CN111051596B

CN111051596B - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN111051596B
Application number: CN201880054651.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 植田健大; 松冈真二; 手岛贤; 堀部泰之
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-04
Filing date: 2018-07-27
Publication date: 2021-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-27
Also published as: MY197432A; TWI755557B; SG10202010902QA; PH12020500346A1; JPWO2019044307A1; TW201912877A; CN111051596A; SG11201911840WA; WO2019044307A1; CN114214817A

Abstract

The washing machine includes: the tank cover is arranged on the detergent tank; a liquid agent automatic feeding device which supplies the liquid agent of the detergent tank to the drum; and a remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of the liquid agent. The remaining amount detection unit includes: a float part which is arranged on the tank cover and floats on the liquid surface; a1 st magnet and a2 nd magnet provided on the float part; and a linear hall element. The 1 st magnet and the 2 nd magnet are separately arranged at positions along a moving direction of the float part which moves corresponding to the change of the liquid level of the liquid agent in the detergent tank. The 1 st magnet and the 2 nd magnet are alternately arranged so as to have different polarities with respect to the linear hall element. The remaining amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank is detected based on the output voltage of the linear hall element. Thus, the washing machine can judge whether the liquid agent residual quantity is excessive or insufficient in a large range.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid agent supply device constituting a liquid supply device.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a liquid agent such as a detergent liquid or a softener liquid is automatically supplied.

The washing machine comprises a housing, a supporting cylinder elastically supported in the housing in a vibration isolation manner, a drum rotatably supported in the supporting cylinder, an automatic liquid agent feeding device for automatically feeding liquid agent in the drum, and a liquid agent residual amount detection part for detecting the residual amount of the liquid agent in the drum. The liquid remaining amount detection unit includes a float unit that is rotatably provided on the upper portion of the tank and floats on the liquid surface, a magnet disposed in the float unit, and a magnetic force sensor that detects the magnetic force of the magnet. Further, a configuration is disclosed in which the remaining amount of liquid agent in the tank is detected by the output voltage of the magnetic sensor.

However, in the conventional configuration, when the amount of liquid remaining in the tank is increased, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor is increased. Therefore, there is a possibility that the magnetic force from the magnet cannot be detected by the magnetic force sensor. As a result, the remaining amount of liquid cannot be detected with high accuracy.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: chinese patent application publication No. 105463787

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a washing machine which can judge whether the liquid agent surplus is excessive or insufficient in a large range with high precision.

The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a tank for storing a liquid agent; a liquid supply device (automatic liquid agent feeding device) for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the water tank; a remaining amount detection unit for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank; and a controller which controls the washing operation. The remaining amount detecting section includes a float section that floats on the surface of the liquid in the tank, a plurality of detection sections provided in the float section, and a detecting section that detects the detection sections. The plurality of detection sections are arranged so as to be separated from each other at positions along the movement direction of the float section corresponding to changes in the liquid level of the liquid surface.

With this configuration, when the detected portion of the float portion passes through the detection portion, the detection portion can detect the magnetic force of the detected portion over a wide range of movement of the float portion. Therefore, the detection range of the remaining liquid agent amount can be expanded, and the detection accuracy can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external 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 an exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

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

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

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

Fig. 7 is a left side sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 10A 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. 10B is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid is supplied to the water tank in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 10C is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the softener liquid is supplied to the water tank in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the detergent tank and the softener tank.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the tank storage case in a state where the detergent tank and the softener tank are attached.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion E1 of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a rear sectional view of the tank storage case in a state where the detergent tank and the softener tank are attached.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view 16-16 of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the detergent tank and the detergent tank cover of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 18A is a sectional view of fig. 17, taken along line 18A-18A, showing a state where no float is attached to the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover.

Fig. 18B is a sectional view of fig. 17 taken along line 18B-18B with the float attached to the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view 19-19 of the filter apparatus of fig. 17 in an uninstalled state.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the detergent tank showing the view of users with different heights looking into the detergent tank through the openings in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion of the detergent tank and the detergent-side three-way valve of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the filter device of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 23A is a view showing a section 23A-23A of fig. 22.

Fig. 23B is an enlarged view of a portion E2 of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a plan view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view 26-26 of fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank cover, and the float of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a lower exploded perspective view of the detergent tank cover and the float part of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 30 is a graph showing a relationship between the magnetic flux density received by the linear hall element and the output voltage of the linear hall element.

Fig. 31 is a schematic view of the lower surface of the detergent tank cover to which the float is attached in the washing machine of the above embodiment.

Fig. 32 is a schematic side sectional view showing a positional relationship between the float part and the linear hall element of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 33 is a schematic side sectional view showing a positional relationship between the float and the linear hall element when the liquid level of the detergent liquid is lowered to a position lower than that in fig. 32.

Fig. 34 is a schematic side sectional view showing a positional relationship between the float and the linear hall element when the liquid level of the detergent liquid is lowered to a position lower than that in fig. 33.

Fig. 35 is a schematic side sectional view showing a positional relationship between the float portion and the linear hall element when the liquid level of the detergent liquid is lowered to a position lower than that in fig. 34.

Fig. 36 is a graph showing a relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank and the output voltage of the linear hall element in the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 37 is a flowchart of the washing machine according to the above embodiment for determining the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent and determining the failure of the detergent tank.

Fig. 38 is a timing chart showing states of the detergent side coil, the softener side coil, the drive motor, the 1 st water supply valve, and the drain pump in the "maintenance mode" of the washing machine according to the above embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a detailed description thereof to the extent necessary or more may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of widely known items and repeated descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the following description.

(embodiment mode 1)

Hereinafter, the washing machine according to embodiment 1 will be described item by item with reference to fig. 1 to 38.

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

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 outline of the washing machine 100. The water tank 105 is elastically supported in an anti-vibration manner by a plurality of suspension portions (not shown) and a damper 163. A drum 106 having a cylindrical shape with a bottom and constituting a washing tub is rotatably disposed in the water tub 105. The drum 106 has a plurality of baffles 106a on its inner wall surface. When drum 106 rotates at a low speed, baffle 106a imparts a stirring motion such as the clothes being caught and lifted upward and falling down to the clothes. The drum 106 has a plurality of small through holes (not shown) formed in the circumferential surface thereof. The water tank 105 has a tank rotating motor (not shown) disposed at the bottom thereof. The groove rotation motor drives and rotates the drum 106.

The casing 101 includes a laundry loading/unloading port 103 formed in a front surface thereof and having an opening for loading/unloading laundry. A cover 102 is provided on the front surface of the case 101. The cover 102 openably and closably covers the laundry input/output port 103. By releasing 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 constituting a liquid supply device. The automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is provided above the water tank 105. The structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 will be described in detail in [1-1-2 ] structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device ].

As shown in fig. 1, the casing 101 has a lid 114a that can be opened and closed at its upper portion. By opening the lid 114a, the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 can be detachably attached to the opening 114 b.

The cover 102 has an operation display portion 104 disposed on the 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 sequentially controls and executes a series of steps such as washing, rinsing, dewatering and the like. 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 the amount of cloth by classifying the laundry within 10kg into about 10 stages 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 includes a storage unit (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 ] Structure of automatic liquid agent charging device 109 (liquid supply device) ]

Next, the structure of the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 27.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine of the above embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 7 is a left side sectional view of the automatic liquid agent pouring device. FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the automatic liquid agent charging device. Fig. 10A is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when tap water is supplied to the washing machine. Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid is supplied to the water tank in the washing machine. Fig. 10C is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the softener liquid is supplied to the water tank in the washing machine. Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the pump unit of the above washing machine. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the detergent tank and the softener tank. Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the tank storage case in a state where the detergent tank and the softener tank are attached. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion E1 of fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a rear sectional view of the tank storage case in a state where the detergent tank and the softener tank are attached. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view 16-16 of fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the detergent tank and the detergent tank cover of the washing machine. Fig. 18A is a sectional view of fig. 17 taken along line 18A-18A with the float attached to the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover. Fig. 18B is a sectional view of fig. 18B-18B in a state where a float is attached to a lower surface of a detergent tank cover of fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view 19-19 of fig. 17 with the filter not installed. Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the detergent tank showing the view of users having different heights looking into the detergent tank through the openings. Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion of the detergent tank and the detergent-side three-way valve of the above-described washing machine. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the filter of the washing machine. Fig. 23A is a view showing a section 23A-23A of fig. 22. Fig. 23B is an enlarged view of a portion E2 of fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the washing machine. Fig. 25 is a plan view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view 26-26 of fig. 25. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank cover, and the float of the washing machine.

As described above, the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 (see fig. 2) 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 constituting a switching unit, a tank storage box 114 to which a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are attached and constituting a tank storage unit, and the like, which are described in detail one by one below. When the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 are not separately described, they are abbreviated as "tanks". In addition, when the detergent liquid and the softener liquid are not separately described, both are abbreviated as "liquid" or "liquid".

(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, a2 nd water supply valve 110b, and the like. When the 1 st water supply valve 110a and the 2 nd water supply valve 110b are not separately described, they are simply referred to as "water supply valves".

One end of the water supply passage 110c is connected to a faucet such as a water pipe 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 path of the tap water will be described in the later-described sections (the structure of the water filling cartridge 116 and the structure of the water path).

(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 attached to the tank storage case 114 and the liquid agent in the softener tank 126 attached to the tank storage case 114 to the piston pump unit 112 (see fig. 11). The three-way valve unit is an example of the switching unit.

As shown in fig. 9, 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, a softener-side coil 113i, and the like.

As shown in fig. 10A, 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 communicating with the detergent tank 117 and the softener side tube 111f communicating with the softener tank 126 at the front. The water passage 124 communicates with the 2 nd water passage 182 (water passage) and the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in fig. 24, 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 out of 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. 10A to 10C.

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 with one end located at the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l and the other end located at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113 e. The detergent-side cylinder 113l has an opening a at its 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. 10A and 10C, 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. The biased detergent-side valve body 113f closes an 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. Thus, the tap water flowing into the water passage 124 in the direction of the arrow X1 in the 2 nd water passage 182 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. 10B, 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 rearward against the biasing force of the detergent-side spring 113c by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. This opens 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 passage 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. This enables selective supply of either tap water or detergent liquid to the softener-side three-way valve 113 b.

Further, 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 makes it possible 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 softener side cylinder 113m 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 located on the rear wall of the softener-side cylinder 113m and the other end is located 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 its 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. 10A and 10B, 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. The biased softener side valve core 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. As a result, 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. 10C, 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 rearward 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. 10A, when both the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i are in the non-energized state, 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. 10B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the softener side coil 113i is in the non-energized state, 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. 10C, 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. 9, 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. 6, outer frame 111a is disposed between water supply unit 110 and tank storage case 114.

As shown in fig. 9, 10A to 10C, and 21, 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 thereof. As shown in fig. 21, the front end of the detergent-side tube 111b is inserted into a tube 123 formed in the lower rear wall of the detergent tank 117. A plurality of gaskets 111c are provided on the front outer circumferential surface of the detergent side tube portion 111 b. As shown in fig. 9 and 21, a protruding rib 111e extending in the forward direction is provided in front of the detergent side tube portion 111 b. As shown in fig. 10A, 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. 9, 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 thereof. The softener-side tube portion 111f extending forward from the outer frame 111a is inserted into a tube portion (not shown) formed in the lower rear wall of the softener tank 126. As shown in fig. 10A and the like, the rear end of the softener-side tube portion 111f is connected to and communicates with the water passage 124.

As shown in fig. 9 and 11, 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. The drive motor 112f drives a piston 112e which is provided in the cylinder 112d and can reciprocate up and down.

That is, the cylinder 112d is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape). A piston 112e capable of reciprocating up and down is disposed inside the cylinder 112 d. 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 a lower portion of the cylinder 112d so as to communicate with the lower portion of the cylinder 112 d. The suction water passage 112h and the discharge water passage 112g are disposed below the piston 112 e. This enables the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e to be discharged downward with a strong force.

