CN115516160A

CN115516160A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN115516160A
Application number: CN202180031661.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大槻太郎; 税所贵史
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-28
Filing date: 2021-03-11
Publication date: 2022-12-23
Also published as: JP2021171502A; WO2021218426A1

Abstract

A washing machine (1) having: a box body (2); a washing tub (4) for accommodating laundry (Q); a water supply path (20) for supplying tap water into the washing tub (4); a taking-in port (35) for taking in bath water; a bath water supply path (22) for supplying bath water into the washing tub (4); a first treating agent supply part (21) which is arranged in the box body (2) and supplies a treating agent for washing to the water supply path (20); and a second treating agent supply part (52) which can be attached to the intake port (35) from the outside of the box body (2) or detached from the intake port (35), and which has a treating agent containing part (53) for containing the treating agent, a treating agent supply path (54) for connecting the treating agent containing part (53) and the intake port (35), and an electric treating agent supply valve (55) for opening and closing the treating agent supply path (54), and which supplies the treating agent in the treating agent containing part (53) to the bath water supply path (22); the washing machine (1) can wash the washings (Q) in the washing barrel (4) by using bath water, and can flexibly use various treatment agents.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

The washing machine described in patent document 1 includes: a box body; a drum disposed in the cabinet for putting laundry; the detergent tank and the softener tank are arranged in the box body; and a detergent automatic feeding device which automatically feeds the detergent contained in the detergent tank and the softener contained in the softener tank into the roller during each washing operation.

In recent years, many kinds of treatment agents for washing such as detergents and softeners have been put on the market, and users desire to have a variety of treatment agents and to use the treatment agents flexibly according to the use. On the other hand, when the treatment agent is preliminarily stored in the detergent tank or the softener tank as in the washing machine of patent document 1, even if the user desires to use another type of treatment agent, the other type of treatment agent cannot be used without running out the treatment agent stored in the tank.

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2019-42265

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine that can use a plurality of treatment agents flexibly.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention is a washing machine comprising: a box body; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet and containing laundry; a water supply path for supplying tap water from a tap into the washing tub; the taking-in port is used for taking in bath water; a bath water supply path for supplying the bath water taken in from the inlet into the washing tub; a first treating agent supply unit having a first housing unit for housing a treating agent for washing, a first connection path for connecting the first housing unit and the water supply path, and an electrically driven first opening/closing unit for opening/closing the first connection path, the first treating agent supply unit being disposed in the tank and supplying the treating agent in the first housing unit to the water supply path; and a second treatment agent supply unit which is attachable to and detachable from the inlet port from outside the casing, and which has a second storage unit for storing the treatment agent, a second connection path for connecting the second storage unit and the inlet port, and an electrically driven second opening/closing unit for opening/closing the second connection path, wherein the second treatment agent supply unit supplies the treatment agent in the second storage unit to the bath water supply path.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: a control part electrically connected with at least the first opening and closing part and used for executing washing operation; and a cable which is led out of the case and electrically connects the control unit and the second opening/closing unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in a case where the second treating agent supply portion is attached to the inlet port, the control portion opens the second connection path by the second opening/closing portion in a state where the first connection path is closed by the first opening/closing portion in the washing operation.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, the washing machine can wash laundry in the washing tub using tap water supplied from the water supply path into the washing tub. In addition, if the user connects the hose soaked in the bath water in the external bath water pump to the inlet of the washing machine, the bath water is taken in from the inlet and then supplied into the tub through the bath water supply path. Thus, the washing machine can wash the washings in the washing barrel by using the bath water.

If the user holds the treating agent in the first holding part of the first treating agent supply part in advance, the first opening/closing part opens the first connection path in the first treating agent supply part during the washing operation, and therefore the treating agent in the first holding part is supplied from the first connection path to the water supply path and then is thrown into the washing tub along with the wash water flowing through the water supply path. If the user wishes to use other kinds of treating agents, it is only necessary to attach the second treating agent supply part containing the treating agent in the second containing part to the intake port of the washing machine. Thus, during the washing operation, the second opening/closing portion opens the second connecting path in the second treating agent supply portion, and therefore the treating agent in the second housing portion is taken into the bath water supply path from the second connecting path and is thrown into the washing tub. That is, in the washing machine, even if the treating agent in the first housing portion is not used up, the washing can be performed using another treating agent housed in the second housing portion, and thus, a plurality of treating agents can be flexibly used.

