuration, by positioning the reflective optical element 90 outside the filter 72, it is less susceptible to temporary fluctuations in the liquid level. For example, after the liquid is drawn into the pump mechanism 63A, the difference in viscosity between the liquid and air causes air to preferentially pass through the filter 72, temporarily lowering the liquid level inside the filter 72 compared to the liquid level outside the filter 72. However, the reflective optical element 90 is less affected by such fluctuations in the liquid level.

[0104] In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 are aligned in the Z direction. The reflective optical element 90 has a first reflective surface 91 that reflects light from the light-emitting unit 81 and a second reflective surface 92 that reflects light from the first reflective surface 91 and causes it to enter the light-receiving unit 82. The first reflective surface 91 and the second reflective surface 92 extend in the Y direction, which intersects the X and Z directions.

[0105] With this configuration, even if a misalignment occurs in the Y direction between the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90, the light receiving unit 82 can still detect the reflected light.

[0106] The washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 includes an optical sensor 80 which integrally has a light-emitting unit 81 and a light-receiving unit 82.

[0107] This configuration simplifies the structure of the washing machine 1 compared to a configuration in which the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 are provided separately. Furthermore, it facilitates the attachment of the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 to the tank 62A.

[0108] (Other embodiments) This disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 1, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0109] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the washing machine 1 is equipped with three tanks 62A to 62C, but it is not limited to this. There may be two or more tanks, or only one tank.

[0110] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C have piston pumps, but the invention is not limited to this. The pump mechanisms 63A, 63B, and 63C may have, for example, an on-off valve mechanism or a gear pump that discharges liquid by gravity. The automatic supply unit 6 may have an aspirator-type automatic supply device instead of the pump mechanisms 63A to 63C. The automatic supply unit 6 may also have only one pump mechanism, in which case the automatic supply unit 6 has multiple flow paths connecting the pump mechanism to the respective tanks 62A to 62C.

[0111] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which an input lid 74 that opens and closes to cover the input opening 73 for introducing the liquid agent is attached to a tank lid 71A that opens and closes to cover the upper opening 71 of the tank 62A, but the invention is not limited to this. The tank and the tank lid may be integrally formed so as not to be removable, and the input lid that opens and closes to cover the input opening may be fixedly provided on the tank. In addition, the input opening may be provided on the side wall (second side wall 66B) facing the reflective optical element.

[0112] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the reflective optical element 90 is a solid right-angle prism, but the invention is not limited to this. The reflective optical element 90 can be any optical element that can reflect the light from the light-emitting unit 81 toward the light-receiving unit 82. The reflective optical element 90 may be, for example, a part of the first side wall 66A that forms a recess protruding toward the interior of the tank 62A.

[0113] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the reflective optical element 90 has two reflective surfaces 91 and 92, but the invention is not limited to this. The reflective optical element 90 may have one reflective surface. In this case, the light-emitting unit 81 causes light to be incident on the reflective surface at a predetermined angle, and the light-receiving unit 82 is positioned to receive the reflected light.

[0114] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 are aligned in the Z direction, and the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 are also aligned in the Z direction, but the invention is not limited to this. Figure 11 is a top view showing a modified arrangement of the light sensor 80 and the reflective optical element 90. As shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 may be aligned in the Y direction, and the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 may also be aligned in the Y direction. In this case, the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 extend in the Z direction. With this configuration, because the reflective surfaces 91 and 92 extend in the Z direction, bubbles floating in the liquid are less likely to adhere to the reflective surfaces 91 and 92. Therefore, the accuracy of remaining amount detection is improved.

[0115] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the reflective optical element 90 is integrally formed with the transparent portion 94 of the tank 62A, but the invention is not limited to this. The reflective optical element 90 may be formed separately from the transparent portion 94 and added later.

[0116] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the reflective optical element 90 is provided above the filter 72, but the invention is not limited to this. The reflective optical element 90 may be provided below the filter 72, for example. With this configuration, bubbles generated above the filter 72 are less likely to enter below the filter 72, thus further suppressing the adhesion of bubbles to the reflective optical element 90.

[0117] Furthermore, if no other components are provided below the reflective optical element 90, the reflective optical element 90 may be provided continuously down to the bottom 69 of the tank 62A. With such a configuration, the reflective optical element 90 can improve the strength of the first side wall 66A.

[0118] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the optical sensor 80 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61 adjacent to the first side wall 66A, but the invention is not limited to this. The optical sensor 80 may be provided in any other location, such as the outer wall surface 66AA of the first side wall 66A of the tank 62A, as long as it is in a position where it can receive reflected light from the reflective optical element 90. Alternatively, the optical sensor 80 may be provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61 so as to be in contact with the first side wall 66A of the tank 62A.

