washing machine

Abstract

To accurately detect a residual quantity of a washing treatment agent without using a permanent magnet.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises a water tub, and an automatic input device for automatically inputting a predetermined quantity of a washing treatment agent into the water tub. The automatic input device includes a treatment agent tank capable of storing the washing treatment agent for a plurality of times, and a residual quantity detector capable of detecting a residual quantity of the washing treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank. The residual quantity detector includes a float that is provided in the treatment agent tank and floats in the washing treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank so as to move along a predetermined track in the treatment agent tank in accordance with an increase / a decrease in a storage quantity of the washing treatment agent, a metal detection body that moves in conjunction with the movement of the float, and a proximity sensor of an induction type or of an electrostatic capacitance type that can detect presence of the detection body and inputs a value correlated with a distance to the detection body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, to improve user convenience, washing machines have been developed that are equipped with automatic dispensers that store multiple loads of laundry treatment agent in a tank for automatic dispensing and automatically dispense the required amount from the tank during each wash run. Such automatic dispensers are considered to have a configuration that automatically detects the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank so as to prompt the user to replenish the laundry treatment agent when the amount stored in the tank decreases.

[0003] One such configuration may include a float incorporating a permanent magnet and a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall IC or reed switch, for detecting the approach of the permanent magnet. In this case, the float is installed in the tank so that it rises and falls depending on the amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank. The magnetic sensor detects the permanent magnet in the float when the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank decreases and the float sinks to a predetermined position. This allows the washing machine to detect when the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank has decreased to a predetermined amount.

[0004] In this case, the detection accuracy of Hall ICs, reed switches, etc. is easily affected by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. Therefore, in such a configuration using a permanent magnet, the installation position and magnetic force of the permanent magnet must be strictly controlled. However, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet may change due to changes in the ambient temperature environment or the influence of the magnetic force from the motor. In this case, if the washing machine has a drying function, the temperature inside the housing is likely to change significantly, resulting in even greater changes in the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. Furthermore, changes in the magnetic force of the permanent magnet can easily lead to errors in detecting the amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank, and the detection accuracy can easily decrease. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-011618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, a washing machine capable of detecting the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent with high accuracy without using a permanent magnet is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water tub and an automatic dosing device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tub. The automatic dosing device includes a treatment agent tank that can store multiple loads of the laundry treatment agent, and a remaining amount detection device that can detect the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank. The remaining amount detection device includes a float that is provided in the treatment agent tank and floats on the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank, thereby moving along a predetermined trajectory within the treatment agent tank as the amount of the laundry treatment agent increases or decreases, a metal detector that moves in conjunction with the movement of the float, and an inductive or capacitive proximity sensor that can detect the presence of the detector and output a value correlated to the distance from the detector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an internal structure of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a treatment agent tank in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5]1A to 1C are cross-sectional views (part 1) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the washing machine according to the first embodiment in the order of operation of a movement mechanism. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 2) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the washing machine according to the first embodiment in the order of operation of a moving mechanism. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 3) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the washing machine according to the first embodiment in the order of operation of a movement mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a detection body provided in a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank and the output value of the proximity sensor in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control content executed by a control device in a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detection body provided in a washing machine according to a second embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank included in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 1) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the order of operation of a movement mechanism in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 2) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the order of operation of a moving mechanism in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 3) illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the order of operation of a moving mechanism in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of an internal structure of a treatment agent tank in the order of operation of a moving mechanism in a washing machine according to a second embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank and the output value of the proximity sensor in the washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control content executed by a control device in a washing machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detection body provided in a washing machine according to a third embodiment; [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view of a detection body provided in a washing machine according to a third embodiment, taken along line X20-X20 in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detection body provided in a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the detection body provided in the washing machine of the fourth embodiment, taken along line X22-X22 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Washing machines according to several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Elements that are essentially the same in each embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Each embodiment can be applied to both a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 and a vertical-axis washing machine (not shown).

[0010] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, washing machine 10 includes outer case 11, water tub 12, rotating tub 13, control device 14, rotating tub motor 15, drainage mechanism 16, operation panel 17, water supply mechanism 18, and automatic loading device 20. In Figure 1, the side of washing machine 10 on which washing machine 10 is installed, i.e., the vertically lower side, is referred to as the lower side of washing machine 10, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is referred to as the upper side of washing machine 10. Washing machine 10 is a drum-type washing machine, either a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of rotating tub 13 is horizontal, or an inclined-axis type in which the rotation axis is tilted downward toward the rear.

[0011] Washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, such as a heat pump or heater. Water tub 12 is disposed within outer casing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). Rotating tub 13 is disposed rotatably within water tub 12. In this case, water tub 12 and rotating tub 13 function as a washing tub for storing laundry.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 3, control device 14 is mainly configured with a microcomputer having, for example, CPU 141 and storage area 142 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls washing machine 10 as a whole. In this embodiment, control device 14 controls the driving of rotatable tub motor 15, drain mechanism 16, operation panel 17, water supply mechanism 18, and automatic dosing device 20. Rotatable tub motor 15 is provided outside water tub 12 and connected to rotatable tub 13. Rotatable tub motor 15 is also electrically connected to control device 14 and is driven based on a control signal from control device 14 to rotate rotatable tub 13.

