JP2019037358A - Washing machine including detergent case - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which suppresses a powder detergent in a detergent case remaining after water supply.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing 101 for forming an outline; a water tub 105 supported in the housing 101 in an elastically vibration-proof manner; a bottomed cylindrical drum 106 disposed rotatably in the water tub 105; a water supply valve provided in the housing 101 and for controlling water supply of city water; and a tank storage case 114 having a storage part capable of storing a powder detergent. In the tank storage case 114, a first upper part water pouring port 114e which communicates with a water pouring water passage 116 and in which water is poured in a detergent storage part of a detergent case 115, and a lower part water pouring port 114g communicating with a bypass water passage 184 are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a detergent container.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a powder detergent put into a detergent container is supplied into a water tank by tap water supplied from a water supply valve.

  This washing machine has a housing, a water tub supported in an elastic vibration-proof manner within the housing, a washing tub rotatably disposed in the water tub, and a storage portion for having a discharge port at the bottom and for supplying detergent. And a water supply hose for communicating one end of the detergent container with a water supply valve and one end of which communicates with a water injection port formed at an upper portion of the detergent container.

  The supplied tap water flows through the water injection channel and flows into the detergent container through the water inlet of the detergent container, and can be washed away by flowing into the water tank while dissolving the powder detergent. Thereby, the powder detergent in a detergent container can be supplied in a water tank.

JP, 2006-105833, A

  However, in the washing machine having the conventional configuration, there is a possibility that the powder detergent remains in the detergent container even after the water supply. If the powder detergent remains in the detergent container, the residual powder detergent may dissolve at an unnecessary timing, impairing basic performance such as washing and rinsing. Further, in order to irrigate the detergent container vigorously so that the powder detergent or the like can be completely melted, the detergent container itself needs to be high, and the detergent case has problems such as an increase in size.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and to suppress the powder detergent from remaining and adhering in the detergent container even after water supply while suppressing the size of the detergent container.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a washing machine of the present invention includes a casing that forms an outer shell, a water tank that is elastically supported in an anti-vibration manner in the casing, and a rotary tank that is rotatably disposed in the water tank. A washing cylinder having a bottom cylindrical shape, a water supply valve that is provided in the housing and controls the supply of tap water, and a detergent container that is provided at an upper part of the water tank and has an accommodating portion for introducing a detergent, the detergent On the wall surface of the container, water inlets communicating with the water supply valve are formed at a plurality of positions in the height direction, and a water outlet is formed at the bottom of the detergent container. Thereby, by supplying tap water from the water injection ports formed at a plurality of positions in the height direction to the storage space for the detergent container, the detergent in the detergent container can be washed away without remaining and sticking.

  The washing machine according to the present invention can prevent the powder detergent from remaining and sticking in the detergent container even after the water supply.

The perspective view of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The top view of the liquid agent automatic injection | throwing-in apparatus of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The right view of the liquid agent automatic injection apparatus of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The left view of the liquid agent automatic injection | throwing-in apparatus of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Left side sectional view of a liquid medicine automatic loading device of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The disassembled perspective view of the liquid agent automatic injection | throwing-in apparatus of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention (A) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying tap water of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, (b) When supplying the softener liquid of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit, (c) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent solution of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the pump unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing of the principal part of the detergent tank of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid agent automatic charging device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The disassembled perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The lower surface perspective view of the detergent tank lid to which the float part of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention was attached (A) Schematic side sectional view showing remaining amount detection means of washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, (b) Lower surface of detergent tank lid to which float part of washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached Schematic of Schematic side sectional view showing remaining amount detection means in a state where detergent liquid is filled in the detergent tank of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Relationship diagram between detected magnetic force and output voltage of linear Hall element FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of times the detergent is put in the detergent remaining amount detecting means of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Flowchart of washing machine shortage determination method for washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention

  A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a casing that forms an outer shell, a water tank that is elastically supported in an anti-vibration manner in the casing, a cylindrical washing tank with a bottom that is rotatably disposed in the water tank, A water supply valve that is provided in the housing and controls the supply of tap water, and a detergent container that is provided in an upper part of the water tank and that has a storage portion into which detergent is introduced, and the wall surface of the detergent container has a height. Water injection ports communicating with the water supply valve are formed at a plurality of positions in the direction, and a drain port is formed at the bottom of the detergent container.

  Thereby, by supplying tap water from the water injection ports formed at a plurality of positions in the height direction to the storage space for the detergent container, the detergent in the detergent container can be washed away without remaining and sticking.

  A washing machine according to a second aspect is the washing machine according to the first aspect, wherein a tank provided in the storage part of the detergent container and containing a liquid agent and a powder detergent provided in the storage part of the detergent container are charged. A detergent case, and a liquid agent automatic charging device that is provided at the upper part of the housing and automatically supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tub, the automatic liquid agent charging device being switched to communicate with the water supply valve and the tank And a pump unit communicating with the discharge water channel of the switching means, the switching means for flowing either tap water flowing from the water supply valve or liquid flowing from the tank to the pump unit, The pump unit is configured to suck in tap water or a liquid agent flowing from the switching unit and discharge the tap water or the liquid agent to the water tank, and the water supply valve and the switching unit. The waterway communicating the door bypass water passage is branched formed below, the bypass water passage is obtained by the arrangement in communication with the water inlet.

  Thereby, at the time of water supply, by supplying tap water from the water injection ports formed at a plurality of positions in the height direction to the storage area of the detergent container, the detergent in the detergent container can be washed away without remaining and sticking. it can. Further, even when the liquid agent in the tank flows backward in the water supply path due to the failure of the switching means, the liquid agent that has flowed back flows through the bypass water channel, so that it can be prevented from flowing back to the water supply valve, and failure of the water supply valve can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and repeated descriptions for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[table of contents]
1. Embodiment 1
1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Structure of washing machine 1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid agent feeding apparatus 1-1-3. Configuration of remaining amount detecting means 1-2. Operation and action 1-2-1. Washing operation operation 1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid supply method 1-2-3. Supplying manually supplied detergent and softener to the water tank 1-2-4. Method for detecting remaining amount of liquid in detergent tank or softener tank 1-3. Effect, etc. Other embodiments

  Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[1-1. Constitution]
[1-1-1. Structure of washing machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  1 and 2, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 105 is elastically supported by a plurality of suspensions (not shown) and a damper 163 in a casing 101 that is an outer shell of the washing machine 100. Yes. A bottomed cylindrical drum 106 (washing tub) is rotatably disposed in the water tub 105. A plurality of baffles 106 a are provided on the inner wall surface of the drum 106. By rotating the drum 106 at a low speed, the baffle 106a can give an agitation operation that hooks clothes, lifts them upward, and drops them. On the peripheral surface of the drum 106, a plurality of small holes (not shown) are formed. A tank rotation motor (not shown) for rotating the drum 106 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 105.

