washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of improving the detection sensitivity of the remaining amount of liquid agent. [Solution] The washing machine disclosed herein comprises an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a tank for containing liquid to be supplied to the outer tub, a float rotatably arranged around a rotation axis located at the top of the tank, and a sensor for detecting a detectable part, wherein the float includes a floating part that has buoyancy relative to the liquid and a detectable part, and the detectable part is positioned closer to the sensor than an imaginary line connecting the floating part and the rotation axis.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that detects when a liquid agent has solidified in a tank.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a tank that contains a liquid agent, a detection target floating on the surface of the liquid agent in the tank, and a detection target that detects the detection target. The detection value of the detection target after the liquid agent is discharged from the tank is stored, and it is determined that the liquid agent has adhered to the tank depending on the difference in the detection value of the number of consecutive discharges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-42185 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] however, Includes reservoirs with different depths In a washing machine having an automatic dosing unit, Standardization of floats to detect remaining amount of liquid in tanks What is required is...

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems, Achieved standardization of floats that detect remaining liquid levels in liquid tanks of different depths To provide a washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a tank for containing a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub, a float rotatably arranged around a rotation axis located at the top of the tank, and a sensor for detecting a detectable portion, wherein the float includes a floating portion having buoyancy relative to the liquid agent and a detectable portion, and the detectable portion is positioned closer to the sensor than an imaginary line connecting the floating portion and the rotation axis. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, Achieved standardization of floats that detect remaining liquid levels in liquid tanks of different depths A washing machine can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] Schematic front view of a washing machine [Diagram 3] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 4] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Diagram 5] Top view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automatic insertion unit; [Figure 7] Case perspective view [Figure 8] Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 9] A perspective view of a tank and a liquid supply device [Figure 10] Exploded view of the tank [Figure 11] Perspective view of the lid [Figure 12A] Tank cross section [Figure 12B] Schematic cross-section of the tank [Figure 12C] Enlarged cross-section of the tank [Figure 12D] A graph showing the relationship between the distance between the magnet and the sensor and the output voltage value [Figure 12E] Graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of liquid and the output voltage value [Figure 13]Schematic diagram of electronic components associated with the float [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view showing the operation of the float [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view showing the operation of the float [Figure 16A] Cross-section of another tank [Figure 16B] Cross-section of another tank [Figure 17A] Cross-section of another tank [Figure 17B] Cross-section of another tank [Figure 18] Schematic cross-section of the tank DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a washing and drying machine having an automatic liquid dispenser function. In this specification, the liquid is a liquid used for washing laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergent, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply port 10, and a drain valve 11.

[0013] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0014] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member having the function of storing wash water. The outer tub 3 may be called a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the tubular portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for passing water. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connection flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0015] In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is defined as the front-rear direction M (FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is defined as the width direction K (FIG. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 ​​toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 toward the central axis V0.

[0016] <Inner tank> The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably provided around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that contains laundry 15, such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 4 is formed with a large number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 communicate the inner tub 4 with the outer tub 3, allowing the wash water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

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

[0018] <Automatic insertion unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank that stores the liquid agent into the outer tub 3. The automatic dosing unit 6 dispenses an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent into the outer tub 3, for example, according to the amount and type of laundry 15, during a washing process, a rinsing process, etc. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3.

[0019] The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C (tanks 62B, 62C not shown), liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C (liquid agent supplying devices 63B, 63C not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and a manual supplying section 65.

[0020] 2, the automatic feeding unit 6 is provided inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tub 3. The automatic feeding unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. The automatic feeding unit 6 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tub 3.

[0021] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer bath 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer bath 3.

[0022] <Water inlet> 1, the water supply port 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply port 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

[0023] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2.

[0024] <Control Unit> The control unit (not shown) is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit controls components of the washing machine 1, such as the drive unit 5, the liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C of the automatic dispenser unit 6, the water inlet 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program, and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

[0025] Next, components of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are perspective views of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 5 is a top view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0026] <Case> 3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic feeding unit 6, and the manual feeding part 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has an inclined shape along the outer periphery of the tube part 34 that is diagrammatically shown by a dotted line.

[0027] Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the case 61 is the front surface 56 (FIG. 3), and the surface of the rear side M2 ​​of the case 61 is the rear surface 57 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, to the rear surface 57 of the case 61, liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C (FIG. 6), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a connection flow path 8, and a sensor 90 are connected.

