CN116583638A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention aims to provide a washing machine which can inhibit the enlargement and the increase of vibration. The washing machine includes: a housing (11); a water bucket (21) arranged inside the shell (11); a detergent box (42 a) for accommodating a detergent; a softener case (42 b) for accommodating a softener; a detergent discharge unit (71 a) provided in the detergent box (42 a); a softener discharge unit (71 b) provided in the softener cartridge (42 b); a switching valve (73) for selecting and switching either the detergent discharged from the detergent discharge part (71 a) or the softener discharged from the softener discharge part (71 b); a stepping motor (75) for driving the switching valve (73); and a pump motor (46 c) for driving a pump for inputting any one of the fluids selected by the switching valve (73) into the water tub (21). The stepping motor (75) and the pump motor (46 c) are symmetrically arranged with respect to the position of the detergent discharge portion (71 a) or the softener discharge portion (71 b).

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

A washing machine is known in the prior art, which is equipped with a detergent supply device for metering a washing treatment liquid such as a detergent or a softener (care agent) stored in a cartridge and automatically charging an appropriate amount of the washing treatment liquid into a washing and dehydrating tub. The detergent supply device includes a three-way valve unit that selectively discharges the detergent stored in the detergent box and the softener stored in the softener box to the piston pump unit.

The three-way valve unit includes: a detergent side three-way valve; a softener side three-way valve; a detergent side coil for switching the three-way valve to operate; and a softener side coil for switching the softener side three-way valve to operate.

The detergent side three-way valve and the softener side three-way valve are operated by the detergent side coil and the softener side coil, and the detergent and the softener are supplied to the piston pump unit, and the detergent and the softener are supplied from the piston pump unit to the washing and dehydrating tub.

As such a technique, for example, a technique described in patent document 1 is known.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2019-92690

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In the technique described in patent document 1, a detergent-side three-way valve, a detergent-side coil in which a softener-side three-way valve operates, a softener-side coil, and a drive motor of a piston pump unit are arranged in the vertical direction of a detergent supply device. Therefore, the detergent supply device becomes larger in the vertical direction, and there is a problem that the washing machine 1 on which the detergent supply device is mounted becomes larger in size.

Since the detergent-side coil, the softener-side coil, and the drive motor have a relatively heavy weight, when they are biased to one of the detergent supply devices, the detergent supply device becomes eccentric, and vibration during operation of the washing machine 1 is concentrated on the detergent-side coil, the softener-side coil, and the drive motor, which are heavy, and there is a possibility that vibration of the washing machine 1 may further increase. When the vibration increases, there is a possibility that the fluid leaks from the connection portion of the portion where the fluid such as water is transported.

The present invention aims to provide a washing machine which can solve the problems, inhibit the enlargement and inhibit the increase of vibration.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention includes: a housing; a water tub disposed inside the housing; a first cartridge for accommodating a first washing treatment liquid; a second cartridge for accommodating a second washing treatment liquid; a first washing treatment liquid discharge portion provided in the first cartridge; a second washing treatment liquid discharge portion provided in the second cartridge; a switching unit for selecting any one of the first washing treatment liquid discharged from the first washing treatment liquid discharging unit and the second washing treatment liquid discharged from the second washing treatment liquid discharging unit and switching the selected one; a first driving part for driving the switching part; and a second driving unit that drives a pump for inputting any one of the fluids selected by the switching unit into the water tub, the first driving unit and the second driving unit being disposed symmetrically with respect to a position of the first washing treatment liquid discharging unit or the second washing treatment liquid discharging unit.

The washing machine of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a water supply unit for supplying water; a first cartridge for accommodating a first washing treatment liquid; a second cartridge for accommodating a second washing treatment liquid; a discharge control unit provided downstream of the first cartridge and the second cartridge and configured to control discharge of the fluid; a first flow path to which the first washing treatment liquid from the first cartridge is supplied; a second flow path to which the second washing treatment liquid from the second cartridge is supplied; and a third flow path to which water from the water supply unit is supplied, wherein the discharge control unit has a switching unit that switches 3 flow paths to discharge the fluid from 1 flow path.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in vibration while suppressing an increase in size is provided.

Drawings

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

Fig. 2 is a front view showing the structure of a washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a structural view showing the structure of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen obliquely upward and forward.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front panel of the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention is detached.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing piping paths of the washing machine 1 according to example 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram of a washing treatment liquid charging apparatus 30 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the side of the discharge flow path 74.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 of embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the valve body 73b side.

Fig. 10A is an X-X cross-sectional view of fig. 8.

Fig. 10B is an X-X cross-sectional view of fig. 8.

FIG. 11 is a section XI-XI of FIG. 8.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the operations of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve 73 when the washing machine 1 is normal.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 is abnormal.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing piping channels of the washing machine 1 according to example 2 of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are only schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the drawings, common components or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their repetitive description is omitted.

Example 1

[ external Structure of washing machine ]

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the structure of a washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a structural view of the structure of the washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention, seen obliquely upward and forward.

