CN110799693A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine includes: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a tank (117) having an upper surface opening (118) into which the liquid agent is introduced at the upper part and a discharge port (123) through which the liquid agent is discharged at the lower part; and a liquid agent automatic feeding device which supplies the liquid agent in the tank (117) to the washing tank. In addition, a mesh-like mesh member (122) is disposed between the upper surface opening (118) and the discharge port (123) in the tank (117). Thus, the washing machine can be provided in which the net member (122) can be easily attached to and detached from the tank (117).

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a liquid detergent storage tank for storing a liquid detergent.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine including an automatic liquid agent supply device for automatically supplying a liquid detergent.

The washing machine comprises a shell, a water tank, a roller, a tank storage box, a water injection waterway, an automatic liquid feeding device and the like. The water tank is supported in the housing in an elastically vibration-isolated manner. The drum is rotatably supported in the water tub. The tank is used for containing liquid agent. The can storage case has a drain port in a side wall surface thereof for storing the can. The water injection waterway is arranged at the upper part of the tank storage box and is used for the circulation of tap water, liquid agent and the like. The automatic liquid agent feeding device includes a pump for automatically feeding the liquid agent in the tank into the drum. In addition, a mesh member for filtering foreign matter is disposed at the water outlet of the can storage case.

Thus, the liquid agent in the tank is supplied into the water tank through the water filling path and the tank storage case by the pump. At this time, the liquid agent is supplied to the washing tub in a state where the foreign matter in the liquid agent is filtered out by the mesh member.

However, the mesh member of the washing machine is provided on the sidewall surface of the pot storage case. Therefore, when the net member is detached from the can storage case and attached again for cleaning, it is difficult to attach the net member.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kokai publication Hei-2005-514133

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a washing machine, which can realize the miniaturization of a liquid agent automatic input device and can easily assemble and disassemble a reticular component forming a filter relative to a tank storage box.

The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a tank having an upper surface opening at which the liquid agent is supplied, and a discharge port at which the liquid agent is discharged, at the lower part; and a liquid agent automatic feeding device which supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tank. Further, a mesh-like net member is disposed between the upper surface opening and the discharge port.

With this configuration, the mesh member is disposed between the upper surface opening of the tank and the discharge port. Thus, the washing machine with the mesh member easily attached and detached can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a left side sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 8A is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when tap water is supplied to the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 8B is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent liquid in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 8C is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying the softener liquid in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a main part sectional view of the detergent tank of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the detergent tank cover to which the float is attached in the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 14A is a schematic side sectional view showing the remaining amount detecting unit of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 14B is a schematic view of the lower surface of the detergent tank cover to which the float is attached in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a schematic side sectional view showing the remaining amount detection portion in the state where the detergent tank is filled with the detergent liquid in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between the detected magnetic force and the output voltage of the linear hall element.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a relationship between the number of times of putting the detergent into the remaining detergent amount detecting unit and the output voltage of the linear hall element in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining shortage of the remaining amount of detergent in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Detailed Description

The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions more than necessary are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already widely known matters and repetitive descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily lengthy and readily understandable to those skilled in the art.

(embodiment mode)

Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described item by item with reference to fig. 1 to 18.

[1-1. Structure ]

[1-1-1. Structure of washing machine ]

First, the structure of the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the washing machine of the present embodiment includes a casing 101, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 105 provided inside the casing 101, and the like. The housing 101 constitutes an outer contour of the washing machine 100. Water tank 105 is elastically supported in housing 101 in an antivibration manner by a plurality of suspension mechanisms (not shown) and dampers 163. A bottomed cylindrical drum 106 (washing tub) is rotatably disposed in the water tub 105. The drum 106 has a plurality of baffles 106a on the inner wall surface. When drum 106 rotates at a low speed, baffle 106a imparts a stirring motion to the laundry, such as lifting the laundry upward and dropping the laundry. The drum 106 has a plurality of small through holes (not shown) formed in the circumferential surface. The water tank 105 has a tank rotating motor (not shown) disposed at the bottom. The slot-rotating motor drives the drum 106 to rotate.

The casing 101 includes a laundry loading/unloading port 103 formed in a front surface thereof and opened to load/unload laundry. Further, the case 101 is provided with a cover 102 on the front surface. The cover 102 openably and closably covers the laundry input/output port 103. That is, by opening the lid 102, the user can insert laundry into the drum 106 through the laundry insertion/extraction port 103.

The housing 101 further includes an automatic liquid agent charging device 109. The automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is provided above the water tank 105. The structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is described in detail in [1-1-2 ] structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device ].

The case 101 has a lid 114a that can be opened and closed at the top. By opening the lid 114a, the detergent tank 117 (can) and the softener tank 126 (can) are detachably attached to the opening 114 b.

The cover 102 has an operation display unit 104 disposed at an upper portion thereof. The operation display unit 104 includes an operation unit for operating and a display unit for displaying an operation state.

The housing 101 also includes a controller (not shown). The controller controls the tank rotating motor and the like, and executes a series of steps of washing, rinsing, dewatering and the like while controlling in sequence. The controller includes a cloth amount determination unit (not shown), a liquid agent input amount calculation unit (not shown), and the like. The cloth amount determination unit detects, for example, a torque current value when the groove rotation motor is rotated at a constant rotation speed. The cloth amount determination unit determines that the laundry within 10kg is classified into about 10 stages, for example, based on the torque current value. The controller determines the amount of water used for washing based on the determination result of the cloth amount determination unit. The liquid agent input amount calculating section calculates the detergent input amount and the softener input amount based on the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount judging section.

The washing machine 100 further includes a storage part (not shown). The storage unit is constituted by, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit includes a detergent type storage unit (not shown) for storing information on the type of detergent, and stores various setting information on the washing operation.

The washing machine of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

[1-1-2 ] construction of automatic liquid agent charging device 109 ]

Next, the structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 11.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 6 is a left side sectional view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic liquid agent charging device. Fig. 8A is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when tap water is supplied to the washing machine. Fig. 8B is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying detergent liquid in the washing machine. Fig. 8C is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying the softener liquid to the washing machine, and fig. 9 is a sectional view of a pump unit of the washing machine. Fig. 10 is a main portion sectional view of the detergent tank of the above washing machine. Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine.

As described above, the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is provided in the upper portion of the casing 101 with respect to the water tank 105. The automatic liquid agent charging device 109 includes a water feeder 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113, a tank container 114 in which a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are mounted, and the like, which are described in detail below. In the following description, when the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 are not described separately, they are simply referred to collectively as "tanks". In the following, when the detergent liquid and the softener liquid are not described separately, both are abbreviated as "liquid agent".

(Water supplier 110)

Water supply unit 110 is provided at an upper portion of case 101, and includes a water supply passage 110c, a1 st water supply valve 110a (water supply valve), a2 nd water supply valve 110b, and the like. In the following, when the 1 st water supply valve 110a and the 2 nd water supply valve 110b are not described differently, they will be simply referred to as "water supply valves".

One end of the water supply passage 110c communicates with a faucet such as a water pipe or the like via a water supply hose (not shown). The water path through which the tap water flows is selected by controlling the opening and closing of the 1 st water supply valve 110a and the 2 nd water supply valve 110 b. The water passage of tap water will be described in the following section (structure of water passage).

(three-way valve unit 113)

The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit configured to selectively discharge the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent in the softener tank 126, which are attached to the tank storage case 114, to the piston pump unit 112 (see fig. 9).

As shown in fig. 7, the three-way valve unit 113 includes a detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a softener-side three-way valve 113b, a detergent-side coil 113d, and a softener-side coil 113i, etc. The detergent-side coil 113d drives the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. The softener side coil 113i drives the softener side three-way valve 113 b.

As shown in fig. 8A, the three-way valve unit 113 is provided with a water passage 124 through which the detergent liquid and the softener liquid flow to the pump unit 111. The flow of water in the water passage 124 is controlled by the three-way valve unit 113. The water passage 124 communicates with the detergent side tube 111b and the softener side tube 111f at the front. The water passage 124 communicates with a2 nd water passage 182 (water passage) and a suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in fig. 11, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a selectively switches between the flow of tap water flowing through the 2 nd water passage 182 and the flow of detergent liquid flowing from the detergent tank 117. Thereby, either tap water or the detergent liquid is supplied to the softener-side three-way valve 113 b.

