CN117120682A

CN117120682A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN117120682A
Application number: CN202280027022.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 野上洋登; 高野优介; 山本哲也; 黑田隆
Original assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2021-07-12
Filing date: 2022-03-16
Publication date: 2023-11-24
Also published as: JP2023012691A

Abstract

A washing machine is provided with: a detergent box (51) containing a detergent; a detergent box cover (52) mounted on the detergent box; a float (61) which is disposed between the detergent box and the detergent box cover and moves up and down according to the residual amount of the detergent contained in the detergent box; a guide part (59) which is arranged around the floater and can support the side part of the floater in an up-and-down motion; and a float cover (62) for restricting the upward movement of the float. The float cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the upper portion of the guide portion.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

Currently, among washing machines, washing machines having a function of automatically throwing a detergent (including a softener) into a washing tub are becoming popular. Among such washing machines, there is a washing machine in which a float that slides in a vertical direction according to a remaining amount of liquid agent is disposed inside a detergent box (for example, refer to patent document 1). The float is a member for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent. A magnet is built in the float. The washing machine detects the remaining amount of the detergent by detecting a change in the magnetic field of a magnet built in a float that moves up and down according to the remaining amount of the detergent using a magnetic sensor provided near the bottom of the detergent box. The washing machine presses the float from above by using a detergent box cover mounted on the detergent box so that the float does not move above a certain height.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: chinese patent application publication No. 107385800 (FIG. 5)

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

As described below, the conventional technology disclosed in patent document 1 is desired to improve the cleaning performance around the float of the detergent box while making the float less likely to be lost.

In the conventional technique disclosed in patent document 1, when a user performs maintenance of the detergent box, if the detergent box cover is detached from the detergent box, the float flies out of the detergent box with the momentum of detaching the detergent box cover, and may be lost.

Therefore, it is considered to press the float from above with a cover member that is different from the detergent box cover and covers the float, so as to avoid the float from being lost. However, if the cover member is not constituted by the detergent box, there is a possibility that the cleaning performance around the float may be deteriorated due to adhesion of the detergent or the like.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a float is less likely to be lost and the cleaning performance around the float on a detergent box is improved.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention includes: a detergent box containing a detergent; a detergent box cover which is installed on the detergent box; a float which is arranged between the detergent box and the detergent box cover and moves up and down according to the residual amount of the detergent contained in the detergent box; a guide part which is arranged around the float and supports the side part of the float in an up-and-down motion; and a float cover for restricting upward movement of the float, wherein the float cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from an upper portion of the guide portion.

Other schemes are described below.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, the float is less likely to be lost, and the cleaning performance around the float on the detergent box can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the washing machine of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the water supply unit.

Fig. 4 is an internal structural view of the water supply unit.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the detergent dispenser mounted on the water supply unit.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent input section.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the float of the detergent input section.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent dispenser of a washing machine according to a modification.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a float of a detergent dispenser of a washing machine according to a modification.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the drum type washing machine with the casing removed.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the back side of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 18 is a front view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 19 is a rear view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 20 is a side view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of the main body of the shower box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 22 is a partial enlarged view of the shower box of the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is drawn out in the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 25 is a plan view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the manual input water supply unit.

Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic input water supply unit.

Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent box of the automatic input water supply unit.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the back side of the detergent box of the automatic water supply unit for input.

Fig. 29 is a rear view of the detergent box of the automatic input water supply unit.

Fig. 30 is a plan view showing a shower box of the automatic water supply unit for throw-in.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is drawn out in the automatic input water supply unit.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the automatic-input water supply unit.

Fig. 33 is a sectional view showing a suction mechanism of the detergent in the automatic-feeding water supply unit.

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic-input water supply unit when the sides of the detergent input portion and the softener input portion are cut off.

Fig. 35 is a front view of an internal structure of the drum type washing machine of the embodiment.

Fig. 36 is a structural view of the vicinity of the water level sensor.

Fig. 37A is a perspective view of the water level sensor holder.

Fig. 37B is a top view of the water level sensor holder.

Fig. 37C is a side view of the water level sensor holder.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a detergent box constituting a lower portion of the detergent input section.

Fig. 39 is a side sectional view of the detergent input section.

Fig. 40 is an explanatory view of a detergent or the like flowing in the detergent input section.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings only schematically illustrate the present invention to a sufficient degree that it can be understood. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the examples of the drawings. In the drawings, common components and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description thereof is omitted.

Integral structure of washing machine

Hereinafter, the overall structure of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Here, a case where the washing machine 100 is a global standard drum type washing machine will be described. A global standard drum-type washing machine is a washing machine of a type that can be assembled to a washstand or the like. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an internal structural view of the washing machine 100. Fig. 2 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 with the upper surface cover 11c and the door 12 removed.

As shown in fig. 1, a washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a casing 11 and a door 12 attached to a front surface of the casing 11.

The housing 11 has a front surface cover 11a, a housing main body 11b, and an upper surface cover 11c.

The door 12 is provided with a door opening handle 12a at an upper portion thereof, and an operation portion 13 at a front surface thereof.

As shown in fig. 2, the washing machine 100 includes a drum 14 at a substantially center of an inside of the casing 11, a control unit 20 and a water supply unit 30 above the drum 14, and a drying unit 140 facing upward from a side of the drum 14.

The drum 14 is a receiving portion for laundry. The drum 14 is enclosed in an external tank, not shown, which functions as a water tank. Inside the drum 14, a baffle 15 for lifting the laundry accommodated in the drum 14 is provided. A front cover 11a that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface side of the housing 11. A space between a front surface portion of the outer tub, not shown, and the front surface cover 11a is sealed by the bellows 16.

The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the washing machine 100. The control unit 20 is mounted to a housing 21 disposed above the drum 14. The water supply unit 30 has a water supply valve 31 to control water supply. The control unit 20 controls the water supply valve 31 to stop taking in water supplied from the outside.

The drying unit 140 is configured to circulate air between the drum 14 while heating the air. The drying unit 140 has a heating section 141 and a blower fan 142. The drying unit 140 circulates air between the drying unit 140 and the drum 14 by driving the blower fan 142, and heats the air by heating the heating unit 141, thereby drying the laundry accommodated in the drum 14.

Structure of water supply unit

The structure of the water supply unit 30 will be described below with reference to fig. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the water supply unit 30. Fig. 4 is an internal structure diagram of the water supply unit 30. Fig. 4 shows a configuration of the water supply unit 30 in which the shower box cover 33 is detached.

As shown in fig. 3, the water supply unit 30 is connected to a water supply mechanism, not shown, via a water supply valve 31. The water supply unit 30 includes a shower box 32 and a detergent input unit 50.

The shower box 32 is a box for supplying water to a detergent box 51 provided in the detergent input part 50. A flow path for supplying water to a storage portion (specifically, an automatic detergent storage portion 51a, an automatic softener storage portion 51b, a manual detergent storage portion 51c, and a manual softener storage portion 51 d) for a detergent or the like provided in the detergent box 51 is formed in the shower box 32. The shower box 32 injects water from above into an arbitrary receiving portion of the detergent box 51. A shower box cover 33 is attached to an upper portion of the shower box 32, and a flow path of the shower box 32 is sealed by the shower box cover 33.

As shown in fig. 4, the detergent dispenser 50 includes a detergent box 51, a detergent box cover 52, and a detergent box 53.

The detergent box 51 is a member having one or more receiving parts for receiving detergent.

The detergent box cover 52 is a member attached to the upper surface of the detergent box 51.

The detergent box 53 is a member for receiving the detergent dropped together with water from the detergent box 51 to which the water is supplied.

The detergent box 51 has an automatic detergent-input accommodating portion 51a, an automatic softener-input accommodating portion 51b, a manual detergent-input accommodating portion 51c, and a manual softener-input accommodating portion 51d.

The automatic detergent dispenser 51a is a part for dispensing detergent automatically. The automatic-feeding softener accommodating portion 51b accommodates an automatic-feeding softener (softener). The manual detergent supply portion 51c is a portion for receiving a detergent for manual supply. The manual input softener accommodating portion 51d accommodates a softener (softener) for manual input.

Structure of detergent input part

Hereinafter, the structure of the detergent dispenser 50 will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the detergent dispenser 50. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent dispenser 50. Fig. 6 shows a structure of the detergent dispenser 50 with the detergent box 53 (see fig. 4) removed.

As shown in fig. 5, the detergent dispenser 50 has an automatic detergent dispenser 51a at the front right side, and an automatic softener dispenser 51b at the rear of the automatic detergent dispenser 51 a. The detergent dispenser 50 has a manual detergent dispenser 51c at the front left, and a manual softener dispenser 51d at the rear (specifically, above the rear) of the manual detergent dispenser 51c.

As shown in fig. 6, the detergent dispenser 50 is configured such that a detergent box cover 52 is disposed on a detergent box 51.

The detergent box 51 has an automatic detergent-loading accommodation portion 51a, an automatic softener-loading accommodation portion 51b, and a manual detergent-loading accommodation portion 51c. Each bottom surface of the automatic detergent supply container 51a, the automatic softener supply container 51b, and the manual detergent supply container 51c is an inclined surface inclined so as to decrease in height from the front to the rear.

The automatic detergent dispenser 51a is formed so as to pass between the automatic softener dispenser 51b and the manual detergent dispenser 51c, and so that the rear part is wound to the rear of the manual detergent dispenser 51c. A float 61a is disposed at the rear of the automatic detergent dispenser 51a, and a float cover 62a is disposed on the float 61 a. In the present embodiment, the float 61a is described as a float having a conical shape (including a truncated conical shape) with a diameter decreasing toward the lower side. Three or more (three in the illustrated example) guide portions 59a that support the float 61a in an up-and-down motion are disposed around the float 61 a.

The automatic softening agent receiving portion 51b is formed to extend rearward. A float 61b is disposed at the rear of the automatic softening agent storage portion 51b, and a float cover 62b is disposed on the float 61 b. Hereinafter, the float 61a and the float 61b will be collectively referred to as "float 61", and the float cover 62a and the float cover 62b will be collectively referred to as "float cover 62". In the present embodiment, similarly to the float 61a, the float 61b is described as a float having a conical shape (including a truncated cone shape) with a diameter decreasing toward the lower side. Three or more (three in the illustrated example) guide portions 59b that support the float 61b in an up-and-down motion are disposed around the float 61 b. Hereinafter, the guide 59a and the guide 59b will be collectively referred to as "guide 59". In the present embodiment, the guide 59 is described as a member integrally formed with the bottom surface portion of the detergent box 51. However, the guide 59 may be formed as a member different from the detergent box 51 and fixed to the bottom surface portion of the detergent box 51 by an adhesive or the like.

The manual detergent receiving portion 51c is formed to extend rearward. A manual-input softener accommodating portion 51d is disposed above the rear portion of the manual-input detergent accommodating portion 51 c.

The detergent box cover 52 has an opening OP51a communicating with the automatically-introduced detergent accommodating portion 51a, an opening OP51b communicating with the automatically-introduced softener accommodating portion 51b, an opening OP51c communicating with the manually-introduced detergent accommodating portion 51c, and a manually-introduced softener accommodating portion 51d.

A cover CP51a that can be opened and closed is attached to the opening OP51 a. A cover CP51b that can be opened and closed is attached to the opening OP51 b. The manual detergent supply container 51d is stacked on the manual detergent supply container 51c formed in the detergent box 51. The bottom surface of the manual softener accommodating portion 51d is an inclined surface inclined so as to decrease in height from the front to the rear. A cylinder TU51d for guiding the softener for manual input to the manual input detergent container 51c is provided inside the manual input softener container 51d. A cover CP51d is attached to the cylinder TU51d.

In addition, regarding the number of the guide portions 59, three or more are preferable in view of stably supporting the float 61 so as to be movable up and down. In addition, regarding the interval between the guide portions 59 (the gap 593 shown in fig. 7), it is preferable to be as wide as possible in consideration of easy cleaning around the float 61 on the detergent box 51. Therefore, the number of the guide portions 59 is particularly three.

< Structure near float >)

The structure in the vicinity of the float 61 will be described below with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the float 61 of the detergent dispenser 50. Fig. 7 shows a layout of a cross section of the detergent dispenser 50 cut along line X1-X1 shown in fig. 5. Here, a structure in the vicinity of the float 61a disposed in the automatic detergent dispenser 51a will be described as an example. The structure near the float 61b disposed in the automatic softening agent storage 51b is similar to the structure near the float 61a, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted here.

As shown in fig. 7, the float 61a has a magnet 612 inside. The washing machine 100 detects the remaining amount of the detergent by detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet 612 of the float 61a which moves up and down according to the remaining amount of the detergent using a magnetic sensor not shown. A magnetic sensor, not shown, is provided near the bottom of the detergent box 51.

A through hole 611 penetrating in the vertical direction is provided in the center of the float 61 a. Three or more (three in the illustrated example) guide portions 59b are arranged around the float 61a so as to be in point contact with the side portions of the float 61 a. A gap 593 for passing the detergent and the supplied water is provided between the guide portions 59b. The float 61a passes a shaft 594 provided on the bottom surface of the detergent box 51 through the through hole 611, and the side is supported by the guide 59b, thereby moving up and down according to the remaining amount of the detergent.

A mounting portion 591 for mounting the float cover 62a is provided at an upper portion of the guide portion 59 a. The float cover 62a is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the attachment portion 591 on the upper portion of the guide portion 59 a. Specifically, a fitting portion 621 that fits into a mounting portion 591 on the upper portion of the guide portion 59a is provided on the lower portion of the float cover 62a. The fitting portion 621 of the float cover 62a is configured to be capable of attachment to and detachment from the attachment portion 591 of the guide portion 59a by fitting, without using a screw as another member. Such a washing machine 100 can be easily attached to and detached from the attachment portion 591 of the float cover 62 to the guide portion 59a by fitting.

In the present embodiment, the guide portion 59a has a claw portion 592 at the mounting portion 591, and the float cover 62a has a groove portion 622 at the fitting portion 621. The claw portion 592 functions as a fixing portion for fixing the float cover 62a. The guide portion 59a is engaged with the groove portion 622 of the float cover 62a by the claw portion 592, whereby the float cover 62a can be fixed.

The guide 59b, the float 61b, and the float cover 62b disposed in the automatic detergent supply container 51b have the same configuration as the guide 59a, the float 61a, and the float cover 62a disposed in the automatic detergent supply container 51a, respectively.

< main feature of washing machine >

(1) As shown in fig. 6, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: a detergent box 51 which accommodates a detergent; a detergent box cover 52 mounted on the detergent box 51; a float 61 which is disposed between the detergent box 51 and the detergent box cover 52 and moves up and down according to the remaining amount of the detergent contained in the detergent box 51; a guide portion 59 disposed around the float 61 and supporting a side portion of the float 61 so as to be movable up and down; and a float cover 62 that restricts upward movement of the float 61. The float cover 62 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the upper portion of the guide 59.

The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can have the following functions and effects (a) and (b).

(a) Even if the user removes the detergent box cover 52 from the detergent box 51 at the time of maintenance of the detergent box 51, the float cover 62 prevents the float 61 from flying out of the detergent box 51 with the potential of removing the detergent box cover 52. Therefore, the float 61 can be made less likely to be lost. Therefore, the possibility of the float 61 being lost can be reduced.

(b) Further, the float cover 62 is detachable from the upper portion of the guide 59, and therefore, the cleaning performance around the float 61 of the detergent box 51 can be improved.

