JP6650241B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes.

  For example, a drum-type washing machine arranges a drum rotatably in a water tank arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally, and rotates and drives the drum around a rotation axis to wash and rinse laundry. This is done until dehydration. Some drum-type washing machines carry out drying of laundry.

  The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Literature 1 includes “a housing, a washing tub, and an automatic detergent supply device provided in the housing. The automatic detergent supply device includes a detergent tank and a detergent tank inside. And a control means for controlling the automatic detergent supply device "(abstract).

  Further, the transfer pump is configured as an immersion pump having a DC motor and a gear pump (claims 25, 32, and 33).

  The washing machine described in Patent Literature 2 discloses an outer shell that covers the upper part of a water receiving tub 3 in which a washing and dewatering tub 1 is rotatably arranged with a water receiving tub cover 9 and supports the water receiving tub 3 in a vibration-proof manner. An outer cover 15 is provided on the upper part of the upper part 6 so as to cover the water receiving tank 3. The outer frame cover 15 is provided with a detergent tank 17 capable of storing an amount of liquid detergent 16 that can be used for at least two washes, and the detergent is supplied. The liquid detergent 16 can be put into the washing and spin-drying tub 1 by the device 18 (means for solving the abstract), and the "detergent tank can be detachably removed from the outer cover (claim 11)". ing.

USP 2011/0186098 A1 JP 2000-300891 A

  In the configuration of Patent Literature 1, it is considered that a wiring for supplying power to the DC motor is provided in the detergent tank because the transfer pump provided in the detergent tank is provided with a DC motor. It is necessary to remove the entire wiring when removing it from the main unit. Therefore, it is necessary to use contacts such as connectors for attaching and detaching wiring, and care must be taken to prevent foreign substances from adhering to the handling.When removing and cleaning the detergent tank, make sure that the wiring and contacts are not exposed to water. We had to be careful.

  The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a liquid detergent is supplied using a pump device that directly draws a liquid detergent from a detergent tank, and the detergent tank is configured to be detachably detachable. However, since the pump is not detachable, there is a problem that the inside of the pump cannot be washed to remove the detergent.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable washing machine that is excellent in cleaning performance.

In order to achieve the above, the washing machine of the present invention includes a housing, a water tub provided inside the housing, and a laundry processing liquid supply unit that supplies a laundry processing liquid into the water tub. The washing processing liquid supply means includes a tank for holding the washing processing liquid therein, a transfer pump for transferring the washing processing liquid from the inside of the tank to the outside of the tank, and a drive pump for driving the transfer pump. A pump driving means for generating a driving force, a connection means capable of connecting and separating the pump driving means and the transport pump, the connection means, a driving member provided in the pump driving means, A driven side member provided in the transport pump, and when the tank and the transport pump are removed from a housing, the drive side member and the driven side member are in a separated state, Pump drive means Is provided inside a lid that is pivotally supported on the upper surface of the housing so as to be openable and closable. When the lid is closed, the driving member and the driven member of the coupling unit are connected to each other to generate a driving force. Is transmitted to the driven side member, and when the lid is opened, the driving side member and the driven side member of the connecting means are separated from each other, and the tank and the transport pump open the lid. It is configured to be detached from the housing and attached through the opening that is created at the time.
Further, in a washing machine comprising: a housing; a water tub having a rotating drum inside the housing; and a washing treatment liquid supply means for supplying at least two types of washing treatment liquids into the water tub. The washing processing liquid supply means includes a first tank holding therein an amount of the first washing processing liquid capable of performing a plurality of washing steps, and a second washing processing liquid having an amount capable of performing a plurality of washing steps. A second tank that holds the inside of the first tank, a first transport pump that obtains a rotational driving force and carries out the first washing treatment liquid from inside the first tank to outside the first tank, and a rotational drive. A second transfer pump for obtaining a force to carry out the second washing treatment liquid from the inside of the second tank to the outside of the second tank; and a motor and a deceleration unit, and a rotational driving force of the transfer pump is generated. Pump driving means to perform, the pump driving means, A reversible motor, an oscillating gear that rotates by transmitting a rotational driving force by rotating a rotation center axis between one end and the other end of a movement range according to forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor, A first pump drive gear for driving one transfer pump, and a second pump drive gear for driving the second transfer pump, wherein the motor rotates forward and the swing gear moves in the movement range. When the oscillating gear is engaged with the first pump driving gear when the oscillating gear is located at one end of the moving range, the oscillating gear is engaged when the motor rotates in the reverse direction and the oscillating gear is located at the other end of the moving range. Is configured to mesh with the second pump drive gear.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is excellent in cleanability and can provide a highly reliable washing machine.