As shown in fig. 10A, 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. 11, the intake water passage 112h includes an intake check valve 164 provided therein. The suction-side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at a lower portion thereof. Further, a spring 164b that biases 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. Thus, the suction-side check valve 164 is configured to be movable upward, but not to be further moved downward of the cylinder 112d from the contact position of the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112 h.

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 includes a discharge check valve 165 provided therein. The discharge-side check valve 165 has a projection 165a formed on the upper portion thereof. 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. Thus, the discharge-side check valve 165 is configured to be movable downward, but not to be further moved upward from the contact position of the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g to the cylinder 112 d.

In the above configuration, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, 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 larger 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 suction water passage 112h through the gap 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 positive pressure, and therefore a downward force is applied to the discharge-side check valve 165. At this time, 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 and communicates with 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. 24, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 are pumped into the pump unit 111 and discharged into the water tank 105.

The suction water passage 112h, the discharge water passage 112g, and the branch water passage 129a are disposed in a substantially vertical direction (including a vertical direction) so that the liquid agent or the like can freely fall.

(tank storage box 114 (tank storage section))

As shown in fig. 3, the can storage case 114 constitutes a container including a storage portion having an open upper surface. The tank storage case 114 is provided with a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126, which are 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. 21, the canister housing case 114 has an insertion hole 114d formed in a lower rear wall thereof. 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 5, the can housing case 114 includes linear hall elements 136 disposed on the left and right side walls thereof and constituting a detection unit. The linear hall element 136 is formed of, for example, an analog element. In addition, the linear hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic sensor.

Further, the canister housing case 114 is provided with a lower water filling port 114g (water filling port) at a lower portion of a side wall thereof. The lower water filling port 114g communicates with a bypass water passage 184 described later.

As shown in fig. 5, the canister housing case 114 has a drain port 114c formed in the bottom thereof. One end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the drain port 114 c. The other end of the connection hose 129 is swingably connected to the water tank 105. A branch water passage 129a that branches off from the middle of the connection hose 129 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. 27, the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 constitute a container having an upper surface opening 118 at an upper portion. When the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 are not separately described, they are abbreviated as "tanks".

The detergent tank 117 is provided with a gasket 117f at an upper peripheral edge thereof. A detergent tank cover 119 which openably and closably covers the upper surface opening 118 and constitutes a tank cover is attached to the upper portion of the detergent tank 117 via a gasket 117 f. 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 can be prevented from leaking from the detergent tank 117. The gasket may be provided on the side of the detergent tank cover 119 instead of the side of the detergent tank 117, and similar effects can be obtained.

As shown in fig. 27, the detergent tank cover 119 has an opening 139 formed in the front thereof. The detergent tank cover 119 is provided with a small window 119b that covers the opening 139 so as to be openable and closable and constitutes a liquid agent replenishing cover. The small window 119b is preferably formed of a light-transmitting member such as polypropylene.

As shown in fig. 21, the detergent tank 117 includes a cylindrical portion 123 formed to extend inward (forward) below the rear wall 117 a. The cylinder portion 123 includes a check valve 123b disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The check valve 123b is biased rearward by a spring (not shown), for example. In the biased natural state, the check valve 123b presses the inner peripheral wall of the tube 123. Therefore, no gap is generated between the check valve 123b and the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123. This prevents the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 from leaking from the cylinder 123.

With the above configuration, when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage box 114, the detergent-side tube 111b (corresponding to the 2 nd tube) of the automatic liquid agent feeding device 109 is inserted into the tube 123 (corresponding to the 1 st tube). At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side tube 111b pushes the check valve 123b forward. This generates a gap between the check valve 123b and the inner wall of the cylinder 123. As a result, as shown by arrow I in fig. 21, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be discharged from the cylinder 123 to the three-way valve unit 113.

On the other hand, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank storage case 114, the check valve 123b is biased rearward by the spring. This eliminates the gap between the check valve 123b and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 123. Thus, leakage of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is prevented.

When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b are liquid-tightly held by the gasket 111 c. Thus, when the detergent tank 117 is attached, the detergent liquid is prevented from leaking from the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage case 114. As a result, a desired amount of detergent liquid can be discharged to the washing tank 106 via the three-way valve unit 113.

As shown in fig. 27, the detergent tank 117 includes a knob portion 117g formed on the front outer wall surface thereof. 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. 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. For example, the thumb may be inserted into a gap between the tab portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above, and the other two or three fingers may be inserted from below to grip the tab portion 117 g.

Further, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out by pinching the knob 117g from below, 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 easy pulling out of detergent tank 117 without restriction on the posture of the wrist.

As shown in fig. 12, the detergent tank 117 has a recess 117k formed in the rear outer bottom surface thereof and recessed upward. The recess 117k includes a receiving portion 117h formed to extend rearward at a peripheral edge portion thereof. The receiving portion 117h is formed of an extending portion 117i extending rearward and a protruding portion 117j formed at a rear end portion of the extending portion 117 i.

As shown in fig. 13 to 15, the canister housing case 114 includes two guide ribs 114h on the bottom surface 120. In a state where the detergent tank 117 is mounted, the guide rib 114h is formed at a position sandwiching the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117. When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the detergent tank 117 is pushed rearward in a state of being inserted into the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. At this time, as shown in fig. 13 to 16, the projection 117j of the receiving portion 117h enters between the guide ribs 114 h. Thus, the receiving portion 117h is fitted to the guide rib 114h, and the detergent tank 117 is fixed to the tank storage case 114.

Further, when the detergent tank 117 is not completely attached to the tank storage case 114, there is a risk that the detergent liquid leaks from the tube 123 and the detergent-side tube 111 b. This may prevent a desired amount of detergent from being supplied to water tank 105, which may affect washing performance.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 is fitted into the two guide ribs 114h of the tank storage case 114. This enables detergent tank 117 to be reliably attached to tank storage case 114. When the user attaches the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage case 114, the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114 h. Therefore, the user needs to strongly press the detergent tank 117 rearward. At this time, when the tip of the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h, the resistance feeling when the detergent tank 117 is pressed in is weakened. Therefore, the user feels a click feeling when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114. Thereby, the user can recognize that the receiving portion 117h is reliably inserted into the guide rib 114 h. Therefore, leakage of the detergent liquid from the tube 123 and the detergent side tube 111b can be more reliably suppressed. As a result, a desired amount of detergent liquid can be supplied to water tank 105. The guide rib 114h also functions as a positioning portion when the detergent tank 117 is inserted.

In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage case 114 are fixed to each other by the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage case 114 may be attached to each other by snap fitting by pressing the detergent tank 117 rearward. Specifically, the canister housing case 114 may be configured to be snap-fitted by forming an annular stopper portion to be fitted into the receiving portion 117 h.

As shown in fig. 18A, the detergent tank 117 has a1 st vertical rib 138A, a2 nd vertical rib 138b, and a3 rd vertical rib 138c formed separately on the inner wall surface thereof and extending upward from the bottom surface thereof. In addition, when the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138c are not separately described, these three are abbreviated as "vertical ribs".

The 2 nd vertical rib 138b is located rearward of the 1 st vertical rib 138a and is formed to have a length shorter than that of the 1 st vertical rib 138 a. The 3 rd vertical rib 138c is located rearward of the 2 nd vertical rib 138b and is formed to have a length shorter than that of the 2 nd vertical rib 138 b. Thus, the user can recognize the approximate remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 by checking the lengths between the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the upper ends of the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138 c. That is, the approximate detergent remaining amount can be easily grasped by seeing several of the 3 vertical ribs. For example, in a state where all of the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138c are hidden and invisible in the detergent liquid, it can be determined that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is large. On the other hand, in a state where the 1 st vertical rib 138a and the 2 nd vertical rib 138b are visible and only the 3 rd vertical rib 138c is hidden in the detergent liquid, the remaining amount of the detergent is small, and further, in a state where the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138c are visible, it can be judged that there is a shortage.

As shown in fig. 18B, the detergent tank 117 houses a float 130a disposed on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. As shown in fig. 19, the float portion 130a is disposed with a gap in the left-right direction with respect to the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138 c. The float 130a is configured not to rotate to a position forward of the 3 rd vertical rib 138 c. This prevents the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd

vertical ribs

138a, 138b, and 138c from being hidden by the float 130a when the user opens the small window 119b of the detergent tank cover 119 and looks into the opening 139.

That is, as shown in fig. 20, the lengths of the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd

vertical ribs

138a, 138b, and 138c are set according to the line of sight of a user positioned in front of the washing machine when looking into the detergent tank 117 through the small window 119 b. Specifically, the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd

vertical ribs

138a, 138b, and 138c are formed to have a long length in the front and a short length in the rear. Thus, when peeping into the opening 139 from the front, the user can easily see the upper end portions of the 1 st vertical rib 138a, the 2 nd vertical rib 138b, and the 3 rd vertical rib 138c from the small window 119 b. As shown in fig. 20, the upper end portions of the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd

vertical ribs

138a, 138B, 138c can be easily recognized from the line of sight B (one-dot chain line) of a shorter person or the line of sight a (one-dot chain line) of a taller person, and the remaining amount of the detergent liquid can be grasped.

The softener tank 126 is configured similarly to the detergent tank 117, and therefore, will not be described. In the case of the softener tank 126, as shown in fig. 12, the respective components correspond to the knob portion 126g, the receiving portion 126h, the extending portion 126i, the projecting portion 126j, the recess portion 126k, the softener cylinder portion 127 (corresponding to the 2 nd cylinder portion) and the guide rib 114i (see fig. 15) of the tank storage case 114, and a cylinder portion (corresponding to the 1 st cylinder portion) which is not shown. The softener tank 126 includes a softener cover (not shown) constituting a cover, and a small window (not shown) provided in the softener cover and constituting a liquid agent replenishing cover, as in the case of the detergent tank 117.

(Filter 122)

As shown in fig. 18B and 27, the filter 122 is detachably provided in the detergent tank 117 in a state inclined in consideration of the following state. The filter 122 is formed of a resin such as polypropylene. The filter 122 has through holes (not shown) formed in a lattice shape penetrating the front and back surfaces thereof. The filter 122 filters the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. This can prevent the tube 123 and the detergent-side tube 111b from being clogged with the adhesive of the detergent liquid.

That is, generally, the viscosity of the detergent liquid is high. Therefore, when the filter 122 is horizontally disposed inside the detergent tank 117, there is a risk that the detergent liquid does not pass through the through-hole of the filter 122 and remains on the surface of the filter 122. If the detergent liquid remains and adheres to the surface of the filter 122, there is a risk that an appropriate amount of the detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117. When the detergent liquid closes the through hole of the filter 122, an air trap is formed in a space below the filter 122 inside the detergent tank 117. Therefore, the driving motor 112f of the pump unit 111 may idle and discharge a desired amount of the detergent liquid.

In the present embodiment, the filter 122 is provided in the detergent tank 117 in an inclined manner.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23B, the filter 122 is formed in a lattice shape by the plurality of vertical ribs 122e and the plurality of horizontal ribs 122 f. The vertical rib 122e is formed to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in a state of being attached to the detergent tank 117. The lateral rib portions 122f are disposed on the back surface of the vertical rib portion 122e so as to intersect the vertical rib portion 122 e. With the above configuration, the detergent liquid adhering to the surface of the filter 122 flows toward the bottom surface 120 (see fig. 18B) of the detergent tank 117 along the direction of the longitudinal rib 122 e. This can prevent the detergent liquid from remaining and adhering to the surface of the filter 122. The detergent liquid passing through the through hole of the filter 122 flows obliquely downward along the side surface of the lateral rib 122f and flows down from the tip end of the lateral rib 122 f. This can prevent the detergent liquid adhering to the filter 122 from closing the through-hole of the filter 122.