[0028] <Tank> As shown in FIG. 5, the case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C aligned in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents used in the washing process and the rinsing process. For example, the tank 62A stores a neutral detergent, the tank 62B stores a fabric softener, and the tank 62C stores a detergent. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are removable from the case 61. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be pulled forward M1 to be removed from the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (FIG. 6), and then taken out upward.

[0029] <Manual input section> The manual dispenser 65 is a mechanism for allowing a user to manually dispense a single dose of laundry treatment liquid. The dispensed amount of liquid flows from the case 61 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 1) into the outer tub 3 (FIG. 1). The manually dispensed liquid may be in liquid or powder form. The manual dispenser 65 is removably housed in the case 61.

[0030] <Liquid injection device> 6, liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from tanks 62A, 62B, 62C and discharge the liquid agent into liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C are connected to tanks 62A, 62B, 62C in the front-rear direction M via rear surface 57 of case 61. Liquid agent supplying device 63A is connected to tank 62A, liquid agent supplying device 63B is connected to tank 62B, and liquid agent supplying device 63C is connected to tank 62C. Liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C are arranged side by side in width direction K.

[0031] <Liquid discharge flow path> As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 (FIG. 1) through the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to three liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends at an incline downward toward the outside K1. In other words, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends from upstream to downstream at an incline downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The fluid (e.g., water W0) flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0032] Next, the structure of the case 61 of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the case 61.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7, the case 61 has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outer side K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is a surface located directly below the tank 62A (Fig. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is a surface located directly below the tank 62B (Fig. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is a surface located directly below the tank 62C (Fig. 6).

[0034] On the rear surface 57 of the case 61, tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid agent outlet 81 are formed.

[0035] Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C are openings provided for connecting tanks 62A, 62B, 62C housed in case 61 to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, 63C arranged outside case 61.

[0036] Further, the first case connection port 78 and the second case connection port 79 are openings that connect the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to the case 61. The liquid agent outlet 81 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 into the case 61 and the fluid that flows from the manual input part 65 to the connection flow path 8.

[0037] The state in which the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are attached to the case 61 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic dosing unit 6.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have depths L1, L2, and L3, respectively. The depths L1, L2, and L3 are the distances from the top surface to the deepest part of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively. The depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order. The depth L2 of the tank 62B is deeper than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, and the depth L3 of the tank 62C is deeper than the depth L2 of the tank 62B. In addition, since the top surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order according to the depths L1, L2, and L3.

[0039] As described above, the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C store a neutral detergent, a fabric softener, and a detergent, respectively. Taking into consideration the type of liquid and the volume of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquids may be stored in the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order of least frequently used liquid. Also, the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may store the same liquid.

[0040] Here, tank 62 is a general term for tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Similarly, liquid drug supply device 63 is a general term for liquid drug supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and connection part 76 is a general term for connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C. In the following explanation, tank 62C will be described as an example of tank 62. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of tank 62 and liquid drug supply device 63. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of tank 62.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 9, tank 62 forms a connection part 76 at its deepest part. Connection part 76 is structured to be connected to liquid agent supplying device 63. Connection part 76 is provided with check valve 68 (Fig. 12A described below) and a connection port. When liquid agent supplying device 63 is attached, the check valve is opened, and tank 62 and liquid agent supplying device 63 communicate with each other. The connection port is an opening through which the liquid agent is sucked out, and faces tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C shown in Fig. 7.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 10, the tank 62 includes a main body 87 and a lid 88. The main body 87 is a box-shaped container that forms a front surface 91 and a rear surface 92. The top of the main body 87 is open and is covered with the lid 88. The lid 88 is a lid that is removably held on the main body 87. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A that can be opened and closed.

[0043] Since the top surfaces of the tanks 62 have a common shape, the upper parts of the main bodies 87 have a common shape, and the structures for holding the lids 88 on the main bodies 87 are also common. Therefore, the lids 88 of the tanks 62 have a common shape and are interchangeable. More specifically, the lids 88 attached to any of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C can also be attached to the other tanks 62A, 62B, 62C. On the other hand, in order to make it possible to distinguish the lids 88 having a common shape, the colors, patterns, characters, and other external features attached to the lids 88 may be different.