Next, a specific operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a will be described with reference to fig. 8A to 8C.

The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e, a detergent-side spool 113f, a detergent-side spring 113c, and the like. The detergent-side plunger 113e is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocates back and forth. The detergent-side valve body 113f is provided at the front end of the detergent-side plunger 113 e. The detergent-side spring 113c is disposed such that one end is located on the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l and the other end is located at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113 e. The detergent-side cylinder 113l has an opening a at a front end. A detergent side coil 113d is provided around the detergent side cylinder 113l so as to cover the detergent side plunger 113 e.

First, as shown in fig. 8A and 8C, in a state where the detergent side coil 113d is not energized, the detergent side plunger 113e receives a forward biasing force from the detergent side spring 113C. Thus, the biased detergent-side valve body 113f closes the opening b formed in the rear end of the detergent-side tube 111 b. Therefore, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent-side valve core 113 f. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is opened. Therefore, the tap water flows into the water passage 124 from the 2 nd water passage 182 in the direction of the arrow X1. The inflowing tap water flows into the softener-side three-way valve 113b (arrow X3) through the opening a (arrow X2) of the detergent-side cylinder 113 l.

Next, as shown in fig. 8B, when the detergent-side coil 113d is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the detergent-side coil 113 d. Therefore, the detergent-side plunger 113e moves backward against the biasing force of the detergent-side spring 113c by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. Thereby opening the opening b of the detergent side tube 111 b. As a result, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows through the opening b toward the softener-side three-way valve 113b as indicated by arrows X5 and X6. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is closed by the detergent-side valve body 113 f. Therefore, the flow of the tap water flowing in the 2 nd water passage 182 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113 f.

As described above, the flow of the tap water from the 2 nd water path 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 are switched by the operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. Thereby, either tap water or the detergent liquid is selectively supplied to the softener-side three-way valve 113 b.

In addition, the softener-side three-way valve 113b selectively switches the flow of the liquid flowing out of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid flowing out of the softener tank 126, similarly to the operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. This is configured to supply either tap water or a softening agent to the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Specifically, the softener-side three-way valve 113b includes a softener-side cylinder 113m, a softener-side plunger 113j, a softener-side valve body 113k, a softener-side spring 113h, and the like, as in the case of the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. The softener-side plunger 113j is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocates back and forth. The softener side spool 113k is provided at the front end of the softener side plunger 113 j. The softener-side spring 113h is disposed such that one end is positioned on the rear wall of the softener-side cylinder 113m and the other end is positioned at the rear end of the softener-side plunger 113 j. The softener-side cylinder 113m is configured to allow the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to flow therein. The softener-side cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. A softener side coil 113i is provided around the softener side cylinder 113m so as to cover the softener side plunger 113 j.

First, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, in a state where the softening agent side coil 113i is not energized, the softening agent side plunger 113j receives a forward urging force of the softening agent side spring 113 h. Thus, the biased softener side valve body 113k closes the opening d formed at the rear end of the softener side tube portion 111 f. Therefore, the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126 is blocked by the softener side valve body 113k that closes the opening d of the softener side tube portion 111 f. At this time, the opening c of the softener-side plug 113j is opened. Therefore, as indicated by arrows X4 and X7, the detergent liquid or tap water supplied from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to the softener-side three-way valve 113b flows from the opening c to the intake water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Next, as shown in fig. 8C, when the softening agent side coil 113i is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the softening agent side coil 113 i. Therefore, the softener side plunger 113j moves backward against the biasing force of the softener side spring 113h by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. This opens the opening d of the softener-side tube portion 111 f. As a result, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows from the opening d to the intake water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112 as indicated by arrows X8 and X9. At this time, the opening c of the softener side plug 113j is closed by the softener side valve body 113 k. Therefore, the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a is blocked by the softener-side spool 113 k.

As described above, the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126 are switched by the operation of the softener-side three-way valve 113 b. Thereby, either the liquid or the softener liquid is selectively supplied to the suction water passage 112 h.

That is, with the above configuration, as shown in fig. 8A, when neither the detergent side coil 113d nor the softener side coil 113i is energized, the tap water in the 2 nd water passage 182 is supplied to the piston pump unit 112 via the three-way valve unit 113. As shown in fig. 8B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the softener side coil 113i is not energized, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the piston pump unit 112 via the three-way valve unit 113. As shown in fig. 8C, when the detergent side coil 113d is not energized and the softener side coil 113i is in an energized state, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 is supplied to the piston pump unit 112 via the three-way valve unit 113.

(Pump unit 111)

As shown in fig. 7, the pump unit 111 is a unit for sucking the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 and discharging the sucked detergent liquid into the water tank 105.

The pump unit 111 includes an outer frame 111a, a piston pump unit 112 provided in the outer frame 111a, and the like.

The outer frame 111a is formed of a resin such as polypropylene, and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112. As shown in fig. 5, outer frame 111a is disposed between water feeder 110 and tank storage case 114.

As shown in fig. 7 and 10, the outer frame 111a includes a detergent-side tube portion 111b formed to extend forward and backward below the front surface of the outer wall. The front end of the detergent side tube 111b is inserted into a tube 123 (discharge port) formed in the lower rear wall of the detergent tank 117. A plurality of divided spacers 111c are provided on the front outer circumferential surface of the detergent side tube portion 111 b. Further, a protruding rib 111e formed to extend forward is provided in front of the detergent side tube portion 111 b. As shown in fig. 8A, the rear end of the detergent-side tube 111b is connected to the water passage 124. The water passage 124 communicates with the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111.

As shown in fig. 7, the outer frame 111a includes a softener-side tube portion 111f formed to extend forward and backward below the front surface of the outer wall. The front end of the softener-side tube 111f is inserted into a tube (not shown) formed in the lower rear wall of the softener tank 126. As shown in fig. 8A and the like, the rear end of the softener-side tube portion 111f is connected to the water passage 124 in communication therewith.

As shown in fig. 7 and 9, the piston pump unit 112 includes a cylinder 112d, an intake water passage 112h for allowing the liquid agent to flow into the cylinder 112d, a discharge water passage 112g for discharging the liquid agent from the cylinder 112d, a drive motor 112f, and the like, and the drive motor 112f drives a piston 112e provided in the cylinder 112d and capable of reciprocating up and down.

That is, the cylinder 112d is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape). The cylinder 112d has a piston 112e disposed therein and capable of reciprocating up and down. The piston 112e is coupled to a drive motor 112f via a connecting rod 112a and a cam 112 b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the drive motor 112f is transmitted to the piston 112e via the connecting rod 112a and the cam 112b, and the piston 112e reciprocates vertically.

The suction water passage 112h and the discharge water passage 112g are attached to the lower portion of the cylinder 112d so as to communicate with each other. The suction water passage 112h and the discharge water passage 112g are disposed below the piston 112 e. This makes it possible to discharge the liquid discharged by the piston 112e downward strongly.

As shown in fig. 8A, the suction water passage 112h constitutes a water passage that communicates with the discharge port e of the water passage 124 and sucks the liquid discharged from the softener-side three-way valve 113b into the housing portion 112c in the cylinder 112 d.

As shown in fig. 9, the suction water passage 112h is internally provided with a suction check valve 164. The suction-side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at a lower portion. A spring 164b for biasing the suction-side check valve 164 downward is disposed in the suction water passage 112 h. The convex portion 164a is brought into contact with a step portion of the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h by the biasing force of the spring 164 b. This structure allows the suction-side check valve 164 to move upward, but not to further move downward of the cylinder 112d from the position where the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h abuts.

On the other hand, the discharge water passage 112g constitutes a water passage for discharging the liquid in the cylinder 112 d. As shown in fig. 5, the discharge water passage 112g is connected to a branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129.