(2) As shown in fig. 7, the guide portion 59 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment has a mounting portion 591 on which the float cover 62 is mounted in an upper portion, and the float cover 62 has a fitting portion 621 fitted to the mounting portion 591 of the guide portion 59 in a lower portion.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can be easily attached to and detached from the attachment portion 591 of the guide portion 59a by fitting the float cover 62.

(3) As shown in fig. 7, the guide portion 59 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a fixing portion (claw portion 592) for fixing the float cover 62 in the mounting portion 591.

The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can reliably fix the float cover 62 to the mounting portion 591 of the guide portion 59 a.

(4) As shown in fig. 7, the guide 59 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment has a gap 593 for passing the detergent at the side portion, and is configured to support the side portion of the float 61 in three or more point contacts or line contacts.

Since the gap 593 is provided in the side portion of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the periphery of the float 61 of the detergent box 51 can be easily cleaned. Further, since the side portion of the float 61 is supported by three or more point contacts or line contacts, the float 61 can be stably supported while being movable up and down.

(5) As shown in fig. 6, the detergent box 51 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to contain a softener (softener) in addition to a detergent, and the washing machine 100 includes: another float (float 61 b) which moves up and down according to the remaining amount of the softener contained in the detergent box 51; a second guide portion (guide portion 59 b) which is disposed around the second float and supports a side portion of the second float so as to be movable up and down; and another float cover (float cover 62 b) that restricts upward movement of the other float. The other float cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from an upper portion of the other guide portion.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can prevent the float 61 from being lost even in a portion containing the softener (softener), and can improve the cleaning performance around the float 61 of the detergent box 51.

As described above, according to the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, even in a portion where the softener (softener) is contained, the float 61 is less likely to be lost, and the cleaning performance around the float 61 of the detergent box 51 can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments are examples of the present invention described in detail for easy understanding and are not limited to the configuration in which all the components described are necessarily provided. 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.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the washing machine 100 includes the drying unit 140 has been described, but the washing machine 100 may have a structure without the drying unit 140, that is, may have only a washing function and not a drying function.

For example, the washing machine 100 may be a washing machine of a type other than a drum type, such as a vertical type.

For example, the float 61 (see fig. 6 and 7) of the washing machine 100 according to the above embodiment has a conical shape. In the washing machine 100, the shaft 594 provided on the bottom surface of the detergent box 51 is inserted through the through hole 611 of the float 61 so as to stably move the float 61 up and down. In such a washing machine 100, the shaft 594 is provided on the bottom surface of the detergent box 51, which complicates the structure of the detergent box 51 and increases the manufacturing cost. Such a washing machine 100 can be modified as in the washing machine 100A shown in fig. 8 and 9, for example. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent dispenser 50 of the washing machine 100A according to the modification. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the float of the detergent dispenser 50 of the washing machine 100A according to the modification.

The washing machine 100A (see fig. 8 and 9) according to the modification differs from the washing machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment in that instead of conical floats 61a and 61b (see fig. 6 and 7), cylindrical floats 161a and 161b are provided. Hereinafter, the floats 161a and 161b will be collectively referred to as "floats 161".

The float 161 of the washing machine 100A (see fig. 8 and 9) according to the modification has a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, in the washing machine 100A (see fig. 8 and 9) according to the modification, the float 161 can be stably moved up and down by three or more (three in the example of the figure) guide portions 59 disposed around the float 161 without using the shaft portion 594 (see fig. 7).

Like the washing machine 100 (see fig. 6 and 7) of the above-described embodiment, the washing machine 100A (see fig. 8 and 9) of this modification can prevent the float 161 from being lost, and can improve the cleaning performance around the float 161 of the detergent box 51. Further, since the washing machine 100A (see fig. 8 and 9) of the modification does not need to provide the shaft portion 594 (see fig. 7), the structure of the detergent box 51 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed as compared with the washing machine 100 (see fig. 6 and 7) of the above-described embodiment.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1, 2, and 10 to 34.

As a conventional art, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2013-111276 describes a washing machine including a detergent input unit in which a detergent input portion for pre-washing (pre-washing) and a detergent input portion for main washing (main washing) are arranged side by side in a lateral direction, and a softener input portion for softener (softener) is arranged between these detergent input portions.

In addition, there is a form in which a type of detergent or softener is automatically added instead of a type of detergent or softener manually added to the washing machine. In addition, large-sized parts for inputting detergents and softeners are configured as dedicated parts in the manual input type and the automatic input type, respectively.

In the manual throw-in type having no automatic throw-in function described in the above publication, the pre-wash and the main wash are separately routed and separately supplied, but the softener is supplied with the following means: the water is supplied to the softener input part by simultaneously supplying water for pre-washing and main washing, so that the water collides.

However, since the detergent box, which is a large-sized component, is not shared by the models of the automatic input type and the manual input type, it is necessary to design and manufacture the detergent box for each model of the mounting system, which is costly. In addition, in the model with the manual input type, there is a risk that water is not sufficiently supplied to the softener input part and the softener is dissolved and remains. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of reducing the cost and suppressing the risk of dissolution and residue of a softener.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum-type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the structure and operation of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to fig. 1, 10, and 2. In the present embodiment, the horizontal direction when the washing machine 100 is viewed from the viewpoint of the user is the left-right direction, the height direction is the up-down direction, and the depth direction is the front-back direction.

As shown in fig. 1, a washing machine 100 (washing machine) is an in-tub washing machine, and is configured to include a casing 11, a washing tub (an outer tub 10 and a drum 14, see fig. 10), and a water supply unit 30 (a detergent-based water supply unit). In fig. 1, a water supply unit 30A (manual input water supply unit) and a water supply unit 30B (automatic input water supply unit) described later are collectively referred to as a water supply unit 30.

The casing 11 is formed of an integral steel plate, and is composed of a casing body 11b having a U-shape when viewed from above, a bottom plate (not shown) disposed below the casing body 11b, a front surface cover 11a (see fig. 2) covering the front surface of the casing body 11b, and an upper surface cover 11c disposed above. A door 12 is arranged on the front surface of the housing 11 to be openable and closable.

A water supply hose connection port (not shown) for supplying water from the faucet to the washing machine 100 is provided at an upper portion of the rear surface of the housing 11. The door 12 is openably and closably supported by a hinge provided in the front face cover 11a (see fig. 2). The door 12 is provided with a door opening handle 12a, and the door 12 is locked and closed by pushing the door 12 against a front cover 11a (see fig. 2) by pulling the door opening handle 12a forward to disengage the lock mechanism and open the door toward the front side.

The door 12 is provided with an operation unit 13 in which an operation switch or the like is arranged. The operation unit 13 is of a glass touch panel type, and is electrically connected to a control unit 20 (see fig. 2) provided in the housing 11.

As shown in fig. 10, the front cover 11a and the opening of the outer tub 10 have circular openings concentric with each other for allowing laundry to enter and exit. A drain hose (not shown) for draining water is attached to the back surface of the housing 11.

An outer tub 10 for storing water is provided inside a casing 11 of the washing machine 100. The outer tub 10 accommodates a drum 14 for accommodating laundry therein. The outer tank 10 is suspended from the housing 11 via a spring (not shown), and is suspended from the left and right at the center of gravity of the outer tank 10. The lower portion of the outer tub 10 is supported by a vibration preventing member 112 fixed to the housing 11.

A rotary shaft 4 connected to the drum 14 is provided behind the outer tub 10, and a pulley 5 is connected to the rotary shaft 4. A motor 113 is connected to the pulley 5 via a belt 6. The motor 113 rotates the driving roller 14 via the belt 6, the pulley 5, and the rotation shaft 4. The control unit 20 controls the rotational speed of the motor 113. The rotation shaft 4 coupled to the drum 14 is set to be horizontal. However, the rotation center axis of the drum 14 may be inclined so that the opening side of the outer tub 10 is raised.

The control unit 20 obtains a sensor value of a vibration sensor (not shown) provided in the washing machine 100. In the spin-drying step, if the vibration amplitude of the outer tub 10 detected by the vibration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value based on the unbalance of the laundry put into the drum, the spin-drying step is suspended, the drum 14 is rotated forward or backward, the unbalance of the laundry is corrected, and the spin-drying step is performed again. When the motor 113 is driven, the drum 14 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions.

The drum 14 includes, on its inner peripheral surface: a plurality of dehydration holes 14a for discharging the washing water in the drum to the outer tub 10; and a plurality of baffles 15 arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the drum 14 for lifting the laundry put into the drum. The baffle 15 is provided to extend in the front-rear direction of the drum 14.

The opening of the outer tub 10 and the inlet of the housing 11 are connected by a bellows 16 that is easily stretchable in the front-rear direction. Bellows 16 is formed of an annular elastic member and seals drum 14 by closing door 12. The inlet of the housing 11, the opening of the outer tub 10, and the opening of the drum 14 are communicated, and by opening the door 12, laundry can be put into and taken out of the drum 14.

As shown in fig. 2, a water supply unit 30 is provided at the upper part of the housing 11 and at the front part of a water supply hose connection port (not shown), and the water supply unit 30 is provided with a water supply valve 31. The washing machine 100 is provided with either one of a manual-input-type water supply unit 30A (manual-input-type water supply unit) having a function of manually inputting a detergent and a softener (softener) alone or an automatic-input-type water supply unit 30B (automatic-input-type water supply unit) having a function of automatically inputting a detergent and a softener (softener) and a function of manually inputting a detergent and a softener (softener), depending on the model to be manufactured. The details of the water supply units 30A and 30B will be described later.

A drying unit 140 for drying laundry is provided at an upper portion of the housing 11 (the outer tub 10). The drying unit 140 includes: a heating part 141 provided with a heater for heating air; and a blower fan 142 for delivering air to the heating section 141.

The control unit 20, the drying unit 140, and the water supply unit 30 of the present embodiment extend in the front-rear direction of the housing 11, and the control unit 20, the drying unit 140, and the water supply unit 30 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

When the water supply valve 31 is opened during washing, water flows in from the water supply hose connection port and is supplied to the outer tub 10 via the water supply unit 30. A detergent is previously placed in the water supply unit 30, and the detergent is put into the outer tub 10 together with the supplied water. In addition, similarly, during rinsing, the softener is fed into the outer tank 10 together with the supplied water from the water supply unit 30.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a casing of the drum type washing machine removed. Fig. 11 shows a state in which the control unit 20, the drying unit 140, and the like are removed in addition to the housing.

As shown in fig. 11, a water supply unit 30 for supplying a liquid containing water, detergent, softener, etc. into the outer tank 10 is provided on the upper left side of the outer tank 10. The outflow port of the water supply unit 30 is connected to the outer tank 10 via a supply pipe 35. The supply pipe 35 is provided with a water seal trap 35a and a rubber bellows 35b.

Next, a drum-type washing machine equipped with a manual input type water supply unit 30A will be described with reference to fig. 12 to 25.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the manual input water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 12, the water supply unit 30A (manual input water supply unit) includes a detergent box 40A (manual input detergent box), a detergent box 55 (manual input detergent box), and a shower box 60A (first manual input water supply box), and is made of, for example, resin.

The detergent box 40A is configured to be able to be drawn out in the front-rear direction with respect to the detergent box 55. The shower box 60A is mounted on the upper portion of the detergent box 55, and is configured to be able to be supplied like a shower from the upper surface of the detergent box 40A. An outflow port 50a connected to the inside of the outer tub 10 (see fig. 11) is formed behind the bottom surface of the detergent box 55. The supply pipe 35 (see fig. 11) is connected to the outflow port 50a.

The detergent box 40A is mounted in the detergent box 55 through a front surface opening portion 50b opened at the front surface of the detergent box 55. The detergent box 40A includes a door 40A capable of closing the front opening 50b of the detergent box 55, and a tray 40b extending rearward from the rear surface of the door 40A and serving as a portion into which detergent or the like is put. A front surface of the door 40A is formed with a button (not shown) for a user to insert a finger to perform an access operation of the detergent box 40A. A pair of left and right flange-shaped guides 40c, 40c extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the left and right side portions of the upper portion of the tray portion 40b. The detergent box 40A is supported between the detergent box 55 and the shower box 60A by guides 40c, 40c.

In the tray portion 40b of the detergent box 40A, a main-washing detergent loading chamber 43 (main-washing detergent loading portion, hereinafter referred to as main-washing detergent loading chamber), a pre-washing (pre-washing) detergent loading chamber 44 (pre-washing detergent loading portion, hereinafter referred to as pre-washing detergent loading chamber) provided separately from the main-washing detergent loading chamber 43, and a softener loading chamber (softener loading portion) 45 are formed to extend in parallel from the deep side toward the near front side in the extraction direction (front-rear direction) of the detergent box 40A.

The main washing detergent supply chamber 43 is a supply chamber for supplying a detergent (hereinafter, the same applies to a powder detergent) used for main washing. The pre-washing detergent supply chamber 44 is a supply chamber for supplying a detergent used for pre-washing when a program for performing pre-washing is selected. The softener input chamber 45 is an input chamber for inputting a softener (liquid) that is used for final rinsing and softens laundry.

The main detergent input chamber 43 and the pre-detergent input chamber 44 are box-shaped with upper and deep side openings, and the bottom surface is an inclined surface with a high front side and a low deep side. Foreign matter passing prevention bars 43c, 44c are provided slightly before the deep side edges 43a, 44a from which the detergent and water of the main detergent input chamber 43 and the pre-detergent input chamber 44 flow out, respectively.

The softener input chamber 45 has a box shape with an upper opening. The softener input chamber 45 is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction shorter than that of the main detergent input chamber 43 and the pre-detergent input chamber 44. In addition, a siphon 46 is provided in the softener inlet chamber 45. The siphon 46 is composed of a siphon pipe 46a standing on the bottom surface and a siphon cap 46b covering the siphon pipe 46 a. The liquid containing the softener and water introduced into the softener introduction chamber 45 flows out to the detergent tank 55 through a gap (not shown) between the siphon pipe 46a and the siphon cap 46 b.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the back side of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 15 is a rear view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 13, the softener input chamber 45 is formed between the main detergent input chamber 43 provided on the left side and the pre-detergent input chamber 44 provided on the right side in the width direction orthogonal to the extraction direction (front-rear direction) of the detergent box 40A. With this configuration, as will be described later, the water supply to the main detergent loading chamber 43, the pre-detergent loading chamber 44, and the softener loading chamber 45 can be switched by using the two solenoid valves 31a and 31b (see fig. 11) in the water supply valve 31 (see fig. 11).

The front end edge 45a of the softener input chamber 45 is provided further to the depth than the front end edge 43b of the main washing detergent input chamber 43 and the front end edge 44b of the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44. In the detergent box 40A, a partition wall 47 is formed to extend from the outer surface of the front end wall of the softener input chamber 45 toward the front side, and the partition wall 47 divides the front side of the main detergent input chamber 43 and the front side of the pre-detergent input chamber 44. The deep side edge 45b of the softener input chamber 45 is located on the front side of the deep side edge 43a of the main detergent input chamber 43 and the deep side edge 44a of the pre-detergent input chamber 44.

With this configuration, the opening width W1 of the main detergent input chamber 43 and the opening width W2 of the pre-detergent input chamber 44 on the front side can be ensured to be wider than the case where the front end edges of the main detergent input chamber 43, the pre-detergent input chamber 44 and the softener input chamber 45 are aligned substantially identically. Further, since the partition wall 47 extends from the outer surface of the front end wall of the softener input chamber 45 toward the front side, both the opening widths W1 and W2 can be enlarged in a balanced manner.

