CN116324073A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine of embodiment 1 includes a casing, a washing tank, a water supply unit (300), a detergent container (450), a softener container (460), and an automatic liquid agent feeding device (301). The water supply unit (300) is disposed in the housing and supplies water to the washing tank. The automatic liquid agent feeding device (301) feeds liquid agents stored in a detergent container (450) and a softener container (460) into a washing tank. The water supply unit (300) is formed in a box shape so as to house the detergent container (450) and the softener container (460) therein. The water supply unit (300) is provided with first to third water guide paths through which water introduced from the water supply valve (301) flows, and the automatic liquid agent feeding device (301) is attached to the rear surface of the water supply unit (300) and connected to the third water guide path.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine in which paths from a water supply valve to an automatic liquid agent feeding device are connected by a plurality of relay members.

The washing machine of patent document 1 includes a water supply valve for supplying water to a washing tub, a liquid agent container for storing liquid agent therein, and an automatic liquid agent input device for inputting the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container to the washing tub. The water supply valve and the automatic liquid agent feeding device are connected by a hose and a resin component.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2019-181023

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of supplying water with a stable flow rate to an automatic liquid agent input device and realizing a large capacity of a liquid agent container in a limited space.

The washing machine comprises a shell, a washing tank, a water supply unit, a liquid agent container and an automatic liquid agent input device. The washing tank is arranged in the shell and is used for accommodating washings. The water supply unit is arranged in the shell and supplies water to the washing tank. The liquid agent container stores liquid agent therein. The automatic liquid agent feeding device feeds liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container into the washing tank. The water supply unit is formed in a box shape so as to house the liquid agent container therein, and a water guide path through which water introduced from the water supply valve flows is formed in the water supply unit.

The washing machine of the present disclosure is a washing machine capable of inputting laundry from an upper surface side of a casing to an inside in a set state, and includes a lower casing, a washing tub, an upper casing, a water supply unit, a liquid agent container, and an automatic liquid agent input device. The lower housing constitutes a housing. The washing tank is arranged in the lower shell and is formed into a cylinder with a bottom which is opened upwards. The upper casing constitutes one casing, and is set in the upper part of the lower casing to form the washing inlet communicated with the washing tank. The water supply unit is arranged at the rear part of the upper shell and supplies water to the washing tank. The liquid agent container stores liquid agent therein. The automatic liquid agent feeding device feeds liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container into the washing tank. Further, the water supply unit has: a container housing part which opens toward the inlet and houses the liquid container; and a water guide path configured as an internal structure of the water supply unit for circulating water introduced from the water supply valve. The automatic liquid feeding device is mounted on the back surface of the water supply unit and is directly connected to the water guide path.

The washing machine can supply water with stable flow rate to the automatic liquid agent input device, and can realize the large capacity of the liquid agent container in a limited space.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a cover of the structure of the washing machine of embodiment 1 is closed.

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a cover of the structure of the washing machine of embodiment 1 is opened.

Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a detergent box, a detergent container, and a softener container are pulled out, which are a water supply unit and a peripheral structure of the water supply unit of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of a water supply unit and its periphery of the washing machine of embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a water supply unit and its periphery in the washing machine of embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of a water supply unit and its periphery of the washing machine of embodiment 1 with the flow path cover removed.

Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a water supply unit and a cross section of the periphery thereof of the washing machine of embodiment 1 in which a flow path cover portion is removed in a state in which a detergent case, a detergent container, and a softener container are removed.

Fig. 8 is a F-F sectional view of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a water supply unit and a periphery thereof of the washing machine of embodiment 1 in which a flow path cover portion is removed in a state where a detergent case, a detergent container, and a softener container are pulled out.

Fig. 10 is a B-B sectional view of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is an E-E sectional view of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 12 is a C-C sectional view of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view A-A of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 14 is a D-D sectional view of the water supply unit and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 15 is an external front view showing a state in which a detergent box, a detergent container, and a softener container are removed, which are configured as a water supply unit of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided to fully understand the present disclosure by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims thereby.

(embodiment 1)

Hereinafter, a washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 15.

[1-1. Structure ]

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

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a cover 700 of the structure of the washing machine 100 of embodiment 1 is closed, and fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the cover 700 of the structure of the washing machine 100 is opened. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the vertical direction in a state where the washing machine 100 is installed (corresponding to the installation state of the present disclosure) may be described as the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the side of the washing machine 100 in fig. 1 and 2 where the operation unit 800 is present is described as the rear side, and the opposite side is described as the front side. That is, a user normally stands in front of the washing machine 100 to input laundry such as laundry into the washing machine 100, and performs various operations for operating the washing machine 100. The laundry of the present disclosure is not limited to clothing, and refers to, for example, clothing or leather products such as bedding, curtains, carpets, shoes, and other articles that can be washed in various known washing machines.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes a casing 600, a cover 700, and an operation unit 800, and is a so-called vertical washing machine capable of putting laundry from the upper surface side of the casing 600 into the inside in an installed state. The case 600 includes a lower case 610 and an upper case 620. The washing tub 500 is accommodated in the lower case 610. The washing tub 500 is a cylindrical body (i.e., a bottomed cylinder) having an upper opening, and accommodates laundry therein and performs a washing operation for washing the laundry. The washing operation may be performed in a washing tub of various known washing machines. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific washing operation performed by the washing tub 500.