As shown in fig. 18A, 18B, and 23A, the filter 122 is formed such that a lower end 122d thereof is bent in a state of being mounted in the detergent tank 117. The filter 122 includes an engagement claw 122g on the back surface thereof. The engaging claw 122g includes an extended rib 122b, a convex portion 122c, and the like. The extension rib 122b is formed to extend in the rear surface direction of the filter 122. The convex portion 122c is formed to protrude rearward at the tip end portion of the extension rib 122 b.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 18A, the detergent tank 117 includes a hooking portion 121 formed on the bottom surface 120. The hooking portion 121 engages with the lower end 122d of the filter 122. The detergent tank 117 includes a protruding portion 117b formed on the rear wall 117a and protruding toward the inside of the detergent tank 117. The protruding portion 117b engages with the protruding portion 122c of the engaging claw 122g of the filter 122. With the above configuration, the filter 122 is obliquely engaged and fixed in the detergent tank 117 in an oblique direction.

Hereinafter, a method of attaching and detaching the filter 122 and the detergent tank 117 will be described.

First, the filter 122 is installed in the detergent tank 117 by the following method.

Specifically, the lower end 122d of the filter 122 is engaged with the hooking portion 121 of the detergent tank 117. In the engaged state, the filter 122 is pushed rearward in the detergent tank 117 with the lower end 122d as a fulcrum as shown in fig. 18A. Thereby, the engaging claw 122g of the filter 122 engages with the protruding portion 117b of the detergent tank 117. As a result, the filter 122 is fixed and held in the detergent tank 117 in an inclined direction.

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

Specifically, the filter 122 is pushed rearward in fig. 18A to bend the filter 122. Thereby, the engagement between the engagement claw 122g and the protrusion 117b is released. As a result, the filter 122 can be easily pulled out from the detergent tank 117.

As shown in fig. 22, the filter 122 includes a downward extending rib 122a formed below the filter. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 21, the detergent tank 117 includes a lower recess 117c formed in the bottom surface thereof near the cylinder 123. The lower recess 117c is provided to discharge the detergent liquid even if the amount of the detergent liquid remaining is small. The lower extension rib 122a is fitted into the lower recessed portion 117c, and prevents foreign matter such as liquid adhesive from entering the lower recessed portion 117 c.

(detergent case 115)

As shown in fig. 4, the detergent box 115 is detachably provided in the front of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 of the tank storage case 114.

As shown in fig. 7, 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. This can reliably prevent leakage of the detergent liquid or the like from the detergent tank 117.

Similarly, the softener tank 126 is 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. 4, the detergent box 115 forms a container having an open top surface, and includes a partition wall 115 a. 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 input the powder detergent into the detergent storage 115b and the softener into the softener storage 115 c.

The detergent box 115 has 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 to be washed away, the controller opens water supply valve 1 shown in fig. 24. Thus, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the 1 st water path 181 and the water filling path as indicated by an arrow a1 in fig. 24. Then, tap water is injected from the 1 st upper water injection port 116b into the detergent storage part 115b of the detergent box 115.

On the other hand, the softener storage section 115c further includes a conventionally known siphon mechanism. When the softener liquid put into softener storage section 115c is to be made to flow, the controller opens water supply valve 2b shown in fig. 24. Thereby, the tap water flows in the 3 rd water passage 183 as indicated by an arrow a3 in fig. 24. Then, tap water is injected from the 2 nd upper water injection port 116c into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115. The liquid level in the softener storage section 115c is raised by water injection. As a result, the softener liquid fed into the softener storage section 115c is allowed to flow completely into the water tank 105 without remaining in the softener storage section 115c due to the siphon effect by the siphon mechanism.

(Structure of Water injection Box 116 and Structure of waterway)

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the pot accommodation case 114 includes a water filling case 116 disposed at an upper portion thereof, through which tap water flows. The water filling cartridge 116 includes a claw portion 116a, and the claw portion 116a engages with the engagement portion 114m of the canister housing case 114. Thereby, water filling cartridge 116 and can storage cartridge 114 are fixed together.

As shown in fig. 24, water filling cartridge 116 communicates with a water filling passage communicating with water supply valve 1 110a and a water filling passage communicating with water supply valve 2 110 b. The water filling box 116 has a1 st upper water filling port 116b and a2 nd upper water filling port 116c formed in front thereof. The 1 st upper water filling port 116b and the 2 nd upper water filling port 116c communicate with the water filling passage. The water filling box 116 includes a3 rd upper water filling port 116d (corresponding to a2 nd water filling port) formed at the rear thereof.

As shown in fig. 24, the 1 st water passage 181 is a water passage through which water flowing from the 1 st water supply valve 110a flows through the water injection passage of the water injection cartridge 116 and is injected into the detergent storage part 115b of the detergent box 115 from the 1 st upper water injection port 116 b. That is, when the 1 st water supply valve 110a is opened by the controller, tap water flows in the 1 st water passage 181 and is injected into the detergent storage part 115b from the 1 st upper water injection port 116 b. The 1 st water passage 181 is branched from the 2 nd water passage 182 at a position upstream of the water filling cartridge 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, the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a is often not completely closed due to clogging or aging 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 flowing 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 hydrant.

As shown in fig. 24, the 3 rd water channel 183 is a water channel for allowing tap water flowing from the 2 nd water supply valve 110b to flow through the water filling channel of the water filling box 116 and to fill the tap water from the 2 nd upper water filling port 116c into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115.

That is, when the 2 nd water supply valve 110b is opened by the controller, the tap water flows in the 3 rd water path 183. Then, tap water is poured into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115 from the 2 nd upper water inlet 116 c.

As shown in fig. 24, the 3 rd water path 183 branches into a branch water path 185 at a3 rd branch point 183 a. The branch water path 185 communicates with the 3 rd upper water filling port 116 d. Thus, a part of the tap water flowing through the 3 rd water path 183 flows through the branch water path 185. Then, tap water is poured from the 3 rd upper water pouring port 116D toward the inclined surface 114j in the direction indicated by the arrow D in fig. 8. The injected water flows toward the cylindrical part 123 and the detergent side cylindrical part 111b on the inclined surface 114 j.

The water passages are configured as described above.

(backflow prevention device 170)

Fig. 26 is a sectional view of the backflow preventing device 170 of the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 of the washing machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment.

As shown in fig. 24, the backflow prevention device 170 is provided upstream of the 1 st branch point 181a in the 1 st water passage 181. When the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flow backward in the 2 nd water passage 182 due to a power failure, a water cut, or the like, the backflow prevention device 170 prevents the liquid agent from flowing backward to the hydrant. The backflow preventing device 170 is formed of, for example, an outer frame 111a, a getter 172, and an upper cover 177.

As shown in fig. 9, the upper cover 177 is disposed to cover an upper portion of the outer frame 111 a. At this time, as shown in fig. 26, a water passage 171 is formed in a space surrounded by the upper portion of the outer frame 111a and the upper cover 177. The water passage 171 allows water passing through the 1 st water supply valve 110a from the water supply passage 110c to flow from the rear to the front.

As shown in fig. 9 and 26, the aspirator 172 is disposed in the water passage 171. The getter 172 is welded and fixed to the lower surface of the upper cover 177. The cross section of the aspirator 172 is formed in a substantially quadrangular shape (including a quadrangle), and the aspirator 172 is configured such that the inner diameter thereof is widened toward the front and the rear.

The water passage 171 is provided with a water inlet passage 173, a negative pressure generating portion 174, a water outlet passage 175, and the like. The water inlet passage 173 is formed upstream of the aspirator 172. The negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed in the aspirator 172 and is formed of a water passage having a narrowed inner diameter. The outlet passage 175 is formed to have an inner diameter wider than the negative pressure generating portion 174 at a position downstream of the aspirator 172. Specifically, the height dimension L1 of the water inlet passage 173 is, for example, 12.12mm, the height dimension L2 of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is, for example, 1.9mm, and the height dimension L5 of the water outlet passage 175 is, for example, 15 mm. The negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed to have a narrower inner diameter than the water inlet passage 173 and the water outlet passage 175. With the above configuration, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the water passage 171 is increased by the venturi effect at the negative pressure generating portion 174 having a narrow inner diameter of the water passage.

The aspirator 172 includes an intake hole 174a formed in the negative pressure generating portion 174. The diameter L3 of the intake hole 174a is, for example, 2.5 mm. The upper cover 177 is provided with a protruding portion 177a having a hollow portion 177d therein, which is formed to surround the air inlet hole 174 a.

As shown in fig. 25, the inside of the protrusion 177a is formed to penetrate and be connected to the connection portion 177 b. The connecting portion 177b has an opening 177c at an end thereof. The opening 177c is connected to one end of the atmosphere introduction hose 176 shown in fig. 3 to 5. The other end of the atmospheric air introduction hose 176 is connected to and communicates with the upper portion of the canister housing case 114 via a connection port 176 a. This opens the can storage case 114 into the atmosphere. With the above configuration, the negative pressure generating portion 174 communicates with the canister housing case 114 through the air intake hole 174a of the aspirator 172. Therefore, the negative pressure generating unit 174 is also opened to the atmosphere.

As shown in fig. 26, the aspirator 172 is configured such that the height of the inner peripheral upper portion 172b of the water channel on the downstream side of the intake port 174a is higher than the height of the inner peripheral upper portion 172a of the water channel on the upstream side of the intake port 174 a. Thereby, a height difference m is formed between the water passage on the downstream side of the intake port 174a and the water passage on the upstream side of the intake port 174 a. In the present embodiment, the height dimension of the height difference m is, for example, 0.9 mm.

The periphery of the negative pressure generating portion 174 above the intake hole 174a is a chamfered portion 174 b. The chamfered portion 174b is formed so as to decrease in diameter as going from the protruding portion 177a side toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 side.

[1-1-3. Structure of bathing Water Pump ]

As shown in fig. 3, the bath water pump 140 is disposed at a position rearward of the tank storage case 114. The bath water pump 140 pumps up bath water in the bath through a bath water hose (not shown) and supplies the bath water to the water tank 105.

As shown in fig. 24, the 1 st water path 181 branches at a2 nd branch point 181b in the water filling cartridge 116, and communicates with one end of the auxiliary hose 141 (auxiliary water path) at a water filling cartridge hole (not shown) in the rear wall of the water filling cartridge 116. On the other hand, the other end of the auxiliary hose 141 communicates with a suction port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140.

As shown in fig. 3, a discharge port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140 communicates with one end of a discharge hose 142 (discharge water path). The other end of the discharge hose 142 communicates with a hole 114k formed in the rear wall of the canister housing case 114 and constituting the 1 st water filling port.

Thus, in the washing step, the water flowing in the 1 st water path 181 flows through the auxiliary hose 141 from the 2 nd branch point 181b and becomes the auxiliary water for the bath water pump 140. When the bath water pump 140 is filled with the auxiliary water, the bath water is pumped by the bath water pump 140. Bath water is caused to flow from the hole 114k into the tank storage box 114 via the discharge hose 142 as indicated by an arrow a in fig. 3. The inflowing bath water flows in the direction indicated by the arrow B in fig. 3 and the arrow E in fig. 8 at the inclined surface 114j behind the tank storage box 114.

That is, the lengths of the auxiliary hose 141 and the discharge hose 142 can be made short by disposing the bath water pump 140 at a position facing the water supply tank hole and the hole 114 k. This reduces the risk of water leakage due to damage to the auxiliary hose 141 and the discharge hose 142, and reduces the cost.

[1-1-4. Structure of remaining amount detecting part ]

Hereinafter, the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 28 to 30.

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank cover 119 and the float 130a of the washing machine 100 according to the above embodiment, as viewed from below. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of detergent tank 117 of washing machine 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 30 is a graph showing a relationship between the magnetic flux density received by the linear hall element 136 and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136.