The discharge water passage 112g is internally provided with a discharge-side check valve 165. The discharge-side check valve 165 has a projection 165a formed on the upper portion. Further, a spring 165b that biases the discharge-side check valve 165 upward is disposed in the discharge water passage 112 g. The convex portion 165a is brought into contact with a step portion of the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g by the biasing force of the spring 165 b. This structure prevents the discharge-side check valve 165 from moving downward and further upward of the cylinder 112d from the position of contact with the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112 g.

When the piston 112e moves upward, a negative pressure is generated in the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d, and therefore an upward force is applied to the suction-side check valve 164. At this time, in the case where the upward force is greater than the resultant force of the gravity (self weight) of the suction side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward. This causes a gap between the convex portion 164a of the suction-side check valve 164 and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112 h. As a result, the liquid having passed through the three-way valve unit 113 flows through the gap in the suction water passage 112h and flows into the cylinder 112 d.

On the other hand, when the piston 112e moves downward, the interior of the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes a positive pressure, and therefore a downward force is applied to the discharge-side check valve 165. When the resultant force of the gravity (self weight) of the discharge-side check valve 165 and the downward force applied to the discharge-side check valve 165 is larger than the elastic force of the spring 165b that biases the discharge-side check valve 165 upward, the discharge-side check valve 165 moves downward. This causes a gap between the convex portion 165a of the discharge-side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112 g. As a result, the liquid in the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d flows through the discharge water passage 112g via the gap and is discharged to the branch water passage 129 a.

As shown in fig. 5, the discharge water passage 112g is connected to a branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129. The connection hose 129 is a hose for connecting the water discharge port 114c of the canister housing case 114 to the water tank 105. Thus, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid agent in the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d is discharged into the water tank 105 through the branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129 communicating with the discharge water passage 112 g.

The piston 112e of the piston pump unit 112 repeats the vertical movement as described above. As a result, as shown in fig. 11, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 are sucked into the pump unit 111 and discharged into the water tank 105.

In this case, in the present embodiment, the suction water passage 112h, the discharge water passage 112g, and the branch water passage 129a are arranged in a substantially vertical direction (including a vertical direction) so that the liquid agent or the like freely falls.

(Pot storage box 114)

As shown in fig. 3, the can storage case 114 constitutes a container having a storage portion with an open upper surface. The tank storage case 114 is provided with a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 detachably attached to the rear side of the storage portion. A detergent box 115 is detachably attached to the front side of the storage section of the tank storage case 114.

As shown in fig. 10, the canister housing case 114 has an insertion hole 114d formed in the lower rear wall. The detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114 d.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, a water filling channel 116 through which tap water flows is disposed at an upper portion of the tank storage case 114. The water filling channel 116 communicates with the 1 st upper water filling port 114e and the 2 nd upper water filling port 114f formed in the left and right side walls of the upper portion of the tank storage case 114 shown in fig. 11. Tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is injected into the detergent storage section 115b of the detergent box 115 from the 1 st upper water injection port 114 e. The tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is injected into the softener storage section 115c of the detergent box 115 from the 2 nd upper water injection port 114 f.

As shown in fig. 5, the can storage case 114 includes linear hall elements 136 disposed on the left and right side walls. The linear hall element 136 is formed of, for example, an analog element.

As shown in fig. 4, a lower water filling port 114g is provided in a lower portion of the side wall of the can storage case 114. The lower water filling port 114g communicates with a bypass water passage 184 described later.

As shown in fig. 6, the canister housing case 114 has a drain port 114c formed in the bottom. One end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the drain port 114 c. The other end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the water tank 105 so as to be swingable. A branch water passage 129a that branches off from the middle in the vertical direction is connected to the connection hose 129. The branch water passage 129a communicates with the discharge water passage 112g of the pump unit 111 as described above.

(detergent tank 117 and softener tank 126)

As shown in fig. 10, the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 constitute a container having an upper surface opening 118 at an upper portion.

The detergent tank 117 includes a1 st rib 117d and a2 nd rib 117e formed at the upper circumference. The 1 st and 2 nd ribs 117d and 117e are formed to extend in the outer circumferential direction. A gasket 117f is provided between the 1 st rib 117d and the 2 nd rib 117 e.

A detergent tank cover 119 openably and closably covering the upper surface opening 118 is attached to an upper portion of the detergent tank 117. When the detergent tank cover 119 is attached to the upper portion of the detergent tank 117, the gasket 117f is crushed, and the detergent tank 117 is fixed in a liquid-tight manner. Thus, even when the detergent tank 117 is laid down, for example, the detergent liquid inside is prevented from leaking from the detergent tank 117. The gasket 117f may be provided on the detergent tank cover 119 side instead of the detergent tank 117 side, and similar effects can be obtained.

As shown in fig. 10, the detergent tank 117 includes a cylindrical portion 123 (discharge port) formed to extend rearward below the rear wall 117 a. A through hole 123a is formed in the cylindrical portion 123. The cylinder portion 123 has a check valve 123b attached to an inner peripheral surface thereof. The check valve 123b is configured to rotate toward the inside (front side in fig. 10) of the detergent tank 117, but not to rotate toward the outside (rear side in fig. 10) of the detergent tank 117.

With the above configuration, when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the detergent-side tube 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the tube 123 of the detergent tank 117. At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side tube 111b pushes the check valve 123b open. Thereby, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is made to flow to the three-way valve unit 113 through the through hole 123 a.

On the other hand, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank storage case 114, the check valve 123b rotates rearward as shown in fig. 10. Therefore, the through hole 123a of the cylinder 123 is closed by the check valve 123 b. Thereby, leakage of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is prevented.

As shown in fig. 12, the detergent tank 117 includes a knob portion 117g formed on the front outer wall surface. The knob 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. This enables the user to pinch the grip portion 117 g. Further, the user can pull out the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage case 114 by pinching the knob 117g and pulling the detergent tank 117 forward. In this case, the user may insert a finger into a gap between the tab portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above, or may insert a finger into the gap from below to pinch the tab portion 117 g. Alternatively, the thumb may be inserted into a gap between the tab portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above, and the remaining two or three fingers may be inserted from below to grip the tab portion 117 g.

At this time, when the grip 117g is pinched from below and the detergent tank 117 inserted into the storage section of the tank storage case 114 is pulled out, the wrist needs to be put into a narrow space of the storage section of the detergent box 115, and the wrist feels restricted. Then, a finger is inserted into a gap between the knob portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above. This allows the detergent tank 117 to be easily pulled out without restriction on the posture of the wrist.

The softener tank 126 is configured similarly to the detergent tank 117, and therefore, will not be described.

(mesh member 122)

As shown in fig. 10, the mesh member 122 is detachably provided in the detergent tank 117. The mesh member 122 is made of resin such as polypropylene, for example. The mesh member 122 has through holes 122a formed in a mesh shape and penetrating through the front and back. The mesh member 122 filters the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. This can prevent foreign matter and adhered detergent from being clogged in the detergent side tube 111 b. The mesh member 122 may be collectively referred to as a filter.

As shown in fig. 10, both ends of the upper end and the lower end 122d in the longitudinal direction of the mesh member 122 are formed to be bent, and the mesh member 122 includes an engagement claw 122e on the back surface near the upper end. The lower end 122d constitutes the 1 st engagement portion.

The engaging claw 122e constitutes a2 nd engaging portion, and includes an engaging rib 122b, a convex portion 122c, and the like. The engaging ribs 122b are formed to extend in the back surface direction of the mesh member 122. The convex portion 122c is formed convexly at the tip end portion of the engagement rib 122 b.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 10, the detergent tank 117 includes a hooking portion 121 formed on the bottom surface 120. The hooking portion 121 constitutes the 1 st claw portion, and includes an upright portion 121a, an extended portion 121b, and the like. The standing part 121a is formed standing substantially vertically (including vertically) from the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117. The extending portion 121b is formed to extend from the tip of the rising portion 121a to the rear side of the detergent tank 117. The hook 121 engages with the lower end 122d of the mesh member 122. The detergent tank 117 includes a protrusion 117b formed on the rear wall 117a and protruding toward the inside of the detergent tank 117. The protruding portion 117b constitutes a2 nd claw portion, and engages with a convex portion 122c of an engaging claw 122e of the mesh member 122 constituting a2 nd engaging portion.

In this case, the mesh member 122 is fixed in the detergent tank 117 so as to be engaged in an inclined direction.