[0013] Drain mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of draining water stored in water tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain mechanism 16 has drain path 161 and drain valve 162. Drain path 161 is configured, for example, by a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to drain valve 162 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 162 is configured, for example, by an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drain valve 162 is provided between drain outlet 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12 and drain path 161. Drain valve 162 is electrically connected to control device 14 and opens and closes drain path 161 based on a control signal from control device 14.

[0014] The operation panel 17 is provided on the front part of the top surface of the outer casing 11 and is electrically connected to the control device 14. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 17 is provided with a power switch, a start key, and various operation keys for the user to set the washing operation course, etc. When performing a washing operation, the user can use the operation panel 17 to select whether to automatically dispense the laundry treatment agent using the automatic dispenser 20 or to manually dispense one dose of laundry treatment agent using a manual dispenser case (not shown).

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the water supply mechanism 18 is provided, for example, at the rear left portion above the water tub 12 inside the outer casing 11. The water supply mechanism 18 receives water from a water supply source such as a tap and supplies the water to the water tub 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the water supply mechanism 18 has a connection port 181, a water supply path 182, a supply unit 183, and a water supply valve 184. The connection port 181 is provided so as to be exposed at the rear left portion on the top surface of the outer casing 11. The connection port 181 is connected to an external water source such as a water faucet via a hose, for example.

[0016] Water supply path 182 is a path that connects connection port 181 to water tub 12 and rotatable tub 13. Supply unit 183 is provided midway along water supply path 182, and is a section to which laundry treatment agent is supplied by automatic dispenser 20. Water supply valve 184 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Water supply valve 184 is provided between connection port 181 and water supply path 182. Water supply valve 184 is electrically connected to control device 14, and opens and closes water supply path 182 based on a control signal from control device 14.

[0017] The automatic dispenser 20 stores a plurality of loads of laundry treatment agent in advance and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent to the water tub 12 over multiple wash cycles. In this embodiment, the laundry treatment agent includes detergent, fabric softener, etc. The automatic dispenser 20 includes a tank housing 21, a housing cover 22, a dispensing pump 23, a treatment agent tank 30, and a remaining amount detector 40.

[0018] The treatment agent tank 30 is made of, for example, resin, and is configured as a hollow, rectangular container that is elongated in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction, and is capable of storing a liquid laundry treatment agent. In this case, the treatment agent tank 30 has a capacity sufficient to store the laundry treatment agent to be used for multiple operations. In this case, the capacity of the treatment agent tank 30 is not particularly limited, but considering user convenience, it is preferable to set it to at least several hundred mL to 2 L. In addition, in this embodiment, the automatic dispensing device 20 has two treatment agent tanks 30. In this case, one of the two treatment agent tanks 30 is for storing a detergent as a laundry treatment agent. In addition, the other of the two treatment agent tanks 30 is for storing a fabric softener as a laundry treatment agent.

[0019] The capacities of these two treatment agent tanks 30 may be the same or different. However, in a typical washing operation, more detergent is consumed than fabric softener. Therefore, of these two treatment agent tanks 30, it is preferable that the treatment agent tank 30 for storing detergent has a larger capacity than the treatment agent tank 30 for storing fabric softener.

[0020] The tank housing section 21 is configured in the shape of a box with an open top and is provided inside the outer casing 11. The tank housing section 21 is configured to be able to house two treatment agent tanks 30 lined up side by side or front to back. Each treatment agent tank 30 is detachably housed in the tank housing section 21. A housing section cover 22 is attached to the outer casing 11 and can open and close the opening on the top of the tank housing section 21. With the housing section cover 22 open, the user can pull each treatment agent tank 30 out towards the top of the washing machine 10 and remove it from the washing machine 10.

[0021] The automatic dosing device 20 has a number of dosing pumps 23 corresponding to each treatment agent tank 30. In the present embodiment, the automatic dosing device 20 has two treatment agent tanks 30, and therefore has two dosing pumps 23 for each tank. FIG. 2 shows one of the two sets of treatment agent tanks 30 and dosing pumps 23. The dosing pump 23 has a pump connection part 231 on the inlet side, and is connected to the treatment agent tank 30 via the pump connection part 231. As a result, the treatment agent tank 30 is connected to the supply part 183 via the corresponding dosing pump 23. The dosing pump 23 is, for example, a syringe pump, and draws in a fixed amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 and discharges it to the supply part 183.

[0022] In this configuration, when water supply valve 184 is opened, tap water supplied from connection port 181 flows into water supply path 182 and passes through supply unit 183. A required amount of laundry treatment agent is supplied to supply unit 183 in advance by the operation of automatic dispenser 20 before the operation of water supply valve 184. When laundry treatment agent is stored in supply unit 183, the water passing through water supply path 182 dissolves the laundry treatment agent as it flows and is supplied into water tub 12. In this way, automatic dispenser 20 automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into water tub 12 while washing machine 10 is operating.