  On the front surface of the housing 101, there is formed a clothing input / output opening 103 that is opened to put in and out clothing. A lid 102 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101. The lid 102 covers the clothing input / output opening 103 so as to be freely opened and closed. By opening the lid 102, clothing can be thrown into the drum 106 from the clothing loading / unloading port 103.

  An automatic liquid agent charging device 109 is provided above the water tank 105 of the housing 101. About the structure of the liquid agent automatic injection device 109, [1-1-2. The configuration of the automatic liquid agent charging apparatus] will be described in detail.

  A lid 114 a that can be opened and closed is provided on the top of the housing 101. The lid 114a is opened, and the detergent tank 117 (tank) and the softener tank 126 (tank) can be detachably mounted in the opening 114b.

  An operation display unit 104 including an operation unit for operating and a display unit for displaying the operation state is disposed on the lid 102.

  The housing 101 is provided with a controller (not shown) that controls a tank rotation motor and the like and sequentially executes a series of steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The controller includes a cloth amount determination unit (not shown) and a liquid agent input amount calculation unit (not shown). For example, the cloth amount determination unit provides a function of classifying laundry up to 10 kg into about 10 stages according to a torque current value when the tub rotation motor is rotated at a constant rotation number. Further, the amount of water to be used for washing is determined according to the result of determining the amount of cloth. The liquid agent input amount calculation unit calculates the detergent input amount and the flexible seat input amount from the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount determination unit.

  The washing machine 100 is provided with a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit stores various setting information related to the washing operation, including a detergent type storage unit (not shown) that stores information related to the detergent type.

[1-1-2. Configuration of Liquid Agent Automatic Feeding Device 109]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a right side view of the automatic liquid dispenser for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the automatic liquid dispensing device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a left sectional view of the automatic liquid dispensing device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8 (a) is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying tap water of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 (b) is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying the softening agent liquid of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 (c) is the laundry in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent liquid of the machine, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pump unit of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a detergent tank of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the invention, and FIG. 11 is Embodiment 1 of the invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the liquid agent automatic injection device of the washing machine in.

  The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 is provided above the water tank 105 of the casing 101. The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 includes a water supply 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113, a tank housing case 114 in which a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are mounted.

(Water supply 110)
The water supply 110 is provided in the upper part of the housing | casing 101, and is comprised from the water supply path 110c, the 1st water supply valve 110a (water supply valve), and the 2nd water supply valve 110b.

  One end of the water supply channel 110c communicates with a faucet through a water supply hose (not shown). By controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, the water channel through which the tap water flows can be controlled. The channel of tap water will be described in (Configuration of water channel).

(Three-way valve unit 113)
The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit that selectively discharges the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent in the softener tank 126 attached to the tank housing case 114 to the piston pump unit 112.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the three-way valve unit 113 drives the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, the softener-side three-way valve 113b, the detergent-side coil 113d that drives the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, and the softener-side three-way valve 113b. It is comprised from the softener side coil 113i to do.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a water channel 124 for flowing a detergent solution or a softener solution to the pump unit 111 is provided. In the water channel 124, the flow of water is controlled by the three-way valve unit 113. In front of the water channel 124, it communicates with the detergent side cylinder part 111b and the softener side cylinder part 111f. Further, the water channel 124 communicates with the second water channel 182 (water channel) and the suction water channel 112 h of the piston pump unit 112.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a selectively switches the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent tank 117, and either one of them is switched to the softener side three-way. It is configured to supply the valve 113b.

  The detergent side three-way valve 113a will be described with reference to FIG. The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e that is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocates back and forth, a detergent-side valve body 113f that is provided at the front end of the detergent-side plunger 113e, One end is located on the rear wall of the detergent side cylinder 113l, and the other end is composed of the detergent side spring 113c located on the rear end of the detergent side plunger 113e. The detergent side cylinder 113l has an opening a at the front end. Around the detergent side cylinder 113l, a detergent side coil 113d is provided so as to cover the detergent side plunger 113e.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, when the detergent side coil 113d is not energized, the detergent side plunger 113e receives a forward biasing force from the detergent side spring 113c and receives the agent side valve. The body 113f is configured to close the opening b formed at the rear end of the detergent side cylinder 111b. For this reason, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f. Since the opening a is open, tap water flowing into the water channel 124 in the direction of the arrow X1 in the second water channel 182 passes through the opening a (arrow X2), and the softener side three-way valve 113b. (Arrow X3).

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the detergent side coil 113d. For this reason, the detergent side plunger 113e moves backward against the urging force of the detergent side spring 113c by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. Thereby, the opening b is opened. Accordingly, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows through the opening b and flows into the softener side three-way valve 113b as indicated by arrows X5 and X6. Further, since the opening a is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f, the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f.

  As described above, the flow of tap water from the second water channel 182 and the flow of detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 are switched by the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and selectively supplied to the softener-side three-way valve 113b. Can do.

  The softener side three-way valve 113b selectively switches between the flow of the liquid flowing from the detergent side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid flowing from the softener tank 126, and one of them flows to the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112. It is configured to supply.

  Similarly to the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, the softener-side three-way valve 113b is also provided with a softener-side cylinder 113m, a softener-side plunger 113j that is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocates back and forth, and a front end of the softener-side plunger 113j. A softener side valve body 113k provided at the portion, and a softener side spring 113h having one end positioned on the rear wall of the softener side cylinder 113m and the other end positioned on the rear end of the softener side plunger 113j. The The softener side cylinder 113m is configured such that liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a flows in. The softener side cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. A softener side coil 113i is provided around the softener side cylinder 113m so as to cover the softener side plunger 113j.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in a state where the softener side coil 113i is not energized, the softener side plunger 113j receives a forward biasing force of the softener side spring 113h. Thereby, the opening part d formed in the back end part of the softener side cylinder part 111f is obstruct | occluded by the softener side valve body 1113k. For this reason, the flow of the softening agent liquid from the softening agent tank 126 is blocked by the softening agent side valve body 113k that closes the opening d. Further, since the opening c is open, the detergent liquid or tap water supplied from the detergent side three-way valve 113a to the softener side three-way valve 113b passes from the opening c to the piston pump as indicated by arrows X4 and X7. It flows into the suction water channel 112h of the unit 112.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the softener side coil 113i is energized, the softener side plunger 113j moves backward against the urging force of the softener side spring 113h by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. As a result, the opening d is opened. Therefore, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows from the opening d to the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112 as indicated by arrows X8 and X9. Further, since the opening c is blocked by the softener side valve body 113k, the flow of liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a is blocked by the softener side valve body 113k.