[0044] A float 94 is rotatably provided on a back surface 89 of the lid 88 that faces the bottom surface of the main body 87. The float 94 rotates around a float rotation axis V2. The float 94, together with a sensor 90 (FIG. 6) disposed on the back surface 57 of the case 61, has a function of detecting the remaining amount of liquid agent in the tank 62. The float 94 is provided perpendicular to the extension direction of the float rotation axis V2.

[0045] 11 is a perspective view of the lid 88. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The first arm 95 is a rod-shaped member rotatably attached to the lid 88, and extends downward from the lid 88 when there is no liquid agent in the tank 62. A second arm 97 is connected to the first arm 95. The second arm 97 is a rod-shaped member bent relative to the first arm 95 so as to move away from the bottom surface and back surface 92 of the tank 62 and away from the sensor 90 (FIG. 12A) disposed on the back surface 92. In other words, if the connection point of the two arms 95 and 97 is defined as an arm connection point P1, a bend is formed at the arm connection point P1. In this embodiment, when the first arm 95 extends downward, the second arm 97 extends obliquely downward. The float portion 98 is provided on the second arm 97 and is a member having buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent. Specifically, the float portion 98 forms a sealed cavity in a state in which air is contained therein. The float portion 98 moves up and down along the rotation direction R2 following the liquid level S1 of the liquid agent (FIG. 12A). In response to the movement of the float portion 98, the first arm 95 and the second arm 97 rotate integrally.

[0047] The float 94 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62. Figure 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 62.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12A, the float 94 further forms a magnet accommodating portion 96 that accommodates a magnet 99 therein. The magnet accommodating portion 96 is a cavity that is formed closer to the float rotation axis V2 than the floating portion 98. As shown in FIG. 12B, with this structure, the rotation radius X1 of the magnet accommodating portion 96 is smaller than the rotation radius X2 of the floating portion 98. Therefore, when the float 94 rotates, the movement amount of the magnet accommodating portion 96 along the rotation direction R1 is smaller than the movement amount of the floating portion 98 along the rotation direction R2. This makes it possible to prevent the magnet 99 accommodated in the magnet accommodating portion 96 from moving away from the sensor 90, making detection difficult.

[0049] In this embodiment, the magnet storage portion 96 is formed in the first arm 95. In combination with the above, the magnet storage portion 96 and the floating portion 98 are formed to sandwich the bend at the arm connection point P1 from both sides. Since the first arm 95 and the second arm 97 form a bend, the first arm 95 and the magnet storage portion 96 can be brought closer to the back surface 92 with respect to the straight line (imaginary line X3) connecting the float rotation axis V2 and the floating portion 98. Therefore, the magnet storage portion 96 can be brought closer to the sensor 90.

[0050] Moreover, the magnet accommodating portion 96 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first arm 95. In other words, the magnet accommodating portion 96 extends in a tangential direction with respect to the rotation about the float rotation axis V2.

[0051] On the other hand, the float rotation axis V2 is located in a recess 100 formed in the lid 88. Therefore, even if the liquid level S1 of the liquid agent in the tank 62 rises, the float rotation axis V2 is separated from the liquid level S1. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid agent from adhering to the float rotation axis V2, and improves the ability of the float 94 to follow the liquid level S1.

[0052] Here, the structure around the float rotation axis V2 will be described in more detail. Figure 12C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tank 62 shown in Figure 12A.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 12C, the float rotation axis V2 is formed with a distance D1 between it and the rear surface 92 of the tank 62 in the front-rear direction M.

[0054] On the other hand, the magnet housing portion 96 protrudes a distance D2 to the rear side M2 ​​with respect to the float rotation axis V2. Therefore, the rotation of the float 94 is restricted by the magnet housing portion 96 hitting the rear surface 92.

[0055] In this embodiment, the distance D2 is equal to the interval D1. With this structure, when the magnet accommodating portion 96 hits the back surface 92, the magnet accommodating portion 96 extends in the horizontal direction. Also, the distance D2 may be smaller than the interval D1. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the magnet accommodating portion 96 from hitting the back surface 92 when the liquid level S1 is high, and to prevent the rotation of the float 94 from being excessively restricted.

[0056] The magnet 99 is a magnetic detection target that is detected by the sensor 90. More specifically, the magnet 99 has a first magnetic pole 99A and a second magnetic pole 99B, and the magnetic poles 99A and 99B generate a magnetic field that is detected by the sensor 90. In this embodiment, the first magnetic pole 99A is a north pole, and the second magnetic pole 99B is a south pole. The magnet 99 is, for example, a ferrite magnet.