Further, according to the present invention, the first opening/closing portion is opened and closed by the control portion, so that the treating agent in the first storage portion can be supplied into the washing tub by the first treating agent supply portion during the washing operation. In the case where the user attaches the second treating agent supply portion to the inlet port of the washing machine in order to use a treating agent different from the treating agent in the first containing portion, the user only needs to connect the cable to the second treating agent supply portion. Thus, the control unit and the second opening/closing unit are electrically connected, and the second opening/closing unit is opened/closed by the control unit, so that the treating agent in the second storage unit can be fed into the washing tub by the second treating agent supply unit during the washing operation.

Further, according to the present invention, in a case where the second treating agent supply part is attached to the inlet of the washing machine, the control part opens the second connecting path through the second opening/closing part in a state where the first connecting path is closed by the first opening/closing part during the washing operation, and therefore, only the treating agent in the second containing part can be thrown into the washing tub. Thus, the treating agent in the first accommodating part and the treating agent in the second accommodating part can be prevented from being mixed and supplied into the washing tub.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic longitudinal right side view of the washing machine in a state where the second treating agent supply part is attached.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a washing machine; 2: a box body; 4: a washing tub; 20: a water supply path; 21: a first treating agent supply section; 22: a bath water supply path; 24: a detergent containing part; 25: a detergent supply path; 26: a detergent supply valve; 30: a softener container; 31: a softener supply path; 32: a softener supply valve; 35: an inlet is taken; 50: a control unit; 51: a cable; 52: a second treating agent supply unit; 53: a treating agent containing portion; 54: a treating agent supply path; 55: a treating agent supply valve; q: and (5) washing the articles.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A direction perpendicular to the paper surface in fig. 1 is referred to as a left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, a left-right direction in fig. 1 is referred to as a front-back direction Y of the washing machine 1, and an up-down direction in fig. 1 is referred to as an up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the drawing sheet of fig. 1 is referred to as a left side X1, and the front side of the drawing sheet of fig. 1 is referred to as a right side X2. In the front-rear direction Y, the left side is referred to as a front side Y1, and the right side is referred to as a rear side Y2. Among the vertical directions Z, the upper side is referred to as an upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as a lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 also includes a washing and drying all-in-one machine having a drying function, but the washing machine 1 will be described below by taking as an example a washing machine in which the drying function is omitted and only a washing operation is performed. The washing machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2 forming an outer contour of the washing machine 1; an outer tub 3 disposed in the cabinet 2; a washing tub 4 accommodated in the outer tub 3; a rotary wing 5 accommodated in the washing tub 4; an electric motor 6 for generating a driving force for rotating the washing tub 4 and the rotary blade 5; and a transmission mechanism 7 for switching a transmission destination of the driving force generated by the motor 6.

The case 2 is made of, for example, metal and is formed in a box shape. An opening 2B for communicating the inside and outside of the case 2 is formed in the upper surface 2A of the case 2. A door 9 for opening and closing the opening 2B is provided on the upper surface 2A. A display operation portion 10 formed of a touch panel or the like is provided in the upper surface 2A on the front side Y1 with respect to the opening 2B. The user can select washing conditions or instruct the washing machine 1 to start or stop the operation by operating the display operation unit 10. Information related to the washing operation is visually displayed on the display operation unit 10.

The outer tub 3 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 3 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A disposed along the vertical direction Z; a bottom wall 3B that closes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2; and an annular wall 3C that protrudes toward the center of the circumferential wall 3A while wrapping the edge of the upper side Z1 of the circumferential wall 3A. An opening 3D is formed inside the annular wall 3C. The opening 3D is disposed directly below the opening 2B of the case 2. The hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A is exposed from the opening 3D to the upper side Z1. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a disc shape extending in the horizontal direction, and a through hole 3E penetrating the bottom wall 3B is formed at a center position of the bottom wall 3B. As described later, the outer tub 3 may store water therein.