  As described above, the softener side valve body 113k switches the flow of the liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126 and selectively supplies the flow to the suction water channel 112h. it can.

  8A, when both the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i are deenergized, the tap water in the second water channel passes through the three-way valve unit 113. And supplied to the piston pump unit 112. 8B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the softener side coil 113i is de-energized, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 passes through the three-way valve unit 113 and the piston pump unit 112. Supplied to. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the detergent side coil 113d is de-energized and the softener side coil 113i is energized, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 passes through the three-way valve unit 113 to the piston. It is supplied to the pump unit 112.

(Pump unit 111)
The pump unit 111 is a unit for sucking the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 and discharging it to the water tank 105.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the pump unit 111 includes an outer frame 111a and a piston pump unit 112 provided in the outer frame 111a.

  The outer frame 111a is made of resin and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer frame 111 a is disposed between the water feeder 110 and the tank housing case 114.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a detergent-side cylinder portion 111 b is formed to extend forward and backward below the front surface of the outer wall of the outer frame 111 a. As shown in FIG. 10, the front end portion of the detergent side cylinder portion 111 b is inserted into a cylinder portion 123 formed on the lower rear wall of the detergent tank 117. A plurality of spaced packings 111c are provided on the front outer peripheral surface of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. As shown in FIG. 10, a protruding rib 111e extending in the front direction is formed in front of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. As shown in FIG. 8, the rear end portion of the detergent side cylinder portion 111 b is connected to the water channel 124. The water channel 124 communicates with the suction water channel 112 h of the pump unit 111.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the softener side cylinder part 111f extended to the front and back is formed under the outer wall front surface of the outer frame 111a. Although not shown, the front end portion of the softener side cylindrical portion 111f is inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) formed on the lower rear wall of the softener tank 126. As shown in FIG. 8, the rear end portion of the softener side cylindrical portion 111 f is connected to the water channel 124.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the piston pump unit 112 is provided in the cylinder 112d, a suction water passage 112h into which the liquid agent flows into the cylinder 112d, a discharge water passage 112g for discharging the liquid agent from the cylinder 112d, and the cylinder 112d. And a piston 112e that can reciprocate up and down, and a drive motor 112f that drives the piston 112e.

  The cylinder 112d is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape, and a piston 112e is disposed in the cylinder 112d so as to be able to reciprocate up and down. The piston 112e is connected to the drive motor 112f via a link 112a and a cam 112b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the drive motor 112f is transmitted to the piston 112e via the link 112a and the cam 112b, and the piston 112e moves up and down.

  A suction water passage 112h and a discharge water passage 112g are connected to the lower portion of the cylinder 112d. The suction water channel 112h and the discharge water channel 112g are disposed below the piston 112e. Thereby, the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e can be discharged downward vigorously.

  The suction water channel 112h communicates with the discharge port e of the water channel 124, and is a water channel through which the liquid discharged from the softener side three-way valve 113b is sucked into the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder 112d.

  A suction-side check valve 164 is provided in the suction water channel 112h. The suction side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a at the lower portion. A spring 164b that biases the suction side check valve 164 downward is disposed in the suction water passage 112h. As a result, the convex portion 164a contacts the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h, so that the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, but does not move more than the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h below the cylinder. It has a configuration.

  The discharge water channel 112g is a water channel through which the liquid in the cylinder 112d is discharged, and is connected to the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129 as shown in FIG.

  A discharge-side check valve 165 is provided in the discharge water channel 112g. The discharge-side check valve 165 has a convex portion 165a at the top. A spring 165b that biases the discharge-side check valve 165 upward is disposed in the discharge water channel 112g. For this reason, since the convex part 165a contacts the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g, the discharge-side check valve 165 moves downward, but does not move above the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g. ing.

  When the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, and an upward force is applied to the suction side check valve 164. When the upward force generated in the suction-side check valve 164 due to the negative pressure is larger than the resultant force of the gravity of the suction-side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction-side check valve 164 moves upward, A gap is generated between the convex portion 164a and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h. As a result, the liquid passing through the three-way valve unit 113 flows into the cylinder 112d through the suction water channel 112h from the gap.

  When the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder becomes positive pressure, and a downward force is applied to the discharge side check valve 165. The resultant force of the gravity related to the discharge side check valve 165 and the downward force generated in the discharge side check valve 165 due to the downward movement of the piston 112e is the elasticity of the upward spring 165b related to the discharge side check valve 165. When it is larger than the force, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. As a result, a gap is generated between the convex portion 165a and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g, so that the liquid in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder flows through the discharge water channel 112g through the gap and is discharged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water channel 112 g is connected in communication with the branch water channel 129 a of the connecting hose 129. The connection hose 129 is a hose that communicates the drain port 114 c of the tank housing case 114 and the water tank 105. Thereby, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid agent in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged from the discharge water passage 112g to the water tank 105 via the connecting hose 129.

  As described above, the piston 112e repeats the vertical movement, so that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the connecting hose 129 can be sucked into the pump unit 111 and discharged to the water tank 105.

  The suction water channel 112h, the discharge water channel 112g, and the branch water channel 129a are formed in a substantially vertical direction.

(Tank storage case 114)
The tank housing case 114 is a container having a housing portion whose upper surface is open. As shown in FIG. 3, a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are detachably attached to the rear of the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. A detergent case 115 is detachably attached to the front of the storage portion of the tank storage case 114.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an insertion hole 114 d is formed in the lower rear wall of the tank housing case 114. The detergent side cylinder portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114d.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a water injection channel 116 through which tap water flows is disposed on the upper part of the tank housing case 114. The water injection channel 116 communicates with a first upper water injection port 114e and a second upper water injection port 114f formed on the left and right side walls of the tank housing case 114. The tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is injected from the first upper water injection port 114e into the detergent container 115b of the detergent case 115. Further, the tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is injected from the second upper water injection port 114 f into the softener storage unit 115 c of the detergent case 115.

  As shown in FIG. 5, linear Hall elements 136 are provided on the left and right side walls of the tank housing case. The first linear Hall element 136 is configured in an analog manner.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a lower water inlet 114 g is formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the tank housing case 114. The lower water inlet 114g communicates with a detour channel 184 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a drain port 114 c is formed at the bottom of the tank housing case 114. One end of a connecting hose 129 is connected to the drain port 114c. The other end of the connecting hose 129 is swingably connected to the water tank 105. In the connecting hose 129, a branch water channel 129a branches in the vertical direction from the middle. The branch water channel 129 a communicates with the discharge water channel 112 g of the pump unit 111.

(Detergent tank 117, softener tank 126)
The detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 are containers having an upper surface opening 118 at the top.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a first rib 117d and a second rib 117e are formed on the upper peripheral edge of the detergent tank 117. The first rib 117d and the second rib 117e extend in the outer peripheral direction. A packing 117f is provided between the first rib 117d and the second rib 117e.