The upper case 620 is disposed above the lower case 610, and an inlet 621 for laundry communicating with the washing tub 500 is formed in the upper case 620. The cover 700 is attached to the rear of the upper case 620 and covers the inlet 621 to be openable and closable. When the user rotates the cover 700 upward, the washing tub 500 is exposed through the inlet 621. The user can input laundry into the washing tub 500 through the input port 621.

An operation unit 800 is disposed at the rear of the upper case 620 and at a position behind the inlet 621. The user can set various operations of the washing tub 500 by operating the operation unit 800. In addition, the washing machine 100 includes a control device, not shown, in the casing 600, and controls the operation of the whole washing machine 100 in addition to the control of the water supply valve 310 and the three-way valve 380, for example, in response to the operation of the operation unit 800 by the user. The control device has a computer system with a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, and the computer system functions as a control device. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, but may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided by a telecommunication line such as the internet.

A water supply port 200 is provided at the rear of the operation portion 800, and a water supply hose 210 is connected to the water supply port 200 to introduce tap water from a tap.

The water supply unit 300 is disposed at the rear of the upper case 620 (i.e., inside the case 600) to supply water to the washing tub 500. As shown in fig. 2, the detergent container 450, the softener container 460, and the detergent box 400 are disposed so that the front surfaces are flush with each other when housed in the water supply unit 300. The detergent box 400 is an example of the detergent dispenser of the present disclosure configured to be able to dispense a single amount of detergent.

Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box 400, the detergent container 450, and the softener container 460 of the water supply unit 300 and the peripheral structure thereof are pulled out. As shown in fig. 3, the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 are configured to be capable of storing a liquid formulation in an amount that can be operated a plurality of times. That is, the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 are examples of the liquid agent container of the present disclosure in which the liquid agent is stored, the detergent container 450 stores the detergent therein, and the softener container 460 stores the softener therein. The detergent container 450 is provided with a detergent container insertion portion 451 for injecting the stored detergent, and the softener container 460 is provided with a softener container insertion portion 461 for injecting the stored softener. The upper surfaces of the detergent container insertion portion 451 and the softener container insertion portion 461 are opened to enable injection of the liquid formulation. The detergent container 450 is provided with a detergent container allowance scale 450a, and the softener container 460 is provided with a softener container allowance scale 460a. The detergent container balance scale 450a and the softener container balance scale 460a are each made of a transparent material, and the user can visually confirm the balance of the liquid agent.

On the other hand, the detergent box 400 is used for the user to put in the amount of the detergent required for one operation. The detergent box 400 is provided with a powder detergent manual-feeding portion 410 for feeding a powder detergent, a liquid detergent manual-feeding portion 420 for feeding a liquid detergent, and a softener manual-feeding portion 430 for feeding a softener.

A part of the cover 700 is formed transparent. Thus, the user can visually confirm the remaining amounts of the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 by visually confirming the remaining amounts of the detergent container 450a and the softener container 460a even in a state where the cover 700 is closed.

[1-1-2. Water supply Unit ]

Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof, and fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof. As shown in fig. 5, the water supply unit 300 mainly includes a water supply unit housing 320 formed in a box shape, a flow path cover 340 covering the upper surface of the water supply unit housing 320, and a flow path lower portion 370 attached to the lower bottom of the water supply unit housing 320.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, a water supply valve 310 for passing water introduced from the water supply port 200 is attached to the left part so as to be openable and closable when viewed from the rear surface side of the water supply unit housing part 320. In a state where the water supply valve 310 is opened, the water introduced from the water supply valve 310 is introduced into the water supply unit housing part 320.

A bus pump 314 is disposed in the center of the rear surface of the water supply unit housing 320, and the bus pump 314 sucks water from the outside of the washing machine 100 through a hose (not shown). The bus pump 314 is fixed to the flow path cover 340 by screw fixation, and is directly connected to a first water guide path 321 described later through the bus pump water injection port 333. The bus pump 314 can start the suction and discharge operation by supplying water from the first water guide path 321.