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 detector 130 detects the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117. The 2 nd remaining amount detector detects the amount of softener in the softener tank 126. In addition, when the 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130 and the 2 nd remaining amount detecting unit are not separately described, both are abbreviated as "remaining amount detecting unit".

The 1 st remaining amount detecting unit 130 is formed of 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. 28, the detergent tank cover 119 includes a1 st bearing portion 119c and a2 nd bearing portion 119e formed in parallel with each other at positions spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. The 1 st bearing 119c has a1 st hole 119d, and the 2 nd bearing 119e has a2 nd hole 119 f.

The float 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 rotation shaft 131 includes a1 st rotation shaft 131a, a2 nd rotation shaft 131b, and the like. The 1 st rotating shaft 131a is rotatably inserted into the 1 st hole 119 d. The 2 nd rotating shaft 131b is rotatably inserted into the 2 nd hole 119 f. Thus, the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a is rotatably disposed on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119.

At this time, the 2 nd hole 119f is formed to have a larger diameter than the 1 st hole 119 d. The 1 st rotating shaft 131a is formed to have a diameter matched with that of the 1 st hole 119 d. Also, the 2 nd rotating shaft 131b is formed to have a diameter matched with that of the 2 nd hole 119 f. This can prevent the 1 st rotating shaft 131a from being erroneously inserted into the 2 nd hole 119f or the 2 nd rotating shaft 131b from being erroneously inserted into the 1 st hole 119 d.

The height position of the 1 st bearing 119c is formed higher than the height position of the 2 nd bearing 119e in the vertical direction.

The link 133 of the float 130a includes a stopper rib 132 formed near the 2 nd rotating shaft 131 b. When the 1 st rotating shaft 131a is erroneously inserted into the 2 nd hole 119f or the 2 nd rotating shaft 131b is erroneously inserted into the 1 st hole 119d, the stopper rib 132 comes into contact with the 1 st bearing portion 119 c. Therefore, the float 130a is in a non-rotatable state. This allows the user to easily recognize the erroneous attachment of the float 130 a.

As shown in fig. 27, the magnet case 135 is hollow inside, and forms a closed hollow container together with the cover 135 a. The magnet case 135 is provided with a1 st magnet 134a and a2 nd magnet 134b inside thereof. In addition, when the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are not described separately, both are abbreviated as "detected portion" or "magnet". The magnet is exemplified by a "magnetic force generating portion" or a "magnetic body".

The 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are enclosed in a sealed state by a magnet case 135 and a cover 135 a. Thereby, the detergent liquid is prevented from entering the inside of the magnet 134. The magnet case 135 includes a holding rib 135c (see fig. 27) formed therein for holding the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134 b.

In addition, the magnet case 135 is constructed to be hollow inside, so the magnet case 135 itself receives buoyancy in the detergent liquid. Therefore, the float portion 130a usually floats on the surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 131 of the float part 130a rotates in the vertical direction according to the liquid level change of the detergent liquid.

As shown in fig. 28, the magnet case 135 has a receiving portion 135b formed in a U-shape, for example, below the magnet case 135. On the other hand, the detergent tank 117 includes a magnet stopper 137 formed on an inner bottom surface thereof. The magnet stopper portion 137 is formed such that an abutting portion 137a abutting against the receiving portion 135b has a U-shaped arc portion so as to match the U-shaped receiving portion 135 b. The magnet stopper 137 abuts against the receiving portion 135b when the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117 is determined to be insufficient.

That is, when the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the float 130a rotates downward, and the receiving portion 135b abuts against the magnet stopper 137. This prevents the float 130a from rotating below the magnet stopper 137. That is, even when the liquid level further drops from the predetermined amount of detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117, which is determined to be insufficient, the magnet case 135 does not rotate further downward. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is not changed, and a voltage near Vdd/2, which is a set output voltage value to be described later, is output.

In addition, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b is in surface contact with the magnet stopper portion 137 having a similar shape. The contact with the magnet stopper 137 suppresses the front-rear and left-right play of the receiving portion 135b, and stably supports the float portion 130 a. Even when the position of the float 130a is shifted in the left-right direction, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b serves as a guide portion for guiding the magnet stopper 137. Therefore, the magnet box 135 can be guided to a desired position more reliably.

(Linear Hall element 136)

As shown in fig. 5, the linear hall elements 136 constitute detection portions, and are provided on the lower portions of the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls of the canister housing case 114. 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. 30. In fig. 30, the horizontal axis represents the magnetic flux density detected by the linear hall element 136, and the vertical axis represents the output voltage value of the linear hall element 136.

When the detected magnetic flux density of the linear hall element 136 is close to 0 (zero) Wb/m²A voltage of Vdd/2(V) equivalent 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. That is, as the detected magnetic force of the N pole increases, the output voltage increases toward the arrow O direction of fig. 30.

On the other hand, when the magnetic substance having the magnetic polarity of the S pole is close to 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 less than Vdd/2. That is, as the detected magnetic force of the S pole increases, the output voltage decreases toward the arrow N direction of fig. 30.

As described above, the linear hall element 136 is provided on the lower side of the outer surface of the side wall of the canister housing case 114. Therefore, when the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the distance between the linear hall element 136 and the magnet case 135 becomes shorter. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 changes, and thus, a change in the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be detected.

In addition, when the linear hall element 136 is disposed on the outer bottom surface side 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. In the present embodiment, the linear hall element 136 is provided outside the side wall of the can storage case 114. Thus, the detergent flows down along the inner surface of the side wall, so that the false detection can be prevented.

[1-2. actions and actions ]

The operation and action of the washing machine 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[1-2-1. washing operation ]

First, the operation of the washing machine 100 according to 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. In the washing step, the laundry is soaked in the washing water, and the dirt is washed away by rotating the drum 106. In the rinsing step, the laundry soaked with the detergent liquid is rinsed with water to remove the detergent liquid. In the dehydrating step, the laundry containing water is dehydrated. In the drying step, hot air is supplied to drum 106 to dry the laundry in drum 106.

First, the user puts detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and puts softener liquid into the softener tank 126 in advance before starting the washing operation of the washing machine 100.

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 and 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. The user then opens the softener cap 128 and plunges softener solution into the softener tank 126, and replaces the softener tank 126 into the tank receiver 114. Further, the softener tank 126 may be directly charged with the softener liquid without detaching the softener tank 126 from the tank storage case 114.

Here, the lid body 114a, the detergent tank cover 119, and the softener tank cover 128 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment are configured to be opened and closed by 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 similarly closed by closing the lid body 114 a.

Next, when the washing operation is started, 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 program", the controller performs control such that the cloth amount judging step, the water supply 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 section. 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 completed, the controller drives the tub rotating motor to rotate the drum 106 forward and backward. 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, after the rinsing step is finished, the controller performs a dehydrating step. Thereby completing a series of washing processes.

[1-2-2 ] Water supply method and liquid supply method Using automatic liquid dispensing device ]

Hereinafter, a water supply method for supplying water to the water tank 105 and a supply method for supplying a liquid agent will be described in detail.

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

As shown in fig. 24, when the tap water is supplied, the controller opens the 1 st water supply valve 110a and closes 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 tap such as a tap water pipe flows through the 1 st water passage 181 shown in fig. 24, and is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank storage case 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, as shown in fig. 10B, the controller causes the detergent side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f to be in the energized state and causes the softener side coil 113i to be in the de-energized state. Thereby, the detergent tank 117 communicates with the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111. At this time, the check valve 123b in the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 moves rearward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows from the cylinder 123 into the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111 through the detergent side cylinder 111b, the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the softener side three-way valve 113 b.

Next, as shown in fig. 11, the controller drives the drive motor 112f of the piston pump unit 112 to reciprocate the piston 112e in the vertical direction in the cylinder 112 d. This causes the inside of the cylinder 112d to be repeatedly in a negative pressure state and a positive pressure state.

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 in the cylinder 112d through the gap between the suction-side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112 h. When the piston 112e moves downward, a positive pressure is generated in the cylinder 112 d. Thereby, the discharge check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the storage portion 112C in the cylinder is discharged in the direct downward direction 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, as indicated by arrow C in fig. 7. The discharged detergent liquid flows through a branch water passage 129a of a connection hose 129 disposed in the vertical direction and is supplied to water tank 105.

As described above, the piston 112e is repeatedly moved up and down for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of detergent liquid to the water tank 105. At this time, the 2 nd water passage 182 communicates with the water tank 105. Normally, the water tank 105 is opened to the atmosphere with the lid 102 opened. Therefore, there is a risk that the liquid may be dried, adhered, and deposited in a water path through which the liquid supply agent flows from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105.

In the washing machine 100 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 freely dropped and discharged in the direct downward direction toward water tank 105 without passing through the water injection path of water injection cartridge 116 of tank accommodation cartridge 114 (see arrow C in fig. 7). This makes the distance of the discharge water path 112g short and makes the water path not complicated. Therefore, the occurrence of adhesion of the detergent liquid in the water path and the like can be effectively suppressed.

Next, after the detergent liquid is completely supplied, the controller turns the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i to the non-energized state as shown in fig. 10A. At the same time, the controller opens the 1 st water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). Accordingly, the water flowing from the 1 st water path 181 to the 2 nd water path 182 flows into the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. As a result, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connection hose 129 can be flushed away by the inflowing water.

In addition, the potential of the tap water flowing at the time of starting water supply is generally weak. There is a risk that the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 do not move sufficiently to cause the flow of the supplied water to be blocked. In this embodiment, drive motor 112f may be driven for a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) after the start of opening of water supply valve 1 a. 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 positive pressure state and a negative pressure state. 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 washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, discharge water channel 112g of pump unit 111 is communicated with water tank 105 not via tank storage box 114 but via connecting hose 129. 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, as shown in fig. 10C, when the softener liquid is supplied from the softener tank 126, the controller switches the softener-side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f to the energized state, and switches the detergent-side coil 113d to 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.

In the above configuration, when foreign matter is caught in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a gap may be generated 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 first water feed valve 110a is opened, the detergent liquid in detergent tank 117 may flow out through the gap between the opening and closing portions of detergent-side three-way valve 113a and may flow back toward the faucet in second water passage 182.

Then, as shown in fig. 24, the 2 nd water passage 182 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a bypass water passage 184 branching 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. Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing back from the detergent tank 117 through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a flows into the bypass water passage 184 shown by an arrow a4 in fig. 24. The detergent liquid flows into water tank 105 through tank storage box 114 and connection hose 129. Thereby, the detergent liquid is prevented from flowing backward to the hydrant. As a result, the water faucet can be prevented from malfunctioning by the detergent liquid.

In this case, the tap water flowing through the bypass water passage 184 flows into the tank storage case 114. Therefore, it can be used for washing off the detergent liquid adhering to the tank storage case 114 even when water is supplied.

In addition, even when the softener flows backward in the softener tank 126, the backflow is prevented in the same manner as in the case of the detergent liquid, and therefore, the backflow is not described.

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

Hereinafter, a method of supplying a powdery detergent or a softening agent to water tank 105 when the user sets a manual input of the detergent will be described.

First, as shown in fig. 24, when supplying the powdered detergent, which is manually put into the detergent box 115 by the user, to the water tank 105, the controller opens the 1 st water supply valve 110a and closes the 2 nd water supply valve 110 b. At this time, as shown by an arrow a1 in fig. 24, tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the 1 st water passage 181 and is injected from the 1 st upper water injection port 116b 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.

The tap water supplied from the faucet to the 1 st water path 181 is supplied to the 2 nd water path 182 at the 1 st branch point 181a as indicated by an arrow a2 in fig. 24. As shown by arrow a4 in fig. 24, tap water flowing through the 2 nd water passage 182 flows through the bypass water passage 184 and is supplied from the lower water filling port 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 toward the connection hose 129 without remaining in the tank storage case 114.