That is, the viscosity of the detergent liquid is generally high. Therefore, when the mesh member 122 is provided in the horizontal direction in the detergent tank 117, the liquid does not pass through the through holes 122a of the mesh member 122. This may form an air reservoir in which the detergent liquid is not present at a position below the mesh member 122 of the detergent tank 117. Then, the mesh member 122 is obliquely disposed inside the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the detergent liquid flows downward on the surface of the mesh member 122 with gravity and passes through the through-holes 122 a. Therefore, the formation of the air reservoir below the mesh member 122 in the detergent tank 117 is suppressed.

The mesh member 122 is mounted in the detergent tank 117 by the following method.

First, the lower end 122d of the mesh member 122 is inserted between the extension 121b of the detergent tank 117 and the bottom surface 120. In this state, the mesh member 122 is pushed in the direction of arrow C shown in fig. 10. At this time, as shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 10, the convex portion 122c of the mesh member 122 is flexed in the arrow D direction, and the rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117 is flexed in the arrow E direction. The deflected convex portion 122c enters below the projecting portion 117 b. Thereby, the convex portion 122c of the engaging claw 122e engages with the protruding portion 117b of the detergent tank 117. As a result, the mesh member 122 is fixedly held in the detergent tank 117 in an inclined direction.

On the other hand, the mesh member 122 can be detached from the detergent tank 117 by the following method.

Specifically, the mesh member 122 is pressed in the direction of arrow C shown in fig. 10, and the rear wall 117a is flexed in the direction of arrow E shown in fig. 10. Thereby, the engagement between the engagement claw 122e and the protrusion 117b is released. As a result, the mesh member 122 can be easily pulled out from the detergent tank 117.

(detergent case 115)

As shown in fig. 3, the detergent box 115 is detachably provided in the front of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 in the tank storage case 114.

The detergent box 115 is disposed in contact with the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126. Therefore, when detergent box 115 is attached to tank storage box 114, detergent tank 117 and softener tank 126 are pushed rearward by detergent box 115. When the detergent tank 117 is pushed rearward, the detergent-side tube 111b is inserted into the tube 123 provided in the outer frame 111a of the pump unit 111, as shown in fig. 10. This reliably prevents leakage of the detergent liquid and the like from the detergent tank 117.

The softener tank 126 is also pushed rearward by the detergent box 115, and is securely mounted in the tank storage case 114. This can reliably prevent the softener liquid from leaking from the softener tank 126.

As shown in fig. 3, the detergent box 115 forms a container having an open top surface, and a partition wall 115a is formed. The partition wall 115a divides a housing part of the detergent box 115 into a detergent housing part 115b and a softener housing part 115 c. Thus, the user can manually put the powder detergent into the detergent storage 115b and the softener into the softener storage 115 c.

The detergent box 115 includes a discharge port (not shown) formed in a bottom surface thereof. The liquid agent flowing out from the outlet is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank storage case 114 and the connection hose 129.

When the powdered detergent put into detergent storage section 115b is washed away, the controller opens water supply valve 1 shown in fig. 11. Thus, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the 1 st water path 181 and the water filling water path 116 as indicated by an arrow a1 in fig. 11. Then, tap water is injected into the detergent storage part 115b of the detergent box 115 from the 1 st upper water injection port 114 e.

On the other hand, the softener storage section 115c further includes a conventionally known siphon mechanism. Therefore, when the softener liquid fed into softener storage section 115c is made to flow, the controller opens water supply valve 2b shown in fig. 11. Thereby, the tap water flows in the 3 rd water passage 183 as indicated by an arrow a3 in fig. 11. Then, tap water is injected into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115 from the 2 nd upper water injection port 114 f. The water is injected to raise the liquid level in the softener storage section 115 c. Thus, the softener liquid fed into the softener storage section 115c flows completely into the water tank 105 without remaining in the softener storage section 115c due to the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism.

(Structure of waterway)

As shown in fig. 11, the 1 st water path 181 constitutes the following water paths: first, water flowing from water supply valve 1 110a flows through water supply passage 110c and water filling water passage 116. Then, water is supplied into the detergent storage part 115b of the detergent box 115 from the 1 st upper water injection port 114 e. The 1 st water passage 181 branches off from the 2 nd water passage 182 at a position upstream of the water injection water passage 116.

The 2 nd water passage 182 constitutes a water passage that flows into the branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129 via the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. The 2 nd water passage 182 branches off at a position upstream of the three-way valve unit 113 so that the bypass water passage 184 is directed vertically downward. The bypass water path 184 communicates with the lower water inlet 114g of the tank storage case 114.

In addition, normally, the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a is not completely closed due to clogging or deterioration of foreign matter. In this case, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows back in the 2 nd water passage 182. However, in the case of the water channel structure of the present embodiment, the liquid agent having flowed backward in the 2 nd water channel 182 flows into the bypass water channel 184. Therefore, the liquid agent can be reliably prevented from flowing back to the water supply faucet.

The 3 rd water passage 183 is configured by: first, the tap water flowing from water supply valve 2 110b flows through water supply passage 110c and water filling path 116. Then, water is injected into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115 from the 2 nd upper water injection port 114 f.

The water passages are configured as described above.

[1-1-3. Structure of the remaining amount detecting section ]

Hereinafter, the configuration of the remaining liquid amount detection unit of the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 12 to 16.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine of the above embodiment. Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the detergent tank cover of the washing machine to which the float is mounted. Fig. 14A is a schematic side sectional view showing the remaining amount detecting unit of the washing machine. Fig. 14B is a schematic view of the lower surface of the detergent tank cover to which the float is attached in the washing machine. Fig. 15 is a schematic side view of the detergent tank of the washing machine showing the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit in a state where the detergent tank is filled with the detergent liquid. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between the detected magnetic force and the output voltage of the linear hall element.

The automatic liquid agent charging device 109 includes a1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130, a2 nd remaining amount detecting unit (not shown), and the like. The 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130 detects the amount of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 117. The 2 nd remaining amount detector detects the amount of liquid detergent in the softener tank 126. In the following, when the 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130 and the 2 nd remaining amount detecting unit are not described separately, both are simply referred to as "remaining amount detecting units".

The 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130 includes a float unit 130a, a linear hall element 136, and the like, which will be described below. The 2 nd remaining amount detecting unit is also configured similarly to the 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130, and therefore, will not be described.

(float part 130a)

As shown in fig. 6 and 13, one end of the float 130a is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119.

As shown in fig. 12, the float part 130a includes a link 133, a rotating shaft 131 provided at an upper end of the link 133, a magnet case 135 provided at a lower end of the link 133, and the like. The rotating shaft 131 is rotatably disposed on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119 (see fig. 13).

The magnet case 135 is hollow and constitutes a sealed container together with the cover 135 a. The magnet 134 (magnetic body) is disposed in the magnet case 135. The magnet 134 is enclosed in a sealed state by the magnet case 135 and the cover 135 a. Thereby, the detergent liquid is prevented from being impregnated into and adhered to the magnet 134. The magnet case 135 is provided with a holding rib 135c formed inside to hold the magnet 134.

In addition, the magnet case 135 is constructed to be hollow inside, and thus the magnet case 135 itself receives buoyancy in the detergent liquid. Therefore, the float portion 130a is normally suspended on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. At this time, the rotation shaft 131 of the float part 130a rotates in the up-down direction as shown by an arrow H of fig. 14A and 15 according to the liquid level change of the detergent liquid.

The magnet case 135 has a support portion 135b shown in fig. 13 on the lower side. On the other hand, the detergent tank 117 includes a magnet stopper 137 formed on the bottom surface. With this configuration, when the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the float 130a rotates downward and the support 135b abuts against the magnet stopper 137. This prevents the float 130a from rotating below the magnet stopper 137.

As shown in fig. 13, 14A, 14B, and 15, the detergent tank cover 119 has a partition wall rib 119a on the lower surface. The partition rib 119a is provided around the rotation shaft 131 of the float portion 130 a. This prevents the detergent from entering the rotary shaft 131, thereby preventing problems such as adhesion of the rotary shaft 131.