As shown in fig. 5, the water supply unit housing 320 is formed in a box shape that is open to the front. The water supply unit housing part 320 has a container receiving part 360 and a detergent box receiving part 350 as internal spaces. That is, the water supply unit 300 is formed in a box shape so as to house the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 therein. The container housing part 360 is opened toward the inlet 621, and houses the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 so that the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 can be pulled out independently, and the detergent box housing part 350 houses the detergent box 400 so that the detergent box 400 can be pulled out independently.

The detergent box flow path 330 is disposed as an upper surface of the detergent box housing 350, and a first water guide path 321 and a second water guide path 322 described later are formed in the detergent box flow path 330. That is, the water supply unit 300 includes the detergent box flow path portion 330. The detergent box flow path 330 is an example of a water injection portion for a detergent injection device of the present disclosure for injecting water into the detergent injection device of the present disclosure stored below.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, an automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is mounted on the rear surface (right portion when viewed from the rear surface side) of the water supply unit housing portion 320 (i.e., the water supply unit 300). The automatic liquid agent charging device 301 charges the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 into the washing tank 500. The automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 will be described later.

[1-1-3. Water guide Path ]

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the water supply valve 310 includes three on-off valves, i.e., a first water guide tube 311, a second water guide tube 312, and a third water guide tube 313, and is configured to be able to independently open and close each on-off valve.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the water supply unit 300 and its periphery with the flow path cover 340 removed. Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a cross section of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof with the flow path cover 340 removed in a state where the detergent box 400, the detergent container 450, and the softener container 460 are removed. Fig. 8 is a F-F sectional view of the water supply unit 300 shown in fig. 7 and its periphery. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof with the flow path cover 340 removed in a state where the detergent box 400, the detergent container 450, and the softener container 460 are pulled out. Fig. 10 is a B-B sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its periphery shown in fig. 7.

As shown in fig. 6 to 10, a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323, which are examples of the water guide path of the present disclosure, are formed in the water supply unit housing portion 320 (i.e., the water supply unit 300) to allow water introduced from the water supply valve 310 to flow. The water supply valve 310 is directly connected to the first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323. The first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323 are formed so as to be branched to communicate with the first water guide cylinder 311, the second water guide cylinder 312, and the third water guide cylinder 313, respectively, independently. That is, the first water guide tube 311 communicates with the first water guide path 321, the second water guide tube 312 communicates with the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide tube 313 communicates with the third water guide path 323.

[1-1-4. Detergent box, first Water guide Path, second Water guide Path ]

As shown in fig. 3 and 6 to 9, the first water guide path 321 guides water supplied from the first water guide tube 311 to the detergent box flow path 330, and the second water guide path 322 guides water supplied from the second water guide tube 312 to the detergent box flow path 330, and the second water guide path 322 guides water to the detergent box 400.

As described above, the powder detergent manual input unit 410, the liquid detergent manual input unit 420, and the softener manual input unit 430 are provided in the detergent box 400, and the user can input each of the detergents.

The first water guide path 321 is provided with a powder detergent water injection port 331 formed above the powder detergent manual input unit 410 so as to communicate vertically and a liquid detergent water injection port 332 formed above the liquid detergent manual input unit 420 so as to communicate vertically. The second water guide path 322 is provided with a water injection port 334 for softener formed above the manual softener input unit 430 so as to communicate vertically.

The powder detergent manual input unit 410, the liquid detergent manual input unit 420, and the softener manual input unit 430 are each provided with a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the liquid stored therein as water and a detergent to the lower side. The liquid discharged from the discharge port falls down to the flow path lower portion 370. The flow path lower portion 370 is configured as an example of the discharge portion of the present disclosure, and is formed as a bottom portion of the water supply unit 300, and discharges the liquid as water and the agent to the washing tub 500.

In this way, the first water guide path 321 passes through the powder detergent water injection port 331, the liquid detergent water injection port 332, and the bus pump water injection port 333 of the detergent box flow path portion 330 from the outlet of the first water guide tube 311. Thereafter, the first water guide path 321 is a path reaching the path lower portion 370 through the discharge port of the powder detergent manual input portion 410 and the discharge port of the liquid detergent manual input portion 420. The second water guide path 322 is a path from the outlet of the second water guide tube 312 to the lower portion 370 of the flow path via the water injection port 334 for softener of the detergent box flow path portion 330 and the discharge port of the manual softener input portion 430. The third water guide path 323 is a flow path from an outlet of the third water guide tube 313 to a cleaning path water guide port 324 described later. That is, the third water guide path 323 includes the cleaning path water guide port 324.

[1-1-5. Detergent Container, automatic input device, third Water guide Path ]

Fig. 11 is an E-E sectional view of the water supply unit 300 shown in fig. 7 and the periphery thereof, and fig. 12 is a C-C sectional view of the water supply unit 300 shown in fig. 7 and the periphery thereof. Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof shown in fig. 7, and fig. 14 is a sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and the periphery thereof shown in fig. 7, which are shown in a D-D view. Fig. 15 is an external front view showing a state in which the detergent box 400, the detergent container 450, and the softener container 460 are removed from the water supply unit 300 of the washing machine 100.