On the other hand, when the softener, which is manually put into the softener storage part 115c of the detergent box 115 by the user, is supplied 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. 24, and is injected from the 2 nd upper water injection port 116c 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 softener liquid flows out to the tank storage case 114 without remaining in the softener storage portion 115c due to 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. Effect of the backflow preventing device 170 ]

The operation of the backflow prevention device 170 will be described below with reference to fig. 26.

As described above, the negative pressure generating portion 174 of the backflow prevention device 170 shown in fig. 26 is formed such that the inner diameter of the water passage is narrower than the water inlet passage 173 and the water outlet passage 175. This increases the flow rate of the tap water passing through the negative pressure generating unit 174. Therefore, the inside of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is in a negative pressure state as compared with the water inlet passage 173 and the water outlet passage 175 due to a so-called venturi effect.

Here, the atmospheric pressure was P0 (N/m)²) The water pressure when the tap water flows through the inlet passage 173 is P + P0 (N/m)²). In this case, the dynamic pressure becomes P (N/m) due to the flow of the tap water in the negative pressure generating portion 174²) In the above case, the static pressure in the negative pressure generating part 174 becomes the atmospheric pressure P0 (N/m)²) The following. In the present embodiment, canister housing case 114 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, the pressure at the position closer to the atmospheric air introduction hose 176 side (see fig. 4) than the intake hole 174a is P0 (N/m)²)。

Generally, fluid will flow from the side with the higher pressure to the side with the lower pressure. In the present embodiment, the static pressure in the negative pressure generating section 174 is set to the atmospheric pressure P0 (N/m)²) The inner diameter of the water path of the aspirator 172 is designed in the following manner. Thus, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 flows into the water outlet passage 175 without flowing out from the air inlet hole 174a to the protrusion 177a of the upper cover 177. On the other hand, air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air inlet hole 174a opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, the tap water flowing out of the suction device 172 to the water outlet passage 175 is in a gas-liquid mixed state.

In addition, when the water supply passage is in a negative pressure state due to a power failure, water cut, or the like, there is a risk that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 may flow back to the hydrant side. In this case, in the present embodiment, air is introduced from the intake port 174a into the negative pressure generating portion 174 through the atmospheric air introduction hose 176 opened to the atmosphere. Thereby, the communication of the tap water between the inlet passage 173 and the outlet passage 175 is blocked. Therefore, the tap water in the water passage 171 is separated into tap water on the side of the intake port 174a to the intake passage 173 and tap water on the side of the intake port 174a to the discharge passage 175. As a result, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126, which are located downstream of the water outlet passage 175, can be prevented from flowing back to the faucet (water faucet).

In the present embodiment, the negative pressure generating portion 174 is provided with a height difference m such that the inner diameter of the water passage on the downstream side of the intake port 174a is larger than the inner diameter of the water passage on the upstream side of the intake port 174 a. Thus, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 is discharged from the water passage (inner upper portion 172a) on the upstream side of the intake port 174a to the water passage (inner upper portion 172b) on the downstream side of the intake port 174a, and the tap water sucks air from the intake port 174 a. As a result, the outflow of the tap water from the intake hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174 into the hollow portion 177d of the protruding portion 177a can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, a chamfered portion 174b formed so that the inner diameter thereof becomes narrower toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 is provided on the peripheral edge of the intake hole 174 a. Therefore, even when water splash splashes from the air intake hole 174a to the atmosphere introduction hose 176 during water passage, water droplets flow down toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 at the chamfered portion 174 b. Therefore, the air intake holes 174a can be suppressed from being closed by the water droplets.

In the present embodiment, the aspirator 172 is constituted by 1 component (japanese: parts). Thus, the backflow prevention device 170 can be configured with a simple structure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent performance degradation due to assembly variation of the backflow prevention device 170. In addition, compared to the backflow prevention device 170 formed by using a plurality of component parts, there is no deterioration between the component parts. Therefore, even if the backflow prevention device 170 is continuously used, the risk of malfunction can be greatly reduced.

[1-2-5 maintenance of the connection part of the detergent tank and the automatic liquid feeding device ]

When washing is performed in the manual washing mode by manually introducing a powdered detergent into the detergent storage part 115b and introducing a softener into the softener storage part 115c, the detergent and the softener are supplied to the water tank 105 from the water discharge port 114c of the tank storage case 114. At this time, there is a possibility that the detergent or softener may remain in the canister housing case 114 even after the washing is completed. There is a risk that the remaining detergent or softener adheres to the tube 123, which is the connection part between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid agent feeding device 109, and the detergent side tube 111 b. Therefore, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank storage case 114, the adhered adhesive may be peeled off and enter the detergent supply water path of the automatic liquid agent feeding device 109, which may narrow the flow path. This may cause pressure loss in the water passage. Further, there is a possibility that an adhesive such as a liquid agent adheres to the gasket 111c of the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, and affects the liquid-tightness of the coupling portion.

For the above reasons, there is a possibility that a required amount of the detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117, and the washing performance and the rinsing performance are deteriorated.

Therefore, it is usually necessary to periodically maintain the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid agent charging device 109.

However, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, a water filling cartridge 116 is provided on the upper portion of the canister housing case 114. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain the tube portion 123 and the detergent-side tube portion 111b disposed near the rear wall of the tank storage case 114, and a large burden is imposed on the user.

Then, as shown in fig. 3 and 24, in the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, water flowing in the 1 st water path 181 is caused to flow into the auxiliary hose 141 at the 2 nd branch point 181b at the time of water supply in the washing step. The inflowing water flows through the bath water pump 140 and the discharge hose 142, and is poured into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k in the rear of the tank storage case 114 as indicated by an arrow a in fig. 3. The injected water flows along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the canister housing case 114 as indicated by arrow B in fig. 3 and arrow E in fig. 8. The water flowing on the inclined surface 114j flows toward the cylindrical portion 123, which is a connection portion between the tank storage case 114 and the automatic liquid agent charging device 109, and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111 b.

With the above configuration, the water injected from the hole 114k washes away dirt on the connection portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 every time water is supplied. Therefore, regular maintenance by the user, such as removal of dirt on the connection portion, is not required.

In addition, the water injected also washes away dirt adhering to the gasket 111 c. Therefore, the liquid-tightness of the connection portion between the tube portion 123 and the detergent side tube portion 111b can be maintained. This prevents the detergent liquid from leaking from detergent tank 117, and allows a required amount of detergent liquid to be discharged into water tank 105. Further, the residue can be prevented from entering the detergent side tube portion 111 b. As a result, a required amount of detergent liquid can be stably discharged into water tank 105 while preventing a pressure loss in the water path.

The water injected from the hole 114k is supplied from the water discharge port 114c to the water tank 105 through the connection hose 129. Therefore, the periphery of the tube portion 123 and the detergent-side tube portion 111b can be maintained by the water used in the washing step. This eliminates the need for a dedicated water supply valve for flushing out dirt in canister housing case 114 and hoses constituting the water path, thereby reducing costs.

As shown in fig. 24, when water is supplied in the rinsing step, water flowing in the 3 rd water path 183 flows into the branch water path 185 at the 3 rd branch point 183 a. The inflowing water flows into the rear of the can storage case 114 from the 3 rd upper water filling port 116D as shown by an arrow D in fig. 8. The inflowing water flows along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the tank storage case 114, and flows toward the cylindrical portion 123, which is a connection portion between the tank storage case 114 and the automatic liquid agent charging device 109, and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111 b. This allows the periphery of the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111b to be flushed. That is, the same effect as that in the water supply at the time of the washing step can be obtained.

In addition, when the user selects the "bath water program" for supplying bath water to the water tank 105 in the washing step, the controller operates the bath water pump 140 after the automatic input of the detergent is completed. Accordingly, a part of the water supplied from 1 st water supply valve 110a to 1 st water passage 181 flows into bath water pump 140 from auxiliary hose 141 at 2 nd branch point 181 b. A hose (not shown) having one end connected to the bath water pump 140 and the other end entering the bath water in a bath tub (not shown) is filled with tap water by the water flowing into the bath water pump 140. In this state, when the bath water pump 140 is driven, the bath water in the bath tub flows through the hose and is sucked into the bath water pump 140. The sucked bath water flows into the canister receiver 114 from the hole 114k at the rear of the canister receiver 114 through the discharge hose 142 as shown by an arrow a in fig. 3. The bath water flowing into the tank storage case 114 flows on the inclined surface 114j, and flows toward the tube 123 and the detergent side tube 111b, which are the connection part between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid agent charging device 109. This allows the residues of the detergent liquid adhering to the periphery of the tube portion 123 and the detergent-side tube portion 111b to be washed away.

In the present embodiment, a configuration may be provided in which a "tank storage case maintenance program" is provided in which the rear wall of the tank storage case 114 and the periphery of the detergent side tube portion 111b are cleaned in a state in which the detergent tank 117 is removed from the tank storage case 114.

Specifically, when the user selects "can storage case maintenance program", the controller opens 1 st water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. Thus, the tap water flows through the 1 st water passage 181, flows through the auxiliary hose 141, the bath water pump 140, and the discharge hose 142 at the 2 nd branch point 181b, and flows into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114 k. The water flowing into the tank storage case 114 flows along the arrow B direction on the inclined surface 114j to flush the rear side of the tank storage case 114 and the periphery of the detergent side tube portion 111B.

The tap water poured into the canister housing case 114 from the hole 114k flows on the inclined surface 114j as indicated by an arrow F1 in fig. 15. This enables cleaning of the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h that fix the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage case 114 together. Similarly, the guide rib 114i and the receiving portion 126h that fix the softener tank 126 and the tank storage case 114 together can be cleaned. Furthermore, adhesion of the liquid agent can be prevented between the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h, so that the detergent can 117 can be easily detached from the can storage case 114, and a poor fitting between the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h due to adhesion can be prevented. This can prevent the detergent liquid from leaking from the tube 123 and the detergent side tube 111 b.

[1-2-6. method for determining shortage of residual amount in detergent tank ]

Hereinafter, a method of determining that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient will be described with reference to fig. 32 to 36. Note that, since the determination of the shortage of the remaining softener amount in the softener tank 126 is the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the controller stores in advance a threshold voltage (for example, 2.1V) indicated by a TH line in fig. 36, which is determined as the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, in the storage unit.

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 drops, and the float 130a rotates downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear hall element 136 changes, and thus the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 also changes. When the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes lower than the threshold voltage stored in the storage unit, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, and displays the determination on the operation display unit 104.

In the present embodiment, two magnets 134 including the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are arranged in the magnet case 135 at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130 a. The 1 st magnet 134a has the N-pole side facing the linear hall element 136, and the 2 nd magnet 134b has the S-pole side facing the linear hall element 136. Therefore, the linear hall element 136 detects magnetic forces of different polarities from the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134 b.

Hereinafter, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 with respect to each liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to fig. 32 to 36.

Fig. 32 to 35 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the magnet 134 and the linear hall element 136 in the case of each detergent level in the detergent tank 117.

Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 in the washing machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment.

As shown in fig. 32, in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, the linear hall element 136 receives a magnetic force of N-pole from the 1 st magnet 134 a. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes a1 in fig. 36.

Next, when the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 from the state of fig. 32, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 further drops. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 rises.

Then, as shown in fig. 33, when the 1 st magnet 134a rotates to the height position of the linear hall element 136 as the detergent liquid is discharged, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes the maximum voltage as shown in a2 of fig. 36.

When the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged from the state of fig. 33, the float 130a further rotates. At this time, the distance of the linear hall element 136 from the 1 st magnet 134a becomes longer, and the distance of the linear hall element 136 from the 2 nd magnet 134b becomes shorter. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 decreases.

When the float portion 130a rotates to the position shown in fig. 34, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes a3 in fig. 36. When the detergent liquid is further discharged from the detergent tank 117 from this state, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 further decreases.

Then, as shown in fig. 35, when the height position of the 2 nd magnet 134b of the float part 130a is rotated to a position facing the linear hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 becomes a4 in fig. 36.