  A detergent tank lid 119 is attached to the upper part of the detergent tank 117 so as to open and close the upper surface opening 118. When the detergent tank lid 119 is attached to the upper part of the detergent tank 117, the packing 117f is crushed and can be fixed in a watertight manner. Thereby, even when the detergent tank 117 is laid down sideways, it is possible to prevent the internal detergent liquid from spilling. The packing 117f may be provided not on the detergent tank 117 side but on the detergent tank lid 119 side.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a cylindrical portion 123 extending rearward is formed below the rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117. A through hole 123 a is formed in the cylindrical portion 123, and a check valve 123 b is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 123. The check valve 123b is configured to rotate to the inside of the detergent tank 117 (front direction in FIG. 10) but not to the outside of the detergent tank 117 (rear side in FIG. 10).

  When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank housing case 114, the detergent side cylinder portion 111 b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the cylinder portion 123. At this time, since the protruding rib 111e of the detergent side cylinder 111b pushes the check valve 123b, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows to the three-way valve unit 113 through the through hole 123a. Further, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank housing case 114, the check valve 123b rotates rearward in FIG. Thereby, even if the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank housing case 114, the detergent liquid can be prevented from leaking from the detergent tank 117.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a grip portion 117 g is formed on the front outer wall surface of the detergent tank 117. The grip portion 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. The user can pull out the detergent tank 117 from the tank housing case 114 by grasping the grip portion 117g and pulling the detergent tank 117 forward. Further, the user can insert a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above, or can insert it from below. Further, by inserting a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above and also from below, the grip portion 117g can be gripped.

  If the detergent tank 117 inserted in the storage part of the tank storage case 114 is to be pulled out by grasping the grip part 117g from below, the wrist becomes cramped because it is necessary to put the wrist into the narrow space of the detergent case 115 storage part. . On the other hand, by inserting a finger from above into the gap between the gripping part 117g and the detergent tank 117, the detergent tank 117 can be easily pulled out without the wrist becoming cramped.

  Since the softener tank 126 has the same configuration as the detergent tank 117, the description thereof is omitted.

(Mesh member 122)
The mesh member 122 is detachably provided in the detergent tank 117. The mesh member 122 is made of resin, and through holes penetrating the front and back are formed in a mesh shape. The detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filtered by the mesh member 122, and foreign substances and fixed detergent liquid can be prevented from clogging in the detergent side cylinder part 111b.

  Both ends of the mesh member 122 are bent, and engagement claws are formed on the back surface. The engaging claw is formed by an engaging rib 122b extending in the back direction of the mesh member 122 and a convex portion 122c formed in a convex shape at the tip portion of the engaging rib 122b.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a hook portion 121 is formed on the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117. The hook portion 121 is formed by a standing portion 121a that is erected substantially vertically from the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117, and an extending portion 121b that is farther from the tip of the standing portion 121a to the rear side of the detergent tank 117. The hook 121 is engaged with the lower end 122 d of the mesh member 122. The rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117 is formed with a protruding portion 117b that protrudes to the inside of the detergent tank 117. The protrusion 117b is engaged with the engagement claw of the mesh member 122. With the above configuration, the mesh member 122 can be engaged and fixed in an oblique direction.

  In general, since the detergent liquid has a high viscosity, when the mesh member 122 is installed in the detergent tank 117 in the horizontal direction, the liquid agent may not pass through the mesh member 122 and air may be trapped below the mesh member 122 of the detergent tank 117. is there. Here, when the mesh member 122 is installed obliquely in the detergent tank 117, the detergent liquid flows downward on the surface of the mesh member 122 according to the gravity of the mesh member. For this reason, it can suppress that an air pocket is made below rather than the mesh member 122 of the detergent tank 117. FIG.

  When the mesh member 122 is mounted in the detergent tank 117, the mesh member 122 is attached in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 10 with the lower end 122d of the mesh member 122 inserted between the extended portion 121b and the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117. Push into. Thereby, the convex part 122c of the mesh member 122 bends in the direction of arrow D (two-dot chain line in FIG. 10), and the rear wall 117a bends in the direction of arrow E (two-dot chain line in FIG. 10). Therefore, the convex part 122c enters below the projecting part 117b, the engaging claw and the projecting part 117b are engaged, and the mesh member 122 is held in the detergent tank 117.

  When removing the mesh member 122 from the detergent tank 117, the mesh member 122 is pushed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 10 and the rear wall 117a is bent in the direction of arrow E in FIG. The mesh member 122 can be pulled out from the detergent tank 117.

(Detergent case 115)
As shown in FIG. 3, a detergent case 115 is detachably provided in front of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 in the tank housing case 114. As shown in FIG. 6, the detergent case 115 is in contact with the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126. For this reason, by attaching the detergent case 115, the detergent case 115 pushes the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 backward. When the detergent tank 117 is pushed rearward, the detergent side cylinder 111b can be reliably inserted into the cylinder 123, and the detergent liquid can be prevented from leaking. Similarly, the softener tank 126 is pushed backward by the detergent case 115, so that the softener tank 126 can be reliably mounted in the tank housing case 114, and the softener leakage can be prevented.

  The detergent case 115 is a container whose upper surface is open, and has a partition wall 115a. By the partition wall 115a, the storage part of the detergent case 115 is partitioned into a detergent storage part 115b and a softener storage part 115c. The user manually inputs the powder detergent into the detergent container 115b and the softener into the softener container 115c.

  A discharge port (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the detergent case 115. The liquid agent flowing from the discharge port is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank housing case 114 and the connecting hose 129. As shown in FIG. 11, the first water supply valve 110a is opened when washing the powder detergent put into the detergent container 115b. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and the water injection channel 116 as shown by the arrow A1 in FIG. 11, and is injected from the first upper water injection port 114e into the detergent container 115b. .

  A conventionally known siphon mechanism is provided in the softener accommodating portion 115c. When flowing the softener liquid thrown into the softener accommodating part 115c, the 2nd water supply valve 110b is opened. As a result, the tap water flows through the third water channel 183 as shown by an arrow A3 in FIG. 11, and is injected from the second upper water injection port 114f into the softening agent accommodation unit 115c. Then, the water level in the softener accommodating portion 115c rises, and due to the siphon effect by the siphon mechanism, the softener liquid put into the softener accommodating portion 115c can be completely flowed into the water tank 105 without leaving.

(Composition of waterway)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the first water channel 181, the water flowing in from the first water supply valve 110 a flows through the water supply channel 110 c and the water injection channel 116, and the detergent case 115 accommodates the detergent from the first upper water injection port 114 e. It is a water channel poured into the part 115b. The first water channel 181 branches off from the second water channel 182 on the upstream side of the water injection channel 116. The second water channel 182 is a water channel that flows into the branch water channel 129 a of the connection hose 129 via the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111.