As shown in fig. 6 and 10 to 15, the third water guide path 323 is formed along the rear surface of the water supply unit housing 320 in a substantially horizontal direction, and opens to the rear surface side at the cleaning path water guide port 324 (see fig. 11). That is, the cleaning path guide water port 324 is formed at the rear surface of the water supply unit 300. The cleaning path water guide port 324 is connected to an automatic pouring device internal path 325 (see fig. 13) described later, and communicates the third water guide path 323 with the automatic pouring device 301. That is, the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is directly connected to the third water conduit 323. The automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is disposed on the back side of the container housing portion 360, and is connected to a detergent container 450 and a softener container 460 which are housed in the container housing portion 360 as described later. That is, the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is attached to the back surface of the water supply unit 300 so that the cleaning path water guide 324 is connected to the automatic in-device path 325.

As shown in fig. 9, a detergent container insertion port 302 is provided on the back surface side of the detergent container 450, and a detergent container check valve (not shown) that opens by pushing in is provided inside the detergent container insertion port 302. Similarly, a softener container insertion port 303 and a softener container check valve (not shown) that opens by pushing in are provided on the back surface side of the softener container 460. The detergent container 450 is constructed as follows: in a state of being attached to the container housing portion 360, a detergent automatic-input insertion port 452, which will be described later, is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 302, and the detergent container check valve is opened to enable supply of liquid detergent. Likewise, the softener container 460 is constructed in the following manner: in a state of being attached to the container housing portion 360, a softener automatic input insertion port 462, which will be described later, is inserted into the softener container insertion port 303, and the softener container check valve is opened to enable supply of the softener.

The container housing portion 360 has a detergent automatic-charging connection portion 360a and a softener automatic-charging connection portion 360b on the inner rear surface thereof. The automatic detergent loading connection portion 360a and the automatic softener loading connection portion 360b are configured to surround the automatic detergent loading slot 452 and the automatic softener loading slot 462 of the automatic liquid loading device 301.

The liquid automatic dispensing device 301 includes a detergent automatic dispensing port 452, a softener automatic dispensing port 462, a three-way valve 380, a pump unit 390, and an automatic dispensing device internal path 325 (see fig. 4, 9, and 13). The three-way valve 380 switches the paths of liquid detergent, softener and water. The pump unit 390 sucks and ejects the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460. The automatic feeding path 325 connects the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390, and introduces the liquid agent into the pump unit 390.

As shown in fig. 9, the detergent automatic-feeding insertion port 452 and the softener automatic-feeding insertion port 462 are formed so as to protrude forward. In a state where the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 are stored in the container storage part 360, the detergent automatic-input insertion port 452 is connected to the detergent container 450, and the softener automatic-input insertion port 462 is connected to the softener container 460.

The three-way valve 380 includes a detergent three-way valve 381 and a softener three-way valve 382 configured to be independently openable and closable. The three-way detergent valve 381 is disposed so as to communicate with the automatic detergent supply port 452, and the three-way softener valve 382 is disposed so as to communicate with the automatic softener supply port 462. As shown in fig. 13, the downstream side of the three-way valve 380 is connected to the pump unit 390 via the automatic in-device path 325. Thus, the three-way valve 380 is connected to the automatic-feeding-in-device path 325, the automatic detergent feeding-in port 452, the automatic softener feeding-in port 462, and the pump unit 390. The washing machine 100 can control the flow of the detergent, the softener, and the water by opening and closing the detergent three-way valve 381 and the softener three-way valve 382.

The pump unit 390 includes a pump flow path 391, a cylinder 397, and a piston 395. The pump-in flow path 391 is provided between the pump unit inlet 392a and the pump unit outlet 392 b. The cylinder 397 is provided midway in the pump flow path 391. The piston 395 moves up and down by a rotational driving force of a motor (not shown).

An inlet check valve 393 is provided at the pump unit inlet 392a and an outlet check valve 394 is provided at the pump unit outlet 392 b.

The inlet check valve 393 is configured to open by the negative pressure action of the piston 395, and the outlet check valve 394 is configured to open by the positive pressure action of the piston 395.

The automatic feeding device internal passage 325 is connected to the flow path lower portion 370 via the outflow port 326 downstream of the pump unit 390.

[1-2. Action ]

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

[1-2-1. Flow of Water in washing operation Using automatic input function ]

In fig. 6, 8 and 10 to 15, the flow of water supplied from the first water guide tube 311 is defined as X, the flow of water supplied from the second water guide tube 312 is defined as Y, and the flow of water supplied from the third water guide tube 313 is defined as Z.