The washing machine 1 will be described as a washing and drying machine having a drying function for objects to be washed (cloths). However, the washing machine 1 may be a washing machine having no drying function. Here, the washing machine 1 is described as a vertical washing machine in which a vertical water tub is disposed inside a casing. However, the washing machine 1 may be a drum type washing machine.

The first loading unit 31 (loading port) described later will be described as a manual loading unit for a user to manually load the washing treatment liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) described later. The second loading unit 32 (loading port) described later will be described as an automatic loading unit for loading the washing treatment liquid into the washing treatment liquid loading device 30 described later.

As shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 1 has an upper cover 12, an outer cover 13, and a cartridge housing cover 15, which are openable and closable, respectively, on an upper surface of a casing 11. In addition, in embodiment 1, the washing machine 1 has a detachable front panel 16 on the front surface of the casing 11. The upper face mask 12 is disposed on the rear upper surface of the housing 11. The cover 13 is disposed on the central upper surface of the housing 11. The cassette housing cover 15 is disposed on the front upper surface of the housing 11. An operation panel 14 for operating the washing machine 1 is provided on an upper surface of the outer cover 13. The washing machine 1 controls the water supply unit 20, the driving device 23, the drain valve 65, the drain control unit 70, the drying unit 81, the fan 82, and the like via a control device, not shown, in accordance with an input instruction from the operation panel 14. The control device stores a control program for controlling the devices, and the central processing unit executes the control program to control the devices.

Fig. 2 and 3 show a state in which the outer lid 13 and the cartridge accommodating lid 15 are opened, respectively. Fig. 2 shows the structure of the washing machine 1 seen from the front, and fig. 3 shows the structure of the washing machine 1 seen obliquely upward and forward.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 11a inside the casing 11 when the outer lid 13 is opened. Inside the opening 11a, a water tub 21 functioning as a washing and dehydrating tub for putting objects to be washed (cloths) is disposed. As shown in fig. 3, a first input unit 31 for inputting 1-time amount of the washing treatment liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) is disposed around the water tub 21. The first input unit 31 functions as a manual input unit for a user to manually input a liquid detergent, a softener (care agent), or other washing treatment liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub). In the illustrated example, the first input portion 31 (manual input portion) is disposed at a position on the left front upper portion of the housing 11 and outside the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub).

In the washing machine 1, when the cartridge housing cover 15 is opened, the cartridge 42 of the washing treatment liquid dispenser 30 is disposed inside the casing 11. The washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is a device for automatically charging an appropriate amount of washing treatment liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) by metering the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge 42. The washing treatment liquid charging device 30 includes a cartridge 42 for storing a plurality of amounts of washing treatment liquid, and a transfer pump 46 for transferring the washing treatment liquid (see fig. 4 and 5). The transfer pump 46 (see fig. 4 and 5) functions as a transfer mechanism that measures the amount of the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge 42 and transfers 1-time amount of the washing treatment liquid from the inside of the cartridge 42 to the outside.

The cartridge 42 is disposed at the front upper portion of the housing 11 and at a position forward of the first input portion 31 (manual input portion). In the illustrated example, 2 cartridges, that is, a detergent cartridge 42a (first cartridge) and a softener cartridge 42b (second cartridge), are arranged. Thereby, the washing machine 1 can automatically input the detergent (first washing treatment liquid) and the softener (second washing treatment liquid) into the water tub 21. The cartridge 42 is provided with a second input portion 32 for receiving the washing treatment liquid into the cartridge 42. The second input unit 32 functions as an automatic input unit for automatically inputting the washing treatment liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) in the washing treatment liquid input device 30. The second input portion 32 is sealed by an input cap 43 a. For example, the second loading portion 32a for loading the detergent is provided in the detergent box 42a, and is sealed by the loading cap 43 a. The softener case 42b is provided with a second input portion 32b for inputting a softener, and is sealed by an input cap 43 b.

The second input unit 32 is an input unit (automatic input unit) for inputting the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge 42 of the washing treatment liquid input device 30. As described above, the cartridge 42 is disposed in the front upper portion of the housing 11 and in a position forward of the first input portion 31 (manual input portion). As a result, the second input portion 32 (automatic input portion) is also disposed in the front upper portion of the housing 11 and in a position forward of the first input portion 31 (manual input portion) like the cartridge 42.

[ internal Structure of washing machine ]

Hereinafter, the internal structure of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front panel of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is detached.

As shown in fig. 4, the washing machine 1 has an outer tub 22 inside a housing 11, and a water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) inside thereof.

The outer tub 22 has: a tub cover 22a provided on the upper part; a cover member 22b closing an opening of the tub cover 22a; and a recessed portion 22c provided so as to be recessed from the other portion.

The water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. The water tub 21 has: a copper plate 21a constituting a main body portion of the cylinder; a rotary blade 21b rotating at the bottom of the water tub 21; and a balance ring 21c maintaining balance of the water tub 21. A plurality of through holes 21aa for water and ventilation are formed in the copper plate 21 a. The balance ring 21c is a fluid balancer sealed with fluid inside.