It is a perspective view of the washing machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the washing machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the washing machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 3 of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of washing processing liquid automatic dosing means concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of a washing processing liquid tank concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a BB sectional view showing the composition of washing processing liquid automatic pouring means concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of a pump part of washing processing liquid automatic dosing means concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 8 which shows the structure of the pump part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 8 of the washing treatment liquid automatic dosing means according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view of the washing liquid automatic input means according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the motor is rotated forward to supply the detergent from the detergent tank. It is a top view of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which reverses a motor and supplies softener from a softener tank. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a remaining amount detection unit for the laundry treatment liquid according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a remaining amount detection unit for the laundry treatment liquid according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing composition of a control circuit of a washing machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a control flowchart illustrating an operation of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is EE sectional drawing of FIG. 18 which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of a pump part of washing processing liquid automatic dosing means concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is FF sectional drawing of FIG. 20 which shows the structure of the pump part of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is EE sectional drawing of FIG. 18 which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is BB sectional drawing which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is BB sectional drawing which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning process liquid automatic injection means which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention.

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

First embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view, in which the front cover 18 is virtually removed to show a part of the internal configuration. FIG. 3 shows a top view, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3. For the sake of explanation, a cylindrical water tank 17 which is a water receiving tank and a part of the rotary drum 20 are virtually broken. It is shown in FIG.
In the following description, the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back are based on the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back shown in FIG.

  An outer frame 2 composed of a combination of a steel plate and a resin molded product is mounted on an upper portion of the base 1 to form a washing machine main body 4. On the front of the outer frame 2, a lid 3 and a front cover 18, which are doors for taking in and out the laundry 21, are provided, and on the back, a rear cover 19 is provided.

  A part on the front side of the upper surface of the outer frame 2 is an operation panel 6 provided with switches and indicators for selecting an operation course such as power on / off, washing, drying, and the like, and another part is provided to be openable and closable. This is the supplied detergent inlet 25.

  A water tap 7 is provided on the upper surface near the back of the washing machine main body 4, and a water pipe is connected to supply water to the washing machine main body 4.

  Since the configuration is the same as that of a conventional washing machine or washing / drying machine, detailed description is omitted.

<Detergent input>
The detergent introduction port 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent introduction section 25a, a liquid detergent introduction section 25b, and a softener introduction section 25c, each of which can supply a single dose of powder detergent, softener, or liquid detergent. it can. The powder detergent, softener, or liquid detergent introduced into the detergent inlet 25 is supplied with water through the first water supply pipe 9 at a predetermined point in the washing process, and then with the water through the first detergent supply pipe 14. Then, it is thrown into the water tank 17.

<Schematic configuration of main unit>
A water tank 17 is elastically supported on the base 1 via support means 5 having a spring and a damping.

  Inside the water tub 17, a cylindrical rotating rotary drum 20 for washing and dewatering the laundry 21 is provided, and at the front end side of the rotary drum 20, fluid is confined in a plurality of layers provided concentrically inside. A fluid balancer 22 is provided, and the vibration of the rotating drum 20 due to the imbalance of the laundry 21 is reduced by rotating integrally with the rotating drum 20. The rotating drum 20 has a number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration on the side wall, and is rotated by the drum motor 8.

<Drain valve>
A drain pipe 11 is connected to a bottom surface of the water tub 17 via a drain valve 10 so that the washing water in the water tub 17 can be drained. Further, in the case of a washing / drying machine having a drying function, a drying air path 13 is connected to the water tub 17, and the humid air in the water tub 17 is discharged to provide a not-shown heater or blowing means, for example. Dry by drying means.

<Water supply solenoid valve>
When the powdered detergent, softener or liquid detergent supplied to the detergent inlet 25 is supplied into the water tank 17, the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened to open the water supply cock 7 from the water supply solenoid valve 12 and the detergent inlet 25. The tap water is supplied to, for example, the liquid detergent input section 25b of the detergent input port 25 through the first water supply pipe 9 connected to the liquid supply tank 25 to dissolve the liquid detergent. The water is supplied into the water tank 17 through the connected first detergent supply pipe 14.

<Check valve>
A check valve 16 is provided in the vicinity of the water tank 17 of the first detergent supply pipe 14 so that the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent inlet 25 toward the water tank 17 passes therethrough. Thus, the passage of air when the pressure in the water tub 17 rises, or in the case of a washer / dryer, the passage of high humidity air can be suppressed.