As described above, as the detergent liquid is discharged, first, the 1 st magnet 134a approaches the linear hall element 136 (the section a1 to a2 in fig. 36). Then, the 1 st magnet 134a is away from the linear hall element 136 and the 2 nd magnet 134b is close to the linear hall element 136 (an interval a2 to a3 of fig. 36). Then, the 2 nd magnet 134b approaches the linear hall element 136 (the section a3 to a4 in fig. 36).

That is, when the float part 130a rotates from fig. 33 to fig. 35 (the section a2 to a4 in fig. 36), the distance between the linear hall element 136 and the 1 st magnet 134a becomes longer and the distance between the linear hall element 136 and the 2 nd magnet 134b becomes shorter. This reduces the N-pole component and increases the S-pole component of the magnetic flux density received by the linear hall element 136. Therefore, in the section a2 to a4 in fig. 36, the change in the magnetic force applied to the linear hall element 136 is larger than that in the case of the configuration in which 1 magnet is arranged in the magnet case 135. That is, the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 with respect to the discharge amount of the detergent liquid is large. As a result, the accuracy of determining the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent, which is realized by the output voltage of the linear hall element 136, can be improved as compared with the case where 1 magnet is arranged in the magnet case 135.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 28, a partition rib 119a formed so as to surround the periphery of the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a is provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. At this time, as shown in fig. 32, when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, an air retention portion 200 is formed inside the region surrounded by the partition wall rib 119 a. Therefore, the detergent liquid cannot flow into the region of the partition wall rib 119 a. As a result, the detergent liquid can be prevented from adhering to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130 a. When the detergent tank cover 119 is tilted in a state where the detergent tank cover 119 is detached from the detergent tank 117, the liquid agent adheres to the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. In this case, the partition wall rib 119a blocks the flow of the liquid agent attached to the rotation shaft 131 of the float portion 130 a. This prevents the adhesion of the detergent liquid from interfering with the smooth rotation of the rotating shaft 131. As a result, the deterioration of the accuracy of measuring the remaining amount of detergent can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 29, a magnet stopper 137 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to abut against the receiving portion 135b of the magnet case 135 when it is determined that the amount of detergent remaining is insufficient. This prevents the float portion 130a from further rotating downward even when the liquid agent is further discharged from a state where the remaining amount of the liquid agent is insufficient. Therefore, in a state where the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is not changed. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that the detergent remaining amount is not insufficient due to variation in the output voltage caused by further rotation.

In the present embodiment, the linear hall element 136 is described as an example of a configuration in which it receives the magnetism of the N-pole from the 1 st magnet 134a and the magnetism of the S-pole from the 2 nd magnet 134b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the linear hall element 136 may receive the magnetism of the S-pole from the 1 st magnet 134a and the magnetism of the N-pole from the 2 nd magnet 134 b. In this case, the waveform of the output voltage received by the linear hall element 136 is upside down from that of fig. 36.

Further, 3 or more magnets may be provided in the magnet case 135 at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130 a. At this time, the magnetic properties applied to the linear hall element 136 may be set to be alternately different. In this case as well, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, when manufacturing the washing machine, the voltage of the linear hall element 136 in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 in a state where the detergent liquid is not replenished are measured in a state where the automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is attached, and stored in the storage unit in advance. The state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid corresponds to the interval M1 in fig. 36. The state where the detergent liquid is not replenished into the detergent tank 117 corresponds to the interval M2 in fig. 36. Thus, it is possible to reduce an error in determining that the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient due to a manufacturing variation in the remaining amount detection for each washing machine, a variation in the installation of the linear hall element 136, or the like.

Further, the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent may be determined based on the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 at the timing when the magnet case 135 abuts against the magnet stopper 137. This makes it possible to compare the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 when the magnet case 135 is in contact with the output voltage value of the interval M2 stored in the storage unit in advance in a state where the magnet stopper portion 137 is in contact with the output voltage at the time of shipment. Therefore, the deviation error of the residual amount judgment of the detergent of each washing machine can be reduced.

[1-2-7. method for detecting failure of detergent tank ]

Hereinafter, a method of detecting a malfunction of the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to fig. 36. The method of detecting a failure in the softener tank 126 is also the same, and therefore will not be described.

For example, if the automatic liquid feeding device 109 is not used for a long time, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 may stick to each other. At this time, the adhered detergent liquid clogs the cylindrical portion 123, which is the discharge port in the detergent tank 117, and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111b of the automatic liquid agent feeding device 109. Therefore, there is a risk that a desired amount of the detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117. In addition, when the detergent liquid adheres to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a, the float 130a does not rotate even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of the detergent detected by the rotation of the float portion 130a is lowered.

Then, the controller of the present embodiment includes a malfunction determination unit (not shown) for determining whether or not the detergent liquid adheres to the inside of the detergent tank 117 and the malfunction occurs.

The method for determining a defect in the detergent tank 117 by the defect determining unit will be described below.

Normally, when the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 drops, and the float 130a rotates downward. Thereby, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear hall element 136 changes, and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 changes.

However, when the detergent liquid or the like sticks to the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a or clogs the cylindrical portion 123 or the like, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 does not sufficiently change even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117.

Then, first, the controller detects the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 at a timing when the accumulated detergent amount discharged from the detergent tank 117 becomes more than a predetermined value (for example, 30 ml). Then, the controller calculates a difference between the detected voltage and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 at a timing when the previous accumulated detergent amount discharged from the detergent tank 117 becomes more than a predetermined value. At this time, when the difference is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 0.1V), the controller determines by the malfunction determining unit that the float 130a does not rotate even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. This determines that the above-described problem has occurred in the detergent tank 117.

Then, the controller displays the occurrence of the malfunction on the operation display unit 104 and notifies the user of the malfunction. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of a defect in the detergent tank 117 as soon as possible. As a result, the user can be quickly made aware that the desired amount of the detergent liquid has not been discharged or the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient, and can be urged to respond.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 32, when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are distant from the linear hall element 136. At this time, the magnetic lines of force from the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b do not reach the linear hall element 136. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is reduced from 600ml to 400ml, for example, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 may be a constant value as shown in the interval M1 in fig. 36. That is, even when about 150ml of the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 in a state where the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is 600ml, for example, and the float 130a is rotated downward, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 does not change. That is, in the section M1 in fig. 36, even when the above-described defect phenomenon does not occur due to adhesion, clogging, or the like in the detergent tank 117, the defect phenomenon determination unit may erroneously detect that the defect phenomenon has occurred.

Then, the controller of the present embodiment performs control such that, in a state where the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filled, when the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is within a predetermined range, the malfunction determination unit does not perform the malfunction determination. The predetermined range is, for example, approximately 2.7V to 2.9V.

As described above, a failure (malfunction) of the detergent tank 117 and the like is detected.

Hereinafter, the determination method and the detection method described in [1-2-6. method for determining insufficient remaining amount in detergent tank ] and [1-2-7. method for detecting failure in detergent tank ] will be described specifically with reference to fig. 37.

Fig. 37 is a flowchart showing a method of detecting a shortage of the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and a method of detecting a malfunction of the detergent tank 117.

The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a detergent discharge amount storage unit (not shown) for accumulating and storing the calculated value of the liquid remaining amount calculation unit, and a1 st storage unit (not shown) and a2 nd storage unit (not shown) for storing the output voltage of the linear hall element 136.

First, as shown in fig. 37, the controller determines whether or not the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. When the detergent liquid is not discharged (No at step S0), the controller repeats the determination operation at predetermined intervals until the detergent liquid is discharged.

When the detergent liquid is discharged (Yes at step S0), the controller determines whether the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is less than 2.1V (step S1). When the output voltage is less than 2.1V (Yes at step S1), the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient and displays a remaining amount of the detergent shortage message on the operation display unit 104 (step S2). Then, when the user confirms the message that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient in the operation display unit 104, the user takes out the detergent tank 117 from the storage unit of the tank storage case 114 and replenishes the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the liquid level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float portion 130a rotates upward. In this state, the user reattaches the detergent tank 117 to the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. Then, the controller detects the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 again. At this time, when the detected output voltage becomes greater than 2.1V (line TH in fig. 36) which is the threshold voltage, the controller determines that the detergent liquid is replenished into the detergent tank 117. Then, the controller cancels the remaining detergent amount shortage message of the operation display part 104.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is 2.1V or more (No in step S1), the controller adds the calculated value of the liquid remaining amount calculating section to the value X stored in the detergent discharge amount storage section (step S3). Then, the controller determines whether the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage part calculated by the addition is greater than 30ml (step S4). When the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit is 30ml or less (No at step S4), the controller does not perform the failure detection determination and ends the process because a predetermined amount of detergent liquid has not yet been discharged.

On the other hand, when the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit is greater than 30ml (Yes in step S4), the controller executes a subsequent procedure of determining a malfunction of, for example, the detergent tank 117 by the malfunction determination unit.

Specifically, the controller first subtracts 30ml from the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage part (step S5). Then, the controller stores the value Y of the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 in the 1 st storage unit (step S6).

Next, the controller determines whether or not the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit is within the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (step S7). When the stored value Y is in the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (Yes at step S7), the controller determines that the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid. Then, the controller stores the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit without determining a malfunction of the detergent tank 117 (step S10).

On the other hand, if the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit is not within the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (No in step S7), the controller determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit and the stored value (Y-1) in the 2 nd storage unit is less than 0.1V by the malfunction determination unit (step S8). When the absolute value of the difference is less than 0.1V (Yes in step S8), the failure determination unit of the controller determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the detergent tank 117. Then, the controller displays on the operation display unit 104 that a malfunction has occurred in the detergent tank 117 (step S9). That is, in the case where the absolute value of the difference is less than 0.1V, the float part 130a does not rotate sufficiently even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. Then, the failure determination unit determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the detergent tank 117. Then, the controller stores the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit (step S10).

On the other hand, when the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit and the value (Y-1) stored in the 2 nd storage unit is 0.1V or more (No in step S8), the malfunction determination unit of the controller determines that a malfunction due to adhesion of the detergent liquid or the like does not occur in the detergent tank 117. Then, the controller stores the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit in the 2 nd storage unit (step S10).

The remaining amount shortage determination and the failure detection of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 are performed as described above.

The method of detecting a malfunction of the softener tank 126 is also the same as the method of detecting a malfunction of the detergent tank 117, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the washing step, the supply amount of the softener liquid to the drum 106 is generally smaller than the supply amount of the detergent liquid. Therefore, the predetermined discharge amount of the softener liquid in step S4 is preferably set to be less than the predetermined discharge amount of the detergent (30ml), and is preferably set to, for example, about 20 ml.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes the defect determining unit for detecting the defects of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126. Specifically, the failure phenomenon determination unit first detects the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 before and after a predetermined amount of liquid agent is poured from the detergent tank 117, and calculates the difference value. At this time, when the difference value is less than 0.1V, the failure phenomenon determination unit determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the detergent tank 117. Then, the controller displays the occurrence of the malfunction on the operation display unit 104. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of a defect in the detergent tank 117 as soon as possible. As a result, the user can be quickly made aware that the desired amount of the detergent liquid has not been discharged or the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient, and can be urged to respond.

The controller of the present embodiment is configured not to determine a malfunction of the detergent tank 117 when the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is in the range of, for example, 2.7V to 2.9V in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the liquid agent. This can prevent erroneous detection of a malfunction by the malfunction determination unit when the detergent liquid is not adhered to the inside of the detergent tank 117.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of magnets are provided separately at positions along the rotation direction of the float portion 130a in the magnet case 135. Thereby, the linear hall element 136 can detect the magnetic force of the magnet in a wide range in which the float portion 130a rotates. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is large, a defect in the detergent tank 117 can be detected as compared with a configuration in which the number of magnets is 1, for example.