A drain path 11 is connected to the tub 3 from the lower side Z2, and water in the tub 3 is drained from the drain path 11 to the outside of the machine. A drain valve 12 that opens and closes to start or stop drainage is provided in the middle of the drain passage 11.

The washing tub 4 is made of, for example, metal, has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z, is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape smaller than the outer tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry Q therein. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged in the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B closing a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from a lower side Z2.

The space surrounded by the upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A is the inlet/outlet 4C that exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The inlet/outlet 4C is in a state of communicating with the opening 3D of the tub 3 and the opening 2B of the cabinet 2 from the lower side Z2. The user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 9 to open the opening 2B, the opening 3D, and the entrance 4C, and takes and places the laundry Q into and out of the washing tub 4 through the opening 2B, the opening 3D, and the entrance 4C.

The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated in the outer tub 3 and arranged in the vertical direction Z. The washing tub 4 accommodated in the outer tub 3 is rotatable about a central axis J. A plurality of through holes, not shown, are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and water in the outer tub 3 can flow between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 is identical to the water level in the washing tub 4.

The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disc shape extending substantially in parallel with the top wall 3B of the outer tub 3 at an interval on the upper side Z1, and a through hole 4D penetrating the bottom wall 4B is formed in the bottom wall 4B at a position of a center point coinciding with the center axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 13 that surrounds the through hole 4D and extends downward Z2 along the center axis J. The support shaft 13 is inserted through the through hole 3E of the bottom wall 3B of the tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 13 is positioned below the bottom wall 3B Z2.

The rotary blade 5 is a so-called pulsator, is formed in a disk shape with the center axis J as the center, and is disposed in the washing tub 4 along the bottom wall 4B concentrically with the washing tub 4. A plurality of blades 5A are provided in the rotary vane 5 so as to be radially arranged from the lower side toward the upper surface of the inlet/outlet 4C of the washing tub 4. The rotary wing 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 14 extending from the center thereof to the lower side Z2 along the center axis J. The rotation shaft 14 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 13, and the lower end of the rotation shaft 14 is located on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3.

The motor 6 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the tub 3 in the casing 2. The motor 6 has an output shaft 15 that rotates about a central axis J. The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower end portions of the support shaft 13 and the rotary shaft 14 and the upper end portion of the output shaft 15. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output from the output shaft 15 of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 13 and the rotary shaft 14. A known clutch or the like may be used as the transmission mechanism 7.

When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 13, the washing tub 4 rotates about the central axis J. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 14, the rotary wing 5 rotates about the center axis J. Since the rotation direction of the output shaft 15 of the motor 6 is variable, the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5 can rotate not only in one direction but also in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

As regards the water supply to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, the washing machine 1 further comprises: a water supply path 20 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) into the washing tub 4; a first treating agent supply unit 21 disposed in the casing 2 and configured to supply a treating agent for washing, such as a detergent or a softener, to the water supply path 20; and a bath water supply passage 22 that merges with the water supply passage 20 in the tank 2.

One end (not shown) of the water supply path 20 is drawn out of the case 2 and connected to a faucet. The other end of water supply path 20 is disposed in casing 2, and serves as water supply port 20A facing inlet/outlet 4C of washing tub 4 from upper side Z1. In the water supply path 20, an upstream portion 20B disposed outside the tank 2 and a downstream portion 20C disposed inside the tank 2 and having the water supply port 20A may be separable, and in this case, the upstream portion 20B and the downstream portion 20C are connected by a joint (not shown). An openable/closable water supply valve 23 is provided in the downstream section 20C. The water supply valve 23 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. When the water supply valve 23 is opened, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply path 20, and is supplied from the water supply port 20A into the washing tub 4 to be stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. When the water supply valve 23 is closed, the supply of the tap water is stopped.

The first treating agent supply unit 21 is a device for automatically feeding the treating agent into the washing tub 4 through the water supply path 20. Specifically, the first treating agent supply part 21 includes a detergent supply part 21A that supplies a detergent to the water supply path 20 and a softener supply part 21B that supplies a softener to the water supply path 20. Detergent supply unit 21A is disposed on upper side Z1 of washing tub 4 in cabinet 2. The detergent supply unit 21A includes: a detergent container 24 that contains a detergent such as a liquid detergent and functions as an example of a first container; a detergent supply path 25 connecting a lower end of the detergent container 24 to the water supply path 20 and functioning as an example of a first connection path; the detergent supply valve 26 is provided in the detergent supply path 25 and functions as an example of a first opening/closing unit.