[0057] When the magnet 99 is accommodated in the magnet accommodating portion 96, the first magnetic pole 99A protrudes toward the rear surface 92 of the tank 62. Furthermore, the direction in which the two magnetic poles 99A and 99B are aligned, i.e., the magnetization direction J, is perpendicular to the first arm 95.

[0058] The sensor 90 is a proximity sensor that detects a magnet 99, which is a detected part. In this embodiment, the sensor 90 includes a Hall IC that detects magnetic flux density, and outputs a voltage value according to the magnitude of the magnetic flux density passing through the Hall IC. The sensor 90 is disposed above the rear surface 92 of the tank 62 such that the magnetic field lines of the magnet 99 pass through the sensor 90.

[0059] More specifically, when the magnet 99 approaches, the sensor 90 is disposed so that the first magnetic pole 99A of the magnet 99 faces the sensor 90 and the magnetization direction J is perpendicular to the sensor 90. When the magnet accommodating portion 96 abuts against the rear surface 92 of the tank 62, the center line of the magnet 99 and the Hall IC of the sensor 90 are at approximately the same height. In addition, the magnetization direction J is perpendicular to the Hall IC.

[0060] The information detected by the sensor 90 may be processed by other configurations. In this embodiment, the sensor 90 is connected to a processing unit 82, a storage unit 83, and a display unit 84 (FIG. 13), and the detected voltage value is converted to a remaining amount by the processing unit 82.

[0061] Fig. 12D is a graph showing the relationship between the distance D3 between the magnet 99 and the sensor and the voltage value output from the sensor 90. Fig. 12E is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of the liquid agent and the voltage value output from the sensor 90.

[0062] 12D and 12E, when the remaining amount of liquid decreases and the distance D3 decreases, the magnetic flux density received by the sensor 90 from the magnet 99 increases, and the voltage value output from the sensor 90 increases monotonically. Furthermore, when the distance D3 is sufficiently small, the position of the magnet 99 approaches a position in which the magnetization direction J is perpendicular to the sensor 90. In this state, the magnetic flux density received by the sensor 90 further increases, and the voltage value output from the sensor 90 further increases.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 12C, the magnet 99 is accommodated in the magnet accommodating section 96 by the lid 101 that closes the magnet accommodating section 96. The lid 101 seals the magnet accommodating section 96 by, for example, vibration welding. The lid 101 is welded by vibration welding to suppress the intrusion of laundry treatment agents and form a sealed space inside the magnet accommodating section 96. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the magnet 99 from corroding and reducing its magnetic force due to the laundry treatment agent adhering to the magnet 99. The lid 101 may seal the magnet accommodating section 96 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, insert molding, or the like. The lid 101 has a protrusion 102 that protrudes from the main surface of the lid 101 toward the magnet accommodating section 96. The protrusion 102 can suppress rattling of the magnet 99 in the magnet accommodating section 96. Therefore, it is possible to match the movement of the magnet 99 with the movement of the magnet accommodating section 96. This allows the movement of the float 94, i.e., the movement of the water surface that the float 94 follows, to coincide with the movement of the magnet 99. By causing the movement of the magnet 99 to coincide with the fluctuations in the water surface, it is possible to suppress noise caused by a mismatch between the fluctuations in the water surface and the movement of the magnet 99. Furthermore, when the magnet housing portion 96 shown in FIG. 12A is in contact with the back surface 92 that is at approximately the same height as the sensor 90, the magnetization direction J of the magnet 99 can be brought into contact with the sensor 90.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the electronic components associated with the float 94.

[0065] 13, the processing unit 82 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program to realize a predetermined function. The processing unit 82 calls up and executes a program stored in the storage unit 83, thereby detecting the remaining amount of liquid agent according to the voltage value output from the sensor 90. The processing unit 82 is not limited to a unit that realizes a predetermined function by cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize the predetermined function.

[0066] The storage unit 83 is a recording medium for recording various information. The storage unit 83 is realized, for example, by a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Device), a hard disk, other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these. The storage unit 83 stores programs executed by the processing unit 82, various information detected by the sensor 90, and the like.

[0067] The display unit 84 is a display device that displays various information such as images and text. The display unit 84 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED that only turns on and off, etc. The display unit 84 is provided in the housing 2 and is located at a position where it can be seen by the user of the washing machine 1. The display unit 84 displays, for example, the remaining amount of the liquid agent, or a fact that the remaining amount is low. Moreover, instead of the display unit 84, an application executed by a terminal such as a smartphone of the user may be used.