[0023] Next, the detailed configuration of the treatment agent tank 30 and remaining amount detecting device 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. As shown in Figure 5 etc., the treatment agent tank 30 has a tank body 31, a cover member 32, a filter member 33, a treatment agent outlet portion 34, a suction pipe portion 35, and a leak prevention valve 36. The tank body 31 forms the outer shell of the treatment agent tank 30, and is made of synthetic resin such as plastic.

[0024] In this embodiment, the tank body 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole, and has a front surface 311, side surfaces 312, a back surface 313, a bottom surface 314, and a top surface 315. The front surface 311 constitutes the front surface of the tank body 31. The side surfaces 312 constitute the left and right side surfaces of the tank body 31. The back surface 313 constitutes the back surface of the tank body 31. The bottom surface 314 constitutes the bottom surface of the tank body 31. And the top surface 315 constitutes the top surface of the tank body 31. The tank body 31 also has an opening 316. The opening 316 is formed by penetrating a portion of the top surface 315 in, for example, a rectangular shape, and connects the inside and outside of the tank body 31.

[0025] The lid member 32 is plate-shaped and made of synthetic resin such as plastic, similar to the tank body 31. The lid member 32 is attached to the top surface 315 of the tank body 31 by a hinge (not shown), and is configured to be able to open and close the opening 316. A user can open the lid member 32 and pour laundry treatment agent into the tank body 31 through the opening 316.

[0026] The filter member 33 is configured, for example, in a mesh shape, and is provided inside the tank body 31. The filter member 33 separates the space on the opening 316 side from the space in which the suction pipe 35 is provided within the internal space of the tank body 31. As a result, the filter member 33 has the function of capturing dust and the like contained in the detergent when the detergent is introduced into the tank body 31 through the opening 316 and sucked into the introduction pump 23 through the suction pipe 35.

[0027] Treatment agent outlet 34 is provided at the lower rear of tank body 31, in this case, at back surface 313. Pump connector 231 of dosage pump 23 is inserted into treatment agent outlet 34, thereby connecting the interior of tank body 31 with dosage pump 23. Suction pipe 35 is connected to treatment agent outlet 34 and extends vertically downward to the vicinity of bottom surface 314 of tank body 31. The lower end of suction pipe 35 is slightly spaced from bottom surface 314 of tank body 31.

[0028] The leak prevention valve 36 is provided between the treating agent outlet portion 34 and the suction pipe portion 35. When the treating agent tank 30 is removed from the tank accommodation portion 21 and the pump connection portion 231 is not connected to the treating agent outlet portion 34, the leak prevention valve 36 functions to prevent the laundry treating agent stored in the tank body 31 from leaking out of the tank body 31 from the treating agent outlet portion 34 to the outside of the tank body 31. When the pump connection portion 231 is connected to the treating agent outlet portion 34, the leak prevention valve 36 opens the gap between the treating agent outlet portion 34 and the suction pipe portion 35, thereby enabling the dosing pump 23 to suck out the laundry treating agent stored in the tank body 31. On the other hand, when the pump connection portion 231 is not connected to the treating agent outlet portion 34, the leak prevention valve 36 closes the gap between the treating agent outlet portion 34 and the suction pipe portion 35, thereby preventing the laundry treating agent in the tank body 31 from leaking out of the tank body 31 from the treating agent outlet portion 34 to the outside.

[0029] The remaining amount detecting device 40 has the function of detecting the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30. In this embodiment, the remaining amount detecting device 40 can detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 in multiple stages. The remaining amount detecting device 40 has a moving mechanism 50, a detection body 41, and a proximity sensor 42. The moving mechanism 50 is provided inside the tank body 31 and is configured to move in a direction including a vertical component in accordance with changes in the height position of the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank body 31. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 50 is configured to be able to swing in accordance with changes in the height position of the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank body 31.

[0030] The movement mechanism 50 has a swing lever 51 and a float 52, and the swing lever 51 and the float 52 are configured to be swingable together. In this embodiment, the swing lever 51 and the float 52 are configured as a single unit. However, the swing lever 51 and the float 52 may also be configured as separate bodies. The swing lever 51 is configured as a long plate or rod that is long in the vertical direction as a whole. The upper end of the swing lever 51 is attached so as to be swingable around a shaft 317 provided on the top surface 315 of the tank main body 31 as a fulcrum. The lower end of the swing lever 51 is connected to the float 52.

[0031] The float 52 is formed, for example, in a hollow shape and has a sealed space inside. The overall density of the float 52, including the internal space, is adjusted so that it floats on the laundry treatment agent. The float 52 rises and falls depending on the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30, i.e., depending on the height of the laundry treatment agent liquid surface. In this case, the float 52 is connected to the shaft 317 via the swing lever 51. Therefore, the float 52 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory with the shaft 317 as the fulcrum and the length of the swing lever 51 as the radius. In this way, the float 52 moves along a predetermined constant trajectory as the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent increases or decreases.