The depth side edge 43a of the main washing detergent input chamber 43 is formed to be narrower than the front side channel width W3. The depth side edge 44a of the pre-washing detergent supply chamber 44 is formed to be narrower than the near front side channel width W4. The deep side edge 44a of the pre-washing detergent loading chamber 44 is formed so that the flow path is inclined toward the main washing detergent loading chamber 43. That is, the flow path of the deep side edge 44a of the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 is formed to face the outflow port 50a (see fig. 12).

As shown in fig. 14, the detergent box 40A is formed such that a bottom surface 43d in which the main washing detergent input chamber 43 is formed is higher than a bottom surface 44d in which the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 is formed. In other words, the main detergent input chamber 43 is formed deeper than the pre-detergent input chamber 44.

As shown in fig. 15, the detergent box 40A is formed with a softener receiving portion 48 extending in the front-rear direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface) below the softener input chamber 45. The softener receiving portion 48 is a concave flow path, and extends rearward from a lower portion of the softener receiving portion 48. Thus, the liquid containing the softener and water flowing out from the softener input chamber 45 via the siphon 46 flows out from the detergent box 40A to the detergent box 55 through the softener receiving portion 48. Thus, the softener flows out to the detergent box 55 at a position close to the outflow port 50a, whereby the softener can be prevented from remaining.

Returning to fig. 12, the detergent box 55 has the following functions: the water containing the detergent or the water containing the softener flowing from the detergent box 40A is received and transferred to the outer tub 10. Further, the detergent box 55 is formed with an upper surface opening 50c whose entire upper surface is opened. The shower box 60A is mounted on the upper side of the detergent box 55 so as to cover the entire upper surface opening 50c. At this time, the plurality of claw portions 50d provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the upper portion of the detergent box 55 are engaged with the plurality of engagement holes 60A provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the shower box 60A, respectively, and the shower box 60A is fixed to the detergent box 55 by screw members (not shown). The detergent box 55 and the shower box 60A are fixed to the housing 11 via components not shown (see fig. 2).

The detergent box 55 has a bottom surface 56 constituting a bottom surface, a left side surface 57 rising from a left end edge portion of the bottom surface 56, a right side surface 58 rising from a right end edge portion of the bottom surface 56, and a rear surface 54 rising from a rear end edge portion of the bottom surface 56.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 18 is a front view of the detergent box of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 19 is a rear view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 20 is a side view of the detergent tank of the manual input water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 16, the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 has an inclined surface that decreases from the near front side toward the deep side. The detergent box 55 is formed with a stepped portion 56b which is formed to be higher one step from the bottom surface 56 toward the right side surface 58. The step portion 56b extends in the front-rear direction, and is formed so that a depth side is larger than a near-front side width midway in the front-rear direction. Further, the upper surface 56c of the stepped portion 56b is inclined from the right end toward the left side, and the liquid is caused to flow toward the outflow port 50 a.

As shown in fig. 17, a guide flow path 56d for guiding the liquid from the front side to the outflow port 50a is formed in the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 toward the deep side from the front-rear direction center. The guide flow path 56d is formed by protruding portions 56e, 56f, 56g protruding from the bottom surface 56.

Further, two ribs 56h, 56i for guiding the liquid from the front right side toward the deep side of the detergent box 55 are formed on the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55. The ribs 56h, 56i are formed to extend from the right side to the left side and to curve toward the guide flow path 56d.

As shown in fig. 18, the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 is beveled to prevent interference with the outer tub 10 (see fig. 10), and is shallow on the right and deep on the left when viewed from the front (front).

As shown in fig. 19, through holes 54a and 54b into which the automatic pipe for input is inserted are formed in the rear surface 54 of the detergent box 55. The through holes 54a and 54b are not used in the manual input water supply unit 30A.

As shown in fig. 20, the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 is inclined so as to descend from the near front side toward the deep side. Further, a recess 56j is formed at a position where the step portion 56b (see fig. 16) is formed.

The supply pipe 35 is formed at a position where the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 is the lowest on the left deep side (deep side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) of the bottom surface 56, and the outflow port 50a is formed in the supply pipe 35 (see fig. 12).

According to this structure, even if the detergent drops onto the bottom surface 56 on the front side of the detergent box 55 in a state where the detergent box 40A is pulled out, the supplied water is transported along the inclined surface 56a to the bottom surface on the front side of the detergent box 55, and then is transported along the inclined surface 56a toward the outlet 50A together with the detergent, so that the dropped detergent is prevented from remaining at this position and accumulating.

Returning to fig. 12, the shower box 60A includes: a thin box-shaped main body portion 61A having a bottom wall 61c formed with water spray holes 65a, 66a, 67 a; and a plate-like shower box cover 62A (see two-dot chain line) that covers the upper side of the main body 61A. The main body 61A includes a thin box-shaped water supply chamber 63 and an inflow portion 64 extending from a deep side of the water supply chamber 63 toward a near front side and integrally formed with the water supply chamber 63.

The inflow portion 64 has a flow path 64a for supplying water to the main washing water supply chamber 65 and a flow path 64b for supplying water to the pre-washing water supply chamber 66 at the left deep side end. The flow paths 64a and 64b are formed by ribs rising from the bottom surface inside, and two flow paths are formed. Flow inlets 64c and 64d are formed in the flow paths 64a and 64b, respectively. The solenoid valves 31a and 31b (see fig. 11) are connected to the inflow ports 64c and 64d via hoses (not shown).

The water supply chamber 63 is partitioned into three chambers by a partition wall, and includes a main washing water supply chamber 65, a pre-washing water supply chamber 66, and a softener water supply chamber 67.

The main washing water supply chamber 65 is formed on the left side of the shower box 60A, above the main washing detergent input chamber 43 of the detergent box 40A, and a plurality of water spray holes 65a are formed on the bottom surface.

The pre-washing water supply chamber 66 is formed on the right side of the shower box 60A, above the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 of the detergent box 40A, and a plurality of water spray holes 66a are formed in the bottom surface.

The softener water supply chamber 67 is formed near the center of the shower box 60A in the width direction, is located above the softener input chamber 45 of the detergent box 40A, and has a plurality of water spray holes 67a formed in the bottom surface.

As shown in fig. 21, the flow path 64a of the inflow portion 64 includes: a first flow path 64a1 extending from the inflow port 64c to the front in a short manner; a second flow path 64a2 extending from the left side toward the right end side at the front end of the first flow path 64a1; and a third flow path 64a3 extending obliquely from the right end of the second flow path 64a2 so as to approach from the right side to the left-right direction center side of the main body portion 61A as going forward in the front-rear direction.

The flow path 64b of the inflow portion 64 includes: a first flow path 64b1 extending forward from the inflow port 64d to the same extent as the first flow path 64a1; a second flow path 64b2 extending from the left side to the right side in a short manner at the tip end of the first flow path 64b1; and a third flow passage 64b3 extending obliquely from the right end of the second flow passage 64b2 so as to approach from the left-right direction center side of the main body portion 61A as going forward in the front-rear direction.

Thus, the tip of the third flow channel 64a3 and the tip of the third flow channel 64b3 are disposed in close proximity. A tolerance water supply chamber 68 (tolerance water supply portion) is formed at the front end of the third flow path 64a3 and the front end of the third flow path 64b3. The tolerance water supply chamber 68 allows both the water supplied through the flow path 64a and the water supplied through the flow path 64b to pass through. Rectangular through holes 69, 69 penetrating in the up-down direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) are formed on the left and right sides of the tolerance water supply chamber 68. The water falling from the through hole 69 flows out to the detergent box 55.

The main washing water supply chamber 65 includes: a first flow path 65b formed at a position facing the third flow path 64a3 with the tolerance supply chamber 68 interposed therebetween; a second flow path 65c extending from the first flow path 65b to the tip; a third flow channel 65d extending so as to curve to the left and turn back rearward at the tip of the second flow channel 65 c; and a fourth flow path 65e that extends so as to curve rightward and turn backward at the tip of the second flow path 65 c. The fourth channel 65e is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction shorter than that of the third channel 65 d. Further, a plurality of water spray holes 65a are formed near the distal ends of the second flow path 65c, the third flow path 65d, and the fourth flow path 65e, respectively (see fig. 12).

The pre-washing water supply chamber 66 includes: a first flow path 66b located opposite to the third flow path 64b3 with a tolerance water supply chamber 68 interposed therebetween; a second flow path 66c extending from the first flow path 66b to the tip; a third flow path 66d extending so as to curve rightward and turn backward at the front end of the second flow path 66 c; and a fourth flow path 66e that extends in such a manner as to curve toward the left at the front end of the second flow path 66c and turn back rearward. The fourth flow path 66e is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction shorter than that of the third flow path 66 d. The third flow path 66d is formed longer than the second flow path 65 c. In addition, a plurality of water spray holes 66a are formed near the distal ends of the second flow path 66c, the third flow path 66d, and the fourth flow path 66e, respectively. Further, a sprinkler hole 66a is formed near the rear end of the third flow path 66 d.

The softener water supply chamber 67 is configured to have an inlet 67b formed between the first channel 65b and the first channel 66b, and channels 67c and 67c arranged in a left-right arrangement on the front side of the inlet 67 b. In addition, a plurality of water spray holes 67a are formed near the front side of each flow path 67c. The inlet 67b is formed narrower than the width of the two flow paths 67c.

As shown in fig. 22, in the main body 61A of the shower box 60A, the length of the third flow passages 64a3, 64b3 in the front-rear direction is set to a, and the length of the tolerance supply chamber 68 in the front-rear direction is set to b, so that the length a is about twice the length b. Accordingly, when the inclination angle of the third flow channel 64a3 with respect to the front-rear direction O1 is set to θ1, the inclination angle θ1 can be reduced as compared with a case where the length dimension a and the length dimension b are made substantially the same length or as compared with a case where the length dimension a is shorter than the length dimension b. The inclination angle θ1 is, for example, 30 ° or more and 35 ° or less (30 to 35 °).

Further, if the inclination angle of the third flow channel 64b3 with respect to the front-rear direction O1 is θ2, the inclination angle θ2 can be reduced as compared with a case where the length dimension a and the length dimension b are made substantially the same length or a case where the length dimension a is shorter than the length dimension b. The inclination angle θ2 is, for example, 30 ° or more and 35 ° or less (30 to 35 °).

Further, by setting the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 to the same angle, control when water is supplied to the softener water supply chamber 67 is easy.

As shown in fig. 21, when the solenoid valve 31a (see fig. 11) is turned on (opened), water supplied from the water supply hose connection port through the solenoid valve 31a flows into the flow path 64a of the inflow portion 64 from the inflow port 64c, is discharged in the P direction, and is supplied to the main washing water supply chamber 65. When the solenoid valve 31b (see fig. 11) is turned on (opened), the water supplied from the water supply hose connection port through the solenoid valve 31b flows into the flow path 64b of the inflow portion 64 from the inflow port 64d, is discharged in the Q direction, and is supplied to the pre-washing water supply chamber 66. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 31a and the solenoid valve 31b are simultaneously turned on (opened), water supplied from the water supply hose connection port through the solenoid valves 31a and 31b flows into the flow paths 64a and 64b through the inflow ports 64c and 64d, respectively, and then is simultaneously discharged in the P direction and the Q direction, and the two are collided with each other to change the flow direction to the R direction (front) corresponding to the middle of the P direction and the Q direction, thereby being supplied to the softener water supply chamber 67. In this way, the water supply switching in three directions can be performed using the two solenoid valves 31a, 31 b.

In addition, if water remains in the shower box 60A when the water supply is stopped, mold may be generated in the shower box 60A after a lapse of a certain period of time in this state. As a countermeasure, grooves 65m, 66m, 67m connecting at least two or more of the plurality of water spray holes 65a, 66a, 67a are formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 61c of the shower box 60A, respectively. In the present embodiment, all the water spray holes 65a are connected by the grooves 65m, all the water spray holes 66a are connected by the grooves 66m, and all the water spray holes 67a are connected by the grooves 67m.

With this configuration, water remaining in the shower box 60A flows into the grooves 65m, 66m, and 67m, and is condensed by surface tension, and is discharged from the water spray holes 65a, 66a, and 67a connected to the grooves 65m, 66m, and 67m. This can reduce the residual water amount in the shower box 60A, and can suppress the generation of mold in the shower box 60A.

The inner diameter R1 (diameter) of the plurality of water spray holes 67a formed in the groove 67m is larger than the inner diameters R2 and R3 (diameter) of the water spray holes 65a and 66 a. In this way, the condensed water easily falls down from the sprinkler hole 67a by its own weight. The bottom wall of the softener water supply chamber 67 is formed with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and thus the residual water amount in the softener water supply chamber 67 is reduced.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is drawn out in the manual input water supply unit. In fig. 23, the illustration of the shower box cover 62A of the shower box 60A is omitted.

As shown in fig. 23, the upper portion of the detergent box 55 is covered with the shower box 60A, and the detergent box 40 is configured to be freely drawn out in the front-rear direction from the front surface opening 50b of the detergent box 55. Fig. 23 shows a state in which the detergent box 40A is maximally drawn out, and the main detergent loading chamber 43 and the pre-detergent loading chamber 44 are drawn out to a position where detergent can be loaded, and the softener loading chamber 45 is drawn out to a position where softener can be loaded. Although not shown, the restricting member provided in the detergent box 40A prevents the detergent box 40A from being pulled out to the front side of the position shown in fig. 23, thereby preventing the detergent box 40A from falling off.

The detergent box 40A is drawn out from the detergent box 55 to the positions of the foreign matter passing prevention bars 43c and 44 c. Thus, even if the foreign matter is caught by the foreign matter passing prevention bars 43c, 44c, the foreign matter is more easily taken out than in the case where the foreign matter passing prevention bars 43c, 44c are located in the detergent box 55.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 25 is a plan view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the manual input water supply unit. Fig. 24 and 25 show a state in which the shower box 60A is detached from the detergent box 55.

As shown in fig. 24, the detergent box 40A is formed to have a length shorter than the detergent box 55 in the front-rear direction. Thus, when the detergent box 40A is stored, the deep side edges 43a and 44a of the detergent box 40A are positioned on the front side of the outflow port 50A. Therefore, the water containing the detergent and the water containing the softener flow into the guide flow path 56d of the bottom surface 56.

Further, a stepped support portion 52a extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper portion of the inner wall of the left side surface 57, and a left guide 40c of the detergent box 40A is placed thereon. In the same manner, a step-shaped support portion 58a (see fig. 16) extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the upper portion of the inner wall of the right side surface 58, and the right guide 40c of the detergent box 40A is placed thereon. Thereby, the detergent box 40A is supported with a gap between the lower surface thereof and the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55, and is slidable in the front-rear direction.

As shown in fig. 25, the main-washing detergent liquid flowing out from the deep side edge 43a of the main-washing detergent input chamber 43 flows out to the guide flow path 56d and flows into the inflow outlet 50a. The pre-washing detergent liquid flowing out from the deep side edge 44a of the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 falls on the step 56b, passes through the guide flow path 56d along the inclination of the step 56b, and flows into the outflow port 50a. The liquid flowing out from the bottom of the softener inlet chamber 45 flows rearward on the softener receiving portion 48, flows out to the guide flow path 56d side, and flows into the outflow port 50a.

Next, the operation of the washing machine 100 mounted with the water supply unit 30A will be described.

When the user first pulls the operation portion of the door portion 40A of the detergent box 40A toward the front side during washing, the tray portion 40b of the detergent box 40A is pulled out from the front surface opening portion 50b of the detergent box 55 (see fig. 23).

