JP2002210287A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of detecting opening/closing of a lid, unbalance of dehydration rotation of a washing/dehydrating backet, and a rotation speed of the washing/dehydrating backet by a single sensor. SOLUTION: This washing machine has a photosensor 28 provided in the lid 3, comprising a pair of a light emission part 28a and a light reception part 28b facing a circumferential wall of the washing/dehydrating backet 5; and light reflection materials 29 as plural information sending parts sending prescribed information to the light reception part 28b of the photosensor 28, provided along the peripheral wall of the washing/dehydrating backet 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for performing a washing operation such as washing and rinsing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A fully automatic washing machine has conventionally been used for opening and closing a lid and for washing and washing.
Unbalance dehydration detection when the dehydration tub rotates dehydration,
Although the operation was performed with a mechanical device, the mechanical device had a complicated structure and caused a failure. Furthermore, the structure of detecting the number of rotations of the washing / dewatering tub by using another switch is not easy.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A sensor which is easy to install and does not easily break down without using a mechanical device having a complicated structure, which is capable of opening and closing a lid, detecting unbalanced dehydration, and dehydrating a washing / dehydrating tub. Provided is a washing machine for detecting a rotation speed.

[0004]

A first washing machine according to the present invention comprises a housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, and an exterior provided in the housing. A tub, a washing / dewatering tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a sensor provided on the lid, facing a peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub, and a sensor along the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub. Provided in the washing / dehydrating tub, and the sensor
A plurality of information sending units for sending predetermined information to the control unit, and a control unit for controlling operation based on the detection information from the sensor, wherein the control unit receives the predetermined information from the information sending unit by the sensor. When the lid is determined, the lid is determined when the predetermined information is not input, and when the predetermined information is not input, the control unit determines that the sensor detects predetermined information from the information transmission unit when dehydrating. When the input is made in the pattern, the normal dehydration rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined, and when the predetermined information is not input in the predetermined pattern from the information sending section, the unbalanced dehydrating rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined. It is characterized by doing.

[0005] Therefore, the sensor can detect the opening and closing of the lid and the unbalanced spinning rotation of the washing / dewatering tub, and there is no mechanical component.

A second washing machine according to the present invention has a housing having a clothing slot, a lid for opening and closing the clothing slot, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a rotatable interior of the outer tub. A washing / dewatering tub provided on the lid, a sensor provided on the lid, and facing a peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub;
A plurality of information sending units provided in the washing / dewatering tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub, for sending predetermined information to the sensor in the previous period, and a control unit for controlling operation based on detection information by the sensor. The control unit, when the sensor inputs predetermined information from the information sending unit, determines whether the lid is closed and when not inputting the predetermined information, determines the opening of the lid, When the sensor inputs predetermined information from the information transmitting unit in a predetermined pattern during dehydration, the control unit determines whether the washing / drying tub is in normal dehydration rotation and transmits the predetermined information from the information transmitting unit. Is not inputted in a predetermined pattern, the unbalanced dehydration rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined, and the control unit further controls the sensor based on predetermined information inputted from the information sending unit during dehydration. hand It is characterized by detecting the rotational speed of the serial washing and drying tub.

Accordingly, a single sensor is used to open and close the lid, detect the unbalanced spinning speed of the washing / drying tub, and detect the spinning speed of the washing / spinning tub. The number of parts is small, and the mounting structure is simple and hard to break down.

[0008] A third washing machine according to the present invention comprises a housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a rotatable interior of the outer tub. A washing / dehydrating tub provided in the washing / dewatering tub, a sensor provided at a position facing the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, and a sensor provided in the washing / dehydrating tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub. A plurality of information sending units for sending predetermined information to the control unit, and a control unit for controlling operation based on the detection information by the sensor. When the information is input in a predetermined pattern, the normal dehydration rotation of the washing / dewatering tub is determined. When the predetermined information is not input in the predetermined pattern from the information sending unit, the unbalanced dehydration of the washing / dewatering tub is performed. Judge rotation and update The control unit may, upon dehydration, the sensor - is characterized in that the detecting the rotational speed of the laundry drying tub based on the predetermined information input from the said information sending section.

Therefore, since the sensor detects the unbalanced spinning rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub and the spinning speed of the spinning tub, no mechanical mechanism is required, the mounting structure is simple, and a failure is unlikely.