  Further, in the second water channel 182, the bypass water channel 184 is branched downward on the upstream side of the three-way valve unit 113. The bypass water channel 184 communicates with the lower water inlet 114 g of the tank housing case 114. The detergent-side three-way valve 113a is clogged with foreign matter, or the detergent-side three-way valve 113a has deteriorated over time, so that the opening and closing part of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a cannot be closed, and the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is contained in the second water channel 182. Even when the liquid flows backward, since the liquid that has flowed backward flows into the bypass water channel 184, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing back to the water tap.

  Further, in the third water channel 183, the tap water flowing in from the second water supply valve 110b flows through the water supply channel 110c and the water injection channel 116, and enters the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent case 115 from the second upper water injection port 114f. It is a water channel that is poured into the water.

[1-1-3. Configuration of remaining amount detection means]
12 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the detergent tank lid to which the float unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. 14 (a) is a schematic side sectional view showing the remaining amount detection means of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 (b) is a float part of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the lower surface of the detergent tank lid to which the detergent is attached, and FIG. 15 is a detergent showing the structure of the remaining amount detecting means in the state where the detergent tank of the washing machine is filled with the detergent liquid in Embodiment 1 of the present invention FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of the tank, and FIG. 16 is a relationship diagram between the detected magnetic force of the linear Hall element and the output voltage.

  The automatic liquid dispenser 109 includes a first remaining amount detecting means 130 for detecting the amount of liquid detergent in the detergent tank 117 and a second remaining amount detecting means (not shown) for detecting the amount of liquid detergent in the softener tank 126. Z).

  The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 is provided with a first remaining amount detecting means 130 for detecting the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and a second remaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount of softening agent in the softening agent tank 126. Yes.

  The first remaining amount detecting means 130 includes a float part 130 a and a linear Hall element 136. Since the second remaining amount detecting means has the same configuration as the first remaining amount detecting means 130, the description thereof is omitted.

(Float 130a)
As shown in FIG. 6, one end of a float part 130 a is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the float part 130 a includes a link 133, a rotating shaft 131 provided at the upper end of the link 133, and a magnet box 135 provided at the lower end of the link 133. The rotation shaft 131 is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119.

  The magnet box 135 is configured to be hollow inside, and the magnet box 135 is a sealed hollow container. A magnet 134 is provided in the magnet box 135. The magnet 134 is covered with a magnet box 135 and a cover 135a in a sealed state so that the detergent solution does not adhere to the magnet 134. A holding rib (not shown) for holding the magnet 134 is formed in the magnet box 135. Moreover, since the magnet box 135 is hollow, the magnet box 135 itself has buoyancy. For this reason, the float part 130a floats on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117, and is configured to rotate as indicated by an arrow H in FIG. 14 (b) and FIG. ing.

  A support portion 135 b is provided below the magnet box 135. When the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases, the float portion 130a rotates downward. However, the float portion 130a rotates below the magnet stopper 137 when the support portion 135b and the magnet stopper 137 come into contact with each other. It can be prevented from moving.

  As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 (b), and 15, partition ribs 119 a are formed around the rotation shaft 131 on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119.

(Linear Hall element 136)
As shown in FIG. 5, the linear Hall elements 136 are respectively provided at the lower portions of the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls of the tank housing case 114. The linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density.

  In general, the linear Hall element 136 has characteristics as shown in FIG. The horizontal axis in FIG. 16 is the magnetic force detected by the linear Hall element 136, and the vertical axis in FIG. 16 is the output voltage value of the linear Hall element 136.

When the magnetic force detected by the linear Hall element 136 is close to 0 Wb / m ² , the linear Hall element 136 outputs ½ Vdd (V) that is half of the maximum output voltage Vdd (V). When a magnetic body having N poles approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the N pole, and the output voltage becomes larger than 1/2 Vdd (in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 16). . On the other hand, when a magnetic body having N poles approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 detects the magnetic force of the S pole strongly, and the output voltage becomes smaller than 1/2 Vdd (in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 16). ).

  The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 increases as the distance from the magnet box 135 decreases, and decreases as the distance from the magnet box 135 increases. In addition, since the linear Hall element 136 is provided at the lower part of the outer surface of the side wall of the tank housing case 114, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet box 135 approaches when the water level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 117 decreases. .

  If the linear Hall element 136 is disposed on the outer bottom surface side of the detergent tank 117, the detergent accumulates on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, so that it cannot be detected that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 has decreased. On the other hand, when the first linear Hall element 136 is provided on the side wall of the tank housing case 114, the detergent flows down along the outer surface of the side wall, so that the erroneous detection can be prevented.

(Magnet stopper 137)
As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15, a magnet stopper 137 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the magnet box 135. The magnet stopper 137 is configured to come into contact with the magnet box 135 with the amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient in the detergent remaining amount. With the above configuration, even when the liquid level further decreases from a predetermined amount of detergent water that is determined to be insufficient in the detergent tank 117, the magnet box 135 does not rotate downward, and the linear Hall element 136 The output voltage does not change.

[1-2. Operation, action]
The operation and action of the washing machine having the above-described configuration will be described below.

[1-2-1. Washing operation]
The operation of the washing operation in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

  The washing operation of the washing machine 100 includes a “washing process” in which clothes are immersed in washing water and the drum 106 is rotated to remove dirt, a “rinsing process” in which clothes soaked in detergent water are rinsed with water, and clothes containing water There is a “dehydration step” for dehydrating the garment and a “drying step” for supplying warm air to the drum 106 to dry the clothes in the drum 106.

  The user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid into the softener tank 126 in advance before washing.

  When replenishing the detergent tank 117 with the detergent solution, the lid 114a is opened and the detergent tank 117 is removed. Next, the detergent tank lid 119 is opened, and the detergent solution is put into the detergent tank 117.

  Similarly, when the softener liquid is replenished in the softener tank 126, the lid 114a is opened and the softener tank 126 is removed. Next, the softener tank lid 128 is opened, and the softener liquid is put into the softener tank 126.

  The lid 114a, the detergent tank lid 119, and the softener tank lid 128 are configured to open and close while being turned up and down by a hinge. For this reason, the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 can also be closed by closing the lid body 114a with the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 open.

  When washing is performed, the user opens the lid 102 and puts clothes into the drum 106 through the clothes putting-out opening 103. Next, the operation display unit 104 is operated to turn on the power switch, and various washing courses and washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration are set. The washing courses that can be set are “washing only”, “rinsing only”, “dehydration only”, and the like.

  Hereinafter, the driving operation in the “laundry course” will be described.