Next, the user inputs the detergent into the main washing detergent input chamber 43. When the program for pre-washing is selected, the user inputs the detergent into the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 in the same manner. Hereinafter, the case of performing the pre-washing will be described. If necessary, a bleaching agent is added in addition to the detergent. Further, the user inputs the softener into the softener input chamber 45. When the addition of the detergent and the softener is completed, the user pushes the door 40A of the detergent box 40A to the deep side, and stores the tray 40b in the detergent box 55.

When the washing process is started, a pre-washing is first performed. That is, the solenoid valve 31b (see fig. 11) is turned on (opened), and the water from the water supply hose connection port is sent in the Q direction in the shower box 60A and flows into the pre-washing water supply chamber 66 (see fig. 21). The water flows down into the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 of the detergent box 40A from the plurality of water spray holes 66a formed in the bottom wall of the pre-washing water supply chamber 66, and uniformly sprays the water, so that the detergent therein flows into the detergent box 55. Then, the water is supplied into the outer tank 10 from a water supply port (not shown) of the outer tank 10 through the water seal trap portion 35a (see fig. 11) by the supply pipe 35 through the water outlet 50a of the detergent tank 55 together with the detergent.

The liquid containing water, detergent, bleaching agent, etc. flowing out from the outlet of the water seal trap 35a is directly introduced from the water supply port formed at the bottom wall of the outer tub 10 to the lower part of the outer tub 10, and therefore, the liquid does not flow into the drum 14. This can prevent the occurrence of discoloration and uneven color due to direct contact of the detergent or the high-concentration liquid (stock solution) of the bleaching agent with the laundry.

When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts pre-washing of the laundry.

When the pre-washing is completed, the washing machine 100 opens a drain valve (not shown), drains the washing water in the outer tub 10, and rotates the drum 14 to spin-dry.

Then, main washing is performed. That is, the electromagnetic valve 31a (see fig. 11) is turned on (opened), and the water from the water supply hose connection port is supplied in the P direction in the shower box 60A and flows into the main washing water supply chamber 65 (see fig. 21). The water flows down into the main washing detergent input chamber 43 of the detergent box 40A from the plurality of water spray holes 65a formed in the bottom wall of the main washing water supply chamber 65, and uniformly sprays water, so that the detergent therein flows into the detergent box 55. Then, the water is supplied from the water supply port of the outer tank 10 into the outer tank 10 through the water seal trap portion 35a by passing through the water outlet 50a of the detergent tank 55 together with the detergent through the supply pipe 35.

When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts main washing of the laundry. When the main washing is completed, the washing machine 100 opens a drain valve (not shown), drains the washing water in the outer tub 10, and rotates the drum 14 to spin-dry. The main wash and the dewatering after the main wash are substantially the same as the above-described pre-wash and the dewatering after the pre-wash.

Next, a rinsing step is performed. First, for example, the solenoid valve 31a is turned on (opened), and water from the water supply hose connection port is supplied into the outer tub 10 through the main washing detergent input chamber 43 and the detergent box 55 of the detergent box 40A. Further, at this time, the detergent in the main detergent input chamber 43 has already flowed out without being present.

When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts rinsing the laundry. The rinsing is usually carried out 2 to 3 times.

In the final rinsing, the solenoid valves 31a and 31b are simultaneously turned on (opened), and water from the water supply hose connection port is supplied in the direction R in the shower box 60A and flows into the softener water supply chamber 67 (see fig. 21). Here, when the electromagnetic valves 31a and 31b are simultaneously turned on (opened), the water discharged in the P direction collides with the water discharged in the Q direction, and the direction of flow is changed to the R direction (front). In this case, even if water flows slightly in the P direction or the Q direction, the detergent placed in the main detergent input chamber 43 and the pre-detergent input chamber 44 flows out together with the water, and thus, no problem occurs.

The water flows down from the plurality of water spray holes 67a formed in the bottom wall of the softener water supply chamber 67 to the softener input chamber 45 of the detergent box 40A, and is uniformly sprayed. By diluting the softener contained in the softener input chamber 45 with water and raising the water level, water flows out of the siphon pipe 46a of the siphon 46 together with the softener and flows into the detergent tank 55 by the siphon action. Then, the water passes through the outflow port 50a of the detergent tank 55 together with the softener, and is supplied from the water supply port of the outer tank 10 into the outer tank 10 through the water seal trap portion 35a by the supply pipe 35.

When the rinsing process is completed, the washing machine 100 discharges the washing water in the tub 10, rotates the drum 14, spin-dries the water, and terminates the washing.

In addition, since the water remaining in the shower box 60A after the completion of the washing is discharged from the water spray holes 65a and 66a through the grooves 65m and 66m, the residual water amount in the shower box 60A can be reduced, and the generation of mold can be suppressed.

Next, a drum-type washing machine (washing machine) 100 equipped with a water supply unit 30B (automatic input water supply unit) will be described with reference to fig. 26 to 36.

As shown in fig. 26, the water supply unit 30B (automatic input water supply unit) includes a detergent box 40B (automatic input detergent box), a detergent box 55 (automatic input detergent box), and a shower box 60B (second manual input water supply box), and is made of, for example, resin. Thus, the detergent box 55 of the water supply unit 30B is shared with the detergent box 55 of the water supply unit 30A. That is, the detergent box 55 of the water supply unit 30B is identical to the detergent box 55 of the water supply unit 30A. The same means the same shape, and the same mold is used for resin molding.

The detergent box 40B is configured to be able to be drawn out in the front-rear direction with respect to the detergent box 55.

The shower box 60B is mounted on the upper portion of the detergent box 55, and is configured to be able to be supplied to the upper surface of the detergent box 40B like a shower. The shower box 60B is configured to include: a thin box-shaped main body 91 having a bottom wall 91a formed with water spray holes 92a, 93 a; and a plate-shaped shower box cover 92 (see two-dot chain line) that covers the upper side of the main body 91.

The shower box 60B has a thin box-shaped water supply chamber 94. The water supply chamber 94 has two flow paths 94a and 94b extending from the left deep side end portion toward the front side. The flow paths 94a, 94b are formed by ribs rising from the bottom wall 91 a. The flow paths 94a and 94b have inflow openings 94c and 94d for water supply formed at the left deep side end. The electromagnetic valves 31a and 31b (see fig. 11) are connected to the inflow ports 94c and 94d.

The plurality of claw portions 50d provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the upper portion of the detergent box 55 are engaged with the plurality of engagement holes 90a provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the shower box 60B, respectively, and the shower box 60B is fixed to the detergent box 55 by a screw member (not shown). The detergent box 55 and the shower box 60B are fixed to the housing 11 via components not shown (see fig. 2).

As shown in fig. 27, the detergent box 40B includes a detergent box body 41 and a detergent box cover 42.

The detergent box main body 41 has: a detergent accommodating chamber 171 (detergent accommodating portion) that accommodates a predetermined amount of detergent (liquid) in advance; a softener-containing chamber 172 (softener-containing part) that contains a predetermined amount of softener (liquid) in advance; and a detergent loading chamber 173 (manual detergent loading unit) for manually loading the detergent. The detergent storage chamber 171 and the softener storage chamber 172 are used as containers for automatic input, and each time a washing (main washing or pre-washing) is performed, an appropriate amount of detergent is sucked from the detergent storage chamber 171 by a pump (not shown), and an appropriate amount of softener is sucked from the softener storage chamber 172 by a pump (not shown).

The detergent accommodating chamber 171 is formed by forming the accommodating portion 171a having a width in the left-right direction on the near front side, forming the accommodating portion 71b elongated in the front-rear direction at the center in the left-right direction, and forming the accommodating portion 71c on the left-deep side as one room (space).

The softener accommodating chamber 172 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction on the right side in the left-right direction. In addition, the softener accommodating chamber 172 is formed shallower than the detergent accommodating chamber 171. This is because the step 56b of the detergent box 55 is formed so as to protrude below the softener accommodating chamber 172, and is provided as described above so as not to interfere with the step. By disposing the softener accommodating chamber 172 at such a position, it is possible to ensure that a much larger amount of detergent is accommodated than is used for the softener.

Further, floats 75a and 75b for detecting the remaining amount are provided in the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and the softener accommodating chamber 172. The floats 75a and 75b are provided with covers 75c and 75d for preventing the floats 75a and 75b from flying out. The floats 75a and 75b are supported to move in the vertical direction, and the magnetic force of the magnets provided in the floats 75a and 75b is detected to thereby detect the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener.

The detergent input chamber 173 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and is located on the front side of the front-rear direction center. In addition, the front and right sides of the detergent input chamber 173 are covered with partition walls of the detergent accommodating chamber 171. The left side of the detergent inlet chamber 173 is covered with the left side wall of the detergent box body 41.

The detergent box cover 42 is a member covering an upper opening of the detergent box body 41, and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. In addition, the detergent box cover 42 has: a cover 81 that covers the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and the softener accommodating chamber 172; and a softener input chamber 82 (manual softener input section) into which the softener is manually input. In the present embodiment, the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and the cover 81 constitute a detergent accommodating portion, and the softener accommodating chamber 172 and the cover 81 constitute a softener accommodating portion.

The cover 81 is notched with: a detergent filling port 81a as an inlet port for filling the detergent into the detergent accommodating chamber 171; and a softener filling port 81b as an inlet port when filling the softener into the softener accommodating chamber 172. The detergent filling port 81a and the softener filling port 81b are formed in a rectangular shape and arranged in front-rear direction. The detergent filling port 81a and the softener filling port 81b are provided with covers 81c and 81d capable of opening and closing the detergent filling port 81a and the softener filling port 81b.

The softener input chamber 82 is formed at a position overlapping the detergent input chamber 173 in the up-down direction, and has a shape of being fitted into a part of the detergent input chamber 173. In addition, a siphon 83 is provided in the softener inlet chamber 82. As with the siphon 46 described above, the siphon 83 includes a siphon pipe 83a standing on the bottom surface and a siphon cap 83b covering the siphon pipe 83 a. The softener introduced into the softener introduction chamber 82 flows out to the detergent tank 55 together with the supplied water through a gap (not shown) between the siphon pipe 83a and the siphon cap 83 b.

The softener input chamber 82 is not formed of other members, but is formed integrally with the detergent box cover 42 (cover 81) by resin molding. That is, since a gap to be joined to another member is not formed around the periphery (peripheral edge portion) of the softener insertion chamber 82, the softener does not enter the gap.

A detergent box cover 42 is notched with a detergent inlet 84 as an inlet for detergent. The inlet 84 is rectangular and is formed on the front side of the softener inlet chamber 82 and communicates with the detergent inlet chamber 173.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the back side of the detergent box of the automatic water supply unit for input. Fig. 29 is a rear view of the detergent box of the automatic input water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 28, the detergent box body 41 has an outflow port 73a formed at the front end of the detergent inlet chamber 173 and opening to the outside of the detergent box body 41. The outflow port 73a is formed rearward.

As shown in fig. 29, with respect to the detergent box main body 41, the bottom surface 172b constituting the softener accommodating chamber 172 is chamfered, and is shallow on the right side and deep on the left side as viewed from the back (rear).

In addition, a duct 85a for taking out the detergent stored in the detergent storage chamber 171 and a softener duct 85b for taking out the softener stored in the softener storage chamber 172 are formed in the detergent box cover 42. The duct 85a is formed in an L-shape, and extends toward the bottom surface of the detergent accommodating chamber 171 after extending forward. Similarly, the duct 85b is formed in an L-shape, and extends forward and then toward the bottom surface of the softener accommodating chamber 172.

Fig. 30 is a plan view showing a shower box of the automatic water supply unit for throw-in. Fig. 30 shows a state in which the shower box cover 92 is detached from the shower box 60B.

As shown in fig. 30, a plurality of water spray holes 92a are formed in the flow path 94a at positions facing the inlet 84 (see fig. 27) when the detergent box 40B is stored. Adjacent sprinkling holes 92a are connected by grooves 92m to suppress the generation of mold. In addition, a plurality of water spray holes 93a are formed in the flow path 94B at positions facing the softener input chamber (see fig. 27) when the detergent box 40B is stored. Adjacent water spray holes 93a are connected by grooves 93m to suppress the generation of mold.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is drawn out in the automatic input water supply unit. In fig. 31, the illustration of the shower box cover 92 of the shower box 60B is omitted.

As shown in fig. 31, the upper portion of the detergent box 55 is covered with the shower box 60B, and the detergent box 40B is configured to be extractable in the front-rear direction from the front surface opening 50B of the detergent box 55. Fig. 31 shows a state in which the detergent box 40B is maximally pulled out, and the cover 81c of the detergent accommodating chamber 171, the cover 81d of the softener accommodating chamber 172, the inlet 84 of the detergent inlet 173, and the softener inlet 82 are exposed. Although not shown, the restriction member provided in the detergent box 40B prevents the detergent box 40B from being pulled out to the front side from the position shown in fig. 24.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the automatic-input water supply unit. Fig. 32 shows a state in which the shower box 60B is detached from the detergent box 55.

As shown in fig. 32, the detergent box 40B is set to have the following length, unlike the detergent box 40A: when stored in the detergent box 55, the rear end of the detergent box 40B is in contact with the inner wall of the rear surface 54 of the detergent box 55.

The left guide 40d of the detergent box 40B is placed on the support portion 52a (see fig. 24). The guide 40d on the right side of the detergent box 40B is configured to be placed on the support portion 58a (see fig. 25). Thereby, the detergent box 40B is supported in a state of being spaced apart from the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55, and is slidable in the front-rear direction.

Fig. 33 is a sectional view showing a suction mechanism of the detergent in the automatic-feeding water supply unit. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along the front-rear direction at the position of the duct 85a.

As shown in fig. 33, the detergent box cover 42 is integrally formed with a duct 85a formed in a substantially L-shape in cross section by resin molding. The duct 85a has a pipe portion 85a1 extending in the front-rear direction and a pipe portion 85a2 extending in the up-down direction (vertical direction). In addition, the pipe portion 85a2 extends to the bottom surface of the detergent accommodating chamber 171.

The end of the tube portion 85a1 has an opening 85a3 facing rearward. Further, a suction pipe 101 is inserted into the through hole 54a of the detergent box 55, and the tip of the suction pipe 101 protrudes into the detergent box 55. An O-ring (sealing member), not shown, is provided at the distal end of the suction tube 101 to prevent leakage when the suction tube 101 is connected to the pipe 85 a. A suction pump, not shown, is connected to the suction pipe 101, and the detergent is appropriately sucked from the detergent accommodating chamber 171.

When the detergent box 40B is pulled out from the detergent box 55 in the near-front direction, the suction pipe 101 is disengaged from the opening 85a3, and the connection between the suction pipe 101 and the detergent box 40B is released. In contrast, when the detergent box 40B is stored in a state of being pulled out from the detergent box 55, the suction pipe 101 is inserted into the opening 85a3 of the duct 85, and the suction pipe 101 and the duct 85 are connected.

Although not shown, the duct 85b on the softener storage chamber 172 side can be inserted into and removed from the suction pipe protruding from the through hole 54b of the detergent box 55 by the same mechanism as described above. Thereby, the softener can be taken out from the softener accommodating chamber 172.

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic water supply unit for input when the sides of the detergent input portion and the softener input portion are cut off.

As shown in fig. 34, the bottom surface 73b of the detergent input chamber 173 is inclined from the near front side toward the deep side (rear). The detergent loading chamber 173 is formed such that a front side of the bottom surface 73b is a gently curved surface 73c. A gap S1 is formed between the bottom surface 73b and the softener input chamber 82. The outflow port 73a at the rear end of the bottom surface 73b is located rearward of the softener inlet chamber 82. Thus, the detergent introduced from the detergent inlet 84 flows backward on the bottom surface 73B together with the water from the water spray holes 92a of the shower box 60B, and flows out from the outlet 73a to the detergent box 55.