In a fourth washing machine according to the present invention, the sensor is an optical sensor comprising a light emitting section and a light receiving section, and the information sending section uses light from the light emitting section of the optical sensor as predetermined information. It is a light reflecting material for reflecting and transmitting to a light receiving section.

Therefore, an optical sensor is used which is easy to install and hardly breaks down, and the light reflecting material is not costly and easy to install.

A fifth washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the light reflecting material is a reflection tape.

[0013] Accordingly, the mounting is easy and the cost is low.

A sixth washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the light reflecting material is a reflective paint.

Therefore, no cost is required and the method is easy.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine, the information sending unit may be configured to carry out the washing and dehydrating along the peripheral wall of the washing and dewatering tub.
It is characterized by being provided at equal intervals in the dehydration tank.

Accordingly, detection of the unbalanced spinning rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub and detection of the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub are easy and accurate.

An eighth washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the information sending section is provided on the clothes input side of the washing / dehydrating tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub. .

Therefore, the information sending section is provided at the place where it can be most easily attached.

A ninth washing machine according to the present invention has a housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a rotatable interior of the outer tub. , A washing / dehydrating tub provided at a position opposed to the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, an optical sensor comprising a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and a washing / dehydrating tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub. A plurality of light reflectors provided in a dehydration tank and reflecting and transmitting light from a light emitting unit of the optical sensor to a light receiving unit as predetermined information; and a control unit controlling operation based on detection information by the optical sensor. It is characterized by having.

Therefore, an optical sensor that can be easily mounted,
Uses inexpensive light reflectors.

By the above means, the unbalanced spinning of the washing / dehydrating tub can be immediately detected, and the rotation of the washing / spinning tub can be stopped before the washing / dehydrating tub shakes greatly, thereby improving safety. I can do it. Further, when the laundry is about to jump out of the washing / dehydrating tub during dehydration, it can be detected immediately and the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub can be stopped, which is safe.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A fully automatic washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a balancer, and FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lid and a balancer. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing reading positions of the optical sensor and output signals of the optical sensor.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the main body of the washing machine.

FIG. 1 will be described below. The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 having an opening on an upper surface, and a lid 3 that can be opened and closed is attached to the opening. A light emitting unit 28a and a light receiving unit 28
b is attached. An operation panel 6 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 2.
The fully automatic washing machine further includes an outer tub 4 suspended from the housing 2 by a suspension rod (not shown) with a spring,
A washing / dehydrating tub 5 provided in the outer tub 4 is provided. A balancer is provided above the washing / dehydrating tub 5.
27 are attached. The washing / dewatering tub 5 can store laundry through an opening on the upper surface of the housing 2.

Above the outer tub 4, there is provided a detergent storage section 7 for storing a detergent used for washing. The other end of the water supply passage 8 whose one end protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 2 is connected to the detergent storage section 7. Housing 2 for water supply channel 8
For example, a water supply hose 9 extending from a water tap (not shown) is connected to a portion protruding from the upper surface of the water supply hose. In the middle of the water supply passage 8, a water supply valve 10 constituted by, for example, an electromagnetic valve is arranged. With this configuration, when the water supply valve 10 is opened, the tap water supplied from the unillustrated water tap to the detergent storage section 7 through the water supply hose 9 and the water supply path 8 is introduced into the detergent storage section 7. It flows into the washing / dehydrating tub 5 together with the detergent, and is stored in the outer tub 4.

A drain port 11 for discharging tap water stored in the outer tank 4 to the outside of the housing 2 is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 4. A drain pipe 12 extending outside the housing 2 is connected to the drain port 11. A drain valve 13 composed of, for example, an electromagnetic valve is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 12. When the drain valve 13 is opened, the washing water stored in the outer tub 4 passes through the drain pipe 12. It is discharged out of the housing 2.

An air trap 14 is provided at one corner of the bottom of the outer tank 4. The air trap 14 is connected to a water level sensor 15 provided above the housing 2 via an air hose 16. As the water level in the outer tub 4 rises, the air in the air hose 16 is compressed. The water level sensor 15 detects the water level in the outer tub 4 by measuring the air pressure in the air hose 16.