[0119] A washing machine in the first embodiment comprises a washing tub for accommodating laundry, a tank for accommodating a liquid agent, and a liquid agent supply device for supplying the liquid agent contained in the tank to the washing tub. The tank has a first side wall, a second side wall facing the first side wall from a first direction, and a connecting portion provided on the first side wall and detachably connected to the liquid agent supply device from the first direction. The tank further comprises a light-emitting portion provided on the outside of the first side wall and irradiating light toward the outer surface of the first side wall, a reflective optical element provided on the inner surface of the first side wall above the connecting portion and reflecting light from the light-emitting portion, and a light-receiving portion provided on the outside of the first side wall and detecting the reflected light.

[0120] In the second embodiment of the washing machine, the dimensions of the tank in the first embodiment are larger than the dimensions of the tank in the second direction which intersects the first direction and the height direction.

[0121] In a third embodiment, the washing machine, in the washing machine of the first or second embodiment, has an opening at the top into which a liquid can be added, and the opening is located closer to the second side wall than to the first side wall.

[0122] In the washing machine of the fourth embodiment, the washing machine of the third embodiment has a lid that covers the input opening in a manner that can be opened.

[0123] In the fifth embodiment, as a washing machine in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the reflective optical element is provided with a gap between it and the corner of the tank.

[0124] In the sixth embodiment, as in the washing machine of any of the first to fifth embodiments, the reflective optical element and a part of the first side wall are integrally formed, and the part of the first side wall is transparent to the light of the light-emitting part.

[0125] In the seventh embodiment, the washing machine is as described in any of the first to sixth embodiments, and the tank further includes a filter located upstream of the connection, and the reflective optical element is positioned above the filter.

[0126] As a washing machine in the eighth aspect, in a washing machine in any of the first to seventh aspects, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are arranged in the height direction, and the reflective optical element has a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light-emitting part and a second reflective surface that reflects light from the first reflective surface and causes it to enter the light-receiving part, and the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface extend in a second direction that intersects the first direction and the height direction.

[0127] As a washing machine in the ninth embodiment, in a washing machine in any of the first to seven embodiments, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the height direction, and the reflective optical element has a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light-emitting part and a second reflective surface that reflects light from the first reflective surface and causes it to enter the light-receiving part, and the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface extend in the height direction.

[0128] As a washing machine in the tenth embodiment, the washing machine in any of the first to ninth embodiments is equipped with an optical sensor having an integrated light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit.

[0129] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0130] The washing machine of this disclosure is a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid supply device that can detect the remaining amount of liquid, and is therefore useful as a household washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a household drum-type washing machine or a top-loading washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Washing machine 2 cabinets 3 Outer tank 4. Washing tub 5 Drive Unit 6 Automatic feeding unit 7 Manual Input Case 8 Connection Channels 16 Control Unit 61 cases 62A~62C Tank 63A~63C Pump mechanism 66 side wall 66A 1st side wall 66AA Exterior wall 66B 2nd side wall 66C 3rd side wall 68 Connection part 71 Upper opening 71A Tank Lid 73 Input opening 74 Loading lid 80 Light Sensors 81 Light-emitting part 82 Light receiving section 90 Reflective optical elements 91 1st reflective surface 92 Second reflective surface

Claims

1. A washing tub for holding laundry, A tank for containing the liquid agent, The system includes a liquid supply device that supplies the liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub, The tank has a first side wall, a second side wall facing the first side wall from a first direction, and a connecting portion provided on the first side wall and detachably connected to the liquid supply device from the first direction. A light-emitting unit provided on the outside of the first side wall, which irradiates light toward the outer surface of the first side wall, Above the aforementioned connection portion, a reflective optical element is provided on the inner wall surface of the first side wall, which reflects light from the light-emitting portion, A washing machine further comprising a light-receiving unit provided on the outside of the first side wall for detecting reflected light.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the tank in the first direction are greater than the dimensions of the tank in the second direction intersecting the first direction and the height direction.

3. The aforementioned tank has an opening at the top into which a liquid can be added, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input opening is located closer to the second side wall than to the first side wall.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the tank has a lid that can openly cover the input opening.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective optical element is provided with a distance from the corner of the tank.

6. The reflective optical element and a portion of the first side wall are integrally formed, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the first side wall is transparent to the light of the light-emitting part.

7. The tank further includes a filter located upstream of the connection point inside, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective optical element is positioned above the filter.

8. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged in the height direction, The reflective optical element has a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light-emitting part, and a second reflective surface that reflects light from the first reflective surface and causes it to enter the light-receiving part. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the height direction.

9. The light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the height direction, and the reflective optical element has a first reflective surface that reflects light from the light-emitting portion and a second reflective surface that reflects light from the first reflective surface and causes it to enter the light-receiving portion. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface extend in the height direction.

10. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a light sensor having the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit integrally.

Images