The detergent container 24 is formed in a box shape or a trough shape and is fixed to the cabinet 2. At least the upper surface portion of the detergent container 24 is exposed to the opening 2B of the upper surface 2A of the cabinet 2 when the user opens the door 9 of the cabinet 2. An openable/closable or detachable lid 27 is provided on the upper surface of the detergent container 24. When the user touches the lid 27 from the opening 2B to open or remove the lid 27, the inside of the detergent containing part 24 is exposed, so that the user can replenish the detergent in the detergent containing part 24. The detergent container 24 can contain a detergent in an amount that enables a plurality of washing operations. The user who completes the replenishment of the detergent closes the cover 27 or assembles the cover 27 to the detergent containing part 24. The cover 27 may be exposed to the upper surface 2A of the case 2, and in this case, the user can access the cover 27 without opening the door 9.

Detergent supply path 25 extends at least downward Z2 from the lower end of detergent container 24, and is connected to downstream section 20C of water supply path 20 and downstream region 20D closer to water supply port 20A than water supply valve 23. The detergent supply valve 26 is electrically driven, and in the present embodiment, is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like, and the detergent supply path 25 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the detergent supply valve 26 itself. In the detergent supply portion 21A, when the detergent supply valve 26 is opened, the detergent supply path 25 is opened, and therefore the detergent in the detergent containing portion 24 flows down through the detergent supply path 25 by its own weight and is supplied to the downstream region 20D of the water supply path 20. At this time, if water supply valve 23 is in an open state, the detergent supplied to downstream area 20D is supplied into washing tub 4 from water supply port 20A along with the tap water flowing through water supply path 20. When the detergent supply valve 26 is closed, the detergent supply path 25 is shut off, and thus the supply of the detergent from the detergent containing part 24 is stopped.

Softener supply unit 21B is disposed on upper side Z1 of washing tub 4 in cabinet 2. The softener supply unit 21B includes: a softener storage section 30 that stores a softener such as a liquid softener and functions as an example of a first storage section; a softener supply path 31 connecting the lower end of the softener storage part 30 and the detergent supply path 25 and functioning as an example of a first connection path; and a softener supply valve 32 provided in the softener supply path 31 and functioning as an example of a first opening/closing portion.

The softener container 30 is formed in a box-like or groove-like shape and is fixed to the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the detergent containing part 24 and the softener containing part 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in a lateral direction, but they may be arranged apart from each other. At least the upper surface portion of the conditioner accommodating portion 30 is exposed to the opening 2B of the upper surface 2A of the cabinet 2 when the user opens the door 9 of the cabinet 2. An openable/closable or detachable cover 33 is provided on the upper surface of the softener storage section 30. When the user touches the cover 33 from the opening 2B to open or detach the cover 33, the inside of the conditioner accommodating part 30 is exposed, so that the user can replenish the conditioner in the conditioner accommodating part 30. The softener container 30 can contain a quantity of softener capable of performing washing operation for a plurality of times in advance. The user who completes the replenishment of the conditioner closes the cover 33 or fits the cover 33 to the conditioner accommodating part 30. The cover 33 may be exposed to the upper surface 2A of the case 2, and in this case, the user can access the cover 33 without opening the door 9.

The softener supply path 31 extends at least downward Z2 from the lower end of the softener container 30, and is connected to a downstream area 25A of the detergent supply path 25, which is closer to the water supply path 20 than the detergent supply valve 26. The softener supply path 31 of the present embodiment connects the softener storage section 30 and the water supply path 20 via the downstream region 25A. Alternatively, the softener supply path 31 may be connected to the water supply path 20 without passing through the downstream region 25A, thereby directly connecting the softener storage part 30 and the water supply path 20.