The washing machine 1 has a driving device 23 for rotationally driving the water tub 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and a rotation detecting device 24 and a motor current detecting device 25 for detecting the operation of the driving device 23. The driving device 23 includes a motor 23a for rotating the water tub 21 and the rotary blade 21b, a clutch mechanism 23b for defining the rotational directions and rotational speeds of the water tub 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and a rotary shaft 23c coupled to the rotary blade 21 b. The rotation shaft 23c is disposed at the center of the water tub 21 in a plan view.

The washing machine 1 further includes, at an upper rear portion of the casing 11: a water supply mechanism, i.e., a water supply unit 20 for supplying water to the water tub 21; a drying unit 81 (heater) for heating air to obtain a drying wind; and a fan 82 for circulating the drying air, an air supply duct 83, and a drying duct 91.

The air duct 83 is disposed between the fan 82 and the air outlet 84, and the drying unit 81 (heater) is disposed in a middle portion thereof. The air supply pipe 83 is connected to the air outlet 84 through a bellows 83 a. The blow nozzle 84 blows out the drying air, which is conveyed by the fan 82 and heated by the drying unit 81, toward the inside of the outer tub 22. The drying duct 91 is disposed between the outer tub 22 and the fan 82. The drying duct 91 is connected to the recess 22c of the tub 22 through a bellows 91 a.

In this configuration, the washing machine 1 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 (water supply mechanism) to the outer tub 22 so that the water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) is immersed in the water, for example, at the time of a washing step or a rinsing step. In the washing machine 1, for example, in the drying step, the fan 82 is rotated to send air to the air pipe 83, and the drying unit 81 heats the air to obtain drying air, so that the drying air passes through the inside of the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21. Thereby, the washing machine 1 dries the objects (cloths) to be washed stored in the water tub 21. The washing machine 1 repeatedly performs the same operation by inputting air passing through the inside of the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 91 to the air supply duct 83 by the fan 82.

As shown in fig. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a water filling hose 51a, a charging hose 52a, and a cleaning hose 61a. The water filling hose 51a is a hose for circulating water from the water supply unit 20 to the tub 22. The input hose 52a is a hose through which water flows from the first input portion 31 (manual input portion) to the outer tub 22. The water injection hose 51a forms a part of a water injection channel 51 (see fig. 6) described later. The inlet hose 52a forms a part of an inlet flow path 52 (see fig. 6) described later.

The washing machine 1 further includes a drain passage 63 for discharging water, and a drain valve 65 for opening and closing the drain passage 63.

The washing machine 1 further includes a case 41 for housing the case 42 at an upper front portion of the casing 11. The cartridge 42 is configured to be detachable and attachable to the case 41 by moving in the up-down direction. In order to automatically put the detergent and the softener into the water tub 21, the case 41 is preferably configured to accommodate at least 2 or more cases 42 of the detergent case 42a and the softener case 42 b.

As shown in fig. 5, the case 41 has a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed from the side. Therefore, the overall shape of the case 41 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which is thin in the depth direction. The case 41 is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction along the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 (see fig. 4). A transfer pump 46 is disposed below the tank 41.

Either one or both of the tank 41 and the case 42 preferably has a damper member 45 (see fig. 4) between the tank and the water tub 21, and the damper member functions as a suppressing mechanism that suppresses vibration of the washing treatment liquid stored in the case 42. Thus, the washing machine 1 can suppress the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge 42 from shaking and splashing due to the vibration transmitted from the driving device 23 or the like.

The case 41 is attached to the front upper portion of the case 11, and is disposed so as to be interposed between the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 and the case 11. Therefore, even if the damping member 45 (see fig. 4) is not provided, the washing machine 1 can suppress the shaking of the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge 42. However, by providing the damping member 45 (see fig. 4), the washing machine 1 can more effectively suppress the shaking of the washing liquid stored in the cartridge 42.

In this configuration, the second loading portion 32 of the washing treatment liquid loading device 30 and the cartridge 42 are disposed at a position forward of the center of the water tub 21 (for example, a position connected by the rotation shaft 23c (see fig. 4)). The drying unit 81 (heater) is disposed at a position rearward of the center of the water tub 21 so as to be away from the second input portion 32 and the cartridge 42.

[ flow passage Structure of piping ]

Hereinafter, a piping path structure of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing piping paths of the washing machine 1 according to example 1 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 6, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection passage 51, a feed passage 52, and a cleaning passage 53 as piping passages for use in washing objects (cloths).

The water supply unit 20 includes a plurality of solenoid valves 20a, 20b, and 20c connected to the water injection passage 51, the input passage 52, and the purge passage 53, respectively.

The water injection passage 51 connects the water supply unit 20 and the water injection hose 51a, and supplies water to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22).

The input flow path 52 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input unit 31, and the first input unit 31 and the water tub 21 (outer tub 22), and the washing treatment liquid and water are input from the first input unit 31 to the water tub 21.

The washing channel 53 connects the water supply unit 20 and the discharge control unit 70 of the washing treatment liquid-feeding device 30, and the washing treatment liquid and water are fed from the discharge control unit 70 into the water tub 21.

The washing machine 1 further includes a drain flow path 63. The drain flow path 63 is constituted by a drain pipe 63c connecting a drain valve 65 provided in the outer tub 22 and a drain port 66.

Next, the structure of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram of a washing treatment liquid charging apparatus 30 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The washing treatment liquid supply device 30 includes a tank 41 and a discharge control unit 70.