In the above description, the case where the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the 1 st storage unit and the value (Y-1) stored in the 2 nd storage unit and the predetermined threshold voltage (0.1V) are compared in step S8 to determine whether or not a defect has occurred in the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold voltage may be changed in accordance with the output voltage of the linear hall element 136. That is, as shown in fig. 36, the variation amount of the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 with respect to the variation amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is not constant. Thus, the appropriate threshold voltage is variably set in accordance with the output voltage of the linear hall element 136. This can improve the accuracy of determining a malfunction of the detergent tank 117.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the float 130a rotates has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the float 130a may float on the surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 without rotating, and similar operational effects can be obtained. That is, the float 130a may float on the liquid surface and the float 130a may be moved up and down in accordance with a change in the liquid level of the detergent liquid.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is measured to detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the remaining amount of the liquid agent may be detected by using an optical sensor or the like.

In the present embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which, when the malfunction determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117, the occurrence of the abnormality is displayed on the operation display unit 104 and notified to the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a signal may be transmitted from the washing machine to a server via an internet line, a signal may be transmitted from the server to a smartphone or the like, and the occurrence of an abnormality in the detergent tank 117 may be displayed on the screen of the smartphone. Further, the washing machine may be configured to notify the user with sound or the like through a speaker or the like. Thus, even if the user is not in the vicinity of the washing machine, the occurrence of the malfunction can be immediately notified to urge the user to respond.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the difference in output voltage of the linear hall element 136 between before and after the discharge of a predetermined amount (for example, 30ml) of the detergent liquid is calculated to determine the malfunction of the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 in the previous time may be calculated and determined.

In the above description, the absolute value of (Y-1)) is compared with the threshold value (0.1V) in step S8 of fig. 37 to determine that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. That is, the positive and negative of the detection voltage of the linear hall element 136 are reversed due to the magnetism of the magnet. However, erroneous detection of occurrence of a defect due to magnetism of the magnet can be prevented by comparing the absolute values. In addition, the magnet case 135 is produced without considering the direction of the magnetism of the magnet. Therefore, the man-hours required for the production of the magnet case 135, the man-hours required for the confirmation inspection, and the like can be reduced. This can suppress the manufacturing cost of the magnet case 135 and the like.

[1-2-8. maintenance of the connection part of the detergent tank and the automatic feeding device and the liquid supply waterway ]

Fig. 38 is a timing chart showing the states of the detergent side coil 113d, the softener side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the 1 st water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance routine".

Generally, when the detergent liquid is repeatedly discharged from the detergent tank 117, metals such as magnesium and calcium contained in the tap water are bonded to fatty acids contained in the detergent liquid to precipitate metal soaps. The precipitated metal soap adheres to a water path (hereinafter referred to as a "detergent liquid supply water path") before the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105. The detergent liquid supply water path includes a tube 123, a detergent side tube 111b, a detergent side three-way valve 113a, a softener side three-way valve 113b, a suction water path 112h, a storage 112c, a water outlet path 112g, a branch water path 129a, a connection hose 129, and the like shown in fig. 24. The metal soap attached to the detergent liquid supply water path hinders the flow of the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the supplied tap water. Therefore, the discharge amount of the detergent liquid may be reduced, and the potential of the circulating water may be reduced. In addition, there is a risk that the metal soap enters the drum 106 and adheres to the laundry.

In order to suppress the above-described problem, it is necessary to periodically wash off and remove the metal soap attached to the detergent liquid supply water path, as described below.

First, when the detergent liquid supply water path is maintained, the user removes the detergent tank 117 from the storage portion of the tank storage case 114 and cleans the inside of the detergent tank 117. The user then refills the detergent tank 117 with, for example, 200ml of citric acid water.

Then, the user attaches the detergent tank 117 to the storage portion of the tank storage case 114 again. Then, the user selects the "maintenance mode" via the operation display unit 104.

When the "maintenance mode" is selected, the controller drives the drain pump (not shown) and alternately executes the following 1 st step and 2 nd step.

In step 1, water supply valve 1a is closed, detergent side coil 113d is energized, and softener side coil 113i is not energized.

In step 2, water supply valve 1 110a is opened to turn on detergent side coil 113d and softener side coil 113 i.

First, step 1 is executed to supply the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 to the water tank 105 by flowing the citric acid water in the detergent supply water path. Generally, metal soaps have the property of being dissolved by acidic aqueous solutions. Therefore, the acidic citric acid water dissolves and washes away the metal soap adhering to the inside of the detergent liquid supply water path. The flushed metal soap is supplied to the water tank 105 together with citric acid water. Then, the citric acid water containing the metal soap is discharged to the outside of the casing 101 by flowing through a drain hose (not shown) from a drain port (not shown) by driving of the drain pump.

Next, step 2 is executed to cause tap water supplied from the hydrant to flow through the 1 st water passage 181 from the 1 st water supply valve 110a as shown in fig. 24. A part of the tap water flowing through the 1 st water path 181 flows into the 2 nd water path 182 as indicated by an arrow a2 in fig. 24. The water flowing through the 2 nd water passage 182 flows through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, the softener-side three-way valve 113b, the suction water passage 112h, the storage portion 112c, the water outlet passage 112g, the branch water passage 129a, and the connection hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105. Thus, the citric acid water remaining in the detergent liquid supply water path in step 1 is washed away by the water supplied in step 2.

Hereinafter, the control operation when the "maintenance mode" is executed will be described specifically with reference to fig. 38.

Fig. 38 is a timing chart showing states of the detergent side coil 113d, the softener side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the 1 st water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance mode" of the detergent tank 117 of the washing machine 100.

When the user selects the "maintenance mode", the controller energizes the detergent-side coil 113d at time T0 to start step 1. At this time, as shown in fig. 10B, the detergent side plunger 113e and the detergent side valve body 113f move rearward. Thus, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows into the water passage 124 through the opening b formed in the rear of the detergent side tube 111 b. The inflowing citric acid water flows toward the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Next, at a time T1 after 0.5 seconds from the time T0, the controller drives the drive motor 112f and the drain pump. The piston 112e is reciprocated up and down by the driving of the driving motor 112 f. Thereby, the pressure state in the housing portion 112c is repeatedly changed to the positive pressure state and the negative pressure state.

That is, as shown in fig. 11, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the housing portion 112c becomes a negative pressure state. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward against the urging force of the spring 164 b. Thus, the citric acid water flows into the housing 112c from the intake water passage 112 h.

When the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the housing portion 112c becomes a positive pressure state. Therefore, the discharge-side check valve 165 moves downward against the urging force of the spring 165 b. Thus, the citric acid water in the storage portion 112c flows through the water outlet passage 112g, the branch water passage 129a, and the connection hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105.

By repeating the above operations, the citric acid water dissolves the metal soap in the detergent liquid supply water path and flows.

Then, the citric acid water in the water tank 105 is driven by the drain pump to flow through the drain port in the drain hose and discharged to the outside of the casing 101.

At this time, there is a possibility that the detergent side valve body 113f may not be moved backward even if the detergent side coil 113d is in an energized state by the driving of the driving motor 112 f. That is, when the drive motor 112f is driven, the flow of water at X1 shown in fig. 10A is strong, and therefore the flow of water becomes resistance, and a state may occur in which the detergent side valve element 113f cannot move backward. Then, the controller starts energization of the detergent-side coil 113d at a time T0, and drives the drive motor 112f at a time T1 after 0.5 second has elapsed. This can avoid the occurrence of the above state.

In the present embodiment, the controller controls the discharge amount of the citric acid water (for example, 200ml) to be larger than the maximum discharge amount of the detergent liquid (for example, 120ml) in the washing step and the maximum discharge amount of the softener (for example, 100ml) in the rinsing step. This can reliably dissolve the metal soap in the detergent liquid supply water path.

Next, at a time T2 after 55 seconds have elapsed from the time T1, the controller stops driving the drive motor 112 f. Then, at time T3 after 0.5 second has elapsed from time T2, the controller causes detergent-side coil 113d to be in the non-energized state. Thereby, as shown in fig. 10A, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move forward. Then, the detergent-side valve body 113f closes the opening b formed in the rear of the detergent-side tube 111 b. Therefore, the flow of the citric acid water from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent-side valve core 113 f.

Subsequently, step 1 ends at time T3.

At this time, there is a possibility that the detergent side valve body 113f may not move forward even if the detergent side coil 113d is in a non-energized state by the driving of the driving motor 112 f. That is, when the drive motor 112f is driven, in the state of fig. 10B, the flow of water (corresponding to X1) is strong, and therefore, the flow of water becomes resistance, and there is a possibility that the detergent side valve body 113f cannot move forward. Then, the controller deactivates the drive motor 112f at time T2, and deactivates the detergent-side coil 113d at time T3 after 0.5 seconds have elapsed. This can avoid the occurrence of the above state.

Next, at a time T4 after 0.5 seconds has elapsed from the time T3, the controller drives the drive motor 112f and opens the 1 st water supply valve 110 a. Thereby, step 2 is started. In step 2, as shown in fig. 10A, the supplied tap water flows through the 2 nd water passage 182, flows into the water passage 124 of the three-way valve unit 113 from the opening a, and flows toward the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112. At this time, the citric acid water remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the piston pump unit 112, and the like is flushed away by the inflow of tap water.

As described above, the momentum of the tap water flowing in at the start of water supply is generally weak. Therefore, there is a risk that the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 shown in fig. 11 cannot be moved upward and downward only by the water pressure of the supplied tap water. To avoid this, in step 2, the controller drives the drive motor 112f to pressurize the tap water. Thereby, the tap water can reliably pass through the piston pump unit 112.

In addition, there is a risk that the driving of the driving motor 112f may interfere with the movement of the detergent-side valve core 113f of the three-way valve unit 113. Then, the controller drives the drive motor 112f at a time T4 after 0.5 seconds has elapsed since the end of energization of the detergent-side coil 113d (time T3). This can avoid the occurrence of the above state.

Next, at a time T5 after 5 seconds have elapsed from the time T4, the controller stops the drive of the drive motor 112f and performs closing control of the 1 st water supply valve 110 a. Thereby, step 2 ends.

Next, at a time T6 after 0.5 seconds has elapsed from the time T5, the controller executes the same control as at the time T0, and starts the step 1.

Thereafter, at time T6 to time T11 and at time T12 to time T17, the controller executes the same control as at time T0 to time T5.

Then, at time T17, the controller ends step 2. Then, at a time T18 after 40 seconds have elapsed from the time T17, the controller stops driving of the drain pump. This discharges the citric acid water and tap water remaining in drum 106.

The operations of the respective parts in the "maintenance mode" of the softener tank 126 are also the same, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

[1-3. Effect, etc. ]

As described above, the washing machine of the present embodiment includes: a water tank 105 having a bottomed shape and elastically supported in the housing 101 with vibration isolation; a detergent tank 117 having an opening on an upper surface thereof for receiving liquid; and a detergent tank cover 119 which constitutes a tank cover provided on the upper portion of the detergent tank 117. Further, the washing machine includes: an automatic liquid agent charging device 109 for supplying the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 to the water tank 105; a remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117; and a controller. The remaining amount detection unit includes: a float part 130a provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119 and floating on the liquid surface; a1 st magnet 134a and a2 nd magnet 134b, the 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b being provided in the float part 130 a; and a linear hall element 136. The 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are disposed separately at positions along the moving direction of the float portion 130a corresponding to the change in the liquid level of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117. The 1 st magnet 134a and the 2 nd magnet 134b are alternately arranged so as to have different polarities from the linear hall element 136. With this configuration, the controller detects the remaining amount of liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 based on the output voltage of the linear hall element 136. This can enlarge the detection range of the remaining amount of detergent and improve convenience.

(embodiment mode 2)

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to fig. 36.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, as in embodiment 1, the remaining amount of the liquid agent, i.e., the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is detected based on the output voltage of the linear hall element 136. The remaining liquid agent amount is displayed on the display unit of the operation display unit 104. Since other configurations are the same as those in embodiment 1, they will not be described.