[0032] When the amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 increases and the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent rises, the float 52 rises, tracing an arc-shaped path centered on the axis 317. As shown in FIG. 5, the float 52 finally hits the inside of the front surface 311 of the tank body 31, causing the movement mechanism 50 to stop swinging. The liquid level of the laundry treatment agent at this time is referred to as the rising end position Lt. In other words, when the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent drops below the rising end position Lt, the movement mechanism 50 starts to move downward, i.e., swing.

[0033] In this embodiment, the treatment agent tank 30 has a restricting portion 318. The restricting portion 318 has the function of contacting the swing lever 51 or the float 52 to restrict the swing of the movement mechanism 50. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 318 is provided on the upper surface portion 315 of the tank body 31, and is configured in the shape of a rod or plate extending downward from the inside of the upper surface portion 315.

[0034] When the amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 decreases and the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent drops, the float 52 descends, tracing an arc-shaped path centered on the axis 317. As shown in FIG. 7, the swing lever 51 eventually hits the restricting portion 318, restricting its swing, and the swing of the moving mechanism 50 stops. The liquid level of the laundry treatment agent at this time is defined as the descending end position Lb. In other words, when the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent rises above the descending end position Lb, the moving mechanism 50 starts to move upward, i.e., to swing.

[0035] For example, when washing laundry of about 10 to 12 kg, which is the maximum amount for a typical washing machine, it is often recommended to use about 40 mL to 60 mL of a typical liquid detergent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of laundry treatment agent at the lowering end position Lb is set to an amount sufficient for one or two wash cycles, for example, 100 mL. The amount of laundry treatment agent at the upper end position Lt is set to about two to three times the amount of laundry treatment agent at the lowering end position Lb, for example, 250 mL.

[0036] The detection body 41 is made of metal and configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the float 52. In this embodiment, the detection body 41 is configured as a metal plate- or block-shaped member and is provided inside the float 52. In this embodiment, the detection body 41 is configured as a simple rectangular plate-shaped member as shown in FIG. 8. Also, in this embodiment, the detection body 41 is provided below the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy of the float 52, in this case, on the bottom surface 521 of the float 52, as shown in FIG. 5 and other figures. The metal constituting the detection body 41 may be any metal that can be detected by the proximity sensor 42, and may be, for example, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or other magnetic or non-magnetic metals. The detection body 41 moves integrally with the float 52 as it moves.

[0037] The proximity sensor 42 can detect the presence of the detection object 41 without contact and outputs a value correlated to the distance from the detection object 41. In other words, the proximity sensor 42 can detect whether the detection object 41 is approaching or moving away. An induction-type proximity sensor generates an AC magnetic field from the proximity sensor 42 and detects changes in magnetic loss, i.e., impedance, due to eddy currents generated on the surface of the metal detection object 41. In this case, the closer the distance between the proximity sensor 42 and the detection object 41, the larger the eddy currents generated on the surface of the detection object 41, resulting in increased magnetic loss. The proximity sensor 42 then outputs a value corresponding to the change in magnetic loss, i.e., impedance. Therefore, in this case, the output value of the proximity sensor 42 is correlated to the distance between the proximity sensor 42 and the detection object 41.

[0038] Furthermore, a capacitance-type proximity sensor is a type that detects changes in capacitance that occur between proximity sensor 42 and detection body 41, which is made of metal and is a dielectric. In this case, the closer the distance between proximity sensor 42 and detection body 41, the greater the capacitance between them. Proximity sensor 42 then outputs a value according to the change in capacitance. Therefore, in this case as well, the output value of proximity sensor 42 correlates with the distance between proximity sensor 42 and detection body 41.

[0039] 5 and other figures, the proximity sensor 42 is provided, for example, on the outside or inside of the bottom surface 211 of the tank housing portion 21, at a position where the detection body 41 can be detected from the outside of the bottom surface 314 of the treatment agent tank 30. The proximity sensor 42 is also provided at a position where the output value becomes an extreme value, in this case, a maximum value, when the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is at the downward end position Lb.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the proximity sensor 42 is provided on the outside of the bottom surface 211 of the tank housing part 21. This prevents, for example, laundry treatment agent that has flowed down to the bottom surface 211 of the tank housing part 21 from adhering to the proximity sensor 42 and contaminating the proximity sensor 42. Furthermore, when a user takes the treatment agent tank 30 in or out of the tank housing part 21, the treatment agent tank 30 can be prevented from coming into contact with the proximity sensor 42 and damaging the proximity sensor 42.

[0041] In this embodiment, the storage area 142 of the control device 14 stores a program for executing the remaining amount detection process and the notification process. The control device 14 executes this program in the CPU 141, thereby virtually realizing the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 and the notification processing unit 144 by software. Note that the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 and the notification processing unit 144 may also be realized in hardware, for example, as an integrated circuit integrated with the control device 14.

[0042] The remaining amount detection processing unit 143 is capable of executing a remaining amount detection process. The remaining amount detection process is a process for detecting the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 based on the output value of the proximity sensor 42. In this embodiment, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 can detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 in multiple stages, in this case, in two stages.