(Linear Hall element 136)

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the linear hall elements 136 are provided on the lower side of the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls of the can storage case 114, respectively. The linear hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density. In addition, the linear hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic sensor.

In general, the linear hall element 136 has the characteristics shown in fig. 16. In fig. 16, the horizontal axis represents the magnetic force detected by the linear hall element 136, and the vertical axis represents the output voltage value of the linear hall element 136.

The linear hall element 136 is close to 0 (zero) Wb/m in the detected magnetic force²In the case of (2), a voltage of Vdd/2(V) corresponding to half of the maximum voltage value Vdd (V) is output. In addition, the magnetic force is close to 0 (zero) Wb/m²The case (2) is a state in which the magnetic body is separated from the linear hall element 136 to such an extent that the magnetic force of the magnetic body cannot be detected by the linear hall element 136.

When the magnetic body having N-pole magnetism approaches the linear hall element 136 from the above state, the linear hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of N-pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes greater than Vdd/2. Thus, as the detected magnetic force of the N pole increases, the output voltage increases in the direction of arrow J in fig. 16.

On the other hand, when the magnetic substance having the magnetic polarity of the S pole approaches the linear hall element 136, the linear hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the S pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes smaller than Vdd/2. Thus, as the detected magnetic force of the S pole increases, the output voltage decreases in the direction of arrow I in fig. 16.

That is, in the case of an N-pole magnetic body, the closer the distance between the linear hall element 136 and the magnet case 135 is, the larger the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is, and the farther the distance between the linear hall element 136 and the magnet case 135 is, the smaller the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is. On the other hand, in the case of the magnetic material of the S-pole, the relationship between the distance and the output voltage is reversed.

As described above, the linear hall element 136 is provided on the lower portion side of the outer surface of the side wall of the canister housing case 114. Therefore, when the level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the linear hall element 136 comes close to the magnet case 135. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 changes, and the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is detected.

When the linear hall element 136 is disposed outside the bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, the detergent is accumulated on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, and therefore, the decrease in the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 cannot be detected by the linear hall element 136. However, by providing the linear hall element 136 outside the side wall of the tank storage case 114 as described above, the detergent flows down along the inner surface of the side wall, and therefore, the decrease in the detergent liquid can be reliably detected.

(magnet stopper 137)

As shown in fig. 14A and 15, the magnet stopper 137 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117. The magnet stopper 137 is configured to abut against the supporting portion 135b of the magnet case 135 in the amount of the detergent determined to be insufficient in the remaining amount of the detergent.

With the above configuration, even when the liquid level is further lowered from the predetermined detergent amount determined as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, the magnet case 135 does not further rotate downward. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is not changed, and the set output voltage value, that is, the voltage near Vdd/2 is output.

[1-2. actions and actions ]

The operation and action of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below.

[1-2-1. washing operation ]

The operation of the washing machine of the present embodiment will be described.

Generally, the washing operation of the washing machine 100 has a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, a drying step, and the like. The washing step soaks the laundry in detergent water, and washes off dirt by rotating the drum 106. The rinsing step rinses the laundry soaked in the detergent water with water. The dehydrating step dehydrates the laundry containing water. The drying step supplies hot air to the drum 106 to dry the laundry in the drum 106.

First, before starting the washing operation of the washing machine, the user puts detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and puts softener liquid into the softener tank 126 in advance.

Specifically, when replenishing the detergent tank 117 with the detergent liquid, the user opens the lid 114a and removes the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage case 114. Then, the user opens the detergent tank lid 119, puts detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117, and puts the detergent tank 117 back into the tank storage box 114. Further, the detergent tank 117 may be directly charged with the detergent liquid without detaching the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage case 114.

Similarly, when replenishing the softener liquid into the softener tank 126, the user opens the lid 114a and removes the softener tank 126 from the tank storage case 114. Then, the user opens the softener lid 128, and puts the softener liquid into the softener tank 126, and puts the softener tank 126 back into the tank storage box 114. Further, the softener liquid may be directly charged into the softener tank 126 without detaching the softener tank 126 from the tank storage case 114.

The lid 114a, the detergent tank cover 119, and the softener tank cover 128 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment are configured to be opened and closed while being rotated up and down by a hinge mechanism, for example. Therefore, when the detergent tank cover 119 and the softener tank cover 128 are closed in an opened state, the detergent tank cover 119 and the softener tank cover 128 can be closed at the same time by closing the lid body 114 a.

Next, when starting washing, the user opens the lid 102 and puts laundry into the drum 106 through the laundry input/output port 103.

Next, the user operates the operation display unit 104 to turn on the power switch, and sets various washing programs and washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. In this case, examples of the settable washing program include "washing only", "rinsing only", and "spin only".

The operation in the "washing course" will be described below.

In the "washing course", the controller performs control in such a manner that the cloth amount judging step, the water supplying step, the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydrating step are sequentially performed.

First, in the cloth amount determining step, the controller measures a torque current value when the groove rotating motor is repeatedly rotated in the normal rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction at a constant rotation speed by the cloth amount determining unit. The cloth amount determining section detects the amount of cloth in the drum 106 based on the measured torque current value.

Next, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically feed the detergent liquid of the amount calculated by the liquid agent feed amount calculation unit from the detergent tank 117 into the drum 106.

Next, the controller opens water supply valve 1a to supply tap water of an amount corresponding to the detected cloth amount into drum 106.

After the water supply step is finished, the controller drives the tub rotating motor to rotate the drum 106. Thereby, a washing step of agitating the laundry in drum 106 is performed.

After the washing step is finished, the controller performs a dehydration step and then a rinsing step.

In the rinsing step, the controller opens water supply valve 1 110a to supply a predetermined amount of tap water into water tank 105. Then, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically supply the softener liquid in an amount calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit from the softener tank 126 into the water tank 105.

After the supply of the detergent liquid and the softener liquid, the controller further supplies tap water to the water path to flush out the detergent and the softener liquid remaining in the detergent tank 117, the softener tank 126, and the water path. This prevents adhesion of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 to the detergent liquid and the softener liquid in the water path.

Then, when the rinsing step is finished, the controller performs the dehydrating step. Thereby completing a series of washing processes.

[1-2-2 ] Water supply method and liquid agent supply method ]

Hereinafter, a water supply method and a supply method of the liquid agent to the water tank 105 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6 to 11.

First, tap water is supplied to the water tank 105 in the washing step.

When the tap water is supplied, the controller controls the opening of the 1 st water supply valve 110a and simultaneously controls the closing of the 2 nd water supply valve 110 b. The controller also causes the detergent-side coil 113d, the softener-side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f to be in a non-energized state. Thus, the tap water supplied from a faucet such as a tap water pipe flows through the 1 st water path 181 shown in fig. 11, and is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank storage box 114, the connection hose 129, and the like.

After the water supply is completed, the controller supplies the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 to the water tank 105. In this case, the controller causes the detergent side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f to be in an energized state, and causes the softener side coil 113i to be in a non-energized state. Thereby, the detergent tank 117 communicates with the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111. At this time, as shown in fig. 10, the check valve 123b in the cylinder 123 of the detergent tank 117 is rotated backward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows in the directions of the arrows F and G in the through hole 123a of the cylinder 123. Then, as shown in fig. 11, the detergent liquid flows into the suction water channel 112h of the pump unit 111 through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the softener-side three-way valve 113 b.

Then, the controller drives the drive motor 112f of the piston pump unit 112 to reciprocate the piston 112e up and down in the cylinder 112 d. This causes the inside of the cylinder 112d to repeat negative pressure and positive pressure.

At this time, when the piston 112e moves upward, a negative pressure is generated in the cylinder 112 d. Thereby, the suction-side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent liquid flows into the housing portion 112c (see fig. 9) in the cylinder 112d through the gap between the suction-side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112 h. On the other hand, when the piston 112e moves downward, the pressure inside the cylinder 112d becomes positive. Thereby, the discharge check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the storage portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged from the gap between the discharge-side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g toward the branch water passage 129a directly downward, as indicated by arrow B in fig. 6. The discharged detergent liquid flows through a branch water passage 129a of a connection hose 129 arranged in the vertical direction and is supplied to water tank 105 (see fig. 6).