The softener introduced into the softener introduction chamber 82 falls down to the bottom 73B of the detergent introduction chamber 173 via the siphon together with the water supplied from the water spray hole 93a of the shower box 60B. Then, the liquid containing the softener flows out from the outflow port 73a of the bottom surface 73b to the detergent box 55.

Next, the operation of the washing machine 100 mounted with the water supply unit 30B will be described.

During washing, the user first pulls the operation portion of the door portion 40A of the detergent box 40B toward the front side, and at this time, the tray portion 40B of the detergent box 40A is pulled out from the front surface opening portion 50B of the detergent box 55 (see fig. 24). Here, when the detergent necessary for washing remains in the detergent storage chamber 171, and when the softener necessary for washing remains in the softener storage chamber 172, the washing is started without pulling out the detergent box 40B.

When the pre-washing is selected, the pre-washing is first performed when the washing process is started. That is, a suction pump, not shown, is operated to suck an appropriate amount of detergent from the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and deliver the detergent to the outer tub 10. Simultaneously with the suction of the detergent, the other solenoid valve is turned on (opened), and water is mixed with the detergent and supplied into the outer tub 10 from a water supply port (not shown) of the outer tub 10. When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts pre-washing of the laundry. When the pre-washing is completed, the washing machine 100 opens a drain valve (not shown), drains the washing water in the outer tub 10, and rotates the drum 14 to spin-dry.

Then, main washing is performed. That is, a suction pump, not shown, is operated to suck a proper amount of detergent from the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and convey the detergent to the outer tub 10. Simultaneously with the suction of the detergent, the other solenoid valve is turned on (opened), and water and the detergent are mixed and supplied into the outer tub 10 from a water supply port (not shown) of the outer tub 10. When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts main washing of the laundry. When the main washing is completed, the washing machine 100 opens a drain valve (not shown), drains the washing water in the outer tub 10, and rotates the drum 14 to spin-dry.

Next, a rinsing step is performed. First, for example, another solenoid valve is turned on (opened), and water from the water supply hose connection port is supplied into the outer tank 10. When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts rinsing the laundry. The rinsing is usually carried out 2 to 3 times.

In the final rinsing, a suction pump, not shown, is operated to suck a proper amount of the softener from the softener accommodating chamber 172. Simultaneously with the pumping of the softener, another solenoid valve is turned on (opened), and water is mixed with the softener and supplied into the outer tank 10. When the washing water is stored by supplying water to the predetermined water level in the tub 10, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts rinsing the laundry. When the rinsing process is completed, the washing machine 100 discharges the washing water in the tub 10, rotates the drum 14, spin-dries the water, and terminates the washing.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: a housing 11 accommodating the washing tub (the outer tub 10 and the drum 14); and a water supply unit 30 provided in the housing 11 and configured to supply detergents (detergent and softener) to the washing tank. The water supply unit 30 is selectively provided with a water supply unit 30A for manually supplying a detergent and a softener to the washing tub and a water supply unit 30B for automatically supplying a detergent and a softener to the washing tub. The water supply unit 30A includes: a detergent box 40A having a pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 into which a pre-washing detergent is input, a main washing detergent input chamber 43 into which a main washing detergent is input, and a softener input chamber 45 which is disposed between the pre-washing detergent input chamber 44 and the main washing detergent input chamber 43 and into which a softener is input; a shower box 60A provided at an upper portion of the detergent box 40A and supplying water to the pre-washing detergent supply chamber 44, the main washing detergent supply chamber 43, and the softener supply chamber 45; and a detergent box 55 that accommodates the detergent box 40A so as to be able to be drawn out in the front-rear direction. The water supply unit 30B includes: a detergent box 40B having a detergent accommodating chamber 171 accommodating a detergent and a softener accommodating chamber 172 accommodating a softener; and a detergent box 55 that accommodates the detergent box 40B so as to be able to be drawn out in the front-rear direction. The detergent tank 55 of the water supply unit 30A and the detergent tank 55 of the water supply unit 30B are shared. In this way, by sharing the detergent box 55 as a large-sized member, cost reduction can be achieved. Further, by sharing the detergent tank 55, the length of the shower box 60A of the water supply unit 30A in the front-rear direction can be increased, and therefore, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 can be made smaller than before, the amount of water introduced into the softener water supply chamber 67 can be increased, and the risk of dissolution residue of the softener can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the water supply unit 30B includes: a detergent input chamber 173 in which a detergent is manually input; a softener input chamber 82 into which a softener is manually input; and a shower box 60B supplying water to the detergent input chamber 173 and the softener input chamber 82. Thus, even if the function of automatically adding the detergent and the softener is not operated, the detergent and the softener can be added, and the washing can be reliably performed.

In the present embodiment, the shower box 60A includes: the pre-wash water supply portion (first flow path 64b1, second flow path 64b2, third flow path 64b3, first flow path 66b, second flow path 66c, third flow path 66d, fourth flow path 66 e) that supplies water to the pre-wash detergent input chamber 44, the main wash water supply portion (first flow path 64a1, second flow path 64a2, third flow path 64a3, first flow path 65b, second flow path 65c, third flow path 65d, fourth flow path 65 e) that supplies water to the softener input chamber 45, the softener water supply chamber 67 that generates tolerance in the water supply direction from the pre-wash water supply portion and the water supply direction from the main wash water supply portion, and the tolerance water supply chamber 68. When water is supplied to the softener input chamber 45, the water supplied from the pre-wash water supply unit collides with the water supplied from the main wash water supply unit, and the water supply direction is switched to the softener water supply chamber 67. The length a of the main wash water supply part extending obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction in the front-rear direction and the length a of the pre-wash water supply part extending obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction in the front-rear direction are formed to be about twice longer than the length b of the tolerance water supply chamber 68 in the front-rear direction. This can reduce the amount of water supplied from the softener water supply chamber 67, and can reduce the risk of dissolution residue of the softener.

For example, the inclination angle θ1 of the main wash water supply unit (the third flow path 64a 3) with respect to the front-rear direction is 30 to 35 degrees. The inclination angle θ2 of the pre-washing water supply portion (the third flow path 64b 3) with respect to the front-rear direction is 30 to 35 degrees. Thereby, the amount of water introduced into the main wash water supply unit, the pre-wash water supply unit, and the softener water supply chamber 67 can be appropriately controlled.

In the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 are the same angle. Thus, when water is supplied to the softener water supply chamber 67, water is supplied in the same amount, and therefore, control when water is supplied to the softener water supply chamber 67 is easy.

In the present embodiment, water spray holes 65a, 66a, 67a for spraying water to the pre-washing detergent supply chamber 44, the main washing detergent supply chamber 43, and the softener supply chamber 45 are formed in the pre-washing water supply portion, the main washing water supply portion, and the softener supply chamber 67, respectively. The diameter of the water spraying holes 67a formed in the softener water supply chamber 67 is larger than the diameters of the water spraying holes 65a and 66a formed in the pre-washing water supply portion and the main washing water supply portion. Thereby, the risk of dissolution residual of the softener can be further reduced.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments, and includes appropriate combinations and choices of the configurations described in the embodiments, and the configurations thereof can be appropriately modified within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

For example, although the washing machine 100 having the drying function has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to a drum type washing machine having no drying function.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the detergent loading chamber 173 and the softener loading chamber 82 are provided in addition to the detergent loading chamber 171 and the softener loading chamber 172 has been described as the water supply unit 30B, but the automatic loading detergent loading chamber 171 and the automatic loading softener loading chamber 172 may be provided only, and the automatic loading detergent loading chamber 173 may be provided only in addition to the detergent loading chamber 171 and the softener loading chamber 172.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1, 2, 11, and 35 to 37.

As a conventional technology, a drum type washing machine having a drum disposed in a lateral direction is provided with a detection device for detecting a water level of an outer tub of an inner drum (for example, refer to patent document 1). The water level detection device is mounted at a position rearward of the upper side inside the housing (specifically, a position rearward of the rear side of the upper cover of the housing) (see japanese patent application laid-open No. 2021-23740). In the conventional drum-type washing machine, a water level sensor functioning as a water level detecting means is mounted on a water level sensor holder and fastened by screws, whereby the water level sensor is fixed to the water level sensor holder. Then, the water level sensor is mounted in the housing by suspending the water level sensor holder at a position rearward of the upper side of the housing by the hook portion.

However, in the conventional drum-type washing machine, since the water level sensor is fixed by using the screw, the screw may be lost when the water level sensor or the water level sensor holder is replaced. In addition, in the conventional drum-type washing machine, when the water level sensor and the water level sensor bracket are replaced, the user's hand is made to extend into the upper rear part of the inside of the casing to perform the operation. However, the upper rear portion inside the housing is a narrow portion and is located behind the outer groove, and therefore, is a position where it is difficult for the hand to reach. Therefore, the conventional drum-type washing machine is poor in maintainability, and maintenance man-hours are liable to increase.

The invention provides a drum-type washing machine, which can restrain the loss of parts such as screws when replacing a water level sensor and a water level sensor bracket, and can improve the maintainability and reduce the maintenance man-hour.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the drawings are schematically shown only to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the examples of the drawings. In the drawings, common components and identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Integral structure of drum type washing machine

Hereinafter, the overall structure of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1, 2, 35, and 11. Here, the description will be given assuming that the washing machine 100 is a global standard drum type washing machine. A global standard drum-type washing machine is a washing machine of a type that can be assembled to a washstand or the like. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an internal structural view of the washing machine 100. Fig. 2 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 with the upper surface cover 11c and the door 12 removed. Fig. 35 is a front view of an internal structure of the washing machine 100. Fig. 35 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 from the front with the casing 11 removed. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an internal structure of the washing machine 100. Fig. 11 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 from the left obliquely upper side with the casing 11 removed.

The drum 14 is a receiving portion for laundry. The drum 14 is enclosed in an outer tub 10 functioning as a water tub (see fig. 35 and 11). Inside the drum 14, a baffle 15 for lifting the laundry accommodated in the drum 14 is provided. A front cover 11a that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface side of the housing 11. The front surface portion of the outer tub 10 (see fig. 35 and 11) and the front surface cover 11a are sealed with the bellows 16.

The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the washing machine 100. The control unit 20 is mounted to a housing 21 disposed above the drum 14. The water supply unit 30 has a water supply valve 31 to control water supply. The water supply unit 30 is connected to a water supply mechanism, not shown, via a water supply valve 31. The control unit 20 controls the water supply valve 31 to stop taking in water supplied from the outside.

As shown in fig. 35 and 11, the water supply unit 30 includes a shower box 32, a shower box cover 33, and a detergent input unit 50.

The shower box 32 is a box for supplying water to a detergent box 51 (see fig. 11) provided in the detergent input part 50. A flow path for supplying water to a storage portion for a detergent or the like provided in the detergent box 51 is formed in the shower box 32. The shower box 32 injects water from above into a storage portion for detergent and the like provided in the detergent box 51. A shower box cover 33 is attached to the upper part of the shower box 32, and the flow path of the shower box 32 is sealed by the shower box cover 33.

The washing machine 100 includes: a water level sensor 71 for detecting the water level in the outer tank 10, and a water level sensor holder 72 for supporting the water level sensor 71. The water level sensor holder 72 is disposed between the water supply unit 30 and the outer tub 10 and at a position forward of the upper side of the inside of the housing 11. The water level sensor 71 is fitted to the water level sensor holder 72.

The water level sensor 71 is connected to a pipe 73 connected to the outer tank 10, and detects the water level in the outer tank 10 by measuring the pressure in the pipe 73 that fluctuates according to the fluctuation of the water level in the outer tank 10.

Structure of Water level sensor bracket

The overall structure of the water level sensor holder 72 will be described below with reference to fig. 36, 37A, 37B, and 37C. Fig. 36 is a structural view of the vicinity of the water level sensor 71. Fig. 37A, 37B, and 37C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of the water level sensor holder 72.

As shown in fig. 36, the water level sensor holder 72 is mounted to a mounting portion 30a provided at a lower portion of the water supply unit 30. The mounting portion 30a is formed to extend downward from a detergent input portion 50 provided at a lower portion of the water supply unit 30. The mounting portion 30a is provided with a through hole into which a hook portion 72C (see fig. 37A to 37C) of the water level sensor holder 72 is inserted.

As shown in fig. 37A to 37C, the water level sensor holder 72 has an inserted portion 72a, a claw portion 72b, and a hook portion 72C.

The inserted portion 72a is a portion into which the insertion portion 71a (see fig. 36) of the water level sensor 71 is inserted.

The claw portion 72b is a fixing portion that engages with the water level sensor 71 to fix the water level sensor 71.

The hook 72c is an engagement portion engaged with a through hole provided in the mounting portion 30a.

The water level sensor holder 72 is attached to the attachment portion 30a by inserting the hook portion 72c into a through hole provided in the attachment portion 30a (see fig. 36). The water level sensor 71 is attached to the water level sensor holder 72 by inserting an insertion portion 71a (see fig. 36) provided at a lower portion thereof into an insertion portion 72a (see fig. 37A to 37C) provided in the water level sensor holder 72.

As shown in fig. 37A, the inserted portion 72a of the water level sensor holder 72 has a circular ring shape. As shown in fig. 36, the insertion portion 71a of the water level sensor 71 into which the inserted portion 72a is inserted has a cylindrical shape.

Main feature of drum type washing machine

(1) As shown in fig. 11, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: an outer tub 10 disposed in the housing 11, a drum 14 enclosed in the outer tub 10, a water supply unit 30 for supplying detergent and water to the outer tub 10, a water level sensor 71 for detecting the water level in the outer tub 10, and a water level sensor holder 72 for supporting the water level sensor 71. The water level sensor holder 72 is disposed between the water supply unit 30 and the outer tub 10 and at a position forward of the upper side of the inside of the housing 11. The water level sensor 71 is fitted to the water level sensor holder 72.

Since the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment does not use screws to fix the water level sensor, it is possible to prevent the screws and other components from being lost when the water level sensor and the water level sensor holder are replaced. In the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the water level sensor holder 72 is disposed between the water supply unit 30 and the outer tub 10 and at a position forward of the upper side of the inside of the casing 11. The upper front portion of the interior of the case 11 is widened by removing the front face cover 11a, and a place where the hand is easily inserted can be easily secured. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can improve maintenance performance and reduce maintenance man-hours.

(2) As shown in fig. 36, the water level sensor holder 72 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is mounted to a mounting portion 30a provided at a lower portion of the water supply unit 30. The water level sensor 71 is mounted by inserting an insertion portion 71a provided at a lower portion thereof into an inserted portion 72a (see fig. 37A to 37C) provided in the water level sensor holder 72.

In the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the insertion portion 71a (see fig. 36) of the water level sensor 71 is inserted into the insertion portion 72a (see fig. 37A to 37C) of the water level sensor holder 72, whereby the water level sensor 71 can be easily attached to the water level sensor holder 72. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can further improve maintainability and reduce maintenance man-hours.

(3) As shown in fig. 37A, the inserted portion 72a of the water level sensor holder 72 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment has a circular ring shape. As shown in fig. 36, the insertion portion 71a of the water level sensor 71 into which the inserted portion 72a is inserted has a cylindrical shape.

The washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can easily insert the insertion portion 71a having a cylindrical shape into the insertion portion 72a having a circular ring shape. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can further improve maintainability and reduce maintenance man-hours.