[0043] In this case, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 presets a descending end threshold Sb and an intermediate threshold Sh. The descending end threshold Sb indicates that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached a descending end position Lb. The intermediate threshold Sh indicates that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached an intermediate position Lh. The intermediate position Lh is a liquid level height position determined within the range from the ascending end position Lt to the descending end position Lb. In this embodiment, the intermediate position Lh is set to an amount of laundry treatment agent sufficient to perform at least two washing cycles, for example, 150 mL.

[0044] 5 to 7, as the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 decreases and the liquid level drops, the distance between the detection body 41 built into the float 52 and the proximity sensor 42 gradually decreases, causing the output value of the proximity sensor 42 to increase linearly, as shown in Fig. 9. When the output value of the proximity sensor 42 exceeds the intermediate threshold value Sh, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 determines that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached the intermediate position Lh, i.e., the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is 150 mL or less.

[0045] Thereafter, as the amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 decreases further and the liquid level drops, the output value of the proximity sensor 42 increases further. When the output value of the proximity sensor 42 exceeds the descending end threshold Sb, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 determines that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached the descending end position Lb, i.e., the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is 100 mL or less.

[0046] The notification processor 144 can execute a notification process. When the remaining amount detection processor 143 detects that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has fallen below a predetermined amount, the notification process uses a display unit, a speaker, or the like (not shown) of the operation panel 17 to notify the user of information urging them to replenish the laundry treatment agent. In this embodiment, when the remaining amount detection processor 143 detects that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent has fallen below the intermediate position Lh, the notification processor 144 performs a preliminary notification to the user, for example, to urge the user to purchase a refill of laundry treatment agent and to notify them of the need to replenish the laundry treatment agent. When the remaining amount detection processor 143 detects that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent has fallen below the lowering end position Lb, the notification processor 144 performs a main notification to the user, for example, to urge the user to replenish the laundry treatment agent.

[0047] Next, the control contents of the remaining amount detection process in the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 and the notification process in the notification processing unit 144 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 as well. In the flowchart of Fig. 10, the processes of steps S11 and S13 are the remaining amount detection process by the remaining amount detection processing unit 143. Furthermore, the processes of steps S12 and S14 are the notification process by the notification processing unit 144. In the following description, the control operations in the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 and the notification processing unit 144 will both be described as the control operations of the control device 14. Furthermore, it is assumed that at the start of the flowchart of Fig. 10, the liquid level position of the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30 is equal to or higher than the rising end position Lt, and in this case, the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent is equal to or higher than 250 mL.

[0048] When the control device 14 starts control (START), it first determines in step S11 whether the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the descending end threshold Sb. If the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the descending end threshold Sb (YES in step S11), the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 has fallen to the descending end position Lb and needs to be replenished, and proceeds to step S12. Then, the control device 14 issues a notification in step S12, notifying the user by using a display or speaker (not shown) on the operation panel 17 to prompt the user to replenish the laundry treatment agent. Thereafter, the control device 14 returns to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 onward.

[0049] On the other hand, if the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the falling end threshold Sb (NO in step S11), the control device 14 determines that there is enough laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30 to perform at least one or two more washing operations, and proceeds to step S13. Then, in step S13, the control device 14 determines whether the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the intermediate threshold Sh.

[0050] If the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the intermediate threshold value Sh (NO in step S11), the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is located above the intermediate position Lh. Therefore, in this case, the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is sufficient. Then, the control device 14 returns the process to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 onwards.

[0051] On the other hand, if the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the intermediate threshold Sh (YES in step S14), the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 has fallen below the intermediate position Lh, and that the laundry treatment agent will need to be replenished after approximately two to three more wash cycles, and proceeds to step S14. The control device 14 then issues a warning in step S14, urging the user to purchase a refill of laundry treatment agent using a display or speaker (not shown) on the operation panel 17 to notify the user of the warning. The control device 14 then returns to step S11, and repeats the processing from step S11 onwards.

[0052] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes a water tub 12 and an automatic dosing device 20 that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tub 12. The automatic dosing device 20 includes a treatment agent tank 30 that can store enough laundry treatment agent for multiple loads, and a remaining amount detection device 40 that can detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30. The remaining amount detection device 40 includes a float 52, a detection body 41, and a proximity sensor 42. The float 52 is provided in the treatment agent tank 30 and floats on the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30, thereby moving along a predetermined trajectory within the treatment agent tank 30 as the amount of laundry treatment agent stored increases or decreases. The detection body 41 is made of metal and is provided on the float 52. The proximity sensor 42 is an inductive or capacitive proximity sensor that can detect the presence of the detection body 41 and outputs a value correlated to the distance from the detection body 41.

[0053] According to this, the proximity sensor 42 is an induction or capacitance type proximity sensor and can detect the presence of a metallic detection body 41. In other words, the detection body 41 does not need to be made of a permanent magnet, but can be made of a metal plate or the like. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case in which a permanent magnet is used instead of the metallic detection body 41 and a Hall element or the like that detects magnetic force is used instead of the proximity sensor 42, there is no need to strictly control the attachment position of the detection body 41. This improves the ease of installation of the detection body 41 inside the float 52.