At the start of the washing operation, the automatic liquid detergent supply device 301 is driven to automatically supply the liquid detergent. Specifically, first, in a state where the third water guide tube 313 is closed, the three-way valve 381, which is a part of the three-way valve 380, is opened, and the detergent container 450 communicates with the path of the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 rotates the motor to move the piston 395 up and down, thereby sucking a proper amount of liquid detergent from the pump unit inlet 392a and discharging the liquid detergent from the pump unit outlet 392 b.

Next, path cleaning of the washing agent in the flushing three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390 is performed. The three-way valve 381 for the detergent is closed, the path of the detergent container 450 and the pump unit 390 is blocked, and the path from the third water guide tube 313 to the automatic liquid formulation input device 301 is communicated. Next, the third water guide drum 313 of the water supply valve 310 is opened. Like the flow Z of water, the water introduced from the third water guide tube 313 passes through the third water guide channel 323, reaches the automatic charging device internal channel 325 via the cleaning channel water guide port 324, and fills the pump internal channel 391 with water (see fig. 11 and 13). The pump unit 390 rotates the motor to move the piston 395 up and down, and the filled water is discharged from the pump unit outlet 392b to flush out the liquid detergent and foreign matters existing in the pump inner flow path 391. The water flowing out of the automatic pouring device internal passage 325 flows down to the flow path lower portion 370 through the outflow port 326, and is poured into the washing tub 500 from the flow path lower portion 370 (see fig. 14).

In this way, the washing machine 100 performs path washing after the liquid detergent is put in during automatic liquid detergent input. The path cleaning suppresses mixing of the remaining detergent with the softener added in the final rinsing step, and suppresses precipitation of foreign matters generated when the detergent is mixed with the softener.

After the automatic liquid detergent feeding is completed, or simultaneously with the automatic liquid detergent feeding, the first water guide tube 311 is opened, and water is supplied to the first water guide path 321 (see fig. 8). Like the flow X of water, the water introduced into the first water guide path 321 passes through the powder detergent water injection port 331, the liquid detergent water injection port 332, and the bus pump water injection port 333. Then, water having passed through the powder detergent water injection port 331, the liquid detergent water injection port 332, and the bus pump water injection port 333 is injected into the powder detergent manual input unit 410, the liquid detergent manual input unit 420, and the bus pump 314 (see fig. 6, 9, and 15). The water injected into the powder detergent manual input unit 410 and the liquid detergent manual input unit 420 flows down to the flow path lower portion 370 through the discharge port, and the liquid detergent stored in the flow path lower portion 370 is dissolved and input into the washing tub 500.

In the final rinsing process, the softener three-way valve 382, which is a part of the three-way valve 380, is opened, and the softener container 460 communicates with the path of the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 rotates the motor to move the piston 395 up and down, thereby sucking an appropriate amount of softener from the pump unit inlet 392a and discharging the softener from the pump unit outlet 392 b.

Next, the softener three-way valve 382 is closed, the path of the softener container 460 and the pump unit 390 is blocked, and the path from the third water guide tube 313 to the liquid agent automatic input device 301 is communicated. Thereafter, the third water guide tube 313 is opened, and the path cleaning of the detergent in the flushing three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390 is performed.

In this way, the washing machine 100 also performs path washing after the softener is introduced. The path cleaning suppresses mixing of the remaining softener with the detergent to be added in the next washing operation, and suppresses precipitation of foreign matters generated when the detergent is mixed with the softener.

After a proper amount of softener is discharged from the pump unit outlet 392b and flows into the water supply unit housing 320 and the flow path lower portion 370, the second water guide tube 312 is opened, and water is supplied to the second water guide path 322 (see fig. 8). Like the flow Y of water, the water introduced into the second water guide path 322 is injected into the softener manual input unit 430 through the softener injection port 334. Then, the water injected into the softener manual input unit 430 flows down from the outlet of the softener manual input unit 430 to the flow path lower portion 370, dissolves the softener stored in the flow path lower portion 370, and inputs the softener into the washing tub 500 (see fig. 6, 9, and 15).

[1-3. Action etc. ]

As described above, the washing machine 100 of embodiment 1 includes the casing 600, the washing tank 500, the water supply unit 300, the detergent container 450, the softener container 460, and the liquid agent automatic dispensing device 301. The washing tub 500 is provided inside the casing 600 and accommodates laundry. The water supply unit 300 is disposed inside the housing 600, and supplies water to the washing tub 500. The detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 store a liquid formulation therein. The automatic liquid agent charging device 301 charges the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 into the washing tank 500. The water supply unit case 320 of the water supply unit 300 is formed in a box shape so as to house the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 therein. The water supply unit 300 is provided with a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323 through which water introduced from the water supply valve 310 flows. The automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the back surface side of the water supply unit housing 320, and is connected to the third water guide path 323.