By repeating the up-and-down operation of the piston 112e for a predetermined time as described above, a predetermined amount of detergent liquid is supplied to the water tank 105.

Here, the 2 nd water path 182 communicates with the water tank 105. Normally, the water tank 105 is opened to the atmosphere with the lid 102 opened. Therefore, the liquid may be dried and adhered to and accumulated in a water path through which the liquid feed agent flows from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the discharge water passage 112g of the piston pump unit 112 is connected to the branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129. Therefore, the detergent liquid is discharged directly downward toward water tank 105 without passing through water injection channel 116 of tank storage case 114 (see arrow B in fig. 6). This shortens the distance of the discharge water path 112g, and the water path does not become complicated. Therefore, the detergent liquid can be more effectively prevented from adhering to the water path.

Next, after the detergent liquid is completely supplied, the controller turns the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i to a non-energized state. At the same time, the controller opens the 1 st water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). Thereby, tap water is supplied to the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. Therefore, the detergent liquid remaining in the connection hose 129 can be flushed away by the tap water.

In addition, the water supply is usually started with a weak momentum. Therefore, the following hidden troubles exist: the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 do not move sufficiently to block the flow of the supplied water. Accordingly, the present embodiment can be configured as follows: after the detergent liquid is completely supplied, the driving motor 112f of the piston pump unit 112 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) after the opening of the 1 st water supply valve 110a is started. In this case, the drive motor 112f of the piston pump unit 112 may be intermittently driven. With the above configuration, the piston 112e of the piston pump unit 112 reciprocates vertically, and the inside of the housing portion 112c in the cylinder is repeatedly brought into a state of positive pressure and negative pressure. This allows the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 to move sufficiently, and the tap water to flow into the pump unit 111 with a strong force. As a result, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, the connection hose 129, and the like can be more reliably flushed away.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the discharge water passage 112g of the pump unit 111 communicates with the water tank 105 via the connection hose 129 without passing through the tank storage case 114. Therefore, the liquid agent can be prevented from remaining and adhering to the water path from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105.

On the other hand, when the softener liquid is supplied from the softener tank 126, the controller controls the softener-side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f to be in the energized state, and controls the detergent-side coil 113d to be in the non-energized state. The method of supplying the softener liquid is the same as the method of supplying the detergent liquid, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, when foreign matter is caught in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a gap may be formed in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. At this time, when power failure, water cut, or the like occurs in a state where the 1 st water supply valve 110a is opened, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 may flow out through a gap in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and may flow back toward the water supply faucet in the 2 nd water passage 182.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the 2 nd water passage 182 is provided with a bypass water passage 184 that branches downward. The lower water filling port 114g, which is a water outlet of the bypass water path 184, is disposed below the detergent tank 117. Thus, the detergent liquid flowing backward from the detergent tank 117 through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a flows into the bypass water path 184 shown by arrow a4 in fig. 11, and flows into the water tank 105 through the tank storage case 114 and the connection hose 129. As a result, the detergent liquid is prevented from flowing backward to the water supply tap. Therefore, the failure of the water supply faucet caused by the reverse flow can be suppressed in advance. In this case, the tap water flowing through the bypass water passage 184 flows into the tank storage case 114. Therefore, the cleaning solution can be used to wash off the cleaning solution adhering to the tank storage case 114 when water is supplied.

Note that, even when the softener flows backward in the softener tank 126, the same procedure as in the case of the detergent liquid is not described.

[1-2-3. method for supplying detergent and softener, which were manually put into a tank ]

A method of supplying a powdery detergent or a softening agent to water tank 105 when a user sets manual input of the detergent will be described with reference to fig. 3 and 11. This corresponds to a case where the user does not set the automatic liquid agent charging device 109.

First, when supplying the powdered detergent, which is put into the detergent box 115, to the water tank 105, the controller controls the opening of the 1 st water supply valve 110a and the closing of the 2 nd water supply valve 110 b. At this time, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the 1 st water passage 181 as indicated by arrow a1 in fig. 11, and is injected from the 1 st upper water injection port 114e toward the detergent storage section 115b of the detergent box 115. Thus, the powdered detergent in the detergent container 115b flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c together with the poured tap water, and is supplied into the water tank 105.

As indicated by arrows a2 and a4 in fig. 11, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the second water path 182 in the bypass water path 184, and is supplied from the lower water inlet 114g toward the inner bottom surface of the tank storage case 114. This allows the tank storage case 114 to be supplied with water poured from the upper side and water poured from the lower side. As a result, the powdered detergent put into the detergent storage section 115b is flushed out to the connection hose 129 without remaining in the tank storage case 114.

On the other hand, when supplying the softener, which is put into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115, to the water tank 105, the controller controls the 1 st water supply valve 110a to be closed and controls the 2 nd water supply valve 110b to be opened. Thus, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the 3 rd water channel 183 as indicated by an arrow a3 in fig. 11, and is injected from the 2 nd upper water injection port 114f toward the softener storage section 115c of the detergent box 115. This raises the liquid level in the softener storage section 115 c. Then, the inputted softener liquid flows out to the tank storage case 114 without remaining in the softener storage portion 115c by the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism. The softener liquid flowing out to the tank storage case 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c and is supplied into the water tank 105.

[1-2-4. method for measuring remaining amount of liquid in detergent tank or softener tank ]

Hereinafter, a method of detecting the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to fig. 17. The same applies to the method of detecting the remaining amount of the softener in the softener tank 126, and therefore, the description thereof will not be given.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a relationship between the number of times of putting the detergent into the remaining detergent amount detecting unit and the output voltage of the linear hall element in the washing machine according to the above embodiment. In fig. 17, the horizontal axis represents the number of times the detergent liquid is poured into the water tank 105, and the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the linear hall element 136. In fig. 17, a solid line a shows a change in output voltage when the magnetic substance of the N pole is in proximity to the linear hall element 136, and a broken line b shows a change in output voltage when the magnetic substance of the S pole is in proximity to the linear hall element 136.

Hereinafter, the upper limit of the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is set to 5V, the lower limit thereof is set to 0V, and the magnetic flux density is set to substantially 0 (zero) Wb/m²An example of setting in which the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes 2.5V will be described. The upper limit of the linear hall element 136 may be, for example, 10V, as long as detection is performedThe accuracy is not impaired, and the setting can be arbitrarily made.

First, in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, as shown in fig. 15, the linear hall element 136 is spaced apart from the magnet 134 by a large distance. Therefore, the magnetic lines of force from the magnet 134 do not reach the linear hall element 136. Thus, the linear hall element 136 outputs a magnetic flux density of substantially 0 (zero) Wb/m as shown in the K-section of fig. 17²2.5V in the case of (1).

Then, with the washing operation, the detergent liquid is repeatedly poured into the water tank 105 from the detergent tank 117. This reduces the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117, and lowers the liquid level of the detergent.

When the level of the detergent liquid drops, the magnet case 135 suspended on the surface of the detergent liquid also rotates downward. Therefore, the magnet 134 (magnetic body) in the magnet case 135 is close to the linear hall element 136. Thereby, the amount of magnetic lines of force (magnetic flux density) detected by the linear hall element 136 increases.

At this time, when the linear hall element 136 receives the N-pole magnetism from the magnet 134, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 increases as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases, as shown by a solid line a in fig. 17. When the detergent liquid is continuously poured, the magnet case 135 abuts against the magnet stopper 137. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 converges to a predetermined value (e.g., 4.0V).

On the other hand, when the linear hall element 136 receives the magnetic force of the S pole from the magnet 134, as shown by a broken line b in fig. 17, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 decreases as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases. When the detergent liquid is continuously poured, the magnet case 135 abuts against the magnet stopper 137. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 converges to a predetermined value (e.g., 1.0V).

As described above, when the remaining amount of the detergent liquid becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 converges to the predetermined value. Therefore, when the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is to be recognized, it is preferable to calculate the difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent is put in and the output voltage of the linear hall element after the detergent is put in. That is, when the difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

The remaining amount of the detergent amount in the detergent tank 117 is detected as described above.