The softener supply valve 32 is electrically operated, and in the present embodiment, is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like, and the softener supply path 31 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the softener supply valve 32 itself. In the conditioner supply portion 21B, when the conditioner supply valve 32 is opened, the conditioner supply path 31 is opened, and therefore the conditioner in the conditioner accommodating portion 30 is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20 after flowing down in the conditioner supply path 31 and the detergent supply path 25 in order by its own weight. At this time, if the water supply valve 23 is in an open state, the softener supplied to the downstream area 20D is supplied from the water supply port 20A into the washing tub 4 together with the tap water flowing through the water supply path 20. When the softener supply valve 32 is closed, the softener supply path 31 is cut off, and thus the supply of the softener from the softener containing portion 30 is stopped.

An electric treating agent pump 34 may be provided in the downstream area 25A of the detergent supply path 25, more specifically, in an area closer to the water supply path 20 than the portion connected to the softener supply path 31 in the downstream area 25A. The treatment agent pump 34 is driven to suck the treatment agent in the downstream region 25A and discharge the treatment agent to the downstream region 20D side of the water supply path 20. Therefore, the treatment agent, that is, the detergent in the detergent containing part 24 or the softener in the softener containing part 30 can be efficiently supplied to the downstream area 20D.

The bath water supply path 22 is provided with an inlet 35 for taking in bath water on the upper surface 2A of the casing 2. One end 22A of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the intake port 35, and the other end 22B of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. The access port 35 is a hole exposed to the upper surface 2A, that is, the surface of the case 2. The inlet 35 may be a hole formed in the case 2, or may be an opening of the one end 22A exposed from the hole.

A commercially available external bath water pump 40 can be attached to the inlet 35. The bath pump 40 is an electric pump. The bath pump 40 also has a hose 41 having one end submerged in the bath water and the other end connected to the intake port 35. When the bath pump 40 is driven, the bath water outside the tank 2 is sucked into the hose 41 and taken into the bath water supply path 22 through the inlet 35. The bath water taken into the bath water supply path 22 is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20, and then supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A. When the bath pump 40 is stopped, the supply of bath water is stopped.

The washing machine 1 further includes a control unit 50 formed of a personal computer or the like, and a cable 51 connected to the control unit 50 and led out of the cabinet 2. The cable 51 includes at least one of a signal line and a power supply line. The control portion 50 is electrically connected with the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the display operation portion 10, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the softener supply valve 32, and the treatment agent pump 34. When the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 is attached to the inlet 35, the user connects the cable 51 to the bath water pump 40, and the bath water pump 40 is also electrically connected to the controller 50.

The control unit 50 performs a washing operation by controlling the operations of the motor 6, the transfer mechanism 7, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the softener supply valve 32, the treatment agent pump 34, and the bath water pump 40. The washing operation includes a washing process of washing the laundry Q in the washing tub 4, a rinsing process of rinsing the laundry Q after the washing process, and a dehydrating process of dehydrating the laundry Q after the rinsing process. The rinsing process may be performed a plurality of times, and the final rinsing process is referred to as a final rinsing process. The dehydration process includes an intermediate dehydration process performed immediately after the washing process, the rinsing process, and a final dehydration process performed at the end of the washing operation.

In the washing process, the controller 50 first opens the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with at least the drain valve 12 and the softener supply valve 32 closed to supply water into the washing tub 4 (see the dotted arrow in fig. 1). At this time, controller 50 opens detergent supply valve 26 for a predetermined time and drives treatment agent pump 34 for a predetermined time as necessary, thereby supplying the detergent of the amount of one washing operation in detergent container 24 into washing tub 4 together with the tap water flowing through water supply path 20. The control unit 50 may supply the bath water into the tub 4 by driving the bath water pump 40 without opening the water supply valve 23 during water supply. At this time, the controller 50 supplies the detergent of the one-time washing operation amount to the washing tub 4 together with the bath water flowing through the water supply path 20.

When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to a predetermined level, the controller 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5 after stopping the water supply. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is agitated or the detergent is applied to the laundry Q to decompose dirt, thereby washing the laundry Q. Finally, the control part 50 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

In the rinsing process, controller 50 first opens water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with at least drain valve 12 and detergent supply valve 26 closed, thereby storing tap water in washing tub 4. Next, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5. Thereby, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is rinsed. In particular, when water supply is performed during the final rinse, the controller 50 opens the softener supply valve 32 for a predetermined time and drives the treatment agent pump 34 for a predetermined time as needed, thereby supplying the softener of a single washing operation amount in the softener container 30 into the washing tub 4 together with the tap water flowing through the water supply passage 20. Thereafter, by rotating the rotary wing 5, the softener penetrates into the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. Finally, the control part 50 drains the washing tub 4.