  In the “laundry course”, the controller controls to sequentially execute the cloth amount determination process, the water supply process, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process. In the cloth amount determination step, the cloth amount determination unit, in the cloth amount detection, measures the torque current value when the tank rotation motor is repeatedly rotated in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction at a constant number of rotations. The amount of cloth is detected. Next, the pump unit 111 is driven, and the amount of detergent liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit is supplied from the detergent tank 117 into the drum 106. Then, the 1st water supply valve 110a is opened and the water supply process which supplies the tap water of the quantity of water according to the cloth quantity in the drum 106 is performed.

  After the water supply process is completed, a washing process for agitating the laundry in the drum 106 by driving the tub rotating motor and rotating the drum 106 is performed. After completion of the washing process, the controller executes the rinsing process after performing the dehydration. In the rinsing step, the first water supply valve 110a is opened, a predetermined amount of tap water is supplied into the water tank 105, the pump unit 111 is driven, and the amount of the softener liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit is supplied. The softener tank 126 is supplied into the water tank 105. In addition, after supplying the detergent solution and the softener solution, tap water is supplied to wash away the water channel of the detergent and softener solution.

  When the rinsing process is completed, the dehydration process is executed, and the washing course is completed.

[1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid supply method]
Hereinafter, the water supply method and the method of supplying the liquid agent to the water tank 105 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the washing process, first, tap water is supplied to the water tank 105.

  When supplying tap water, the controller controls to open the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b. Further, the detergent-side coil 113d, the softener-side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f are turned off. Thereby, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is supplied to the water tank 105.

  After the water supply is completed, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105. In this case, the controller turns on the detergent side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f and puts the softener side coil 113i in a non-energized state. As a result, the detergent tank 117 and the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111 communicate with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, since the check valve 123b rotates backward, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows in the through hole 123a in the direction of arrow F and arrow G, and the detergent side three-way valve 113a, It flows into the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111 via the softener side three-way valve 113b.

  The piston 112e reciprocates up and down in the cylinder 112d by the driving force of the drive motor 112f. Thereby, negative pressure and positive pressure are repeated in the cylinder 112d. When the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent liquid flows into the cylinder 112d from the clearance between the suction side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112h. It flows into the accommodating part 112c. When the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes positive pressure, and the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. For this reason, the detergent liquid in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged in a downward direction from the gap between the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g toward the branch water channel 129a (arrow in FIG. 6). B direction). The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branch water channel 129 a of the connection hose 129 and is supplied to the water tank 105.

  As described above, a predetermined amount of detergent liquid can be supplied to the water tank 105 by the piston 112e repeating vertical movement for a predetermined time.

  Here, the second water channel 182 communicates with the water tank 105, but when the lid 102 is opened, the inside of the water tank 105 is open to the atmosphere. For this reason, in the liquid channel of the liquid agent from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105, the liquid agent may be dried, fixed, and deposited.

  In the present embodiment, since the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111 is connected to the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129, it does not pass through the water injection channel 116 of the tank housing case 114 and can be freely moved downward directly toward the water tank 105. It is dropped and discharged (arrow B in FIG. 6). Thereby, since the distance of a discharge water channel is short and a water channel is not complicated, adhesion of a detergent liquid can be suppressed.

  After completing the introduction of the detergent liquid, the controller turns off the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i and opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. Thereby, since the tap water is supplied to the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111, the detergent solution remaining in the connecting hose 129 can be washed away.

  In addition, since the momentum of water is weak at the start of water supply, the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 do not move, and there is a concern that the flow of supplied water may be blocked. For this reason, it is good also as a structure which drives the drive motor 112f for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) after it starts opening the 1st water supply valve 110a. With the above configuration, the piston 112e reciprocates up and down, and the inside of the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder repeats positive pressure and negative pressure. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 moves and tap water can flow into the pump unit 111. For this reason, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connecting hose 129 can be washed away.

  Further, the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111 communicates with the water tank 105 via the connection hose 129 without passing through the tank housing case 114. For this reason, it can prevent that a liquid agent remains in the water channel from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105, and adheres.

  When supplying the softener liquid from the softener tank 126, the softener side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f are energized and the detergent side coil 113d is controlled to be in a non-energized state. Since the supply method of the softener liquid is the same as the supply method of the detergent liquid, the description is omitted.

  In addition, when a foreign object is caught in the opening / closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a gap may be generated in the opening / closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. In the state where the first water supply valve 110a is opened, when a power failure or water outage occurs, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows through the gap between the opening and closing part of the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the inside of the second water channel 182 becomes a water tap. There is a risk of backflow.

  Here, in the second water channel 182, a bypass water channel 184 is branched downward, and a lower water inlet 114 g that is a water outlet of the bypass water channel 184 is positioned below the detergent tank 117. For this reason, the detergent liquid flowing backward from the detergent tank 117 flows into the bypass water channel 184 and flows into the water tank 105 via the tank housing case 114 and the connecting hose 129 (arrow A1 in FIG. 11). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 from flowing back to the faucet and causing the faucet to break down.

  Further, since the tap water flowing through the bypass water channel 184 flows into the tank housing case 114, it can be used to wash away the detergent solution adhering to the tank housing case 114 when water is supplied.

  Since the same applies to the case where the softener in the softener tank 126 flows backward, the description thereof is omitted.

[1-2-3. Manually supplying detergent and softener to the water tank]
3 and 11, when the user sets the detergent manually without setting the automatic charging device, the powder detergent or softener manually supplied to the detergent case 115 is supplied to the water tank 105. A method will be described.

  When supplying the powder detergent put into the detergent case 115 to the water tank 105, the first water supply valve 110a is controlled to be opened and the second water supply valve 110b is controlled to be closed. Thereby, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is poured from the first upper water inlet 114e toward the detergent accommodating portion 115b of the detergent case 115 (arrow A1 in FIG. 11). The powder detergent in the detergent container 115 b flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114 c and is supplied into the water tank 105. The supplied tap water flows from the second water channel 182 through the bypass water channel 184 and is supplied from the lower water inlet 114g toward the inner bottom surface of the tank housing case 114 (arrow A2 in FIG. 11). With the water poured from the upper side and the water poured from the lower side, the powder detergent can be washed out to the connecting hose 129 without remaining in the tank housing case 114.

  When supplying the softener put into the detergent case 115 to the water tank 105, the first water supply valve 110a is closed and the second water supply valve 110b is opened. Thereby, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the third water channel 183 and is injected from the second upper water injection port 114f toward the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent case 115 (arrow A3 in FIG. 11). . Then, the water level in the softener accommodating part 115c rises, and it can be made to flow out to the tank accommodating case 114 without leaving the softener liquid thrown into the softener accommodating part 115c by the siphon effect by a siphon mechanism. The softening agent liquid that has flowed into the tank housing case 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114 c and is supplied into the water tank 105.