The case 41 accommodates a detergent case 42a and a softener case 42b.

A detergent discharge portion 71a (first washing treatment liquid discharge portion) is provided below the detergent box 42a, and a softener discharge portion 71b (second washing treatment liquid discharge portion) is provided below the softener box 42b.

Downstream (below) the detergent box 42a and the softener box 42b, a discharge control unit 70 for controlling the discharge of fluid (detergent/softener/wash water) is provided.

[ Structure of discharge control section 70 ]

The configuration of the discharge control unit 70 will be described below. In example 1, the detergent box 42a, the softener box 42b, and the discharge control unit 70 are disposed in front of the water tub. The discharge control section 70 is configured by a detergent supply channel 72a (first channel), a softener supply channel 72b (second channel), a purge channel 53 (third channel), a switching valve 73, a discharge channel 74, a stepping motor 75 (first driving section), a transfer pump 46, a first check valve 76, a discharge port 77, and a second check valve 78.

The detergent discharge portion 71a has a detergent supply channel 72a (first channel) through which the detergent from the detergent box 42a is supplied, and the softener discharge portion 71b has a softener supply channel 72b (second channel) through which the softener from the softener box 42b is supplied. The detergent supply path 72a (first path) and the softener supply path 72b (second path) are connected to a switching valve 73 (switching unit) for switching the paths. The switching valve 73 is connected to the washing passage 53 (third passage) to which the washing water from the solenoid valve 20c is supplied and to the discharge passage 74 that communicates with the transfer pump 46.

The switching valve 73 of example 1 functions as a four-way valve that switches to select any one of the fluid of the detergent from the detergent box 42a, the softener from the softener box 42b, and the washing water from the solenoid valve 20c, and discharges the washing water from the discharge flow path 74. The switching valve 73 may be a three-way valve that switches between selecting any one of the fluid of the detergent from the detergent box 42a and the softener from the softener box 42b and discharges the selected fluid from the discharge flow path 74.

A stepping motor 75 as a first driving unit is connected to the switching valve 73, and the valve body is rotationally driven by the stepping motor 75 to switch the flow path by making the stop position different.

The transfer pump 46 is provided downstream of the switching valve 73. The transfer pump 46 includes a cylinder 46b for storing detergent/softener, a piston 46a moving in the cylinder 46b, and a pump motor 46c for driving the piston 46 a. The piston 46a and the cylinder 46b constitute a pump for inputting fluid into the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22), and the pump is driven by a pump motor 46c (the second driving part).

A first check valve 76 is provided between the discharge passage 74 and the cylinder 46b, and a second check valve 78 is provided between the discharge port 77 of the discharge control portion 70 and the cylinder 46 b.

The detergent box 42a and the softener box 42b are arranged side by side, and the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are arranged in the arrangement direction of the detergent box 42a and the softener box 42 b. The stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are symmetrically arranged with respect to the positions of the detergent discharge portion 71a and the softener discharge portion 71 b. In other words, the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are disposed so as to face each other with the lower extension line of the detergent discharge portion 71a or the softener discharge portion 71b interposed therebetween.

Since the stepper motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively large as components, when they are offset to one side of the case, a space for mounting needs to be secured, and the washing machine 1 becomes large. Further, since the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively heavy, when they are biased to one of the cartridges, the laundry treatment liquid loading device 30 becomes a state in which the weight is eccentric, and vibration during operation of the washing machine 1 is concentrated on the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c which are the weight, and there is a possibility that vibration of the washing machine 1 further increases. When the vibration increases, the fluid may leak from the connection portion of the portion where the fluid such as water is transported.

In contrast, in embodiment 1, the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are disposed so as to face each other with the lower extension line of the detergent discharge portion 71a or the softener discharge portion 71b interposed therebetween, so that the weight balance is stable, and the vibration can be reduced. As a result, fluid leakage and the like can be suppressed.

[ Structure of switching valve 73 ]

Next, the structure of the switching valve 73 will be described with reference to fig. 8 to 11. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the side of the discharge flow path 74. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 of embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the valve body 73b side. Fig. 10A and 10B are X-X sectional views of fig. 8. FIG. 11 is a section XI-XI of FIG. 8.

The switching valve 73 has a switching valve body 73a formed in a cylindrical shape, and a valve body 73b rotatably disposed in the switching valve body 73 a.

The switching valve main body 73a has a detergent supply path 72a (first path), a softener supply path 72b (second path), and a purge path 53 (third path) on the outer periphery thereof. The switching valve body 73a has a discharge flow passage 74 at the bottom of the cylinder.

As shown in fig. 10A and 10B, a valve body flow path 79 having an L-shaped cross section is formed in the valve body 73B. The valve body 73b is operated to switch the flow paths (the detergent supply flow path 72a, the softener supply flow path 72b, and the cleaning flow path 53) by rotating in the switching valve body 73a, and to communicate with the discharge flow path 74. In the case of fig. 10A, the softener supply passage 72b communicates with the discharge passage 74. In fig. 10B, the purge flow path 53 communicates with the discharge flow path 74.