[0068] [Operation] Next, the operation of the float 94 in response to a change in the amount of the liquid in the tank 62 will be described with reference to Figures 12A, 14, and 15. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62 filled with the liquid. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62 when the amount of the liquid has decreased.

[0069] The float 94 rotates in response to the liquid level S1 of the tank 62. The float 94 rotates in a direction away from the sensor 90 as the amount of liquid agent contained in the tank 62 increases, i.e., as the liquid level S1 rises. On the other hand, the float 94 comes closest to the sensor 90 when the floating portion 98 is not generating buoyancy, i.e., when the liquid level S1 is located near the bottom surface of the tank 62.

[0070] Here, the operation of the float 94 will be described in more detail. First, as shown in Fig. 14, the tank 62 is filled with the liquid. Due to the buoyancy caused by the liquid, the float portion 98 is located near the lid 88 together with the liquid level S1 of the liquid. In this state, the magnet 99 is located away from the sensor 90 in the front-rear direction M. Therefore, the voltage value Y1 output from the sensor 90 is at a minimum. On the other hand, because the rotation radius X1 of the magnet 99 (Fig. 12A) is small, the sensor 90 can detect the magnet 99 even in this position.

[0071] By performing a wash, the liquid agent in the tank 62 is used and reduced. As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid level S1 in the tank 62 gradually approaches the bottom surface of the tank 62. As the liquid level S1 descends, the float portion 98, which moves following the liquid level S1, also approaches the bottom surface of the tank 62. As the float portion 98 descends, the second arm 97 and the first arm 95 rotate. As the first arm 95 rotates, the first magnetic pole 99A (FIG. 12B) of the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90, the distance D3 decreases, and the magnetic flux density detected by the sensor 90 increases. As a result, the voltage value Y2 output from the sensor 90 increases.

[0072] When the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90, the magnet 99 rotates so as to move substantially parallel to the magnetization direction J.

[0073] When the liquid level S1 of the liquid agent in the tank 62 further drops and the distance D3 is sufficiently small, the first arm 95 extends downward. The position of the magnet 99 approaches a position in which the magnetization direction J is perpendicular to the sensor 90. In this state, the magnetic flux density detected by the sensor 90 increases, and the output voltage value further increases. In this way, by bringing the state in which the remaining amount of the liquid agent is low to the high sensitivity side (the side with a large gain), the effect of noise on the voltage value can be reduced, and the state in which the remaining amount is low can be determined with greater accuracy. In addition, noise includes noise due to disturbances such as shaking of the liquid surface due to vibration during dehydration.

[0074] When the amount of liquid has decreased sufficiently and the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90, the processing unit 82 calculates the remaining amount of liquid based on the voltage value output from the sensor 90. The remaining amount value calculated by the processing unit 82 may be displayed on the display unit 84. For example, when the calculated remaining amount value is 100 mL, the display unit 84 displays "100 mL remaining." Also, a display method other than text, such as playing a sound or displaying an image, may be used.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 12A, when the liquid agent is further decreased, the magnet containing portion 96 hits the back surface 92 of the tank 62, and further rotation of the float 94 is suppressed. With the rotation angle of the float 94 being limited by the lid 88 and the back surface 92 of the tank 62, the distance D3 between the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 is the shortest. In this state, the first magnetic pole 99A (FIG. 12B) of the magnet 99 faces the sensor 90, and the magnetization direction J of the magnet 99 is perpendicular to the Hall IC of the sensor 90. Therefore, the magnetic flux density detected by the sensor 90 is maximized, and the output voltage value Y3 is maximized. Also, in this state, the float portion 98 is located approximately at the center of the tank 62.

[0076] A user of the washing machine 1 can check the information displayed on the display unit 84 and refill the tank 62 with the liquid agent as appropriate. When the tank 62 is placed in the case 61, the liquid agent can be refilled by opening the small lid 88A as shown in Fig. 10. On the other hand, when the tank 62 is removed from the case 61, the liquid agent can be refilled by removing the lid 88 or opening the small lid 88A.