[0054] Furthermore, because the detection body 41 is made of metal and not a permanent magnet, there is no need to manage the magnetic force, and naturally there is no need to consider changes in magnetic force due to changes in the ambient temperature environment, etc. Therefore, even if the temperature environment changes, errors are unlikely to occur in the detection of the amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 by the remaining amount detection device 40, thereby preventing a decrease in detection accuracy. Thus, according to this embodiment, the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 can be accurately detected without using a permanent magnet.

[0055] Furthermore, by constructing the detection body 41 from metal, the use of expensive permanent magnets can be reduced. As a result, the cost required for the remaining amount detection device 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, such permanent magnets are often constructed from, for example, sintered metal. Permanent magnets constructed from sintered metal have limited freedom in shape, making it difficult to manufacture shapes other than standard shapes such as cubes and cylinders. Furthermore, complex shapes of permanent magnets can lead to unstable magnetic force and chipping. On the other hand, by constructing the detection body 41 from metal, the freedom in shape is improved compared to permanent magnets, and problems such as unstable magnetic force do not occur.

[0056] The detection body 41 is provided on the bottom surface 211 of the float 52. The proximity sensor 42 detects the detection body 41 from the bottom surface 314 of the treatment agent tank 30. This allows the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy of the entire float 52, including the detection body 41, to be positioned as low as possible. That is, in this case, the detection body 41 is provided below the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy of the float 52.

[0057] This improves the stability of the float 52 when it floats up and down. Therefore, the float 52 is less likely to swing horizontally when it floats up and down and swings, and the swinging action of the float 52 and the swing lever 51 becomes smoother. This makes it easier for fluctuations in the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 to be accurately reflected in the movement of the float 52. As a result, the remaining amount detecting device 40 can more accurately detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30.

[0058] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the remaining amount detecting device 40 has a detection body 43 instead of the detection body 41 of the first embodiment. The detection body 43 is configured to have a plurality of portions with different shapes. In the present embodiment, the detection body 43 has a first portion 431, a second portion 432, and a third portion 433 as portions with different shapes and areas. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the first portion 431, the second portion 432, and the third portion 433 are arranged in this order from the side in the direction of movement of the float 52 as it descends.

[0059] The areas of the first portion 431, the second portion 432, and the third portion 433 are set to increase in this order. The first portion 431, the second portion 432, and the third portion 433 are arranged along the arc of the concentric circle R so that the centers P1 to P3 of the portions 431 to 433 are located on the concentric circle R centered on the axis 317. The first portion 431, the second portion 432, and the third portion 433 are integrally formed. In this case, the detection body 43 can be obtained, for example, by punching out a metal plate-shaped member using a die or the like.

[0060] 12, the detection body 43 is provided inside the float 52 on the side surface 522. In this case, the side surface 522 of the float 52 is the surface facing the side surface 312 of the tank main body 31 and the side surface 212 of the tank housing portion 21, that is, the surface facing vertically. The detection body 43 is provided on the side surface 522 of the float 52 that is closer to the side surface 212 of the tank housing portion 21, out of the left and right side surfaces.

[0061] The proximity sensor 42 is provided on the outside or inside of the side surface 212 of the tank housing part 21 at a position where it can detect the detection body 41 from the side surface 312 of the treatment agent tank 30. In this case, the proximity sensor 42 is provided at a position opposite to the third portion 433, which has the largest area among the detection bodies 43 provided in the float 52, when the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 reaches the lowering end position Lb, that is, when the movement of the movement mechanism 50 stops at the lower end position.

[0062] The output value from the proximity sensor 42 changes depending on the area of ​​the portion of the detection body 41 facing the proximity sensor 42. In this case, the proximity sensor 42 is adjusted so that its output value increases depending on the area of ​​the portion of the detection body 41 facing the proximity sensor 42. That is, when the first portion 431 is compared with the second portion 432, the output value from the proximity sensor 42 is greater when the proximity sensor 42 faces the second portion 432 than when the proximity sensor 42 faces the first portion 431. Similarly, when the second portion 432 is compared with the third portion 433, the output value from the proximity sensor 42 is greater when the proximity sensor 42 faces the third portion 433 than when the proximity sensor 42 faces the second portion 432.

[0063] The remaining amount detecting device 40 can detect when the float 52 is at the lowermost position Lb, as well as when the float 52 is at two intermediate positions Lh1 and Lh2. That is, the remaining amount detecting device 40 sets two intermediate positions Lh1 and Lh2. The upper of the two intermediate positions Lh1 and Lh2 is designated as the first intermediate position Lh1, and the lower of the two intermediate positions Lh1 and Lh2 is designated as the second intermediate position Lh2. In this embodiment, the first intermediate position Lh1 is set to the liquid level when the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is, for example, 200 mL. The second intermediate position Lh2 is set to the liquid level when the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is, for example, 200 mL.