<Laundry processing liquid automatic input means>
On the upper surface of the main body 4 of the washing machine, there is provided a washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 which will be described in detail later, and on the upper surface thereof, an openable / closable tank lid 31 is provided. At least one or more washing treatment liquid tanks are provided at the lower portion of the tank lid 31. For example, two sets of washing treatment liquid tanks are provided, one of which is an amount of a liquid detergent capable of performing a plurality of washings. And a softener tank 33 having a capacity capable of holding a sufficient amount of, for example, a softener capable of washing a plurality of times.

  When the tank lid 31 is opened, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out from the opening where the tank lid 31 is opened, and can be set again.

  Hereinafter, when the common configuration of the softener tank 33 and the detergent tank 32 is described, it may be simply referred to as a “tank”.

<Washing treatment liquid automatic charging means top arrangement>
In the present embodiment, since the washing liquid automatic input means 30 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, it is not necessary for the user to bend in order to attach and detach the washing liquid, and to provide an easy-to-use washing machine. Can be. In addition, since both the detergent inlet 25 and the automatic washing liquid input unit 30 are arranged on the left side of the upper surface of the main body 4 of the washing machine, they are arranged in a united position, so that the usability for the user is further improved. In addition, when the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 is disposed below the water tub 17, water may flow backward from the pipe connecting the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 and the water tank 17 to the processing liquid automatic charging means 30. However, in the present embodiment, since the washing liquid automatic input means 30 is disposed above the water tank 17, there is no possibility of such backflow, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided. Further, since the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 can be vertically inserted and removed from the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, the usability is improved.

<Lid opens backward>
In the present embodiment, the tank lid 31 is rotatably supported around a lid fulcrum 42a, which is a rotation fulcrum, along the rear side, and the tank lid 31 is lifted from the front side toward the back side. The configuration is open. The opening where the tank lid 31 is opened is in a state in which three sides of the front side and the left and right side surfaces are open. Therefore, when inserting a hand through the opening to remove the tanks 32 and 33 upward, either the left or right side. Even if the hand is used, it does not come into contact with the tank lid 31 in the open state, so that it is easy to insert, and the tanks 32 and 33 can be easily removed, so that a user-friendly washing machine can be provided.

  If the angle when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than 90 °, for example, about 100 °, the center of gravity of the tank lid 31 moves rearward from the rotation fulcrum, so that it is stable in the open state. It is suitable.

<Details of automatic input of washing liquid>
With reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, a description will be given of the washing treatment liquid automatic dosing means 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing liquid automatic input means 30 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the washing liquid tank, and FIG. -B sectional view, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pump unit of the washing liquid automatic input means 30, FIG. 9 is a CC sectional view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a DD sectional view, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a top view of the processing liquid automatic charging means, in which the motor is rotated forward to supply the detergent from the detergent tank 32, and FIG. 12 is a top view of the laundry processing liquid automatic charging means. The state where the softener is being supplied from the agent tank is shown.

<Storage container>
The tank storage container 34 has a substantially box shape with an open upper surface, is provided in the washing machine main body 4, and can store the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33. The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are provided with a detergent tank storage area 37 and a softener tank storage area 38, each of which is divided by a first partition wall 35 in the front-rear direction. On the left side surface of the tank storage container 34, there is provided an input area 39 separated by a second partition 36 from a detergent tank storage area 37 and a softener tank storage area 38. The other end of the second water supply pipe 40 having one end connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 is connected to the rear side surface of the charging area 39. When the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 is opened, water The water is supplied into the charging area 39 via the water supply pipe 40.

  One end of a second detergent supply pipe 41 is connected to the lower surface of the charging area 39, and the other end of the second detergent supply pipe 41 is connected to the first detergent supply pipe 14. That is, the detergent or softener supplied into the supply area 39 flows out of the first detergent supply pipe 14 via the second detergent supply pipe 41 together with the supplied water.

  The timing at which the detergent and the softener are supplied into the water tub 17 is different, and the detergent is supplied in the washing process and the softener is supplied in the final rinsing process, as will be described in detail later. By supplying water after supplying the detergent to the inside of the charging area 39, the inside of the charging area 39 is cleaned. Therefore, even if the softener is supplied to the inside of the same charging area 39, the detergent remains and the softener remains. There is no mixing. Therefore, only one charging area 39 is required, and the water supply / discharge part 57 and the second water supply pipe 40 for supplying water to the charging basin 39 do not need to be provided separately for the detergent and the softener. This is preferable because it can be configured.

  On the rear upper surface of the tank storage container 34, a lid support portion 43 provided with a pivot hole 42 for pivotally supporting a lid, which will be described later, is provided.

<Tank>
In the tank storage container 34, two washing treatment liquid tanks are provided side by side in the front-rear direction, and a softener tank 33 is provided in front and a detergent tank 32 is provided in back. The softener tank 33 and the detergent tank 32 are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the first partition wall 35. As an example, if the dimension of the detergent tank 32 in the front-rear direction is larger than that of the softener tank 33, the capacity of the detergent tank 32 can be larger than that of the softener tank 33.