[0077] The above explanation uses tank 62C as a representative of tank 62. The same float 94 can be applied to the other tanks 62A and 62B. However, since tanks 62A and 62B have different depths relative to tank 62, there are differences in the operation of float 94. Here, the operation of float 94 in tanks 62A and 62B will be explained, focusing on the differences from tank 62C.

[0078] 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of tank 62B. As shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, tank 62B has a lid 88 and a float 94 in common with tank 62C. When the liquid agent decreases in tank 62B and the float 98 descends together with the liquid level S1, as described above, the magnet housing portion 96 is attached to the rear surface 92 of tank 62B and faces the sensor 90. In this state, a gap is formed between the float 98 and the bottom surface B12 of tank 62B. The depth of tank 62B is smaller than that of tank 62C, but is large enough to suppress contact between the float 98 and the bottom surface B12.

[0079] 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of the tank 62A. As shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the tank 62A has a lid 88 and a float 94 in common with the tank 62C. On the other hand, the tank 62A is shallower than the tanks 62B and 62C. Therefore, when the liquid agent is decreased in the tank 62A and the float portion 98 descends, the float portion 98 hits the inner bottom surface B13 of the tank 62A before the magnet containing portion 96 is attached to the back surface 92 of the tank 62A. In this state, further rotation of the float 94 is restricted. However, even in this state, the rotation radius X1 of the magnet containing portion 96 is small, and the distance D3 between the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 is small. Therefore, even if the magnet containing portion 96 is not attached to the back surface of the tank 62A, the sensor 90 can detect the magnet 99 with high sensitivity.

[0080] Here, the rotation trajectory of the float 94 in the tank 62 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 62A and the tank 62C. In Fig. 18, a float 194 is shown as a comparative example of the float 94.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 18, the float rotation axis V2, the floating part 198 of the float 194, and the magnet 199 of the float 194 are arranged on a straight line. That is, the float 194 is formed in a straight shape. The float 194 moves more greatly than the float 94 in response to the height of the liquid level, so the dynamic range of the magnetic flux density can be made large. However, when the floating part 198 is located close to the lid 88, the magnet 199 becomes excessively far from the sensor 90. When the magnet 199 becomes excessively far from the sensor 90, the sensitivity of the output value of the sensor 90 to changes in the liquid level decreases, making it difficult to detect the position of the magnet 199 and changes in the liquid level.

[0082] However, in the float 94, it is possible to prevent the distance between the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 from becoming large. Therefore, compared to the float 194, the float 94 can ensure sensitivity that allows it to detect changes in the liquid level even when the liquid level is close to the lid 88.

[0083] Also, the rotation of float 94 and float 194 in shallow tank 62A will be compared. When floating portions 98, 198 are in contact with inner bottom surface B13 of tank 62A, magnet 99 of float 94 is closer to sensor 90 than magnet 199 of float 194. By using float 94, magnet 99 can be positioned closer to sensor 90 even in shallow tank 62A, and compared to float 194, changes in the liquid level can be detected with high sensitivity at a liquid level where the remaining amount is small.

[0084] As described above, by applying the float 94 in this embodiment and the arrangement of the sensor 90 relative to the float 94, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of liquid with high sensitivity even in tanks 62 having different depths.

[0085] Furthermore, a protrusion 103 is formed on the inner bottom surface B13 of the tank 62A, protruding from the inner bottom surface B13. When the remaining amount of the tank 62A is sufficiently reduced, the float 98 comes into contact with the protrusion 103. The protrusion 103 separates the float 98 from the inner bottom surface B13 to an extent that does not significantly affect the distance D3. By separating the float 98 from the inner bottom surface B13, it is possible to prevent the float 98 from adhering to the inner bottom surface B13 due to the liquid agent covering the inner bottom surface B13. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the float 98 from adhering even when the float 94 is applied to a tank 62 with a small depth.

[0086] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0087] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a float 94 having a first arm 95 and a second arm 97 extending at different angles. Therefore, the float 94 forms a bend between the magnet storage section 96 and the floating section 98 so as to bring the magnet 99 closer to the back surface 92. When the floating section 98 descends as the amount of liquid decreases, the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90. As the distance D3 between the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 decreases, the magnetic flux density received by the sensor 90 increases, and the output voltage value of the sensor 90 increases. In addition, as the amount of liquid decreases, the magnetization direction J of the magnet 99 approaches a position facing the sensor 90. The magnetic flux density by the magnet 99 passing through the sensor 90 increases, and the output voltage value of the sensor 90 further increases. Therefore, when the remaining amount of liquid is low, the output voltage value of the sensor 90 becomes larger than the noise, and the sensitivity of the sensor 90 improves. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the remaining amount of liquid is improved.