(4) As shown in fig. 11 and 36, the water level sensor 71 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is connected to a pipe 73 communicating with the outer tub 10. The water level sensor 71 detects the water level in the outer tank 10 by measuring the pressure in the pipe 73 that fluctuates according to the fluctuation of the water level in the outer tank 10.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can reliably detect the water level in the outer tub 10.

As described above, according to the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress loss of components such as screws when replacing the water level sensor and the water level sensor holder, and to improve maintainability and reduce maintenance man-hours.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1, 2, 10, 11, 16 to 20, and 26 to 34.

As a prior art, chinese patent application publication No. 105463789 describes a detergent box having: two automatic input parts for storing detergent and softening softener in advance; and a manual input part for inputting the detergent.

However, in the case of the solution described in patent document 1, when a manual input unit for manually inputting a softener (softening agent) is to be mounted in addition to the manual input unit for manually inputting a detergent, there is a problem that the capacity of the container in the automatic input unit is reduced, and usability is deteriorated.

The invention provides a washing machine with good usability.

As shown in fig. 1, a washing machine 100 (washing machine) is an in-tub washing machine, and is configured to include a casing 11, a washing tub (an outer tub 10 and a drum 14, see fig. 10), and a water supply unit 30 (a detergent-based water supply unit).

As shown in fig. 2, a water supply unit 30 is provided at the upper part of the housing 11 and at the front part of a water supply hose connection port (not shown), and the water supply unit 30 is provided with a water supply valve 31. A drying unit 140 for drying laundry is provided at an upper portion of the housing 11 (the outer tub 10). The drying unit 140 includes: a heating part 141 provided with a heater for heating air; and a blower fan 142 for delivering air to the heating section 141.

Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 26, the water supply unit 30 (automatic input water supply unit) includes a detergent box 40B (detergent box), a detergent box 55 (detergent box), and a shower box 60 (water supply box), and is made of, for example, resin.

The shower box 60 is mounted on the upper portion of the detergent box 55, and is configured to be able to be supplied to the upper surface of the detergent box 40B like a shower. The shower box 60 is configured to include: a thin box-shaped main body 91 having a bottom wall 91a formed with water spray holes 92a, 93 a; and a plate-shaped shower box cover 92 (see two-dot chain line) that covers the upper side of the main body 91.

The shower box 60 has a thin box-shaped water supply chamber 94. The water supply chamber 94 has two flow paths 94a and 94b extending from the left deep side end portion toward the front side. The flow paths 94a, 94b are formed by ribs rising from the bottom wall 91 a. The flow paths 94a and 94b have inflow openings 94c and 94d for water supply formed at the left deep side end. The solenoid valves 31a and 31b (see fig. 11) are connected to the inflow ports 94c and 94d via hoses (not shown).

The plurality of claw portions 50d provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the upper portion of the detergent box 55 are engaged with the plurality of engagement holes 90a provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the shower box 60, respectively, and the shower box 60 is fixed to the detergent box 55 by a screw member (not shown). The detergent box 55 and the shower box 60 are fixed to the housing 11 via components not shown (see fig. 2).

Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent box of the water supply unit.

As shown in fig. 27, the detergent box 40B includes a detergent box body 41 (detergent box body) and a detergent box cover 42 (detergent box cover).

The detergent box main body 41 has: a detergent accommodating chamber 171 (detergent accommodating portion) that accommodates a predetermined amount of detergent (liquid) in advance; a softener accommodating chamber 172 (softener accommodating part) that accommodates a predetermined amount of softener (liquid, softener) in advance; and a detergent loading chamber 173 (manual detergent loading unit) for manually loading the detergent. The detergent storage chamber 171 and the softener storage chamber 172 are used as containers for automatic input, and each time a washing (main washing or pre-washing) is performed, an appropriate amount of detergent is sucked from the detergent storage chamber 171 by a pump (not shown), and an appropriate amount of softener is sucked from the softener storage chamber 172 by a pump (not shown).

The softener accommodating chamber 172 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction on the right side in the left-right direction. In addition, the softener accommodating chamber 172 is formed shallower than the detergent accommodating chamber 171. This is because the step 56b of the detergent box 55 is formed so as to protrude below the softener accommodating chamber 172, and is provided as described above so as not to interfere with the step. By disposing the softener accommodating chamber 172 at such a position, it is possible to ensure that a much larger amount of detergent is accommodated than is used for the softener. That is, the manual loading unit can appropriately load the softener while taking into consideration (ensuring) the automatically loaded container capacity.

The detergent input chamber 173 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and is located on the front side of the front-rear direction center. In addition, the front and right sides of the detergent input chamber 173 are covered with partition walls of the detergent accommodating chamber 171. The left side of the detergent inlet chamber 173 is covered with the left side wall of the detergent box body 41. The rear side of the detergent loading chamber 173 is opened.

In this way, the detergent box body 41 is formed without any gap only in three areas of the detergent accommodating chamber 171, the softener accommodating chamber 172, and the detergent input chamber 173.

The detergent box cover 42 is a member covering an upper opening of the detergent box body 41, and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. In addition, the detergent box cover 42 has: a cover 81 that covers the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and the softener accommodating chamber 172; and a softener input chamber 82 (manual softener input section) into which a softener (softener) is manually input. In the present embodiment, the detergent accommodating chamber 171 and the cover 81 constitute a detergent accommodating portion, and the softener accommodating chamber 172 and the cover 81 constitute a softener accommodating portion.

The softener input chamber 82 is disposed at a position overlapping the detergent input chamber 173 in the vertical direction (up-down direction). That is, the softener input chamber 82 has a shape of a part of the space in which the detergent input chamber 173 is inserted. The position overlapping in the vertical direction means: when the softener input chamber 82 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the softener input chamber 82 is disposed so as not to protrude from the detergent input chamber 173 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

The softener input chamber 82 is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction shorter than that of the detergent input chamber 173, and a part of the detergent input chamber 173 is exposed. In addition, the upper surface opening of the softener input chamber 82 and the upper surface opening of the detergent input chamber 173 are located on the same plane.

In addition, a siphon 83 is provided in the softener inlet chamber 82. The siphon 83 is composed of a siphon pipe 83a standing on the bottom surface and a siphon cap 83b covering the siphon pipe 83 a. The softener introduced into the softener introduction chamber 82 flows out to the detergent tank 55 together with the supplied water through a gap (not shown) between the siphon pipe 83a and the siphon cap 83 b.

The softener input chamber 82 is not formed of other members, but is formed integrally with the detergent box cover 42 (cover 81) by resin molding. That is, since no gap is formed around the periphery (peripheral edge portion) of the softener input chamber 82 to be joined with other members, the softener does not enter the gap, and the cleaning performance when cleaning the softener input chamber 82 can be improved.

In addition, the detergent box cover 42 is formed with a duct 85a for sucking the detergent in the detergent accommodating chamber 171, and similarly, a duct 85b for sucking the softener in the softener accommodating chamber 172. These pipes 85a, 85b are formed integrally with the cover 81 by resin molding.

The detergent box cover 42 is formed to cover the entire opening of the upper surface of the detergent box body 41, and is formed to be fitted to the upper surface of the detergent box body 41.

As shown in fig. 29, the bottom surface 172b constituting the softener accommodating chamber 172 is beveled, and is shallow on the right side and deep on the left side when viewed from the back (rear) side with respect to the detergent box main body 41.

In addition, a pipe 85a for taking out the detergent stored in the detergent storage chamber 171 and a pipe 85b for taking out the softener stored in the softener storage chamber 172 are formed in the detergent box cover 42. The duct 85a is formed in an L-shape, extends forward, and then extends toward the bottom surface of the detergent accommodating chamber 171. Similarly, the duct 85b is formed in an L-shape, extends forward, and then extends toward the bottom surface of the softener accommodating chamber 172.

As shown in fig. 16, the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 has an inclined surface 56a that decreases from the near front side toward the deep side. The detergent box 55 is formed with a stepped portion 56b which is formed to be higher one step from the bottom surface 56 toward the right side surface 58. The step 56b extends in the front-rear direction, and is formed to have a depth side larger than a near-front side width midway in the front-rear direction. Further, the upper surface 56c of the stepped portion 56b is inclined from the right end toward the left side, and the liquid is caused to flow toward the outflow port 50 a.

In the detergent box 55, a support portion 52a is formed on the inner wall of the left side surface 57, and a support portion 58a is formed on the inner wall of the right side surface 58. The left support portion 52a is formed shorter than the right support portion 58a.

As shown in fig. 18, in order to prevent interference with the outer tub 10 (see fig. 2), the bottom surface of the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55 is chamfered, and is shallow on the right side and deep on the left side when viewed from the front (front).

According to this structure, even if the detergent drops onto the bottom surface 56 on the front side of the detergent box 55 in a state where the detergent box 40A is pulled out, the supplied water is conveyed along the inclined surface 56a to the bottom surface on the front side of the detergent box 55, and then is conveyed along the inclined surface 56a toward the outlet 50A together with the detergent, so that the dropped detergent is prevented from remaining at this position and accumulating.

Fig. 30 is a plan view showing a shower box of the automatic water supply unit for throw-in. Fig. 30 shows a state in which the shower box cover 92 is detached from the shower box 60.

As shown in fig. 30, a plurality of water spray holes 92a are formed in the flow path 94a at positions facing the inlet 84 (see fig. 27) when the detergent box 40 is stored. Adjacent sprinkling holes 92a are connected by grooves 92m to suppress the generation of mold. In addition, a plurality of water spray holes 93a are formed in the flow path 94b at positions facing the softener input chamber (see fig. 27) when the detergent box 40 is stored. Adjacent water spray holes 93a are connected by grooves 93m to suppress the generation of mold.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is drawn out in the automatic input water supply unit. In fig. 31, the illustration of the shower box cover 92 of the shower box 60 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 31, the upper portion of the detergent box 55 is covered with the shower box 60, and the detergent box 40 is configured to be extractable in the front-rear direction from the front surface opening 50b of the detergent box 55. Fig. 31 shows a state in which the detergent box 40 is maximally pulled out, and the cover 81c of the detergent accommodating chamber 171, the cover 81d of the softener accommodating chamber 172, the inlet 84 of the detergent inlet chamber 173, and the softener inlet 82 are exposed. Although not shown, the restriction member provided in the detergent box 40 prevents the detergent box 40 from being pulled out to the front side from the position shown in fig. 31.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box is stored in the automatic-input water supply unit. Fig. 32 shows a state in which the shower box 60 is detached from the detergent box 55.

As shown in fig. 32, the detergent box 40 is set to have the following length, unlike the detergent box 40A: when stored in the detergent box 55, the rear end portion of the detergent box 40 is in contact with the inner wall of the rear surface 54 of the detergent box 55.

The left guide 40d of the detergent box 40 is placed on the support portion 52a (see fig. 17). The guide 40d on the right side of the detergent box 40 is placed on the support portion 58a (see fig. 17). Thereby, the detergent box 40 is supported in a state of being spaced apart from the bottom surface 56 of the detergent box 55, and is slidable in the front-rear direction.

When the detergent box 40 is pulled out from the detergent box 55 in the forward direction, the suction pipe 101 is disengaged from the opening 85a3, and the connection between the suction pipe 101 and the detergent box 40 is released. In contrast, when the detergent box 40 is stored in a state of being pulled out from the detergent box 55, the suction pipe 101 is inserted into the opening 85a3 of the duct 85, and the suction pipe 101 and the duct 85 are connected.

As shown in fig. 34, the bottom surface 73b of the detergent input chamber 173 is inclined from the near front side toward the deep side (rear). The detergent loading chamber 173 is formed such that a front side of the bottom surface 73b is a gently curved surface 73c. A flow path S (space) is formed between the bottom surface 73b and the softener input chamber 82. The outflow port 73a at the rear end of the bottom surface 73b is located rearward of the softener inlet chamber 82.

Thus, the detergent introduced from the detergent inlet 84 flows backward on the bottom surface 73b together with the water discharged from the water spray holes 92a of the shower box 60, and flows out from the outlet 73a to the detergent box 55. The liquid containing the detergent flowing out to the detergent box 55 flows in the guide flow path 56d of the bottom surface 56 while descending backward, and flows into the outflow port 50a.

The softener introduced into the softener introduction chamber 82 falls down to the bottom 73b of the detergent introduction chamber 173 via the siphon 83 together with the water supplied from the water spray hole 93a of the shower box 60. Then, the liquid containing the softener flows backward on the bottom surface 73b, and flows out from the outflow port 73a to the detergent box 55. The liquid flowing out of the detergent box 55 flows in the guide flow path 56d of the bottom surface 56 while descending backward, and flows into the outflow port 50a.

Next, the operation of the washing machine 100 mounted with the water supply unit 30 will be described. First, a case of manually charging a detergent and a softener to wash will be described.

In washing, the user first pulls the operation portion of the door 40a of the detergent box 40 toward the front side, and pulls the tray 40b of the detergent box 40 out of the front opening 50b of the detergent box 55 (see fig. 31).

Next, the user inputs the detergent into the detergent input chamber 173. If necessary, a bleaching agent is added in addition to the detergent. Further, the user inputs the softener into the softener input chamber 82. When the addition of the detergent and the softener is completed, the user pushes the door 40a of the detergent box 40 to the deep side, and stores the tray 40b in the detergent box 55.

When the washing process starts, the electromagnetic valve 31a (see fig. 11) is turned on (opened), and water from the water supply hose connection port flows into the flow path 94a (see fig. 30) of the water supply chamber 94 in the shower box 60. The water flows from the plurality of water spray holes 92a formed in the bottom wall of the flow path 94a to the detergent input chamber 173 of the detergent box 40, and uniformly sprays water, so that the detergent therein flows into the detergent box 55. Then, the water passes through the outflow port 50a of the detergent tank 55 together with the detergent, and is supplied into the outer tank 10 from a water supply port (not shown) of the outer tank 10 through the water seal trap portion 35a (see fig. 4) by the supply pipe 35.

The liquid containing water, detergent, bleaching agent, etc. flowing out from the outlet of the water seal trap 35a is directly introduced into the lower portion of the outer tub 10 from the water supply port formed at the bottom wall of the outer tub 10, and thus, the liquid does not flow into the drum 14. This can prevent the occurrence of discoloration and color unevenness due to direct contact of the detergent or the high-concentration liquid (stock solution) of the bleaching agent with the laundry.

When the washing water is supplied to the predetermined water level in the tub 10 and the washing water is accumulated, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts washing the laundry.

When the washing is completed, the washing machine 100 opens a drain valve (not shown), drains the washing water in the outer tub 10, and rotates the drum 14 to spin-dry.

Next, a rinsing step is performed. First, for example, another solenoid valve is turned on (opened), and water from a water supply hose connection port is supplied into the outer tank 10. When the washing water is supplied to the predetermined water level in the tub 10 and the washing water is accumulated, the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 14 by the motor 113, and starts rinsing the laundry. The rinsing is usually carried out 2 to 3 times.