As shown in fig. 36, in the case where the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 is higher than the S line shown in the drawing, there are two detergent residues for 1 output voltage. Therefore, the controller may erroneously determine the remaining amount of the detergent.

In the present embodiment, the controller first stores the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 in the storage unit when the detergent liquid is discharged.

Next, the controller calculates a difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 when the detergent liquid is discharged this time and the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 when the detergent liquid is discharged last time stored in the storage unit.

At this time, if the calculated difference value is a positive value, the output voltage corresponding to the linear hall element 136 increases. Therefore, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent is within a range a0 to a2 in fig. 36. When the difference is negative, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 decreases, and thus it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent is within a range from a2 to a3 in fig. 36.

In addition, a1 st magnet 134a and a2 nd magnet 134b are separately arranged at positions along the rotation direction of the float portion 130a in the magnet case 135. Thus, when the float portion 130a passes the linear hall element 136, the linear hall element 136 can detect the magnetic force of the magnet over a wide range. Therefore, the detection range of the detergent residual quantity can be enlarged.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, a structure using a drum-type washing machine is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a vertical washing machine, and can achieve the same operation and effect.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a tank for storing a liquid agent; a liquid supply device for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the water tank; a remaining amount detection unit for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank; and a controller which controls the washing operation. The remaining amount detection unit includes: a float part floating on the liquid surface in the tank; a plurality of detected parts arranged on the floater part; and a detection unit that detects the detection target unit. The plurality of detection sections are disposed so as to be separated from each other at positions along the movement direction of the float section corresponding to a change in the liquid level of the liquid surface. With this configuration, when the detected part of the float part passes through the detection part, the detection part can detect the magnetic force of the detected part over a wide range of movement of the float part. Therefore, the detection range of the remaining amount of liquid agent can be expanded.

In addition, the controller of the washing machine according to the present invention may be configured to detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank based on a detection value of the detection unit and to notify the remaining amount of the liquid agent. With this configuration, when the float portion passes the detection portion, the detection portion can detect the magnetic force over a wide range of movement of the float portion. Therefore, the detection range of the remaining amount of liquid agent can be expanded.

The washing machine of the present invention may further include a display unit, and the controller may display the remaining amount of the liquid in the tank on the display unit. This allows the user to easily grasp the remaining amount of liquid.

Further, the controller of the washing machine according to the present invention may determine whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank is less than a predetermined amount based on a detection value of the detection portion. This allows the magnetic force of the detection target portion to be detected over a wide range of movement of the float portion. Therefore, the excess or deficiency of the remaining liquid agent amount can be determined with high accuracy.

The washing machine of the present invention may further include a display unit, and the controller may display the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank on the display unit when determining that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is less than a predetermined amount. This makes it possible for the user to easily recognize that the remaining amount of liquid agent is insufficient.

The washing machine of the present invention may further include a lid that opens and closes an opening formed in an upper portion of the lid, and the float may be rotatably disposed on a lower surface of the lid. Thus, the remaining liquid level can be grasped with a simple configuration.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the plurality of detection units may be constituted by a plurality of magnetic force generation units, and the detection unit may be constituted by a magnetic force sensor. Thus, the remaining liquid level can be grasped with a simple configuration.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the plurality of magnetic force generating portions may be formed of a plurality of magnets, and the plurality of magnets may be arranged such that the adjacent magnets have different polarities with respect to the magnetic force sensor. With this configuration, when the float portion passes through the magnetic force sensor, if one of the magnets having different polarities from the magnetic force sensor is separated, the other magnet approaches at the same time. This makes it possible to increase the amount of change in the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor with respect to the amount of movement of the float. As a result, the accuracy of determining excess or deficiency of the remaining liquid agent amount can be improved.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention may include: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a tank having an opening at an upper portion thereof and containing a liquid agent; and a lid provided on the upper part of the tank and opening and closing the opening. In addition, the washing machine includes: a liquid supply device for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the water tank; a detection section that floats on a liquid surface of the liquid in the tank; a detection unit that detects the detection target unit; a storage unit that stores the detection value of the detection unit; and a controller which controls the washing operation. The controller further includes a malfunction determination unit that calculates a difference between a detection value of the detection unit after the liquid agent is discharged from the tank and a detection value of the detection unit after the liquid agent was discharged last time stored in the storage unit, and determines that the liquid agent is adhered to the tank when the calculated difference is smaller than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of a failure in the tank as early as possible.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention may include: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a tank having an opening at an upper portion thereof and containing a liquid agent; and a lid provided on the upper part of the tank and opening and closing the opening. In addition, the washing machine includes: a liquid supply device for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the water tank; a detection section that floats on a liquid surface of the liquid in the tank; a detection unit that detects the detection target unit; a liquid agent input amount calculation unit that calculates an amount of liquid agent to be input into the water tank; a storage unit that stores the detection value of the detection unit; and a controller which controls the washing operation. The controller also has a malfunction determination section. The failure phenomenon determination unit calculates a difference between a detection value of the detection unit when the cumulative liquid agent discharge amount from the tank exceeds a predetermined value and a detection value of the detection unit when the cumulative liquid agent discharge amount from the tank stored in the storage unit last time exceeds the predetermined value, and determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the tank when the calculated difference value is smaller than the predetermined value. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of a failure in the tank as early as possible.

In addition, the controller of the washing machine according to the present invention may be configured to determine the malfunction in the tank without using the malfunction determination unit when the detection value of the detection unit is a detection value in a state in which the tank is filled with the liquid agent. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous detection of the occurrence of the failure in advance.

The washing machine of the present invention may further include a float portion rotatably provided on the lower surface of the lid, wherein the detection portion is formed of a magnet provided in the float portion, and the detection portion is formed of a magnetic force sensor. Thus, the liquid agent remaining amount in the tank can be detected with a simple structure.

In the washing machine of the present invention, a plurality of magnets may be provided at positions along the rotation direction of the float portion. This enables the liquid agent remaining amount in the tank to be detected over a wide range.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention may further include a display unit, and the controller may display the malfunction determination unit on the display unit when the malfunction determination unit determines that the malfunction has occurred in the tank. This makes it possible to prompt the user to respond by quickly recognizing the occurrence of a failure in the can.

Industrial applicability

The present invention can detect excess or deficiency of the remaining amount of liquid agent in a wide range and with high determination accuracy, and is therefore useful not only for home use but also for commercial washing machines and the like.

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. an automatic liquid agent charging device (liquid supply device); 110. a water supply device; 110a, the 1 st water supply valve (water supply valve); 110b, 2 nd water supply valve (water supply valve); 110c, a water supply passage; 111. a pump unit; 111a, an outer frame; 111b, a detergent side tube part (2 nd tube part); 111c, 117f, gaskets; 111e, protruding ribs; 111f, a softener side tube part (2 nd 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 (switching section); 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 can storage case (can storage portion); 114b, an opening; 114c, a drain outlet; 114d, an insertion hole; 114g, a lower water injection port (water injection port); 114h, 114i, guide ribs; 114j, inclined plane; 114k, hole (1 st 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 box; 116a, a claw portion; 116b, the 1 st upper water injection port; 116c, a2 nd upper water injection port; 116d, the 3 rd upper water injection port (2 nd water injection port); 117. a detergent tank (pot); 117a, a rear wall; 117b, a protrusion; 117c, lower recess; 117g, 126g, handle portion; 117h, 126h, a receiving section; 117i, 126i, extension; 117j, 126j, and a protrusion; 117k, 126k, recess; 118. an upper surface opening; 119. detergent tank lids (lids); 119a, partition wall ribs; 119b, a small window (liquid agent replenishing cover); 119c, a1 st bearing portion; 119d, well 1; 119e, a2 nd bearing portion; 119f, well 2; 120. a bottom surface; 121. a hooking part; 122. a filter; 122a, a lower extending rib; 122b, an extension rib; 122c, 164a, 165a, convex portions; 122d, lower end; 122e, longitudinal rib parts; 122f, a transverse rib part; 123. a tube section (1 st tube section); 123b, check valve; 124. a waterway; 126. a softener tank (can); 128. softener can lids (can lids); 129. a connection hose; 129a and a branch water path; 130. a remaining amount detection unit; 130a, a float part; 131. a rotating shaft; 131a, the 1 st rotating shaft; 131b, 2 nd rotating shaft; 132. a stopper rib; 133. a connecting rod; 134. a magnet (detected part); 134a, 1 st magnet (detected part); 134b, 2 nd magnet (detected part); 135. a magnet case; 135a, a cover; 135b, a receiving part; 135c, a retaining rib; 136. a linear hall element (detection unit); 137. a magnet stopper portion; 137a, an abutment portion; 138a, 1 st longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib); 138b, 2 nd vertical rib (vertical rib); 138c, 3 rd longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib); 139. an opening part; 140. a bathing water pump; 141. an auxiliary hose (auxiliary waterway); 142. a discharge hose (discharge water path); 163. a shock absorber; 164. a suction side check valve; 164b, 165b, a spring; 165. a discharge-side check valve; 170. a backflow prevention device; 171. a water passage; 172. an aspirator; 172a, 172b, inner peripheral upper portion; 173. a water inlet passage; 174. a negative pressure generating part; 174a, an intake hole; 174b, a chamfered portion; 175. a water outlet passage; 176. an atmosphere introduction hose; 176a, a connection port; 177. an upper cover; 177a, a protrusion; 177b, a connecting part; 177c, an opening; 177d, a hollow portion; 181. a1 st waterway; 181a, 1 st branch point; 182. a2 nd waterway; 181b, branch point 2; 183. a3 rd waterway; 183a, branch point 3; 184. a bypass waterway; 185. a branch waterway; 200. an air retention section; a. b, c, d, an opening; e. an outlet port; m, height difference.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a housing;

a water tank supported in the housing;

a tank having an opening at an upper portion thereof and containing a liquid agent;

a can lid provided on an upper portion of the can and configured to open and close the opening;

a liquid supply device that automatically supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the water tank;

a detection section that floats on a liquid surface of the liquid in the tank;

a detection unit that detects the detection target unit;

a storage unit that stores a detection value of the detection unit; and

a controller for controlling the washing operation,

the controller is also provided with a bad phenomenon judging part,

the failure phenomenon determination unit calculates a difference between a detection value of the detection unit after the liquid agent is discharged from the tank and a detection value of the detection unit after the liquid agent was discharged in the previous time stored in the storage unit, and determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the tank when the calculated difference value is smaller than a predetermined value.

2. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a housing;

a water tank supported in the housing;

a detection section that floats on a liquid surface of the liquid in the tank;

a detection unit that detects the detection target unit;

a liquid agent input amount calculation unit that calculates an amount of liquid agent to be input into the water tank;

a storage unit that stores a detection value of the detection unit; and

a controller for controlling the washing operation,

the controller is also provided with a bad phenomenon judging part,

the failure phenomenon determination unit calculates a difference between a detection value of the detection unit when an accumulated liquid agent discharge amount from the tank exceeds a predetermined value and a detection value of the detection unit when the accumulated liquid agent discharge amount from the tank stored in the storage unit last time exceeds a predetermined value, and determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the tank when the calculated difference value is smaller than the predetermined value.

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

the controller is configured to determine a defect in the tank without using the defect determination unit when a detection value of the detection unit is a detection value in a state where the tank is filled with the liquid agent.

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

the washing machine is provided with a float part which is rotatably arranged on the lower surface of the tank cover,

the detected part is composed of a magnet arranged in the floating part,

the detection unit is constituted by a magnetic force sensor.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4,

the plurality of magnets are provided separately at positions along the rotation direction of the float portion.

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

the washing machine is provided with a display part,

the controller displays a failure in the tank on the display unit when the failure determination unit determines that the failure has occurred in the tank.