[0088] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0089] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the outer tub 3, the tank 62, the float 94, and the sensor 90. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported in the housing 2. The tank 62 contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The float 94 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis (float rotation axis V2) located at the top of the tank 62. The sensor 90 detects a detected part (magnet 99). The float 94 includes a float part 98 having buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent, and a magnet 99. The magnet 99 is disposed at a position closer to the sensor 90 than the imaginary line X3 connecting the float part 98 and the float rotation axis V2.

[0090] With this configuration, the rotation trajectory of the magnet 99 when the float 94 rotates is located closer to the sensor 90 than the rotation trajectory of the float 98. This makes it possible to reduce the range in which accurate detection becomes difficult due to the magnet 99 being too far away from the sensor 90. Also, even if the tank 62 is shallow and the float 98 hits the bottom and stops rotating the float 94, the distance between the sensor 90 and the magnet 99 can be reduced, improving detection accuracy.

[0091] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the float 94 includes a first arm 95 and a second arm 97 extending in a direction different from that of the first arm 95. A magnet 99 is provided on the first arm 95. A floating portion 98 is provided on the second arm 97.

[0092] With this configuration, the float 98 and the magnet 99 can be disposed on two arms 95, 97 extending in different directions, respectively, so that the magnet 99 can be disposed at a position that is not on the imaginary line X3 connecting the float 98 and the float rotation axis V2. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to configure the float 94 in which the magnet 99 is disposed at a position closer to the sensor 90 than the imaginary line X3 connecting the float 98 and the float rotation axis V2.

[0093] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the magnet 99, which is the detected part, approaches the sensor 90, the magnetization direction J from one magnetic pole (first magnetic pole 99A) to the other magnetic pole (second magnetic pole 99B) faces the sensor 90. When the float 94 approaches the sensor 90 and then moves away from the sensor 90, the float 94 rotates so that the magnet 99 moves approximately parallel to the magnetization direction J.

[0094] With this configuration, the magnetic flux density can be gradually decreased as the magnet 99 moves away from the sensor 90. Therefore, the difference between the closest magnetic flux density and the most distant magnetic flux density can be increased.

[0095] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of tanks 62 with different depths. The sensor 90 is provided on the side of the tank 62. The float 94 comes to rest when it abuts against the side of the tank 62 on the side where the sensor 90 is provided, or against the inner bottom surface of the tank 62, when the floating portion 98 is not generating buoyancy.

[0096] With this configuration, when float portion 98 is not generating buoyancy, it abuts against the side wall in tank 62C which is deep, and abuts against the inner bottom surface in tank 62A which is deep. Therefore, in tank 62C which is deep, the maximum amount of liquid agent at which float portion 98 no longer generates buoyancy can be reduced.

[0097] Further, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the float 94 is configured so that the float portion 98 is located approximately in the center of the tank 62 when the float portion 98 is not generating buoyancy.

[0098] With this configuration, even if the tank 62 is tilted relative to the horizontal and the liquid level in the tank 62 is tilted, the difference between the liquid level at the position of the float 98 and the liquid level when the tank 62 is positioned horizontally can be made small. Therefore, regardless of the position of the tank 62, the remaining amount in the tank 62 when the float 94 reaches a position where it does not generate buoyancy can be made approximately constant.

[0099] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the float 94 is configured so that the magnet 99 is disposed closer to the float rotation axis V2 than the floating portion 98 is.

[0100] With this configuration, the float portion 98 moves with a rotation radius X2 larger than the rotation radius X1 of the magnet 99 in response to changes in the height of the liquid surface.

[0101] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the sensor 90 is disposed on the side of the tank 62. The float rotation axis V2 is disposed near the sensor 90. The float 94 is provided with a floating portion 98 at an end portion away from the float rotation axis V2. The float 94 is closest to the sensor 90 when the floating portion 98 is not generating buoyancy. When the floating portion 98 is generating buoyancy, the float 94 rotates in a direction away from the sensor 90 as the amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank 62 increases.

[0102] With this configuration, the rotation radius X2 of the float portion 98 is larger than the rotation radius X2 of the magnet 99, the rotation trajectory of the magnet 99 is closer to the sensor 90 than the rotation trajectory of the float portion 98, and when the amount of liquid is small, the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 approach each other. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect changes in the liquid level while ensuring detection accuracy when the amount of liquid is small.