Next, a switching state of each flow path will be described with reference to fig. 10A, 10B, and 11.

When the valve body 73b is positioned in fig. 11 (a), the detergent supply path 72a, the softener supply path 72b, and the cleaning path 53 are closed by the outer periphery of the valve body 73 b. Fig. 11 (a) shows "full-close". Further, the discharge flow path 74 is always "on".

When the valve body 73b is at the position (b) of fig. 11, the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the cleaning flow path 53 to be opened, and the detergent supply flow path 72a and the softener supply flow path 72b are closed. In fig. 11 (b), the cleaning water flowing through the cleaning passage 53 passes through the valve body passage 79 of the valve body 73b and is discharged to the discharge passage 74.

When the valve body 73b is located at the position (c) of fig. 11, the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the detergent supply flow path 72a to be opened, and the cleaning flow path 53 and the softener supply flow path 72b are closed. In fig. 11 (c), the detergent flowing through the detergent supply path 72a is discharged to the discharge path 74 through the valve body path 79 of the valve body 73 b.

When the valve body 73b is at the position (d) of fig. 11, the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the softener supply flow path 72b to be "open", and the washing flow path 53 and the detergent supply flow path 72a are "closed". In fig. 11 (d), the softener flowing through the softener supply passage 72b is discharged to the discharge passage 74 through the valve passage 79 of the valve 73 b.

The switching valve 73 changes the stop position by rotating the valve body 73b as described above, and switches the flow paths (the detergent supply flow path 72a, the softener supply flow path 72b, and the cleaning flow path 53). That is, the switching valve 73 is operated to switch 3 channels (the detergent supply channel 72a, the softener supply channel 72b, and the washing channel 53) and to discharge 1 fluid (any of the detergent/softener/washing water) from 1 channel (the discharge channel 74) to the discharge channel 74.

When the flow path is switched by the stepping motor 75 that drives the switching valve 73, the amount of the detergent supplied from the detergent box 42a and the amount of the softener supplied from the softener box 42b can be controlled by changing the time for which the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the detergent supply flow path 72a and the time for which the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the softener supply flow path 72 b.

When switching from the position of fig. 11 (c) where the detergent is discharged to the position of fig. 11 (b) where the cleaning water is discharged, there are a route from fig. 11 (c) to fig. 11 (a) to fig. 11 (b) and a route from fig. 11 (c) to fig. 11 (d) to fig. 11 (b) according to the rotation direction of the valve body 73 b.

When the route from fig. 11 (c) to fig. 11 (d) to fig. 11 (b) is selected, the softener may leak out at a position where the valve body flow path 79 and the softener supply flow path 72b coincide, because the softener is discharged from the valve body 73b during switching of the valve body 73 b. Therefore, in example 1, when the valve body 73b is switched from the position of fig. 11 (c) where the detergent is discharged, the route from fig. 11 (c) →fig. 11 (a) →fig. 11 (b) is selected.

Similarly, when switching from the position (d) of fig. 11 where the softener is discharged to the position (a) of fig. 11 where the valve body 73b is "fully closed", the route from (d) of fig. 11 to (b) of fig. 11 to (a) of fig. 11 is selected so as not to pass through the position (c) of fig. 11 where the detergent is discharged.

[ action of the transfer Pump 46 ]

Next, the operation of the transfer pump 46 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. When the delivery pump 46 supplies the detergent or the softener to the discharge passage 74, the pump motor 46c is operated, and the piston 46a is pulled toward the pump motor 46 c. When the piston 46a is pulled to the pump motor 46c side, the inside of the cylinder 46b becomes negative pressure, the first check valve 76 opens, and the detergent or softener is sucked into the cylinder 46b from the discharge flow path 74. At this time, the second check valve 78 remains closed. When the operation of the piston 46a is stopped, the first check valve 76 is closed. When the pump motor 46c is operated again, the pressure in the cylinder 46b increases when the pump motor 46c presses the piston 46a, the second check valve 78 opens, and the detergent or softener in the piston 46a is supplied from the discharge port 77 to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22).

The suction/pushing operation of the detergent or softener by the piston 46a is repeated several times, whereby the detergent or softener is automatically poured into the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22) in accordance with the water amount of the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22).

After the detergent or softener is discharged, the detergent or softener is attached to the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46 b. If the detergent or softener remains attached after the end of washing, the detergent or softener may dry and cake, and the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46b may stick to each other and fail to operate.

Therefore, in embodiment 1, there is a cleaning step of cleaning the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46 b. The washing step is performed after detergent or softener is put into the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22). After the detergent or softener is pushed out by the piston 46a, the valve body 73b is switched to the position (b) of fig. 11. When the solenoid valve 20c is opened, the washing water passes through the washing passage 53 and is discharged from the discharge passage 74 together with the detergent or softener adhering to the switching valve 73. Since tap water pipe pressure is applied to the washing water discharged from the discharge flow path 74, the washing water opens the first check valve 76 to flow into the cylinder 46 b. The cleaning water flowing into the cylinder 46b washes the detergent or softener adhering to the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b, and opens the second check valve 78 to be discharged from the discharge port 77 to the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22).