In the final rinsing, the solenoid valve 31b is turned on (opened), and water from the water supply hose connection port flows from the plurality of water spray holes 93a formed in the bottom wall of the flow path 94b to the softener input chamber 82 of the detergent box 40 in the shower box 60, and uniformly sprays water. By diluting the softener contained in the softener input chamber 82 with water and raising the water level, water flows out of the siphon pipe 83a of the siphon 83 together with the softener by the siphon action, and flows into the detergent tank 55. Then, the water passes through the outflow port 50a of the detergent tank 55 together with the softener, and is supplied from the water supply port of the outer tank 10 into the outer tank 10 through the water seal trap portion 35a by the supply pipe 35. When the rinsing process is completed, the washing machine 100 discharges the washing water in the tub 10, rotates the drum 14, spin-dries the water, and terminates the washing.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: a housing 11 for accommodating the washing tub (outer tub 10, drum 14); and a water supply unit 30 provided in the housing 11 for supplying the detergent into the washing tub. The water supply unit 30 includes: a detergent box 40 having a detergent accommodating chamber 171 accommodating a detergent, a softener accommodating chamber 172 accommodating a softener, a detergent input chamber 173 manually inputting a detergent, and a softener input chamber 82 manually inputting a softener; a detergent box 55 for storing the detergent box 40 so as to be able to be drawn out; and a shower box 60 provided at an upper portion of the detergent box 55, for supplying water to the detergent loading chamber 173 and the softener loading chamber 82. The softener input chamber 82 is disposed at a position overlapping the detergent input chamber 173 in the vertical direction. Thus, the manual softener input chamber 82 can be ensured without reducing the volumes of the detergent storage chamber 171 (detergent storage section) and the softener storage chamber 172 (softener storage section), and the usability of the automatic input function can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the detergent box 40 includes: a detergent box main body 41 having an opening formed on an upper surface thereof, and formed with a detergent accommodating chamber 171, a softener accommodating chamber 172, and a detergent input chamber 173; and a detergent box cover 42 covering the opening of the detergent box body 41 and formed with a softener input chamber 82. Thus, the shape of the detergent box cover 42 covering the detergent storage chamber 171 and the softener storage chamber 172 is extended, and thus the softener input chamber 82 can be easily formed.

In the present embodiment, the softener input chamber 82 is integrally formed with the detergent box cover 42 by resin molding. This prevents gaps between the members from being formed around the softener inlet chamber 82, and thus can improve cleaning performance.

In the present embodiment, the detergent loading chamber 173 is formed with a flow path S immediately below the softener loading chamber 82, and the flow path S circulates the detergent loaded into the detergent loading chamber 173. Accordingly, the flow path S of the detergent input chamber 173 can be used as a flow path through which the softener (liquid) flowing out of the softener input chamber 82 flows, and therefore, the capacities of the detergent storage chamber 171 and the softener storage chamber 172 can be prevented from decreasing.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments, and includes configurations described in the embodiments in appropriate combination or selection, and the configurations thereof can be appropriately modified within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 4, 6, 11, 17, 38, 39, and 40.

Currently, among washing machines, washing machines having a function of automatically feeding a detergent (including a softener) into a washing tub are becoming popular (for example, refer to the specification of chinese patent application publication No. 107385800). In this type of washing machine, there is a washing machine in which a detergent box that receives a detergent (including a softener) is disposed below a detergent box having a receiving portion that receives the detergent, and the detergent box receives the detergent that falls from the receiving portion of the detergent box. The entire bottom surface of the detergent box has a slope so that the detergent flows from the upstream side to the downstream side. The washing machine having such a structure supplies water from the outside to the detergent box and the detergent box, and causes the detergent to flow out from the detergent box to the washing tub together with the water while dissolving the detergent in the water supplied to the detergent box and the detergent box.

However, in the conventional washing machine described in the specification of chinese patent application publication No. 107385800, when the powder detergent is contained in the container of the detergent box, if the powder detergent falls down onto the bottom surface of the detergent box from the outlet provided in the container, the powder detergent is scattered around the falling portion. Among the parts around the falling part, especially the part directly below the outlet of the accommodating part of the detergent box, the part where the water supplied to the detergent box is difficult to contact the powder detergent and the powder detergent falling onto the bottom surface of the detergent box is easy to remain. Therefore, a position higher than a position immediately below the outlet of the housing portion of the detergent box is a position where dissolution residue of the powder detergent is likely to occur. In the conventional washing machine, if the powder detergent is scattered to such a position, there is a possibility that dissolution residue of the powder detergent may occur. Further, the conventional washing machine has the following problems: when dissolution residue of the powder detergent occurs, a predetermined amount of detergent is not supplied into the washing tank, and therefore, the washing ability is lowered.

In order to solve this problem, conventional washing machines have been studied to increase the gradient of the entire bottom surface of the detergent box (that is, to ensure a sharp gradient of the bottom surface of the detergent box) so that the powder detergent is liable to fall from a portion where dissolution residues of the powder detergent are liable to occur. However, such a configuration leads to an increase in the size of the detergent box in the height direction. If the detergent tank is enlarged in the height direction, the washing machine is also enlarged in the height direction. Accordingly, the conventional washing machine has the following problems: due to the restriction of the size of the washing machine, it is sometimes difficult to achieve an increase in the gradient of the entire bottom surface of the detergent box (that is, to ensure a steep gradient of the bottom surface of the detergent box).

The invention provides a washing machine, which does not cause the enlargement of the height direction of a detergent box and prevents the scattering of detergent to the position where the dissolution residue of powder detergent is easy to generate.

In the conventional washing machine described in the specification of chinese patent application publication No. 107385800, the direction of travel of the detergent and water in the detergent box is opposite to the direction of travel of the detergent and water in the detergent box. The conventional washing machine described in patent document 1 reduces the flow rate of the detergent and water immediately after the detergent box falls into the detergent box. Therefore, the conventional washing machine described in patent document 1 cannot smoothly flow the detergent or water falling from the detergent box to the downstream side, and the powder detergent remains on the bottom surface of the detergent box, and there is a possibility that dissolution residue of the powder detergent may occur. The conventional washing machine described in patent document 1 cannot smoothly flow the detergent or water falling from the detergent box to the downstream side without increasing the gradient of the entire bottom surface of the detergent box. That is, in the conventional washing machine described in patent document 1, if the steep slope of the bottom surface of the detergent box is not ensured, the detergent and water falling from the detergent box to the detergent box cannot smoothly flow to the downstream side. For this reason, in the conventional washing machine described in the specification of chinese patent application publication No. 107385800, the detergent box is easily enlarged in the height direction.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is also intended to provide a washing machine 100 configured such that the direction of travel of the detergent and water in the detergent box and the direction of travel of the detergent and water in the detergent box are the same, thereby enabling miniaturization of the height direction of the detergent box.

Integral structure of washing machine

Hereinafter, the overall structure of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1, 10, and 11. Here, the description will be given assuming that the washing machine 100 is a global standard drum type washing machine. A global standard drum-type washing machine is a washing machine of a type that can be assembled to a washstand or the like. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10 is an internal structural view of the washing machine 100.

Fig. 10 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 with the upper surface cover 11c and the door 12 removed. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an internal structure of the washing machine 100. Fig. 11 shows an internal structure of the washing machine 100 from the left obliquely upper side with the casing 11 removed.

As shown in fig. 10, the washing machine 100 includes a drum 14 at a substantially center of an inside of a casing 11, a control unit 20 and a water supply unit 30 provided above the drum 14, and a drying unit 140 provided upward from a side of the drum 14.

The drum 14 is a receiving portion for laundry. The drum 14 is enclosed in an outer tub 10 (see fig. 11) functioning as a water tub. A baffle 15 for scooping up laundry accommodated in the drum 14 is provided inside the drum 14. A front cover 11a that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface side of the housing 11. The front surface portion of the outer tub 10 (see fig. 11) and the front surface cover 11a are sealed with a bellows 16.

The drying unit 140 is configured to circulate air between the drum 14 while heating the air. The drying unit 140 includes a heating unit 141 and a blower fan 142. The drying unit 140 circulates air between the drying unit 140 and the drum 14 by driving the blower fan 142, and heats the air by heating the heating unit 141, thereby drying the laundry accommodated in the drum 14.

As shown in fig. 11, the water supply unit 30 includes a shower box 32, a shower box cover 33, and a detergent input unit 50.

The shower box 32 is a box for supplying water to a detergent box 51 provided in the detergent input part 50. A flow path for supplying water to a storage portion for a detergent or the like provided in the detergent box 51 is formed in the shower box 32. The shower box 32 injects water from above into a storage portion for detergent and the like provided in the detergent box 51. A shower box cover 33 is attached to an upper portion of the shower box 32, and a flow path of the shower box 32 is sealed by the shower box cover 33.

Structure of water supply unit

The structure of the water supply unit 30 will be described below with reference to fig. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the water supply unit 30. Fig. 4 is an internal structure diagram of the water supply unit 30. Fig. 4 shows a configuration of the water supply unit 30 in which the shower box cover 33 is detached. In the following description, "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the direction in which water, detergent, and the like flow.

The shower box 32 is a box for supplying water to a detergent box 51 provided in the detergent input part 50. The shower box 32 has a flow path formed therein for supplying water to a storage portion (specifically, an automatic detergent storage portion 51a, an automatic softener storage portion 51b, a manual detergent storage portion 51c, and a manual softener storage portion 51 d) for a detergent or the like provided in the detergent box 51. The shower box 32 injects water from above into an arbitrary receiving portion of the detergent box 51. A shower box cover 33 is attached to an upper portion of the shower box 32, and a flow path of the shower box 32 is sealed by the shower box cover 33.

The detergent box 51 has: the automatic detergent storage unit 51a, the automatic softener storage unit 51b, the manual detergent storage unit 51c, and the manual softener storage unit 51d.

The automatic detergent dispenser 51a is a part for dispensing detergent automatically. The automatic-feeding softener accommodating portion 51b accommodates an automatic-feeding softener (softener). The manual detergent supply portion 51c is a portion for receiving a detergent for manual supply. Liquid detergent or powder detergent is put into the manual detergent-put-in-place accommodating section 51 c. The manual input softener accommodating portion 51d accommodates a softener (softener) for manual input.

Structure of detergent input part

Hereinafter, the structure of the detergent dispenser 50 will be described with reference to fig. 6, 38, 17, 39, and 40. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent dispenser 50. Fig. 6 shows a structure of the detergent dispenser 50 with the detergent box 53 (see fig. 4) removed. Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the detergent box 53. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the detergent box 53. Fig. 39 is a side sectional view of the detergent dispenser 50. Fig. 40 is an explanatory view of the detergent and the like flowing inside the detergent input section 50.

As shown in fig. 6, the detergent dispenser 50 has an automatic detergent dispenser 51a at the front right side, and an automatic softener dispenser 51b at the rear of the automatic detergent dispenser 51 a. The detergent dispenser 50 has a manual detergent dispenser 51c at the front left, and a manual softener dispenser 51d at the rear (more specifically, above the rear) of the manual detergent dispenser 51c.

The automatic softening agent receiving portion 51b is formed to extend rearward. A float 61b is disposed at the rear of the automatic softening agent storage portion 51b, and a float cover 62b is disposed on the float 61 b. Hereinafter, the floats 61a and 61b will be collectively referred to as "floats 61", and the float covers 62a and 62b will be collectively referred to as "float covers 62". In the present embodiment, similarly to the float 61a, the float 61b is described as having a conical shape (including a truncated conical shape) with a diameter decreasing toward the lower side. Three or more (three in the illustrated example) guide portions 59b that support the float 61b in an up-and-down motion are disposed around the float 61 b. Hereinafter, the guide 59a and the guide 59b will be collectively referred to as "guide 59". In the present embodiment, the guide 59 is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the detergent box 51. However, the guide 59 may be formed as a member different from the detergent box 51 and fixed to the bottom surface portion of the detergent box 51 by an adhesive or the like.

The detergent box cover 52 has: an opening OP51a communicating with the automatic detergent-charging accommodation portion 51a; an opening OP51b communicating with the automatic softening agent charging accommodation portion 51b; an opening OP51c that communicates with the manual detergent-receiving portion 51c; the softener accommodating portion 51d is manually put in.

A cover CP51a which can be opened and closed is attached to the opening OP51 a. A cover CP51b that can be opened and closed is attached to the opening OP51 b. The manual detergent supply container 51d is stacked on the manual detergent supply container 51c formed in the detergent box 51. The bottom surface of the manual softener accommodating portion 51d is an inclined surface inclined so as to decrease in height from the front to the rear. A cylinder TU51d for introducing the softener for manual input into the manual input detergent container 51c is provided inside the manual input softener container 51d. A cover CP51d is attached to the cylinder TU51d.

As shown in fig. 38 and 17, the detergent box 53 has a side inflow portion 53a on the side surface, and a flow path portion 53b, an inclined portion 53c, an outflow portion 53d, and a wall portion 53e on the bottom surface.

The side inflow portion 53a is a portion into which water supplied from the outside flows. The side inflow portion 53a is provided on one side surface (right side surface in the illustrated example) of the front portion of the detergent box 53.

The flow path portion 53b is a portion functioning as a flow path for flowing water. The flow path portion 53b is formed on the bottom surface of the detergent box 53.

The inclined portion 53c is a portion formed obliquely to prevent scattering of the powder detergent. The inclined portion 53c is provided locally at a portion of the flow path portion 53b higher than a portion of the detergent box 51 directly below the outlet OUT51c of the manual-input detergent accommodating portion 51 c. Further, a portion of the flow path portion 53b higher than a portion directly below the outlet OUT51c of the manual feeding detergent accommodating portion 51c of the detergent box 51 is a position where dissolution residue of the powder detergent is likely to occur. The inclined portion 53c is inclined from the downstream side toward the upstream side at an angle larger than the gradient angle of the bottom surface of the detergent box 53.

The outflow portion 53d is a portion for allowing water in the detergent tank 53 to flow out. The outflow portion 53d is provided near the other side surface (left side surface in the illustrated example) of the rear portion of the detergent box 53.

The wall surface 53e is a portion where a wall surface for guiding the flow of water is formed. The wall portion 53e guides the flow of water from the side inflow portion 53a toward the inclined portion 53 c.

The water flowing into the detergent tank 53 from the side inflow portion 53a passes through the flow path portion 53b and the inclined portion 53c to reach the outflow portion 53d. At this time, the detergent (including the softener) falling from the detergent box 51 to the detergent box 53 is dissolved in water. The detergent may be a liquid detergent or a powder detergent. The water in which the detergent is dissolved is sent from the outflow portion 53d to the washing tank (the outer tank 10) via a path not shown.

As shown in fig. 39, an outlet OUT51c is provided at a rear end (downstream-most portion) of the manual input detergent container 51c of the detergent box 51. The outlet OUT51c is an opening for allowing the detergent to fall down onto the flow path portion 53b of the detergent box 53. The portion immediately below the outlet OUT51c is a portion slightly downstream of the inclined portion 53 c. In other words, the portion where the inclined portion 53c is formed is a portion slightly upstream of the portion immediately below the outlet OUT51c.

As shown in fig. 40, the detergent stored in the manually-input detergent storage part 51c is washed away by the water injected (supplied) from the shower box 32 and moves in the direction of the outlet OUT51c (see arrow a 11). Thereafter, the detergent is discharged from the outlet OUT51c together with the water and falls onto the flow path portion 53b of the detergent box 53 (see arrow a 12). At this time, the detergent is scattered by collision with the flow path portion 53b of the detergent box 53, but is prevented from scattering to a portion upstream of a portion directly below the outlet OUT51c by the inclined portion 53c, and is guided to flow downstream by the gradient of the flow path portion 53b (see arrow a12 a). Thereafter, the detergent flows along with the water in the flow path portion 53b and moves in the direction of the outflow portion 53d (see arrow a 13).

The softener stored in the manually-input softener storage part 51d is sucked into the cylinder TU51d, transported to the manually-input detergent storage part 51c through the inside of the cylinder TU51d, and transported to the detergent box 53 through the manually-input detergent storage part 51 c.

In this configuration, the washing machine 100 has the steep slope-shaped inclined portion 53c partially formed at a position slightly higher than a position immediately below the outlet OUT51c of the manually inputted detergent container 51 c. When the powder detergent is manually put into the detergent accommodating portion 51c, the washing machine 100 can physically prevent the powder detergent falling from the detergent box 51 to the detergent box 53 from scattering to a position where dissolution residue is likely to occur, and can suppress the occurrence of dissolution residue of the powder detergent. Thereby, the washing machine 100 can prevent a reduction in the washing ability.