In the spin-drying process, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the washing tub 4 at a predetermined spin-drying rotation speed with the drain valve 12 opened. Thereby, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force. In the intermediate dewatering process and the final dewatering process, the operation conditions may be different, and as an example, the dewatering rotation speed in the final dewatering process may be higher than that in the intermediate dewatering process.

As described above, the washing machine 1 can wash the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 using the tap water supplied from the water supply path 20 into the washing tub 4, and can also wash the laundry Q using the bath water. In the case where the bath water is not used, the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 may not be attached to the inlet 35.

Incidentally, it is conceivable that the user wants to use another detergent different from the detergent contained in the detergent containing part 24 of the detergent supply part 21A. Similarly, a case is conceivable in which the user wishes to use another softener of a different type from the softener contained in the softener-containing portion 30 of the softener supply portion 21B. In this case, the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 is detached from the inlet 35 by the user, and the second treating agent supply part 52 shown in fig. 2 is attached to the inlet 35 from outside the cabinet 2 of the washing machine 1. The second treating agent supply part 52 is attached to the inlet port 35 by, for example, screwing. In fig. 2, the upstream portion 20B (see fig. 1) which is a part of the water supply path 20 is not shown. The second treating agent supply part 52 is an accessory included in the washing machine 1. The second treatment agent supply part 52 attached to the inlet port 35 supplies a treatment agent of a different kind from the treatment agent supplied from the first treatment agent supply part 21 from the inlet port 35 to the bath water supply path 22. That is, the second treating agent supply part 52 is an external treating agent supply device.

The second treating agent supply unit 52 includes: a treating agent storage section 53 as an example of a second storage section for storing the treating agent, a treating agent supply path 54 as an example of a second connection path for connecting the treating agent storage section 53 and the inlet 35, and an electrically driven treating agent supply valve 55 as an example of a second opening/closing section for opening/closing the treating agent supply path 54.

The treating agent containing part 53 in the present embodiment has a detergent containing part 53A that contains detergent and a softener containing part 53B that contains softener. The detergent containing part 53A and the softener containing part 53B are each formed in a box-like or groove-like shape. An openable/closable or detachable cover 56 is provided on the upper surface of each of the detergent container 53A and the softener container 53B. When the user opens or detaches the cover 56 of the detergent containing part 53A, the inside of the detergent containing part 53A is exposed, so that the user can replenish the detergent in the detergent containing part 53A. The detergent container 53A can contain a detergent in an amount that enables a plurality of washing operations. The user who completes the replenishment of the detergent closes the cover 56 or fits the cover 56 to the detergent containing part 53A. The user can supplement the conditioner to the conditioner accommodating part 53B in the same order as the detergent accommodating part 53A.

The treatment agent supply path 54 has a merging path 54A extending from the inlet 35 at least to the upper side Z1, and branches from the merging path 54A into a first branch path 54B and a second branch path 54C. The first branch 54B extends at least to the upper side Z1 and is connected to the lower end of the detergent containing part 53A. The second branch 54C extends at least to the upper side Z1 and is connected to the lower end of the conditioner accommodating portion 53B. The detergent contained in the detergent containing portion 53A is also present in the first branch 54B by its own weight. The conditioner accommodated in the conditioner accommodating portion 53B is also present in the second branch 54C by its own weight.

The treatment agent supply valve 55 is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like. The treatment agent supply valve 55 is provided in the junction 54A of the treatment agent supply paths 54. The treatment agent supply valve 55 in the present embodiment is a multi-way valve connected to the merging line 54A, the first branch line 54B, and the second branch line 54C, and opens the first branch line 54B with the second branch line 54C closed to allow only the detergent in the detergent containing portion 53A to flow to the merging line 54A, or opens the second branch line 54C with the first branch line 54B closed to allow only the softener in the softener containing portion 53B to flow to the merging line 54A. The treatment agent supply valve 55 may be provided not as a multi-way valve but in each of the first branch passage 54B and the second branch passage 54C, and may be opened or closed only in the corresponding branch passage.