[0064] The remaining amount detection processor 143 also presets a first intermediate threshold Sh1 and a second intermediate threshold Sh2 in addition to the descending end threshold Sb. The first intermediate threshold Sh1 and the second intermediate threshold Sh2 indicate that the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached a first intermediate position Lh1 and a second intermediate position Lh2, respectively.

[0065] When the amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 decreases and the liquid level drops, causing the output value of the proximity sensor 42 to exceed the first intermediate threshold value Sh1, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 determines that the liquid level position of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached the first intermediate position Lh1, i.e., the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is 200 mL or less.

[0066] Similarly, when the amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 decreases and the liquid level drops, causing the output value of the proximity sensor 42 to exceed the second intermediate threshold value Sh2, the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 determines that the liquid level position of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 has reached the second intermediate position Lh2, i.e., the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 30 is 150 mL or less.

[0067] The notification processor 144 can perform a first advance notification and a second advance notification as notification processing instead of the above-described advance notification. In this case, when the remaining amount detection processor 143 detects that the battery level has fallen below the first intermediate position Lh1, the notification processor 144 performs a first advance notification to the user as notification processing. Furthermore, when the remaining amount detection processor 143 detects that the battery level has fallen below the second intermediate position Lh2, the notification processor 144 performs a second advance notification to the user.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first and second advance notices are both advance notices that, for example, prompt the user to purchase a refill of laundry treatment agent and provide a notice of replenishment, but the manner of the notice may be changed, for example, by changing the content or color displayed on the display of the operation panel 17 or the tone or frequency of the sound emitted from a speaker, etc. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the second advance notice so that it makes a stronger impression on the user than the first advance notice, for example, by making the sound of the second advance notice louder than the first advance notice or by flashing the display. Similarly, it is preferable to adjust the notice so that it makes a stronger impression on the user than the first and second advance notices.

[0069] Next, the control content in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In this case, in the flowchart of Fig. 18, the processes of steps S11, S21, and S23 are remaining amount detection processes by the remaining amount detection processing unit 143. Also, the processes of steps S12, S22, and S24 are notification processes by the notification processing unit 144. In the following explanation, the control operations of the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 and the notification processing unit 144 will all be explained as control operations of the control device 14. Also, it is assumed that at the start of the flowchart of Fig. 10, the liquid level position of the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30 is equal to or higher than the rising end position Lt, and in this case, the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent is equal to or higher than 250 mL.

[0070] When the control device 14 starts control (START), it executes steps S11 and S12, similar to the first embodiment. If the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the falling end threshold Sb (NO in step S11), the control device 14 determines that there is enough laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30 to perform at least one or two more washing operations, and proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control device 14 determines whether the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the second intermediate threshold Sh2.

[0071] If the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the second intermediate threshold Sh2 (YES in step S21), the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 has fallen below the second intermediate position Lh2, i.e., has fallen to 150 mL or less, and proceeds to step S22. Then, the control device 14 issues a second advance notice in step S22, and uses a display or speaker (not shown) on the operation panel 17 to prompt the user to purchase a refill of laundry treatment agent and notify the user of the advance notice of replenishment. Then, the control device 14 returns to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 onwards.

[0072] On the other hand, if the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the second intermediate threshold Sh2 (NO in step S21), the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is located above the second intermediate position Lh2. That is, in this case, the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is 150 mL or more. Therefore, in this case, the control device 14 proceeds to step S23.

[0073] If the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the first intermediate threshold Sh1 (YES in step S23), the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 has fallen below the first intermediate position Lh1, i.e., has fallen to 200 mL or less, and proceeds to step S24. Then, the control device 14 issues a first advance notice in step S24, and uses a display or speaker (not shown) on the operation panel 17 to prompt the user to purchase a refill of laundry treatment agent and notify the user of the advance notice of replenishment. Then, the control device 14 returns to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 onwards.

[0074] On the other hand, if the output value Out of the proximity sensor 42 is less than the first intermediate threshold Sh1 (NO in step S23), the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is located above the first intermediate position Lh1. That is, in this case, the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is 200 mL or more. Therefore, in this case, the control device 14 determines that the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 is sufficient. Then, the control device 14 returns the process to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 onwards.

[0075] According to the embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection body 41 is configured to have multiple portions with different shapes, in this case, a first portion 431, a second portion 432, and a third portion 433 with different areas. As a result, the proximity sensor 42 outputs a value according to the area of ​​each of the opposing portions 411, 412, and 413, making it easier for the remaining amount detection processing unit 143 to detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 30 in multiple stages, as shown in Fig. 17. As a result, the accuracy of detecting the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30 can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, the detection body 41 is provided on the side surface 522 of the float 52. The proximity sensor 42 is provided in a position where it can detect the detection body 41 from the side surface 312 side of the treatment agent tank 30. As a result, the detection body 41 moves on a plane at a constant distance from the proximity sensor 42, and therefore changes in the shape of the detection body 41, that is, the respective portions 411 to 413, can be detected more accurately.