[1-2-4. Method for detecting remaining amount of liquid in detergent tank or softener tank]
Hereinafter, a method for detecting the remaining amount of detergent liquid will be described. The method for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid softening agent is the same.

  FIG. 17 is a relationship diagram between the number of times the detergent is put in the detergent remaining amount detecting means of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The horizontal axis in FIG. 17 represents the number of times the detergent solution has been put into the water tank 105. The vertical axis in FIG. 17 represents the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. The solid line in FIG. 17 indicates the change in the output voltage when the N-pole magnetic body approaches the linear Hall element 136. The broken line in FIG. 17 indicates the change in the output voltage when the south pole magnetic body approaches the linear Hall element 136.

The upper limit value of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is 5 V, and the lower limit value is 0 V. When the magnetic flux density of the linear Hall element 136 is approximately 0 Wb / m ² , the output voltage is 2.5 V. Further, the upper limit value of the linear Hall element 136 is not 5V, and may be 10V, for example.

  In the state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent solution, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet 134 is greatly separated. For this reason, the magnetic lines of force from the magnet 134 do not reach the linear Hall element 136, and the linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage of 2.5 V (K section in FIG. 17). Thereafter, when the detergent liquid is repeatedly introduced into the water tank 105 from the detergent tank 117, the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 decreases, and the water level of the detergent liquid decreases. When the water level of the detergent liquid decreases, the magnet box 135 also rotates downward, so that the magnet 134 approaches the linear Hall element 136 and the magnetic force detected by the linear Hall element 136 increases.

  When the linear Hall element 136 receives N-pole magnetism from the magnet 134, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 increases as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged, as shown by the solid line in FIG. When the detergent is continuously added, the magnet box 135 comes into contact with the magnet stopper 137, so that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 converges to a predetermined value (for example, 4.0 V).

  When the linear Hall element 136 receives the south pole magnetism from the magnet 134, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 decreases as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged, as shown by the broken line in FIG. When the detergent is continuously added, the magnet box 135 contacts the magnet stopper 137, so that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 converges to a predetermined value (for example, 1.0 V).

  As described above, when the detergent remaining amount becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 accompanying the introduction of the detergent liquid converges to the predetermined value. For this reason, when grasping the insufficient amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117, the difference between the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 after the detergent is introduced and the output voltage value of the linear hall element 136 after the past detergent is introduced. Is calculated. When the difference value is less than or equal to the predetermined value, it is determined that the detergent remaining amount is insufficient.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining an insufficient amount of detergent in the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The storage unit is a 0th storage unit that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is supplied, a first storage unit that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the previous supply of the detergent, A second storage unit that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136, and a third storage unit that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the third previous detergent is added.

  Thereafter, the value stored in the 0th storage unit is Y, the value stored in the 1st storage unit is Y-1, the value stored in the 2nd storage unit is Y-2, and stored in the third storage means. The value is Y-3. Moreover, let CNT be the continuous frequency | count that the difference value of Y and Y-3 after detergent introduction is less than 0.1V.

  Hereinafter, the detergent remaining amount shortage determining means will be described with reference to FIG.

  After the amount of detergent liquid necessary for the washing process is charged from the detergent tank 117 (step S0: Yes), the controller stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the 0th storage unit (step S1). Thereafter, the controller determines whether the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value (for example, 2.0V) and within a second predetermined value (for example, 3.0V) (step S1). S2).

  When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value and within the second predetermined value (step S2: Yes), the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, and thus the operation for detecting the remaining amount of detergent is performed. The Y-2 stored in the second storage unit is stored in the third storage unit, the Y-1 value stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and the 0th storage unit is stored. Is stored in the first storage unit (step S8).

  When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is less than the first predetermined value, or when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is larger than the second predetermined value (step S2: No), the detergent is added three times before Y. The difference from the output voltage Y-3 of the subsequent linear Hall element 136 is calculated.

  When the difference value Y− (Y−3) is 0.1 V or more (step S3: No), it is determined that the detergent remaining amount is not insufficient because the float unit 130a is rotated downward, and the CNT is reset. CNT = 0 (step S5). Thereafter, Y-2 stored in the second storage unit is stored in the third storage unit, the value of Y-1 stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and stored in the 0th storage unit The obtained value Y is stored in the first storage unit (step S8).

  If the difference value Y− (Y−3) is less than 0.1 V (step S3: Yes), it is determined that the detergent water level in the detergent tank 117 has decreased, and CNT is incremented (step S4). After step S4, it is determined whether CNT is 3 or more (step S6). When CNT is less than 3 (step S6: No), Y-2 stored in the second storage unit is stored in the third storage unit, and the value of Y-1 stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit. The value Y stored in the first storage unit is stored in the first storage unit (step S8). If CNT is 3 or more (step S6: Yes), it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is less than a predetermined value, and a notification to that effect is sent to the operation display unit (step S7). Thereafter, Y-2 stored in the second storage unit is stored in the third storage unit, the value of Y-1 stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and stored in the 0th storage unit The obtained value Y is stored in the first storage unit (step S8).

  The above is the method for determining the remaining amount of detergent.

  Here, in a situation where the detergent tank 117 is sufficiently filled with the detergent solution, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet 134 is greatly separated, and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is approximately equal even when the detergent is inserted. It remains unchanged at 2.5V (K section in FIG. 17). For this reason, in spite of the state in which the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, (Y- (Y-3)) is less than 0.1 V, and it is erroneously detected that the detergent remaining amount is insufficient. There is a risk of it. In the present embodiment, when the output voltage Y of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value and within the second predetermined value (step S2: Yes), an operation for detecting the remaining amount of detergent is performed. By adopting no configuration, the above-described erroneous detection of the remaining amount of the detergent is prevented.

  Further, when the magnet 134 received by the linear Hall element 136 has a south pole, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has a waveform as shown by a broken line in FIG. Therefore, for example, when the magnetism received by the linear Hall element 136 is the S pole, Y = 1.0V, and Y-3 = 1.2V, the difference value is (Y− (Y−3)) = − 0.2V. Becomes a value smaller than 0.1 V, and there is a possibility that the detergent tank 117 is erroneously detected as the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient although the detergent is filled in the detergent tank 117.

  In order to prevent the erroneous detection, in step S3 of FIG. 18, the absolute value of (Y− (Y−3)) is compared with 0.1V. Thereby, the erroneous detection by the polarity of a magnet can be prevented. Further, since it is not necessary to produce the magnet box 135 in consideration of the magnetic direction of the magnet 134, the man-hours required for the production of the magnet box 135 and the man-hours required for the confirmation inspection are reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  The detergent shortage detection means described above will be described below using a specific example.