When the user attaches the second treatment agent supply part 52 to the inlet port 35, the user removes the cable 51, which is currently connected to the bath water pump 40 (see fig. 1), from the bath water pump 40 and connects the cable to the second treatment agent supply part 52. Thereby, the control unit 50 of the washing machine 1 and the treatment agent supply valve 55 are electrically connected. The control section 50 controls the operation of the treating agent supply valve 55 by sending a signal to the treating agent supply valve 55 or controlling energization to the treating agent supply valve 55, that is, controlling the opening and closing (ON/OFF) of the treating agent supply valve 55.

In the washing operation in the case where the second treating agent supply part 52 is attached to the intake port 35, the control part 50 sets the detergent supply path 25 to a constantly closed state by the detergent supply valve 26 and sets the softener supply path 31 to a constantly closed state by the softener supply valve 32 in the first treating agent supply part 21. This prevents the treating agent of the first treating agent supply unit 21 and the treating agent of the second treating agent supply unit 52 from being mixed and supplied into the washing tub 4. In this state, during the washing process, the controller 50 first opens the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time period in a state where the drain valve 12 is closed, thereby supplying water into the washing tub 4 (see a dotted arrow in fig. 2). At this time, the control unit 50 controls the treatment agent supply valve 55 of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to open the first branch 54B of the treatment agent supply path 54 for a predetermined time by the treatment agent supply valve 55. Thus, in the second treatment agent supply portion 52, since the opening is made between the first branch passage 54B and the junction passage 54A, the detergent of the amount of the primary washing operation in the detergent containing portion 53A is supplied from the junction passage 54A to the bath water supply passage 22. The detergent supplied to the bath water supply path 22 is supplied into the washing tub 4 together with the tap water flowing through the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20.

When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to a predetermined level, the controller 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5 after stopping the water supply. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is agitated or dirt is decomposed by the detergent, and the laundry Q is washed. Finally, the control part 50 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

In the rinsing process, controller 50 first opens water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with drain valve 12 closed to store tap water in washing tub 4. Next, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5. Thereby, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is rinsed. In particular, in the final rinsing process, the controller 50 controls the treatment agent supply valve 55 of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to open the second branch 54C of the treatment agent supply path 54 for a predetermined time through the treatment agent supply valve 55. Thus, in the second treatment agent supply portion 52, since the opening is made between the second branch passage 54C and the junction passage 54A, the softener of the one-time washing operation amount in the softener storage portion 53B is supplied from the junction passage 54A to the bath water supply passage 22. The softener supplied to the bath water supply path 22 is supplied into the washing tub 4 together with the tap water flowing through the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. Thereafter, by rotating the rotary wing 5, the softener is impregnated into the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. Finally, the control part 50 drains the washing tub 4.

In the dehydration process, as described above, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the washing tub 4 at a predetermined dehydration rotation speed in a state where the drain valve 12 is opened. Thereby, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force. When the washing operation is finished with the completion of the spin-drying process, the user can either keep the state where the second treating agent supply part 52 is attached to the inlet port 35 unchanged or detach the second treating agent supply part 52 from the inlet port 35.

As described above, in the washing machine 1, even if the detergent in the detergent containing part 24 and the softener in the softener containing part 30 in the first treating agent supply part 21 are not used up, the other treating agent contained in the treating agent containing part 53 of the second treating agent supply part 52 can be used for washing, and thus, a plurality of treating agents can be flexibly used. In addition, the other treatment agent can be supplied into the washing tub 4 by effectively utilizing the intake port 35 and the bath water supply path 22, which are structures for supplying bath water. In this case, the user does not need to manually put the other detergent into the washing tub 4.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims.

For example, the first treating agent supply part 21 supplies both the detergent and the softener in the present embodiment, but may supply only either the detergent or the softener, and in this case, the first treating agent supply part 21 has only either the detergent containing part 24 or the softener containing part 30. Similarly, the second treating agent supply part 52 supplies both the detergent and the softener in the present embodiment, but may supply only either the detergent or the softener, and in this case, the treating agent accommodating part 53 has either the detergent accommodating part 53A or the softener accommodating part 53B.