The washing / dewatering tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a dewatering tub, and has a number of fine dewatering holes (small holes) 5a formed therearound. At the bottom of the washing / dewatering tub 5, a pulsator 17 for stirring the washing water to generate a water flow is provided. The washing / dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 17 are supported by an output shaft 19 of a bearing 18 provided below the outer tub 4 so as to be rotatable forward and backward.

A washing / dehydrating tub 5 is provided at the bottom of the housing 2.
A motor 20 for generating a driving force for rotating the pulsator 17 and a transmission mechanism 21 for transmitting the rotating force of the motor 20 to the bearing 18 are provided. The transmission mechanism 21 includes a small pulley 23 fixed to the output shaft 22 of the motor 20, a large pulley 25 fixed to the lower end of the input shaft 24 of the bearing 18, and a small pulley 23. And a belt 26 spanned over the large pulley 25. The rotational force of the motor 20 is transmitted to the large pulley 25 through the small pulley 23 and the belt 26, and further transmitted to the bearing 18 through the input shaft 24.
Is transmitted to.

The washing / dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 1
The bearing 18 has a built-in clutch (not shown) so that the bearings 7 can be individually driven, and the output shaft 19 of the bearing 18 is constituted by a double shaft. For example, at the time of washing and rinsing, the driving force of the motor 20 is transmitted to the pulsator 17 through the bearing 18, and the pulsator 17 is rotated forward and backward. During dehydration, the driving force of the motor 20 is
The washing / dehydrating tub 5 and the pulsator 17 are transmitted to both the dehydrating tub 5 and the pulsator 17 in one direction at high speed, and the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 5 is dehydrated by centrifugal force. .

Next, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the balancer 27.
A plurality of light reflectors 29 are arranged as an information transmitting section for reflecting and transmitting the light from 8a to the light receiving section 28b as predetermined information. In the embodiment of the light reflecting member 29, 16 light reflecting members 29 are arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle, but the number and the interval of the light reflecting members 29 are not limited to the embodiment. The light reflecting material 29 includes a reflective tape and a reflective paint.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of the lid 3 and the balancer 27 when the lid 3 is closed. On the back side of the lid 3, the optical sensor -28 having a pair of light emitting portions 28a and light receiving portions 28b is attached. The optical sensor-2
8 is attached to the light reflecting material 2 as an information transmitting unit.
9 is provided at a position opposite to a position on a concentric circle where 9 is provided. When the lid 3 is closed during the spinning of the washing / dehydrating tub 5, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 28 a of the optical sensor 28 is reflected by the light from the reflecting material 29 to reflect the light from the light sensor 28. The output of the -28 light receiving section 28b is HI
When there is a change in GH and LOW,
30 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) determines that the lid 3 is closed.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the lid 3 and the balancer 27 when the lid 3 is open. It is assumed that the motor 20 of the present embodiment has the ability to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 5 half a turn or more per second at the start of dehydration. The method of detecting the opening of the lid 3 is to open the lid 3 when the output of the light receiving section 28b of the optical sensor 28 does not change between HIGH and LOW for one second or longer. In this case, the light emitting unit 2 of the optical sensor 28
8a does not hit the light reflecting material 29,
The microcomputer 30 determines that the lid 3 is open and stops the spin-drying operation because the pulsed reflected light of HIGH and LOW does not enter the light receiving portion 28b of the optical sensor 28.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the relationship between the light reflecting member 29 and the reading position of the optical sensor 28 in a straight line for easy understanding. Also, since the motor 20 has the ability to rotate the washing / dewatering tub 5 more than half a turn per second, even when the washing / dewatering tub 5 rotates unbalanced as shown in FIG. Is more than half a rotation, the reading position of the optical sensor 28 always crosses the light reflecting member 29. Therefore, since the pulse shown in FIG. 6 is always generated within one second, the unbalance rotation and the opening of the lid 3 can be determined separately. Further, since the opening of the lid 3 can be detected in one second, safety can be ensured.

Further, in order to ensure more safety,
The output of the light receiving unit 28b of the optical sensor 28 is set to HI within the time required for rotating the washing / dewatering tub 5 for half a rotation or more, instead of fixing it for one second.
A method of detecting the opening of the lid 3 when there is no change in the GH and LOW pulses is also possible. In this case, for example, when the washing / dewatering tub 5 is rotating at 800 rpm, the time required for the washing / dewatering tub 5 to make a half rotation is 0.0375 seconds, and the opening of the lid 3 can be detected instantaneously. Can be applied.