As described above, in the washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1, the first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323 are integrally formed with the water supply unit 300, and the third water guide path 323 is directly connected to the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 without via a relay member or the like.

Therefore, the washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1 can supply a stable flow rate of water to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301, and can increase the capacity of the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 in a limited space.

Although not particularly illustrated, the washing machine 100 of embodiment 1 may further include an outer tub rotatably enclosing the washing tub 500, and the water supply unit 300 may be disposed inside the housing 600 to supply water to the washing tub 500 or the outer tub.

As in the present embodiment, the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 of the washing machine 100 may include: a pump unit 390 for sucking and ejecting the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460; and an automatic in-device path 325 that introduces liquid formulation to the pump unit 390. The third water guide channel 323 may include a cleaning path water guide port 324 formed on the rear surface side of the water supply unit housing 320. The automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 may be attached to the rear surface of the water supply unit housing 320 so that the cleaning path water guide 324 is connected to the automatic feeding device internal path 325.

Accordingly, since the third water guide path 323, which is a dedicated path for the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301, is provided in the washing machine 100, water can be stably supplied into the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 even when the entire water supply amount is low.

As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 may include a detergent box 400, and the detergent box 400 may be housed in the water supply unit 300 so that a single amount of the detergent can be introduced. Further, the water supply unit 300 may include: a detergent box flow path portion 330 for injecting water into the detergent box 400 stored below; and a flow path lower portion 370 formed as a bottom portion of the water supply unit 300 and configured as a discharge portion for discharging water and a reagent to the washing tub 500. The detergent box 400 and the automatic liquid agent charging device 301 may be configured to allow water and a liquid agent in the inside to flow out to the flow path lower portion 370.

As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a washing machine capable of inputting laundry from the upper surface side of the casing 600 to the inside in the installed state. The washing machine 100 includes a lower housing 610, a washing tub 500, an upper housing 620, a water supply unit 300, a detergent container 450 and a softener container 460, and an automatic liquid formulation input device 301. The lower case 610 constitutes the case 600. The washing tub 500 is provided in the lower case 610 and is formed in a bottomed cylinder shape that is opened upward. The upper case 620 constitutes a case 600, is disposed at an upper portion of the lower case 610, and has a laundry inlet 621 communicating with the washing tub 500. The water supply unit 300 is disposed at the rear of the upper case 620 to supply water to the washing tub 500. The detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 store a liquid formulation therein. The automatic liquid agent charging device 301 charges the liquid agent stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 into the washing tank 500. The water supply unit 300 has a container housing part 360, a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323. The container housing portion 360 is opened toward the inlet 621, and houses the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460. The first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323 are configured as internal structures of the water supply unit 300, and allow water introduced from the water supply valve 310 to circulate. The automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is mounted on the back surface of the water supply unit 300, and is directly connected to the third water guide path 323.

Accordingly, the washing machine 100, which is a vertical washing machine, can supply water at a stable flow rate to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301, and can suppress the risk of water leakage by minimizing the connection portion, thereby increasing the capacity of the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 in a limited space.

A conventional washing machine requires a plurality of relay members such as hoses and resin members as a flow path structure for connecting a water supply valve and an automatic liquid feeding device (for example, patent document 1). Therefore, the flow rate calculation of the water supplied from the water supply valve to the automatic liquid agent feeding device becomes complicated, and it is difficult to supply water at a stable flow rate.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment uses only the third water guide path 323 provided in the water supply unit 300 as a flow path structure for connecting the water supply valve 310 and the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301. That is, in the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the water supply unit 300 is directly connected to the water supply valve 310, and the water supply unit 300 is formed with a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323 through which water introduced from the water supply valve 310 flows. In the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 is directly connected to the third water guide path 323. That is, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is not configured to connect the water supply valve 310 and the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 by a relay member such as a hose.

This facilitates calculation of the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply valve 310 to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301, and the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can supply a stable flow rate. Therefore, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress clogging of foreign matter in the automatic liquid agent feeding device, which occurs when the water supply amount is small.

The water guide path of the present embodiment is formed as a part of the water supply unit 300 formed in a box shape, the first water guide path 321 and the second water guide path 322 are disposed on the upper surface of the water supply unit 300, and the third water guide path 323 is disposed on the rear surface of the water supply unit 300.

Thus, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can avoid a loss of space inside the washing machine by the large-sized relay member, and can avoid a loss of space inside the washing machine provided for housing the detergent container 450, the softener container 460, and the detergent box 400.

Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can form the water supply unit 300 provided for supplying water to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301 in a space-saving manner. Further, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can increase the capacity of the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 in a limited space of the washing machine 100. In addition, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment forms the water guide paths (the first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323) with a minimum space. As a result, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can concentrate the container housing portion 360 and the detergent box housing portion 350 on the same surface, and can realize a layout that is easy for a user to use.