The washing machine 1 may further include a detection unit (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting attachment and detachment of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to the inlet 35. In this case, the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit 50, and the detection result is input to the control unit 50 in real time. When the detection portion detects attachment of the second treating agent supply portion 52 to the inlet port 35, the control portion 50 automatically discriminates the presence of the second treating agent supply portion 52. Accordingly, the control unit 50 performs a washing operation using the detergent and the softener supplied from the second treating agent supply unit 52. Therefore, in the washing operation, the control unit 50 opens the treatment agent supply path 54 through the treatment agent supply valve 55 in a state where the detergent supply path 25 and the softener supply path 31 of the first treatment agent supply unit 21 are closed as described above, and selectively supplies the detergent and the softener from the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to the bath water supply path 22. In the case where the detection portion does not detect the attachment of the second treating agent supply portion 52 to the inlet 35, the control portion 50 performs the washing operation using the treating agent of the first treating agent supply portion 21.

The user may select which of the first treating agent supply unit 21 and the second treating agent supply unit 52 is used to wash the object by operating the display and operation unit 10. The control unit 50 puts the treatment agent of the first treatment agent supply unit 21 or the treatment agent of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 into the washing tub 4 according to the selection.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 50 basically controls the second treatment agent supply unit 52 by connecting the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to the bathing water pump 40 via the cable 51. On the other hand, a dedicated cable for connecting the second treating agent supply unit 52 and the control unit 50 may be provided separately from the cable 51. Alternatively, the control section 50 and the second treating agent supply section 52 may be connected so as to be wirelessly communicable, and in this case, the control section 50 may control the second treating agent supply section 52 wirelessly without using a cable. In this case, the second treating agent supply unit 52 may be driven by a battery with the battery built therein.

The washing machine 1 may also be provided with an attachment port for attaching the second treating agent supply part 52 separately from the inlet port 35. In the washing machine 1 of this case, a dedicated supply passage for supplying the treatment agent from the second treatment agent supply unit 52 into the washing tub 4 through the attachment port may be provided separately from the bath water supply passage 22. The bath water supply path 22 may be configured to supply the bath water directly into the tub 4 without being merged with the water supply path 20.

The washing machine 1 may further include a treatment agent pump (not shown) for sucking the treatment agent supplied from the second treatment agent supply unit 52 and discharging the treatment agent to the washing tub 4. The treatment agent pump is provided in the treatment agent supply path 54 of the second treatment agent supply portion 52 or the bath water supply path 22. The control unit 50 can adjust the amount of the treating agent supplied into the washing tub 4 by controlling the opening of the treating agent supply valve 55 and the operation of the treating agent supply pump.

In the present embodiment, washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine in which washing tub 4 is arranged vertically, but central axis J of washing tub 4 may be arranged obliquely to the vertical direction, in addition to being arranged along vertical direction Z. The washing machine 1 may be a drum-type washing machine having a horizontal central axis J.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized by comprising:

a box body;

a washing tub disposed in the cabinet and accommodating laundry;

a water supply path for supplying tap water from a tap into the washing tub;

the taking inlet is used for taking bath water;

a bath water supply path for supplying the bath water taken in from the inlet into the washing tub;

a first treating agent supply unit having a first housing unit for housing a treating agent for washing, a first connection path for connecting the first housing unit and the water supply path, and an electrically driven first opening/closing unit for opening/closing the first connection path, the first treating agent supply unit being disposed in the tank and supplying the treating agent in the first housing unit to the water supply path; and

and a second treating agent supply unit which is attachable to and detachable from the inlet port from outside the casing, and which has a second storage unit for storing the treating agent, a second connection path for connecting the second storage unit and the inlet port, and an electrically driven second opening/closing unit for opening/closing the second connection path, wherein the second treating agent supply unit supplies the treating agent in the second storage unit to the bath water supply path.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

a control part electrically connected with at least the first opening and closing part and used for executing washing operation; and

and a cable which is led out of the case and electrically connects the control unit and the second opening/closing unit.
A washing machine according to claim 2,

in a case where the second treating agent supply portion is attached to the intake port, the control portion opens the second connection path through the second opening/closing portion in a state where the first connection path is closed by the first opening/closing portion in the washing operation.