Hereinafter, a method of determining that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank is insufficient will be described with reference to fig. 18.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining that the remaining amount of detergent liquid in the washing machine is insufficient according to the above embodiment.

Here, the storage unit includes at least a 0 th storage unit, a1 st storage unit, a2 nd storage unit, and a3 rd storage unit. Specifically, the 0 th storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent is put in. The 1 st storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the previous detergent input. The 2 nd storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the second detergent input. The 3 rd storage unit is used for storing the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent is put into the third storage unit.

Hereinafter, the value stored in the 0 th storage unit is referred to as Y, the value stored in the 1 st storage unit is referred to as (Y-1), the value stored in the 2 nd storage unit is referred to as (Y-2), and the value stored in the 3 rd storage unit is referred to as (Y-3). CNT is the number of consecutive times that the voltage value of the difference between Y and (Y-3) after the detergent is put into the detergent is less than 0.1V.

As shown in fig. 18, when the washing operation of the washing machine is started, the controller first determines whether or not the detergent tank 117 has fed the amount of the detergent liquid required for the washing step (step S0). If it is determined that the detergent liquid is supplied (yes in step S0), the controller stores the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 in the 0 th storage unit (step S1).

Next, the controller determines whether or not the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is equal to or higher than a1 st predetermined value (for example, 2.0V) and equal to or lower than a2 nd predetermined value (for example, 3.0V) (step S2). When the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is equal to or higher than the 1 st predetermined value and equal to or lower than the 2 nd predetermined value (yes in step S2), this corresponds to a situation where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid. Then, the controller stores (Y-2) stored in the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, stores (Y-1) stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and stores (Y) stored in the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit without performing the operation of detecting the remaining amount of the detergent liquid (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is less than the 1 st predetermined value or greater than the 2 nd predetermined value (no in step S2), the controller calculates the absolute value of the difference (Y-3)) between Y and the output voltage (Y-3) of the linear hall element 136 after the third detergent input, and determines whether or not the value is 0.1V or greater (step S3).

At this time, if the absolute value of the difference (Y-3)) is 0.1V or more (no in step S3), the controller determines that the remaining amount of detergent is not insufficient because the float 130a rotates downward. Then, the controller resets CNT to 0 (step S5). Then, (Y-2) stored in the 2 nd storage unit is stored in the 3 rd storage unit, (Y-1) stored in the 1 st storage unit is stored in the 2 nd storage unit, and (Y) stored in the 0 th storage unit is stored in the 1 st storage unit (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when the absolute value of the difference (Y-3)) is less than 0.1V (yes in step S3), the controller determines that the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 has decreased. Then, the controller increments CNT by +1 (step S4).

Next, the controller determines whether CNT is 3 or more (step S6). At this time, when CNT is less than 3 (NO in step S6), the controller stores (Y-2) stored in the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, stores (Y-1) stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and stores Y stored in the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when CNT is 3 or more (yes in step S6), the controller determines that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is less than the predetermined value. Then, the controller causes the operation display unit 104 to display a message indicating that the remaining amount of detergent is less than the predetermined value and notifies the user (step S7). Thereafter, the controller stores (Y-2) stored in the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, (Y-1) stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and (Y) stored in the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit (step S8). Then, the controller ends the operation of determining the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

The determination operation for the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is performed as described above.

Here, in a state where the detergent tank 117 is sufficiently filled with the detergent liquid, the linear hall element 136 is spaced apart from the magnet 134 (magnetic body) by a large distance. Therefore, even if the detergent is further supplied to the detergent tank 117, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is kept constant at about 2.5V (corresponding to the K interval in fig. 17). In this case, even in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, the absolute value of the difference (Y-3)) is less than 0.1V. That is, the controller may erroneously detect that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 18, the controller is configured not to perform the operation of detecting the remaining amount of the detergent liquid when the output voltage Y of the linear hall element 136 is equal to or higher than the 1 st predetermined value and equal to or lower than the 2 nd predetermined value (yes in step S2). This can prevent erroneous detection of a shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the above-described situation.

When the magnetic property of the magnet 134 received by the linear hall element 136 is the S-pole, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 has a waveform as shown by a broken line b in fig. 17. Therefore, for example, when the magnetization received by the linear hall element 136 is the S-pole and Y ═ 1.0V, (Y-3) ═ 1.2V, the value of the difference (Y-3)) becomes-0.2V, and therefore becomes a value smaller than 0.1V as the determination value. Therefore, the following hidden troubles exist: even if the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent, the controller erroneously detects that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

In order to prevent the false detection, the absolute value of the difference (Y-3)) and 0.1V are compared in step S3 in fig. 18. This can prevent erroneous detection due to the polarity of the magnet 134.

In addition, it is no longer necessary to produce the magnet case 135 in consideration of the directionality of the magnetism of the magnet 134. Therefore, the man-hours required for production of the magnet case 135 and the man-hours required for confirmation inspection and the like can be reduced, whereby the manufacturing cost of the magnet case 135 can be suppressed.

The shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid can be detected as described above.

Hereinafter, a method for detecting a shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid after the detergent is repeatedly supplied (N-1) times will be described with reference to specific examples.

(Nth detergent input)

First, the output voltage Y of the linear hall element 136 after the nth detergent is input is set to about 4.0V. The value (Y-3) stored in the 3 rd storage unit was set to about 3.8V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.2V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is larger than the judgment value 0.1V in step 3 (equivalent to no in step S3 of fig. 18). Therefore, in step S5 of fig. 18, CNT is reset to 0. Then, in step S8, the controller stores the value (Y-2) of the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, the value (Y-1) of the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and the value Y of the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit.

(detergent input at (N +1) th time)

Next, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the (N +1) th detergent input was set to about 4.02V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the 3 rd storage unit was set to 3.94V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.08V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is smaller than the judgment value 0.1V in step S3 (corresponding to yes in step S3 of fig. 18). Therefore, in step S4, CNT is increased by +1(CNT ═ 1). Then, the controller determines whether CNT is 3 or more in step S6.

Since CNT is 1 this time, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is not insufficient. Then, in step S8, the controller stores the value (Y-2) of the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, the value (Y-1) of the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and the value Y of the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit.

In a state where the above values are stored in the respective storage units, the controller waits until the next supply of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117.

(detergent input at (N +2) th time)

Next, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the (N +1) th detergent input was set to about 4.03V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the 3 rd storage unit was set to about 3.95V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.08V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is smaller than the judgment value of 0.1V in step S3. Therefore, in step S4, CNT is further increased by +1 to become 2.

In this case, CNT is 2 and is also smaller than 3 as a determination value. Therefore, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is not insufficient. Then, in step S8, the controller stores the value (Y-2) of the 2 nd storage unit in the 3 rd storage unit, the value (Y-1) of the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit, and the value Y of the 0 th storage unit in the 1 st storage unit.

In a state where the above values are stored in the respective storage units, the controller waits until the next supply of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117.

(detergent input at (N +3) th time)

Next, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the (N +2) th detergent input was set to about 4.05V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the 3 rd storage unit was set to about 3.99V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.06V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is smaller than the judgment value of 0.1V in step S3. Therefore, in step S4, CNT is further increased by +1 to become 3.

At this time, since CNT is 3, the controller determines that the amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 becomes less than the predetermined amount. Then, the controller causes the operation display unit 104 to display a remaining amount shortage message of the detergent liquid to notify the user.

When the user confirms the remaining amount shortage message, the user takes out the detergent tank 117 from the storage part of the tank storage case 114 and replenishes the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float 130a rotates upward. In this state, the detergent tank 117 is mounted again in the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. At this time, since the magnet 134 is distant from the linear hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 approaches 2.5V. Thus, the controller determines that the detergent tank 117 has been replenished with the detergent liquid. Then, the remaining amount of the detergent liquid shortage message of the operation display unit 104 is canceled.

As described above, in the present embodiment, first, the difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is injected and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 when the detergent liquid was injected for the first predetermined time (for example, the third time) is calculated.

When the absolute value of the calculated difference is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 0.1V) continuously for a plurality of times (e.g., three times), the controller determines that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 becomes less than a predetermined amount.