Next, a method for detecting an unbalanced spinning rotation of the washing / spinning tub 5 will be described. Fig. 5 (Light reflector 29 is at regular intervals)
Since the reading position of the optical sensor 28 sequentially crosses over the light reflecting material 29 as shown in FIG. 2, the time intervals of the HIGH and LOW pulses are substantially constant as shown in FIG. The output waveform is input to the microcomputer 30 and it is determined that the rotation is normal spinning. The light reflecting material 29
Even if they are not arranged at equal intervals, when the rotation is not normal in the unbalanced dehydration rotation, the predetermined pattern of HIGH and LOW is used.
The microcomputer 30 determines that the rotation is normal spinning. At the start of dehydration, HIG for 1 second
The pulse width of H and LOW changes suddenly,
Since the initial pulse width at which the spin-drying tub 5 starts to rotate from the stop is not accurate, it is assumed that the detection of the imbalance starts 1 second after the spin-drying starts. As an example, as shown in FIG.
When the clothing is offset to the position of the degree, the reading position of the optical sensor 28 becomes a sine wave as shown in FIG. 6, and the output waveform of the light receiving portion 28b of the optical sensor 28 becomes as shown in FIG. Not a predetermined pattern. Then, the output is input to the microcomputer 30, and the microcomputer 30 determines that the rotation is unbalanced. In addition, even when the light reflecting members 29 are not arranged at equal intervals, even if the light reflecting members 29
An output waveform which is not a predetermined pattern is input to the light receiving portion 28b of 8 and the output is input to the microcomputer 30. It is determined that the rotation is unbalanced, the brake is applied, the drain valve 13 is closed, and the pulsator is supplied after predetermined water supply. Rotate and loosen to drain and drain again.

The number of rotations of the washing / dehydrating tub 5 is detected by a predetermined pattern of HIGH or LOW inputted from the light reflecting material 29 to the light receiving portion 28b of the optical sensor 28 in one rotation of dehydration.
The microcomputer 30 detects the number of rotations of the washing / dehydrating tub 5 by detecting the time of the pulse of the washing / drying. Since the first pulse width at which the number of rotations starts to rotate from the stop is not accurate, it is assumed to be detected from one second after the start of dehydration. Washing and dewatering tub 5
By detecting the number of rotations, the maximum number of rotations can be changed by phase control or the like according to the amount of laundry.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. Dehydration is started, and the light receiving section 2 of the optical sensor 28 is started.
It is determined whether there is a change in the HIGH and LOW signals at the output of 8b for one second or more (step S1). If the HIGH and LOW signals do not change for one second or more (YES in step S1), it is detected that the lid 3 is open (step S2). Next, if there is a change in the HIGH and LOW signals (NO in step S1), it is determined that the lid 3 is closed (step S3). Next, it is determined whether the HIGH and LOW signals input to the light receiving section 28b of the optical sensor 28 have a predetermined pattern (detected from one second after the start of dehydration) (step S4). The HIGH and LOW signals have a predetermined pattern.
If not (NO in step S4), it is determined that unbalanced rotation has been detected (step S5). Next, the H
If the IGH and LOW signals are the predetermined pattern (YES in step S4), it is determined that the rotation is normal dehydration rotation (step S6). Next, a predetermined pattern time of the HIGH and LOW signals input to the light receiving portion 28b of the optical sensor 28 in one rotation of the dehydration is detected (detected one second after the start of the dehydration) (step S7). The microcomputer 30 detects the spinning speed by detecting the time of the predetermined pattern.
Next, it is determined whether a predetermined dehydration time has elapsed (step S8). If the predetermined dehydration time has elapsed (YES in step S8), the dehydration ends.

Next, a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the main body of the washing machine shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The washing operation including washing, rinsing, dehydration, and the like is executed under the control of the microcomputer 30. The microcomputer 30 receives a signal from an input key 31 of the operation panel 6, a signal from the water level sensor 15, a signal from the optical sensor 28, and the like. Microcomputer 30
Are based on the input signals described above, based on a control program, to drive and stop the washing motor 20 and to switch the rotation direction, open and close the drain valve 13 ", open and close the water supply valve 10, the LED 32 of the operation panel 6, It controls a buzzer circuit 33, etc. Further, a power supply circuit 34 and a clock transmission circuit 35 are connected.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to a fully automatic washing machine as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a drum type washing machine.