In this way, the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46b are cleaned. When the washing water is supplied to the cylinder 46b, the piston 46a is preferably pulled toward the pump motor 46 c. By pulling the piston 46a to a position on the pump motor 46c side, the cleaning range in the cylinder 46b can be widened. After the cleaning of the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b is completed, the pump motor 46c is preferably driven to push out the piston 46a in order to remove the cleaning water retained in the cylinder 46 b. The transfer pump 46 is located on the counter pump motor side so that the piston 46a is pushed out in preparation for the subsequent operation.

When opening the solenoid valve 20c, it is preferable to open the solenoid valve 20c after the valve body 73b is positioned at a position where the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the purge flow path 53 (fig. 11 (b)). When the solenoid valve 20c is opened before the valve body 73b is placed at a position where the valve body flow path 79 and the purge flow path 53 communicate with each other, tap water pressure is applied to the switching valve 73, and there is a possibility that the switching valve 73 is broken or water leakage occurs. Therefore, in embodiment 1, after the valve body 73b is positioned at a position where the valve body flow path 79 communicates with the purge flow path 53 ((b) of fig. 11), the solenoid valve 20c is opened. By operating the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve 73 in this manner, breakage and water leakage of the switching valve 73 can be suppressed.

[ operation of solenoid valve 20c and switching valve during normal operation of washing machine 1 ]

Next, the operation of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 is normal will be described with reference to fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the operations of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve 73 when the washing machine 1 is normal.

When the washing machine 1 is operated, the power supply is turned ON (ON) after laundry is put into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22). When the power is turned on, the solenoid valve 20c is turned "off", and the switching valve 73 is also set to the position (a) of fig. 11, so that the flow path is completely closed.

When the power is turned on and the start button is pressed, the rotary blade 21b is driven, and the amount of laundry is sensed. After the sensing is completed, the amount of water and the amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of water are determined. After that, the solenoid valve 20a is energized, and the solenoid valve 20a is turned "on", so that water is supplied to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22). On the other hand, the solenoid valve 20c connected to the purge flow path 53 is "closed".

Next, upon receiving the determined amount of the detergent, the switching valve 73 is set to the position (c) of fig. 11, the detergent is supplied from the detergent box 42a to the transfer pump 46, and the detergent is poured from the transfer pump 46 into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22).

Next, after the switching valve 73 is set to the position (b) of fig. 11, the solenoid valve 20c is set to "on", and the cleaning water is supplied to the transfer pump 46, so that the detergent adhering to the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b of the transfer pump 46 is cleaned. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the solenoid valve 20c is turned "off".

Next, when the washing machine 1 enters the rinsing step, after the switching valve 73 is set to the position (d) of fig. 11, the softener is supplied from the softener box 42b to the transfer pump 46, and the softener is supplied from the transfer pump 46 to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22). After that, the switching valve 73 is set at the position (b) in fig. 11, and the softener attached to the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b of the transfer pump 46 is washed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, solenoid valve 20c is "closed".

When all the washing steps are finished, the power of the washing machine 1 is turned OFF (OFF). When the power is turned off, the solenoid valve 20c is "closed", and the switching valve 73 is also in the position (a) of fig. 11, and is "fully closed" to close all the flow paths.

When the power is turned on and off during normal operation of the washing machine 1, the switching valve 73 is "fully closed" to close all the flow paths.

[ operation of solenoid valve 20c and switching valve when washing machine 1 is abnormal ]

Next, the operation of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 is abnormal will be described with reference to fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 is abnormal.

When the electromagnetic valve 20c is turned on, if some abnormality occurs in the electromagnetic valve 20c, the water flowing through the purge flow path 53 flows into the switching valve 73. At this time, when the valve body 73b closes the purge flow path 53, tap water pressure is applied to the switching valve 73, and there is a possibility that the switching valve 73 may be broken or water may leak. Therefore, in example 1, in order to cope with the case where an abnormality occurs in the solenoid valve 20c and the solenoid valve 20c is "on" when the power is turned on, the switching valve 73 is operated to the position (b) of fig. 11 when the power is turned on, and the purge flow path 53 is "on". At this time, the detergent supply path 72a and the softener supply path 72b are "closed". In embodiment 1, even when the washing water flows to the switching valve 73 due to an abnormality of the solenoid valve 20c, since the washing flow path 53 is opened, the washing water flows from the discharge port 77 to the water tub 21 (the outer tub 22) through the discharge flow path 74, the first check valve 76, and the second check valve 78, and thus breakage or water leakage of the switching valve 73 can be suppressed. When some abnormality occurs in the solenoid valve 20c, a failure message is displayed on the operation panel 14, or an alarm sound is given to notify the user.

In example 1, in order to cope with the occurrence of some abnormality in the solenoid valve 20c at the time of power off, the solenoid valve 20c is turned "on", and the switching valve 73 is operated at the time of power off to be at the position (b) of fig. 11, the purge flow path 53 is turned "on". When an abnormality occurs in the solenoid valve 20c at the time of power off, a failure message is displayed on the operation panel 14 for a predetermined time, or an alarm sound is sounded to notify the user. After the lapse of a predetermined time, the display of the operation panel 14 and the generation of the alarm sound are stopped, but the water continues to flow even after the washing machine 1 is stopped, so that the user can grasp that the washing machine 1 has failed.