In addition, the washing machine 100 can reduce the height of the detergent box 53, and thus, the detergent box 53 can be miniaturized. Therefore, even when it is difficult to uniformly set a steep slope on the entire bottom surface of the detergent box 53 due to the limitation of the size of the washing machine 100, the powder detergent falling from the detergent box 51 to the detergent box 53 can be prevented from scattering to a position where dissolution residue is likely to occur. Further, the washing machine 100 can improve the degree of freedom of design.

< main feature of washing machine >

(1) As shown in fig. 39, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: a detergent box 51 having one or more accommodating parts accommodating a detergent; a shower box 32 for supplying water to an arbitrary storage portion of the detergent box 51; and a detergent tank 53 for blocking the detergent falling together with the water from the water-supplied storage unit and allowing the detergent to flow out together with the water supplied from the outside. The detergent box 53 is disposed under the detergent box 51 such that an outlet OUT51c provided in a housing portion (manual input detergent housing portion 51 c) of the detergent box 51 is disposed on a flow path portion 53b for circulating water formed in a bottom surface of the detergent box 53. Further, the detergent tank 53 is provided with a slope portion 53c that is inclined from the downstream side toward the upstream side at an angle larger than the gradient angle of the bottom surface of the detergent tank 53 at a portion that is higher than a portion directly below the outlet OUT51c of the accommodating portion in the flow path portion 53 b.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the inclined portion 53c partially on the bottom surface of the detergent box 53. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can suppress scattering of the detergent to a portion where dissolution residue of the powder detergent is likely to occur, that is, a portion of the flow path portion 53b that is higher than a portion immediately below the outlet OUT51c of the housing portion. Further, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment can prevent the detergent from scattering to a portion where dissolution residues of the powder detergent are likely to occur, without increasing the gradient of the entire bottom surface of the detergent box 53 (that is, without securing a steep gradient of the bottom surface of the detergent box 53). Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can not cause an increase in the height direction of the detergent box 53.

(2) As shown in fig. 39, the detergent box 51 and the detergent box 53 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment are disposed such that the front portion is on the upstream side and the rear portion is on the downstream side, and the respective bottom surfaces are formed to be lower from the front portion toward the rear portion. That is, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment may be configured such that the traveling direction of the detergent and water in the detergent box 51 and the traveling direction of the detergent and water in the detergent box 53 are the same.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can prevent the flow rate of the detergent and water immediately after the detergent box 51 falls down to the detergent box 53 from being lowered without increasing the gradient of the entire bottom surface of the detergent box 53, that is, without securing a steep gradient of the bottom surface of the detergent box 53. The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the size of the detergent box 53 in the height direction.

(3) As shown in fig. 38 and 17, the detergent box 53 of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment has a side inflow portion 53a on one side surface of the front portion into which water supplied from the outside flows, and an outflow portion 53d in the vicinity of the other side surface of the rear portion from which water flows out.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can smoothly flow water and detergent from the side inflow portion 53a provided at the front portion toward the outflow portion 53d provided at the rear portion. The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can make the powder detergent attached to the portion where the dissolution residue of the powder detergent is likely to occur flow well downstream together with water.

(4) As shown in fig. 38 and 17, the detergent box 53 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment has a wall surface portion 53e that guides the flow of water from the side inflow portion 53a toward the inclined portion 53 c.

The washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can flow water from the side inflow portion 53a toward the inclined portion 53c while maintaining a relatively high flow rate. Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can make the powder detergent temporarily attached to the inclined portion 53c, which is a portion where dissolution residue of the powder detergent is likely to occur, flow well downstream together with water.

As described above, according to the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the detergent box 53 is not increased in size in the height direction, and scattering of the detergent to a portion where dissolution residues of the powder detergent are likely to occur can be suppressed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments are examples described in detail for easily understanding the present invention, and are not limited to the configuration in which all the components described are necessarily provided. 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.

For example, in the above embodiment, the washing machine 100 has been described as having the drying unit 140, but the washing machine 100 may have a structure not having the drying unit 140, that is, may have a washing machine having only a washing function and not a drying function.

Symbol description

10-an outer tub (washing tub), 11-a housing (washing tub), 11 a-a front face cover, 11B-a housing main body, 11 c-an upper face cover, 12-a door, 12 a-a door opening handle, 13-an operating portion, 14-a drum, 15-a baffle, 16-a bellows, 20-a control unit, 21-a housing, 30-a water supply unit (detergent-type water supply unit), 30A-a mounting portion, 30A-a water supply unit (manual input water supply unit, detergent-type water supply unit), 30B-a water supply unit (automatic input water supply unit, detergent-type water supply unit), 31-a water supply valve, 31a, 31B-an electromagnetic valve, 32-a shower box, 33-a shower box cover, 40-a detergent box (detergent-type box), 40A-a detergent box (manual input detergent-type box), 40B-detergent box (automatic input detergent box), 41-detergent box body (detergent box body), 42-detergent box cover (detergent box cover), 43-main detergent input chamber (main detergent input portion), 44-pre-detergent input chamber (pre-detergent input portion), 45-softener input chamber (softener input portion), 50-detergent input portion, 43-main detergent input chamber (main detergent input section), 44-pre-detergent input chamber (pre-detergent input section), 45-softener input chamber (softener input part), 50-detergent input part, 53 e-wall surface, 55-detergent box (automatic input detergent box, manual input detergent box), 59 (59 a, 59B) -guide, 60-shower box (water supply box), 60A-shower box (first manual input water supply box), 60B-shower box (second manual input water supply box), 61 (61A, 61B), 161 (161A, 161B) -floats, 61A-body portion, 62 (62A, 62B) -float covers, 62A-shower box covers, 63-water supply chamber, 64-inflow portion, 64a, 64B-flow paths, 64c, 64 d-inflow port, 64a 1-first flow path (main wash water supply portion), 64a 2-second flow path (main wash water supply portion), 64a 3-third flow path (main wash water supply portion), 64B 1-first flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 64B 2-second flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 64B 3-third flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 65-main wash water supply chamber, 65 a-water spray hole (water spray hole formed in main wash water supply portion), 65B-first flow path (main wash water supply portion), 65 c-second flow path (main wash water supply portion), 65 d-third flow path (main wash water supply portion), 65 e-fourth flow path (main wash water supply portion), 66-pre-wash water supply chamber, 66 a-water spray hole (water spray hole formed in pre-wash water supply portion), 66B-first flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 66 c-second flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 66 d-third flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 66 e-fourth flow path (pre-wash water supply portion), 67-softener water supply chamber (softener water supply portion), 67 a-water spray hole (water spray hole formed in softener water supply portion), 67 b-introduction port, 67 c-flow path, 68-tolerance water supply chamber (tolerance water supply portion), 69-through hole, 71-water level sensor, 71 a-insertion portion, 72-water level sensor holder, 72 a-inserted portion, 72 b-claw portion (fixing portion), 72 c-hook portion (engaging portion), 73-pipe, 81-cover portion (detergent accommodating portion, softener accommodating portion), 82-softener input chamber (manual softener input portion), 100-washing machine, 140-drying unit, 141-heating portion, 142-air supply fan, 171-detergent accommodating chamber (detergent accommodating portion), 172-softener accommodating chamber (softener accommodating portion), 173-detergent input chamber (manual softener input portion), a-length (length in front-rear direction of third flow paths 64a3, 64b 3), 591-mounting portion, 592-gap-length (fixing portion) in front-rear direction of the brush, 591-mounting portion), 593-gap-length (diameter of water spray hole (diameter of brush) forming a 3-water spray hole 621), 2-diameter of water spray hole (diameter of water spray hole forming diameter of water supply portion) in front-diameter direction of 2-3, 4 a-diameter of water spray hole forming diameter of water supply portion (R1-3-diameter of water spray hole) 12-diameter of water spray hole forming portion of water spray hole (R1), CP51a, CP51b, CP51 d-cover, OP51a, OP51b, OP51 c-opening, TU51 d-cylinder, S-flow path.

Claims

1. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a detergent box containing a detergent;

a detergent box cover which is installed on the detergent box;

a float which is arranged between the detergent box and the detergent box cover and moves up and down according to the residual amount of the detergent contained in the detergent box;

a guide part which is arranged around the float and supports the side part of the float in an up-and-down motion; and

a float cover for restricting the upward movement of the float,

the float cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from an upper portion of the guide portion.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the guide part is provided with a mounting part for mounting the float cover at the upper part,

the float cover has a fitting portion at a lower portion thereof, the fitting portion being fitted to the mounting portion of the guide portion.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that,

the guide portion has a fixing portion for fixing the float cover to the mounting portion.

4. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the guide part has a gap for passing the detergent at the side part, and is configured to support the side part of the float by three or more point contact or line contact.

5. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the float has a conical shape tapering toward the lower front end.

6. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the float is in a cylindrical shape.

7. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the above-mentioned detergent box is a structure for holding softening agent in addition to the above-mentioned detergent,

the washing machine comprises:

another float, it moves up and down according to the surplus of the above-mentioned softening agent accommodated in above-mentioned detergent box;

a second guide portion disposed around the second float and supporting a side portion of the second float so as to be movable up and down; and

a further float cover which restricts the movement of the further float in an upward direction,

the other float cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from an upper portion of the other guide portion.

8. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a housing accommodating the washing tub; and

a detergent water supply unit provided in the housing and configured to supply detergent to the washing tank,

the detergent water supply unit is provided with any one of a manual water supply unit for manually inputting detergent and softener into the washing tank and an automatic water supply unit for automatically inputting detergent and softener into the washing tank,

In the case of mounting the above-mentioned manual input water supply unit,

the manual-input water supply unit includes:

a manual detergent box for input, which has a pre-washing detergent input part for inputting a pre-washing detergent, a main washing detergent input part for inputting a main washing detergent, and a softener input part which is arranged between the pre-washing detergent input part and the main washing detergent input part and inputs a softener;

a first manual-input water supply box provided at an upper portion of the manual-input detergent box and supplying water to the pre-washing detergent input unit, the main washing detergent input unit, and the softener input unit; and

a manual detergent box for manual input which can be drawn out in the front-rear direction and can be used for accommodating the manual detergent box for input,

in the case of mounting the automatic input water supply unit,

the automatic-input water supply unit includes:

an automatic input detergent box which is provided with at least a detergent accommodating part for accommodating detergent and a softener accommodating part for accommodating softener; and

an automatic-charging detergent box which is capable of being drawn out in the front-rear direction and accommodates the automatic-charging detergent box,

The automatic-input detergent box and the manual-input detergent box are shared.

9. A washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein,

the automatic-input water supply unit includes: a manual detergent input part for manually inputting detergent; a manual softener input part for manually inputting softener; and a second manual-input water supply box for supplying water to the manual detergent input part and the manual softener input part.

10. A washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein,

the first manual-input water supply box comprises: a pre-washing water supply part for supplying water to the pre-washing detergent input part; a main washing water supply part for supplying water to the main washing detergent input part; a softener water supply part for supplying water to the softener input part; and a tolerance water supply part for generating tolerance between the water supply direction of the pre-washing water supply part and the water supply direction of the main washing water supply part,

when supplying water to the softener input part, the water supplied from the pre-washing water supply part collides with the water supplied from the main washing water supply part, the water supply direction is switched to the softener water supply part,

The length a of the main washing water supply part extending obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction and the length a of the pre-washing water supply part extending obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction are formed to be about twice longer than the length b of the tolerance water supply part in the front-rear direction.

11. A washing machine as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that,

the inclination angle theta 1 of the main wash water supply part with respect to the front-rear direction is 30 to 35 degrees, and the inclination angle theta 2 of the pre-wash water supply part with respect to the front-rear direction is set to be the same as the inclination angle theta 1.

12. A washing machine as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that,

the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 are the same angle.

13. Washing machine according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that,

the pre-washing water supply part, the main washing water supply part and the softener water supply part are respectively provided with water spraying holes for spraying water to the pre-washing detergent input part, the main washing detergent input part and the softener input part,

the diameter of the water spraying hole formed in the softener water supply part is larger than that of the water spraying hole formed in the pre-washing water supply part and the main washing water supply part.

14. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

an outer groove arranged in the housing;

a roller internally wrapped in the outer groove;

a water supply unit for supplying detergent and water to the outer tank;

a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer tank; and

a water level sensor bracket for supporting the water level sensor,

the water level sensor bracket is arranged between the water supply unit and the outer groove and at the front part of the upper side of the shell,

the water level sensor is mounted on the water level sensor bracket through jogging.

15. A washing machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein,

the water level sensor bracket is mounted on a mounting part arranged at the lower part of the water supply unit,

the water level sensor is mounted by inserting an insertion portion provided at a lower portion thereof into an inserted portion provided in the water level sensor holder.

16. A washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein,

the inserted portion of the water level sensor holder has a circular ring shape,

the insertion part of the water level sensor inserted into the inserted part is in a cylindrical shape.

17. Washing machine according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that,

The water level sensor is connected to a pipe connected to the outer tank, and detects the water level in the outer tank by measuring the pressure in the pipe that fluctuates according to the fluctuation of the water level in the outer tank.

18. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a housing accommodating the washing tub; and

the detergent water supply unit includes:

a detergent box having a detergent accommodating part for accommodating a detergent, a softener accommodating part for accommodating a softener, a manual detergent input part for manually inputting a detergent, and a manual softener input part for manually inputting a softener;

a detergent box which can be drawn out and can be used for containing the detergent box; and

a water supply box which is arranged at the upper part of the detergent box and supplies water to the manual detergent input part and the manual softener input part,

the manual softener input part is arranged at a position overlapped with the manual detergent input part in the vertical direction.

19. A washing machine as claimed in claim 18, wherein,

the detergent box comprises:

A detergent box main body having an opening formed on an upper surface thereof, and formed with the detergent accommodating portion, the softener accommodating portion, and the manual detergent input portion; and

and a detergent box cover covering the opening of the detergent box main body and formed with the manual softener input part.

20. A washing machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein,

the manual softener input part is formed into a whole with the detergent box cover through resin molding.

21. A washing machine as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein,

the manual detergent input part is provided with a flow path for flowing the detergent input into the manual detergent input part just below the manual softener input part.

22. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a detergent box having one or more receiving parts for receiving a detergent;

a shower box for supplying water to any accommodation part of the detergent box; and

a detergent box which receives a detergent falling together with water from a water-supplied container and causes the detergent to flow out together with water supplied from the outside,

the detergent box is arranged below the detergent box in a manner that an outlet of the accommodating part of the detergent box is arranged on a flow path part for circulating water formed on the bottom surface of the detergent box,

The flow path portion is provided with a slope portion which is inclined from the downstream side toward the upstream side at an angle larger than the gradient angle of the bottom surface of the detergent box, at a position higher than a position directly below the outlet of the accommodating portion.

23. A washing machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein,

the detergent box and the detergent box are disposed with the front portion being on the upstream side and the rear portion being on the downstream side, and the respective bottom surfaces are formed to be lowered in height from the front portion toward the rear portion.

24. A washing machine as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein,

the detergent box has a side inflow part on one side of the front part into which water supplied from the outside flows, and an outflow part on the other side of the rear part from which water flows out.

25. A washing machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein,

the detergent box has a wall surface portion guiding the flow of water from the side inflow portion toward the inclined portion.