In the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the third water guide path 323 is directly connected to the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301 without passing through the detergent box 400.

As a result, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can supply water at an appropriate flow rate to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301 while suppressing a decrease in the flow rate in the third water guide path 323 until reaching the automatic liquid agent supply device 301.

(embodiment 2)

[2-1. Structure ]

The washing machine of embodiment 2 is different from the washing machine 100 of embodiment 1 in that the water supply valve of embodiment 2 including two on-off valves is used instead of the water supply valve 310 including three on-off valves of the first water guide cylinder 311, the second water guide cylinder 312, and the third water guide cylinder 313.

The water supply valve of embodiment 2 includes the first water guide tube of embodiment 2 and the second water guide tube of embodiment 2 as on-off valves. The first water guide tube of embodiment 2 and the second water guide tube of embodiment 2 are independently opened and closed.

The water guide path connected to the first water guide tube of embodiment 2 is branched into the first water guide path of embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of embodiment 2. The first water guide path of embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the bus pump 314, the manual powder detergent supply unit 410, and the manual liquid detergent supply unit 420. The third water guide path according to embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301.

The second water guide tube of embodiment 2 is connected to the second water guide path of embodiment 2. The second water guide path of embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the softener manual input unit 430. The second water guide path of embodiment 2 is connected to the second water guide tube of embodiment 2. Therefore, the second water guide path of embodiment 2 can be supplied with water at a different timing from the first water guide path of embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of embodiment 2, which are connected to the first water guide tube of embodiment 2.

[2-2. Action etc. ]

As described above, the washing machine of embodiment 2 includes: a bus pump 314 that sucks water from outside the washing machine of embodiment 2 and supplies the water to the washing tub 500; and a detergent box 400 which is accommodated in the water supply unit 300 and is configured to be capable of inputting a single amount of the detergent. The water guide path of embodiment 2 is connected to the water supply valve of embodiment 2, and is branched so as to supply water to the bus pump 314, the detergent box 400, and the automatic liquid agent supply device 301, respectively. Specifically, the water guide path of embodiment 2 is connected to the first water guide tube of embodiment 2, and branches into the first water guide path of embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of embodiment 2. The first water diversion radial bus pump 314 and the detergent box 400 of embodiment 2 supply water. The third water diversion channel and automatic feeding device 301 for liquid formulation according to embodiment 2 supplies water.

As described above, the first water guide path of embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of embodiment 2 are uninterrupted members in which flow paths corresponding to the bus pump 314, the manual powder detergent introduction unit 410, and the manual liquid detergent introduction unit 420 are branched. Thus, the washing machine according to embodiment 2 can adjust the flow rate supplied to each flow path by the cross-sectional area ratio by changing the flow path cross-sectional areas of the flow paths corresponding to the bus pump 314, the manual powder detergent introduction unit 410, and the manual liquid detergent introduction unit 420.

Therefore, the washing machine according to embodiment 2 can easily adjust the water supply amount flowing through each flow path corresponding to the bus pump 314, the detergent box 400, and the automatic liquid agent feeding device 301.

(other embodiments)

As described above, as an example of the technology of the present disclosure, embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 are described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

In embodiments 1 and 2, a vertical washing machine is used as an example of the washing machine of the present disclosure. The washing machine of the present disclosure is not limited to the vertical washing machine, and may be a drum type washing machine or a twin tub type washing machine.

In embodiment 1, as an example of the water supply valve of the present disclosure, a water supply valve 310 in which the first water guide tube 311, the second water guide tube 312, and the third water guide tube 313 can be opened and closed independently is described. In embodiment 2, a water supply valve according to embodiment 2 including two on-off valves is described as an example of the water supply valve of the present disclosure. The water supply valve of the present disclosure may introduce water into the water guide path, and is therefore not limited to the configuration of the water supply valve 310 and the water supply valve of embodiment 2. The water supply valve of the present disclosure may be configured to supply water introduced from the second water guide tube 312 or the second water guide tube of embodiment 2 to the automatic liquid agent supply device 301, for example. The water supply valve of the present disclosure is not limited to a structure having two or three on-off valves, and may have one on-off valve, or may have four or more on-off valves.

In embodiments 1 and 2, as an example of the liquid agent automatic feeding device of the present disclosure and the cleaning path of the present disclosure mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit of the present disclosure, the liquid agent automatic feeding device 301 and the third water guide path 323 provided on the rear surface of the water supply unit 300 are described. The outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit of the present disclosure is not limited to the back surface of the water supply unit of the present disclosure, and any one of the upper surface, the lower surface, the right side surface, the left side surface, the front surface, and the back surface of the water supply unit of the present disclosure may be used.