[0103] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0104] In the embodiment, the liquid material discharge flow path 64 is inclined, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid material discharge flow path 64 may be disposed in a horizontal direction.

[0105] Although an example in which the magnet 99 is disposed on the first arm 95 and the floating portion 98 is disposed on the second arm 97 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the floating portion 98 may be disposed on the first arm 95 and the magnet 99 may be disposed on the second arm 97. In this case, the sensor 90 may be disposed near the bottom surface of the tank 62.

[0106] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the float 94 has the magnet 99 as the detected part, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detected part of the float 94 may be detected by the sensor 90 in a non-contact manner. For example, the float 94 may have a detected part that emits infrared rays instead of the magnet 99, and the sensor 90 may be an infrared sensor that detects the emitted infrared rays.

[0107] The shape of the magnet 99 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape. The magnet 99 may be substantially circular. The shape of the magnet accommodating portion 96 is preferably a shape that matches the outer shape of the magnet 99.

[0108] In the embodiment, an example in which the float 94 is provided on the lid 88 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a bridge may be provided across the opening of the main body 87 of the tank 62, and the rotation axis of the float 94 may be provided on the bridge.

[0109] In the embodiment, the float 94 has a bent shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the float 94 may have a magnet housing portion 96 that protrudes toward the sensor 90. The float 94 may be formed in an arc shape.

[0110] In the embodiment, the direction in which the multiple tanks 62 are arranged is described as the width direction K, but this is not limited to the above. The direction in which the multiple tanks 62 are arranged may be along, for example, the front-rear direction M. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the tanks 62 may be along the front-rear direction M.

[0111] In the embodiment, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63 is described as the front-rear direction M, but is not limited thereto. For example, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63 may be along the up-down direction.

[0112] In the embodiment, the example in which the liquid agent supplying device 63 is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 at the outlet side has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid agent supplying device 63 may be connected to the case 61 immediately below the tank 62 at the outlet side.

[0113] 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 should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] The washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid injection, and is therefore useful as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a home drum washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Washing machine 2. Chassis 3 Outer tank 4 Inner tank 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic insertion unit 8 Connection Channel 10 Water inlet 11 Drain valve 61 cases 62 Tank 63 Liquid injection device 64 Liquid discharge flow path 65 Manual input section 87 Main Body 88 Lid 90 Sensors 94 Float 95 First Arm 96 Magnet storage section 97 Second Arm 98 Float 99 Magnet K Width direction M Anteroposterior direction

Claims

1. An outer tank elastically supported within a housing; A tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank; A float rotatably provided around a rotation axis located at an upper portion of the tank; A proximity sensor that detects the proximity of the detection target portion, The float includes a float portion having buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent, and the detectable portion is provided at a position closer to the rotation shaft than the float portion, The proximity sensor is provided on a side of the tank, The tank includes a first tank and a second tank having a greater depth than the first tank, The float is a first float provided in the first tank, the first float including the floating portion and the detected portion; a second float having a common structure with the first float and provided in the second tank; The proximity sensor is a first proximity sensor that detects the detection target portion of the first float; a second proximity sensor that detects the detection target portion of the second float, the first float comes into contact with an inner bottom of the first tank when the floating portion is not generating buoyancy, and thereby comes to rest without coming into contact with a side portion of the first tank on the side where the first proximity sensor is provided; A washing machine, wherein the second float comes to rest by abutting against the side of the second tank on the side where the second proximity sensor is provided when the floating portion is not generating buoyancy.

2. The float includes a first arm and a second arm extending in a direction different from that of the first arm. Including, The first arm is provided with the detected portion, The washing machine of claim 1 , wherein the second arm is provided with the floating portion.

3. The float has a detection target housing portion that houses the detection target portion, The rotation of the float is restricted by the detection target accommodation portion coming into contact with the side portion of the tank on the side where the proximity sensor is provided. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the rotation shaft is provided at a position closer to the proximity sensor than a center of the tank.

5. the rotation shaft is disposed in the vicinity of the proximity sensor; The float is The float portion is closest to the proximity sensor in a state where the float portion is not generating buoyancy, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the floating portion rotates in a direction away from the proximity sensor as the amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank increases while the floating portion generates buoyancy.

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