According to embodiment 1, when the solenoid valve 20c fails during power on and power off, the cleaning flow path 53 is opened, so that breakage, water leakage, and the like of the switching valve 73 can be suppressed.

Example 2

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing piping channels of the washing machine 1 according to example 2 of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the structures common to embodiment 1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In example 2, a plurality of detergent cartridges and a plurality of softener cartridges are provided, respectively, and a plurality of flow paths connected to them are also provided. The switching valve 73V is a six-way valve.

In fig. 14, the detergent box 42a is constituted by a first detergent box 42a1 accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent box 42a2 accommodating a second detergent. The softener case 42b is configured by a first softener case 42b1 that accommodates a first softener and a second softener case 42b2 that accommodates a second softener.

A first detergent discharge portion 71a1 is formed at the bottom of the first detergent box 42a1, and a second detergent discharge portion 71a2 is formed at the bottom of the second detergent box 42a 2. A first softener discharge portion 71b1 is formed at the bottom of the first softener case 42b1, and a second softener discharge portion 71b2 is formed at the bottom of the second softener case 42b 2.

The first detergent discharge portion 71a1 is provided with a first detergent supply channel 72a1 through which the first detergent from the first detergent box 42a1 is supplied, and the second detergent discharge portion 71a2 is provided with a second detergent supply channel 72a2 through which the second detergent from the second detergent box 42a2 is supplied. The first softener discharge portion 71b1 is provided with a first softener supply passage 72b1 through which the first softener from the first softener cartridge 42b1 is supplied, and the second softener discharge portion 71b2 is provided with a second softener supply passage 72b2 through which the second softener from the second softener cartridge 42b2 is supplied.

The first detergent supply path 72a1, the second detergent supply path 72a2, the first softener supply path 72b1, and the second softener supply path 72b2 are connected to a switching valve 73V (switching unit) for switching the paths. The switching valve 73 is connected to the washing flow path 53 to which the washing water from the solenoid valve 20c is supplied and to the discharge flow path 74 that communicates with the transfer pump 46.

The switching valve 73V of example 2 functions as a six-way valve that switches between the detergent from the first detergent supply path 72a1 and the second detergent supply path 72a2, the softener from the first softener supply path 72b1 and the second softener supply path 72b2, and the cleaning water from the solenoid valve 20c, and discharges the cleaning water from the discharge path 74.

In the case of having the first detergent box 42a1 and the second detergent box 42a2, different types of detergents are put into each of the detergent boxes. For example, a liquid detergent for normal laundry is put into the first detergent box 42a1, and a liquid detergent suitable for a hand washing process or a drying process is put into the second detergent box 42a 2. In example 2, the detergent put into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) was selected in accordance with a washing program such as a standard program, a fashion program, or the like. The valve body 73b is switched so that the detergent of the first detergent box 42a1 is put in when the standard program is selected and the detergent of the second detergent box 42a2 is put in when the fashion program is selected.

In the case of having the first softener case 42b1 and the second softener case 42b2, different types of softeners are put into the respective softener cases. For example, a fragrance-added softener is put into the first softener case 42b1, and a fragrance-free softener is put into the second softener case 42b 2. The softener to be introduced into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) is selected from the operation panel 14 according to the kind and preference of laundry.

Regarding the configuration for realizing the switching valve 73V of embodiment 2, for example, 2 flow paths may be added to the outer periphery of the switching valve main body 73 a.

According to embodiment 2, the type of detergent to be supplied to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) can be changed according to the washing course, and therefore, the detergent corresponding to the type of laundry can be used, for example, deformation of the laundry, shrinkage of the laundry, and the like can be suppressed.

Further, according to example 2, since the softener to be added to the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) can be selected from among a plurality of types of softeners, the softeners can be used separately according to the type of laundry or the preference of the user.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, since the plurality of flow paths are configured to be switched by 1 switching valve, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in size and suppressing an increase in cost.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be included. For example, the above-described embodiments are described in detail for the purpose of describing the present invention in an understandable manner, and are not limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of the embodiment may be replaced with another structure, and another structure may be added to the structure of the embodiment. In addition, a part of each structure may be added, deleted, or replaced with another structure.