The water supply unit of the present disclosure is formed in a box shape so as to house the liquid agent container of the present disclosure therein, and is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially cubic shape, and may have a substantially polygonal cross section or a circular or elliptical cross section.

Industrial applicability

The present disclosure can be applied to a washing machine provided with an automatic liquid agent input device. Specifically, the present disclosure can be applied to a vertical washing machine, a drum type washing machine, a twin tub type washing machine, and the like.

Description of the reference numerals

100. A washing machine; 200. a water supply port; 210. a water supply hose; 300. a water supply unit; 301. an automatic liquid agent input device; 302. a detergent container insertion opening; 303. a softener container insertion opening; 310. a water supply valve; 311. a first water guide tube; 312. a second water guide tube; 313. a third water guide tube; 314. a bus pump; 320. a water supply unit housing part; 321. a first water guide path; 322. a second water guide path; 323. a third water guide path; 324. cleaning a path water guide port; 325. automatically putting into the device path; 326. an outflow port; 330. a detergent box flow path part; 331. a water injection port for powder detergent; 332. a water injection port for liquid detergent; 333. a water injection port for a bus pump; 334. a water injection port for the softener; 340. a flow path cover part; 350. a detergent box accommodating part; 360. a container housing part; 360a, a connection part for automatically inputting the detergent; 360b, a connection part for automatically throwing the softener; 370. a lower part of the flow path; 380. a three-way valve; 381. a detergent three-way valve; 382. a softener three-way valve; 390. a pump unit; 391. an in-pump flow path; 392a, pump unit inlet; 392b, pump unit outlet; 393. an inlet check valve; 394. an outlet check valve; 395. a piston; 397. a cylinder; 400. a detergent box; 410. a manual powder detergent input part; 420. a manual liquid detergent input part; 430. a softener manual input part; 450. a detergent container; 450a, detergent container balance scale; 451. a detergent container input part; 452. automatically putting the detergent into the inserting port; 460. a softener container; 460a, softener container balance scale; 461. a softener container input part; 462. automatically putting the softening agent into the insertion port; 500. a washing tank; 600. a housing; 610. a lower housing; 620. an upper housing; 621. a charging port; 700. a cover body; 800. an operation unit; x, water flow; y, water flow; z, flow of water.

Claims (5)

1. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a housing;

a washing tank provided in the casing and accommodating laundry;

a water supply unit disposed inside the housing for supplying water to the washing tank;

a liquid agent container for storing a liquid agent therein; and

an automatic liquid agent feeding device for feeding the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container into the washing tank,

the water supply unit is formed in a box shape in a manner of accommodating the liquid agent container therein, a water guide path for circulating water led in from a water supply valve is formed in the water supply unit,

the automatic liquid agent feeding device is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit and is connected with the water guide path.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

the automatic liquid agent input device comprises:

a pump unit that sucks and ejects the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container; and

an automatic feeding path for introducing a liquid agent into the pump unit,

the water guide path includes a cleaning flow path formed on the outer circumferential surface of the water supply unit,

the liquid agent automatic feeding device is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit so that the cleaning flow path is connected to the path inside the automatic feeding device.

3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a bus pump that sucks water from outside the washing machine and supplies the water to the washing tub; and

a reagent feeding device which is accommodated in the water supply unit and is configured to be capable of feeding a first amount of reagent,

the water guide path is connected to the water supply valve and is branched so as to supply water to the bus pump, the agent feeding device, and the automatic liquid agent feeding device, respectively.

4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

the washing machine comprises a reagent feeding device which is accommodated in the water supply unit and is configured to be capable of feeding a first quantity of reagent,

the water supply unit includes:

a reagent feeding device water injection unit for injecting water into the reagent feeding device housed below the reagent feeding device water injection unit; and

a discharge part formed as a bottom of the water supply unit for discharging water and a detergent to the washing tank,

the agent feeding device and the automatic liquid agent feeding device flow out water and agent in the device to the discharge unit.

5. A washing machine capable of throwing washings from the upper surface side of a shell to the inside in a setting state, wherein,

the washing machine includes:

a lower case constituting the case;

a washing tank provided in the lower case and having a cylindrical shape with a bottom and opening upward;

an upper case which constitutes the case and is disposed on the upper part of the lower case, and which has an inlet for the laundry, which communicates with the washing tank;

a water supply unit disposed at a rear portion of the upper housing to supply water to the washing tub;

a liquid agent container for storing a liquid agent therein; and

an automatic liquid agent feeding device for feeding the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent container into the washing tank,

the water supply unit has:

a container housing part which opens toward the inlet and houses the liquid agent container; and

a water guide path configured as an internal structure of the water supply unit for circulating water introduced from the water supply valve,

the automatic liquid agent throwing device is arranged on the back surface of the water supply unit and is directly connected with the water guide path.

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