That is, the controller determines the remaining amount of the detergent based on an absolute value of a difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent is input and the previous output voltage of the linear hall element 136. This reduces the possibility of erroneous detection of the determination that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient due to structural unevenness of the washing machine, such as the arrangement of the linear hall elements 136 and the size of the machine.

As shown in fig. 13, 14A, and 14B, a partition rib 119a is formed on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119 so as to surround the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130 a. Therefore, as shown in fig. 15, even when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid up to the vicinity of the detergent tank cover 119, an air reservoir is present inside the region surrounded by the partition rib 119 a. Therefore, the detergent liquid does not flow into the partition wall rib 119 a. This prevents the detergent liquid from adhering to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130 a. Even when the detergent tank cover 119 is placed in an inclined state with the detergent tank cover 119 removed from the detergent tank 117, the partition wall rib 119a blocks the liquid attached to the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119 from flowing to the rotating shaft 131. This prevents the occurrence of a malfunction in the rotation of the rotating shaft 131 due to the adhesion of the detergent liquid. As a result, the deterioration of the measurement accuracy of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid can be suppressed, and high measurement accuracy can be stably maintained for a long period of time.

Further, a magnet stopper 137 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, and the magnet stopper 137 is brought into contact with the magnet case 135 when the amount of detergent liquid determined that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient. Therefore, even when the liquid agent is further discharged in a state where the remaining amount of the liquid agent is insufficient, the float portion 130a is prevented from further rotating downward. Thus, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is not changed in a state where the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient. As a result, the linear hall element 136 can be prevented from being erroneously detected as the absence of the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

[1-3. Effect, etc. ]

As described above, in the structure of the washing machine according to the present embodiment, the hook 121 is formed on the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117, and the protrusion 117b is formed on the rear wall of the detergent tank 117. An engagement rib 122b is formed on the back surface of the mesh member 122, and a projection 122c that engages with the projection 117b is formed at the tip of the engagement rib 122 b. With this configuration, the mesh member 122 can be pushed rearward with the lower end 122d engaged with the hooking portion 121 of the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the rear wall of the detergent tank 117 is bent rearward, and the engaging claw 122e enters below the protruding portion 117b, so that the protruding portion 122c engages with the protruding portion 117 b. As a result, the mesh member 122 can be easily attached to and detached from the detergent tank 117.

In the present embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same effects can be obtained in a pulsator type washing machine. In addition, the same action and effect are also achieved in the washing and drying machine.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; and a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank. Further, the washing machine includes: a tank having an upper surface opening at which the liquid agent is supplied, and a discharge port at which the liquid agent is discharged, at the lower part; and a liquid agent automatic feeding device which supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tank. The tank is configured such that a mesh-like mesh member is disposed between the upper surface opening and the discharge port. With this configuration, a mesh-like net member having high flexibility is disposed between the upper surface opening of the tank and the discharge port. Therefore, by flexing the mesh member, a washing machine in which the mesh member is easily attached and detached can be obtained.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the mesh member may be detachably disposed in the tank in an inclined manner. This makes it possible to attach and detach the mesh member more easily.

The washing machine of the present invention may be configured such that the tank includes a1 st claw portion formed on the inner bottom portion and a2 nd claw portion formed on the rear wall, and the mesh member includes a1 st engaging portion engaged with the 1 st claw portion and a2 nd engaging portion engaged with the 2 nd claw portion. With this configuration, the mesh member is flexed, whereby the 2 nd pawl portion of the can be easily disengaged from the 2 nd engaging portion of the mesh member. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the mesh member.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the 2 nd claw portion may be formed to protrude toward the inside of the tank, and the 2 nd engaging portion may be constituted by an engaging rib extending on the back surface of the mesh member and a convex portion formed at the tip end portion of the engaging rib. With this configuration, when the user presses the net-like member into the rear wall of the can with a hand, the rear wall of the can is bent, and the 2 nd engaging portion enters below the 2 nd pawl portion. In this state, when the user separates the hand from the mesh member, the rear wall of the can is not bent, and thus the convex portion of the 2 nd engaging portion engages with the 2 nd engaging portion. On the other hand, in the state where the mesh member is flexed, the convex portion of the 2 nd engaging portion is disengaged from the convex portion of the 2 nd engaging portion. In this state, when the user lifts the mesh member upward from the upper end, the mesh member can be detached. Thereby, the net-like member can be easily detached from the can.

Can be used in industryAvailability of use

The present invention is useful for applications such as washing machines in which it is desired to easily attach and detach a mesh member to and from a tank.

Description of the reference numerals

100. A washing machine; 101. a housing; 102. 114a, a cover body; 103. a laundry input and output port; 104. an operation display unit; 105. a water tank; 106. a drum (washing tub); 106a, a baffle; 109. a liquid automatic feeding device; 110. a water supply device; 110a, 1 st water supply valve; 110b, 2 nd water supply valve; 110c, a water supply passage; 111. a pump unit; 111a, an outer frame; 111b, a detergent side tube part; 111c, 117f, pads; 111e, protruding ribs; 111f, a softener side tube part; 112. a piston pump unit; 112a, a connecting rod; 112b, a cam; 112c, a storage section; 112d, a cylinder body; 112e, a piston; 112f, a drive motor; 112g, a discharge water channel; 112h, a suction waterway; 112i, 112j, inner wall surfaces; 113. a three-way valve unit; 113a, a detergent-side three-way valve; 113b, a softener side three-way valve; 113c, a detergent side spring; 113d, a detergent side coil; 113e, a detergent-side plunger; 113f, a detergent side valve core; 113h, softener side spring; 113i, a softener side coil; 113j, softener side plunger; 113k, a softener side valve core; 113l, a detergent side cylinder; 113m, softener side cylinder; 114. a canister receiver; 114b, an opening; 114c, a drain outlet; 114d, an insertion hole; 114e, the 1 st upper water injection port; 114f, 2 nd upper water injection port; 114g and a lower water injection port; 115. a detergent box; 115a, a partition wall; 115b, a detergent storage part; 115c, a softener storage part; 116. a water injection waterway; 117. a detergent tank (pot); 117a, a rear wall; 117b, a protruding portion (2 nd claw portion); 117d, rib 1; 117e, 2 nd rib; 117g, handle knob; 118. an upper surface opening; 119. a detergent tank cover; 119a, partition wall ribs; 120. a bottom surface; 121. a hooking part (1 st claw part); 121a, a standing part; 121b, an extension; 122. a mesh member (filter); 122a, 123a, vias; 122b, a snap rib; 122c, 164a, 165a, convex portions; 122d, lower end (1 st engaging part); 122e, an engaging claw (2 nd engaging part); 123. a cylinder (discharge section); 123b, check valve; 124. a waterway; 126. a softener tank (can); 128. a softener can cover; 129. a connection hose; 129a and a branch water path; 130. a remaining amount detection unit; 130a, a float part; 131. a rotating shaft; 133. a connecting rod; 134. a magnet (magnetic body); 135. a magnet case; 135a, a cover; 135b, a support portion; 135c, a retaining rib; 136. linear hall elements (magnetic sensors); 137. a magnet stopper portion; 163. a damper; 164. a suction side check valve; 164b, 165b, a spring; 165. a discharge-side check valve; 181. a1 st waterway; 182. a2 nd waterway; 183. a3 rd waterway; 184. a bypass waterway.

Claims (4)

1. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a housing;

a water tank supported in the housing;

a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank;

a tank having an upper surface opening at which the liquid agent is supplied, and a discharge port at which the liquid agent is discharged, at the lower part; and

a liquid agent automatic feeding device which supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tank,

the tank is provided with a mesh-like net member between the upper surface opening and the discharge port.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein,

the mesh member is detachably disposed in the tank in an inclined manner.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the can includes a1 st claw portion formed at an inner bottom portion and a2 nd claw portion formed at a rear wall,

the mesh member includes a1 st engaging portion that engages with the 1 st claw portion and a2 nd engaging portion that engages with the 2 nd claw portion.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein,

the 2 nd claw is formed to protrude toward the inner side of the tank,

the 2 nd engaging portion is constituted by an engaging rib extending on the back surface of the mesh member and a convex portion formed at the tip end portion of the engaging rib.

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