Description of the reference numerals

1 washing machine, 11 casing, 11a opening, 12 upper cover, 13 outer cover, 14 operation panel, 15 box housing cover, 16 front panel, 20 water supply unit, 20a solenoid valve, 20b solenoid valve, 20c solenoid valve, 21 bucket, 21a copper plate, 21aa through hole, 21b rotary blade, 21c balance ring, 22 outer bucket, 22a outer bucket cover, 22b cover member, 22c recess portion, 23 driving device, 23a motor, 23b clutch mechanism, 23c rotary shaft, 24 rotation detecting device, 25 motor current detecting device, 30 washing treatment liquid input device, 31 first input portion, 32 second input portion, 32a second input portion for inputting detergent, 32b second input portion for inputting softener, 41 box, 42 box 42a detergent box, 42a1 first detergent box, 42a2 second detergent box, 42b softener box, 42b1 first softener box, 42b2 second softener box, 43a throw-in cover, 43b throw-in cover, 45 damper member, 46 transfer pump, 46a piston, 46b cylinder, 46c pump motor, 51 water injection flow path, 51a water injection hose, 52 throw-in flow path, 52a throw-in hose, 53 wash flow path, 61a wash hose, 63 drain flow path, 65 drain valve, 66 drain port, 70 discharge control portion, 71a detergent discharge portion, 71a1 first softener discharge portion, 71a2 second softener discharge portion, 71b1 first softener discharge portion, and 71b1 first softener discharge portion, the second softener discharge part 71b2 … …, the first detergent supply passage 72a … …, the first detergent supply passage 72a1 … …, the second detergent supply passage 72a2 … …, the softener supply passage 72b … …, the first softener supply passage 72b1 … …, the second softener supply passage 72b2 … …, the 73 … … switching valve, the 73a … … switching valve main body, the 73b … … valve body, the 73V … … switching valve, the 74 … … discharge passage, the 75 … … stepping motor, the 76 … … first check valve, the 77 … … discharge port, the 78 … … second check valve, the 79 … … valve body passage, the 81 … … drying unit, the 82 … … fan, the 83 … … blast pipe, the 83a … … bellows, the 84 … … blow-out nozzle, the 91 … … drying pipe, the 91a … … bellows.

Claims (14)

1. A washing machine, comprising:

a housing;

a water tub disposed inside the housing;

a first cartridge for accommodating a first washing treatment liquid;

a second cartridge for accommodating a second washing treatment liquid;

a first washing treatment liquid discharge portion provided in the first cartridge;

a second washing treatment liquid discharge portion provided in the second cartridge;

a switching unit for selecting any one of the first washing treatment liquid discharged from the first washing treatment liquid discharging unit and the second washing treatment liquid discharged from the second washing treatment liquid discharging unit and switching the selected one;

a first driving part for driving the switching part; and

a second driving part for driving a pump for inputting any one of the fluids selected by the switching part to the water bucket,

the first driving part and the second driving part are symmetrically arranged relative to the positions of the first washing treatment liquid discharging part or the second washing treatment liquid discharging part.

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

the first cartridge, the second cartridge, the first driving unit, and the second driving unit are disposed in front of the water tub.

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

The first driving portion and the second driving portion are disposed below the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

4. A washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

the first driving portion is disposed below the second cartridge, and the second driving portion is disposed below the first cartridge.

5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the first driving portion and the second driving portion are arranged in an arrangement direction of the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

6. A washing machine, comprising:

a water supply unit for supplying water;

a first cartridge for accommodating a first washing treatment liquid;

a second cartridge for accommodating a second washing treatment liquid;

a discharge control unit provided downstream of the first cartridge and the second cartridge and configured to control discharge of the fluid;

a first flow path to which the first washing treatment liquid from the first cartridge is supplied;

a second flow path to which the second washing treatment liquid from the second cartridge is supplied; and

a third flow path to which water from the water supply unit is supplied,

the discharge control unit has a switching unit that switches 3 channels and discharges the fluid from 1 channel.

7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

has a first driving part for driving the switching part,

the first driving unit controls the liquid amount of the first washing treatment liquid or the second washing treatment liquid supplied from the first cartridge or the second cartridge.

8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

when the power is on or off, the switching unit opens the third flow path, and the first flow path and the second flow path are closed.

9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the switching unit closes all of the 3 channels when the power is on or when the power is off.

10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the switching part has a valve body, and switches the 3 flow paths according to the position of the valve body.

11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

the switching part has a valve body having valve body flow paths communicating with the 3 flow paths,

the amount of liquid to be supplied to the first washing treatment liquid is changed by changing the time at which the first flow path communicates with the valve body flow path,

the amount of liquid to be supplied to the second washing treatment liquid is changed by changing the time at which the second flow path communicates with the valve body flow path.

12. A washing machine as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein:

the method includes a washing step of closing the first flow path and the second flow path, opening the third flow path, and flowing washing water to the switching section.

13. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein:

the first washing treatment liquid or the second washing treatment liquid discharged from the switching part is put into a washing and dehydrating tub,

the washing step is performed after the first washing treatment liquid or the second washing treatment liquid is put into the washing and dehydrating tub.

14. A washing machine, comprising:

a water supply unit for supplying washing water;

a first detergent box for containing a first detergent;

a second detergent box for containing a second detergent;

a first softener case for accommodating a first softener;

a second softener case for accommodating a second softener;

a discharge control unit provided downstream of the first detergent cartridge, the second detergent cartridge, the first softener cartridge, and the second softener cartridge and configured to control discharge of fluid;

a first detergent supply path through which the first detergent from the first detergent box is supplied;

A second detergent supply path through which the second detergent from the second detergent cartridge is supplied;

a first softener supply channel through which the first softener from the first softener cartridge is supplied;

a second softener supply channel through which the second softener from the second softener cartridge is supplied; and

a washing flow path to which the washing water from the water supply unit is supplied,

the discharge control unit has a switching valve that switches the first detergent supply channel, the second detergent supply channel, the first softener supply channel, the second softener supply channel, and the cleaning channel, and discharges fluid from any one of the channels.