[0077] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Inductive and capacitive proximity sensors tend to have a large operating distance when the detection object is a ferromagnetic metal such as iron, but a short detection distance when the detection object is a weak or non-magnetic metal such as copper or aluminum. In other words, if the distance from the proximity sensor to the detection object is constant, the output value from the proximity sensor tends to be large when the detection object is a ferromagnetic metal such as iron, and the detection distance tends to be short when the detection object is a weak or non-magnetic metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0078] Therefore, in the third embodiment, the remaining amount detecting device 40 has a detection body 44 instead of the detection bodies 41 and 43 of the above embodiments. The detection body 44 is formed by combining a plurality of metals with different properties. In this embodiment, the detection body 44 has a first metal portion 441, a second metal portion 442, and a third metal portion 443. In this case, for example, the first metal portion 441, the second metal portion 442, and the third metal portion 443 are arranged in this order from the side in the direction of movement of the float 52 when it descends. The first metal portion 441, the second metal portion 442, and the third metal portion 443 are set to have increasing magnetic strength in this order.

[0079] When the detection body 44 is provided on the bottom surface 521 of the float 52 as in the first embodiment, the detection body 44 may be formed in a simple rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 18. When the detection body 44 is provided on the side surface 522 of the float 52 as in the second embodiment, the metal portions 441, 442, 443 of the detection body 44 may be arranged along the arc of a concentric circle R centered on the axis 317, as in the second embodiment.

[0080] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, by combining a plurality of different metals to form the detection body 44, the output value of the proximity sensor 42 can be clearly differentiated according to the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30. This further improves the accuracy of detecting the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the case of inductive or capacitive proximity sensors, if the metal that constitutes the detection body is the same and the distance from the proximity sensor to the detection body is constant, the thicker the part facing the proximity sensor is, the larger the output value from the proximity sensor tends to be.

[0082] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the remaining amount detecting device 40 has a detection body 45 instead of the detection bodies 41, 43, and 44 of the above embodiments. The detection body 45 is configured to have a plurality of portions with different thicknesses. In the present embodiment, the detection body 45 has a first portion 451, a second portion 452, and a third portion 453. In this case, for example, the first portion 451, the second portion 452, and the third portion 453 are arranged in this order from the side in the direction of travel when the float 52 descends. The thicknesses of the first portion 451, the second portion 452, and the third portion 453 are set to increase in this order.

[0083] When the detection body 45 is provided on the bottom surface 521 of the float 52 as in the first embodiment, the detection body 45 may be formed in a simple rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 18. When the detection body 45 is provided on the side surface 522 of the float 52 as in the second embodiment, the detection body 45 may have its portions 451, 452, and 453 arranged along the arc of a concentric circle R centered on the axis 317, as in the second embodiment. This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, by configuring the detection body 45 by combining a plurality of portions of different thicknesses, it is possible to clearly distinguish the output value of the proximity sensor 42 according to the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30. This further improves the accuracy of detecting the laundry treatment agent remaining in the treatment agent tank 30.

[0084] (Other embodiments) The above embodiments may be combined and implemented. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of proximity sensors 42 are provided at different positions to detect the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in multiple stages. Furthermore, as long as the detection bodies 41, 43, 44, and 45 are configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the float 52, they are not limited to being formed as separate members from the float 52 and provided inside the float 52, as in the above embodiments. The detection bodies 41, 43, 44, and 45 may be provided, for example, on the exterior side or bottom surface of the float 52, or may be provided on the swing lever 51. The detection bodies 41, 43, 44, and 45 may be separate members from the float 52 or the swing lever 51, or may be formed integrally with the float 52 or the swing lever 51.

[0085] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] In the drawing, 10 indicates a washing machine, 12 indicates a water tank, 20 indicates an automatic dispenser, 30 indicates a treatment agent tank, 40 indicates a remaining amount detection device, 41, 43, 44, and 45 indicate detection bodies, 42 indicates a proximity sensor, and 52 indicates a float.

Claims

1. Aquarium and an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tub; The automatic insertion device is a treatment agent tank capable of storing a plurality of doses of the laundry treatment agent; a remaining amount detection device capable of detecting the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank, The remaining amount detection device is a float provided in the treatment agent tank, the float floating on the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank and moving along a predetermined trajectory in the treatment agent tank in accordance with an increase or decrease in the amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank; a metal detector that moves in conjunction with the movement of the float; an inductive proximity sensor capable of detecting the presence of the detection object and outputting a value corresponding to a change in impedance due to the detection object, or an electrostatic capacitance proximity sensor outputting a value corresponding to a change in electrostatic capacitance between the detection object and the detection object; the detection body is configured to have a plurality of metal parts made of metals with different magnetic properties, The metal parts are arranged in order along the direction of travel of the float. washing machine.

2. the detection body is provided on the bottom surface of the float, the proximity sensor detects the detection body from the bottom side of the treatment agent tank; The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. the detection body is provided on a side surface of the float, the proximity sensor detects the detection body from a side surface of the processing agent tank; The washing machine according to claim 1.

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