[0041]

According to the present invention, the use of a sensor which is hard to break down and which is easy to mount without using a complicated mechanical device which is apt to break down provides an imbalance between the opening and closing of the lid and the spin-drying, and the washing and washing.
Each rotation speed of the dehydration tub can be detected. In addition, the imbalance of the spin-drying can be immediately detected, and the rotation of the washing / spin-drying tub 5 can be stopped before the spin-drying tub shakes greatly, which is safe.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a balancer of the same automatic washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the fully automatic washing machine when a lid is closed.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the fully automatic washing machine when a lid is opened.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reading position of an optical sensor and an output signal of the optical sensor during a normal spinning rotation of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reading position of an optical sensor and an output signal of the optical sensor when the fully automatic washing machine is in an unbalanced spinning rotation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control process of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the fully automatic washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 lid 4 outer tub 5 washing / dehydrating tub 17 stirring blade 20 motor 27 balancer 28 light sensor 28a light emitting part of light sensor 28b light receiving part of light sensor 29 light reflecting material 30 microcomputer

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a washing / drying machine rotatably provided in the outer tub.
A dehydration tub, a sensor provided on the lid, facing a peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, and a predetermined information provided to the washing / dehydrating tub provided along the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub. A plurality of information sending units for sending, and a control unit for controlling operation based on information detected by the sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the cover when the sensor inputs predetermined information from the information sending unit. When the predetermined information is not input, the lid is determined to be open. When the dehydration is performed, the control unit determines that the sensor transmits predetermined information from the information transmission unit in a predetermined pattern. When inputting, the normal dehydration rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined, and when the predetermined information is not input from the information sending unit in a predetermined pattern, the unbalanced dehydrating rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined. Wash Machine. 2. A housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a washing / drying machine provided rotatably in the outer tub.
A dehydration tub, a sensor provided on the lid, facing a peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, and a predetermined information provided to the washing / dehydrating tub provided along the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub. A plurality of information sending units for sending, and a control unit for controlling operation based on information detected by the sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the cover when the sensor inputs predetermined information from the information sending unit. When the predetermined information is not input, the lid is determined to be open. When the dehydration is performed, the control unit determines that the sensor transmits predetermined information from the information transmission unit in a predetermined pattern. When inputting, the normal dehydration rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined, and when the predetermined information is not input in a predetermined pattern from the information sending unit, the unbalanced dehydrating rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined,
Further, the controller may control the washing and washing based on predetermined information input from the information sending unit by the sensor during dehydration.
A washing machine characterized by detecting a rotation speed of a dehydration tub. 3. A housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a washing / drying machine rotatably provided in the outer tub.
A dehydrating tub, a sensor provided at a position facing the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub, and a predetermined information provided to the sensor provided at the washing / dehydrating tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub. A plurality of information transmission units; and a control unit for controlling operation based on information detected by the sensors. The control unit is configured to control the sensors to transmit predetermined information from the information transmission units in a predetermined pattern during dehydration. When the input is made, the normal dehydration rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub is determined. When the predetermined information is not input in a predetermined pattern from the information sending section, the washing / dewatering is performed.
The controller determines an unbalanced rotation of the dehydration tub, and further detects the rotation speed of the washing / dehydration tub based on predetermined information input by the sensor from the information transmitting unit during dehydration. A washing machine characterized by the following. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the information sending unit is a light sensor from the light emitting unit of the optical sensor. A washing machine characterized by being a light reflecting material for reflecting and sending light as predetermined information to a light receiving section. 5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein said light reflecting material is a reflection tape. 6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the light reflecting material is a reflective paint. 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitting section is provided at equal intervals in the washing / dehydrating tub along a peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub. Features washing machine. 8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the information sending section is provided on the clothes input side of the washing / dewatering tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dewatering tub. A washing machine, characterized in that: 9. A housing having a clothes input port, a lid for opening and closing the clothes input port, an outer tub provided in the housing, and a washing / drying machine rotatably provided in the outer tub.
Dehydration tub, provided at a position facing the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and provided in the washing / dehydrating tub along the peripheral wall of the washing / dehydrating tub, A plurality of light reflectors that reflect and transmit light from a light emitting unit of the optical sensor as predetermined information to a light receiving unit, and a control unit that controls operation based on information detected by the optical sensor. And a washing machine.