(Nth detergent is added)
The output voltage Y of the linear Hall element 136 after the Nth detergent addition is about 4.0V. The value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is about 3.8V. At this time, since (Y− (Y−3)) = 0.2V and the difference value is larger than 0.1V, CNT is set to 0, and the value Y−2 of the second storage unit is transferred to the third storage unit. The value Y-1 of the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and the value Y of the 0th storage unit is stored in the first billion.

(N + 1 detergent introduction)
Assume that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the (N + 1) th introduction of the detergent is about 4.02 V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is 3.94 V. At this time, Y− (Y−3) = 0.08V and the difference value is less than 0.1V, so CNT is incremented (CNT = 1). After that, the controller checks whether CNT is 3 or more. Since CNT is 1 this time, it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent is not insufficient, the value Y-2 of the second storage unit is stored in the third storage unit, and the value Y-1 of the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit. The value Y of the 0th storage unit is stored in the first billion parts. Then, the supply of the detergent liquid from the next detergent tank 117 is awaited.

(N + 2nd detergent input)
Assuming that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the N + 1th detergent addition is about 4.03 V and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is about 3.95 V, Y- (Y -3) = 0.08V, and the difference value is less than 0.1V. Therefore, CNT is incremented to 2. Further, since the CNT is less than 3, it is determined that the remaining amount of the detergent is not insufficient, and the value Y-2 of the second storage unit is set to the third storage unit, and the value Y-1 of the first storage unit is set to the second value. In the storage unit, the value Y of the 0th storage unit is stored in the first billion parts. Then, the supply of the detergent liquid from the next detergent tank 117 is awaited.

(N + 3rd detergent injection)
Assuming that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the N + 1th addition of the detergent is about 4.05 V and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is about 3.99 V, Y- (Y -3) = 0.06V, and the difference value is less than 0.1V. Since CNT is incremented to 3, it is determined that the amount of liquid in the detergent tank 117 has become less than a predetermined amount, and this is displayed on the operation display unit 104. After confirming the detergent remaining amount shortage message on the operation display unit 104, the user takes out the detergent tank 117 from the storage unit of the tank storage case 114 and replenishes the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the detergent liquid level of the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float part 130a rotates upward. In this state, when the detergent tank 117 is mounted again in the housing portion of the tank housing case 114, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 approaches 2.5V, so the controller determines that the detergent liquid is replenished in the detergent tank 117. The agent remaining amount shortage message on the operation display unit 104 is canceled.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after charging the detergent liquid and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the detergent liquid is charged a predetermined number of times before (for example, three times before). The difference is calculated. When the calculated difference value is continuously less than a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 V) a plurality of times (for example, three times), it is detected that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 has become less than the predetermined amount. By determining the remaining amount of detergent based on the difference between the output voltage of the previous linear Hall element 136 and the amount of detergent remaining due to variations in the structure of the washing machine, such as the arrangement of the linear Hall element 136 and the dimensions of the equipment. The possibility that the determination is erroneously detected can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14B, partition ribs 119a are formed around the rotation shaft 131 of the float portion 130a on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, even when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, there is an air pool inside the area surrounded by the partition rib 119a, so the detergent liquid does not flow in. It is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from adhering to the rotation shaft 131 of the float part 130a. Further, even when the detergent tank lid 119 is tilted with the detergent tank lid 119 removed from the detergent tank 117, it is understood that the liquid material adhering to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 flows to the rotating shaft 131 of the float part 130a. It can be blocked by the rib 119a. Therefore, it can suppress that the rotational axis 131 adheres with a detergent liquid, and the measurement precision of detergent residual amount deteriorates.

  Further, the magnet stopper 137 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to contact the magnet box 135 with the amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient, so that the liquid agent can be used in a state where the liquid agent is insufficient. Even when is discharged, the float 130a can be prevented from rotating downward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 changes when the detergent remaining amount is insufficient and the detergent remaining amount is not insufficient.

[1-3. Effect]
As described above, in the automatic liquid dispenser 109 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment, the detergent supplied to the powder detergent in the detergent case 115 and the inner wall surface and the inner bottom surface of the tank housing case 114 by supplying water from the first upper water inlet 114e. While adhering the powder detergent, the powder detergent adhered to the inner bottom surface of the tank housing case 114 can be washed away by supplying water from the lower water inlet 114g. For this reason, it can suppress that the powder detergent in the tank storage case 114 remains and adheres after water supply.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technique disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, and the like. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each component demonstrated in the said Embodiment 1, and it can also be set as a new embodiment.

  Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

  In the first embodiment, the lower water injection port 114g is described as being configured to communicate with the bypass water channel 184, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lower water injection port 114g only needs to communicate with some water channel. For example, the lower water inlet 114g may be in direct communication with the first water supply valve 110a.

  In addition, if the first upper water inlet 114e, the second upper water inlet 114f, and the lower water inlet 114g are each formed with a plurality of holes, the powder detergent in the tank housing case 114 can flow more reliably. it can.

  In the first embodiment, the structure in which the two water inlets are formed at different positions in the height direction of the wall surface of the tank housing case 114 has been described. It is good also as a structure which forms three or more places.

  Although Embodiment 1 has been described using a drum-type washing machine, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same operation and effect can be obtained even with a vertical washing machine.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can prevent the detergent in the tank housing case from being washed away by the water supplied from the upper water inlet and the lower water inlet, so that the powder detergent can be prevented from remaining and sticking. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Case 105 Water tank 106 Drum 110a 1st water supply valve 115 Detergent case 115b Detergent accommodating part 115c Softening agent accommodating part 114 Tank accommodating case 114e 1st upper water inlet 114g Lower water inlet

Claims (2)

A housing forming an outer shell,
A water tank elastically supported in the case;
A bottomed cylindrical washing tub disposed rotatably in the water tub;
A water supply valve provided in the housing for controlling the supply of tap water;
A detergent container having a container provided in the upper part of the water tank and into which the detergent is charged,
A washing machine in which water inlets communicating with the water supply valve are formed at a plurality of positions in a height direction on a wall surface of the detergent container, and a drain outlet is formed at a bottom of the detergent container. A tank for storing a liquid agent provided in the storage portion of the detergent container;
A detergent case that is provided in the container of the detergent container and into which a powder detergent is charged;
A liquid agent automatic charging device that is provided at the top of the housing and automatically supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tub;
The liquid agent automatic charging device includes a switching unit that communicates with the water supply valve and the tank, and a pump unit that communicates with a discharge water passage of the switching unit, and the switching unit includes tap water flowing from the water supply valve. Or any one of the liquid agent flowing in from the tank is caused to flow to the pump unit, and the pump unit is configured to suck in the tap water or the liquid agent flowing in from the switching means and discharge it to the water tank,
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a bypass water channel is branched downward in a water channel communicating the water supply valve and the switching unit, and the bypass water channel communicates with the water inlet.