  The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 have the same configuration except that they are substantially symmetrical in the front-rear direction with the first partition wall 35 interposed therebetween, and the dimensions are different in the front-rear direction. 32 will be described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 is detachably divided into an upper tank lid 44 and a lower tank main body 45 so as to be detachable from each other. In the case of cleaning, the lock means (not shown) can be removed from the tank body 45 by releasing the lock means. The tank cover 44 is provided with a tank handle 44a for holding the detergent tank 32 by hand when attaching and detaching the detergent tank 32.

  When the detergent tank 32 is replenished with a predetermined amount of detergent, if the liquid level of the detergent is set to the maximum capacity at a height lower than the boundary between the tank body 45 and the tank lid 44, the tank body 45 This is preferable because the detergent does not leak out of the detergent tank 32 from the boundary between the tank tank 44 and the tank cover 44.

  If the tank body 45 is formed of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, when the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is removed from the washing machine main body 4, the remaining amount of the detergent or softener is obtained. Can be visually confirmed.

  The tank bottom surface 46 of the tank body 45 has a substantially V-shape, and if a suction port 48 of a pump means 47 described later is provided at the lowest portion of the bottom surface, the detergent in the tank is sucked to the end. Since it is possible, there is no waste of detergent, which is preferable.

<Vertical tank>
The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are configured such that the depth of the depth in the front-rear direction, the width in the left-right direction, and the height in the vertical direction is minimized. With this configuration, the area where the detergent or softener in the tank is in contact with the air in the tank can be reduced, so that moisture evaporates from the surface of the detergent or softener and the viscosity of the surface increases. There is an effect that the supply operation by the pump means 47 described later can be reliably performed by minimizing the influence of solidification.

<Arrangement and depth of tank>
A preferred relationship between the arrangement of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 and the dimensions and the volume will be described. Here, a case where it is desirable that the capacity of the detergent tank 32 is larger than the capacity of the softener tank 33 will be described. This corresponds, for example, to the case where the container size of each of the commercially available detergent and softener and the sales unit sold for refilling are larger for the detergent than for the softener.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the water tank 17 is arranged so as to be inclined such that the side of the lid 3 at the front is higher and the water tank 17 becomes lower toward the rear. In this case, the gap between the water tub 17 and the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 becomes smaller toward the front and becomes larger toward the rear. Therefore, when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the front-rear direction, it is preferable to arrange a large-capacity tank at the rear because the vertical depth can be increased. A tank having a small depth and a small capacity is arranged on the front side, and in this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the detergent tank 32 at the rear and the softener tank 33 at the front.

  Further, since the water tub 17 is cylindrical, the gap between the water tub 17 and the upper surface of the main body 4 of the washing machine is larger near the left and right ends, and smaller near the center. Therefore, when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the left-right direction, a small-capacity tank (softener tank 33) is arranged near the center, and the capacity is large at the end of the housing. It is desirable to arrange a tank (detergent tank 32). With such an arrangement, the height of the tank (detergent tank 32) arranged on the end side is higher than that of the tank (softener tank 33) arranged near the center, thereby further increasing the capacity of the detergent tank 32. It is preferable because it can be performed.

<Pump>
The tank cover 44 is provided with a pump means 47 for sucking the washing liquid from the tank body 45 and putting it into the above-mentioned charging area 39. In the present embodiment, a so-called gear pump is used as an example of the pump means 47.

  The pump means 47 in the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape, is provided inside the detergent tank 32, and extends downward from the tank lid 44, and further downward from the bottom surface of the pump case 49. And a suction pipe 50 whose lower end is close to the bottom surface of the tank body 45. The lower end of the suction pipe 50 is an open suction port 48.

  As shown in FIG. 9, at the lower end of the pump case 49, one is a driving gear 51 a rotatably supported together with the pump driving shaft 60, and the other is rotatably supported around a pump driven shaft 91. It is a so-called gear pump 51 composed of a pair of gears that is a driven gear 51b, and is configured to be able to convey a detergent from one of the gear meshing portions 52 to the other by rotating while meshing.

  The upper end of the suction pipe 50 is connected to one of the gear meshing portions 52, and the detergent can be sucked through the suction port 48.

  The other of the gear meshing portions 52 is provided with a supply pipe 54 arranged vertically along the pump case 49, and the lower end of the supply pipe 54 is connected to the other of the gear meshing portions 52, and the detergent delivered from the gear pump 51. Is supplied.

  When the gear pump 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the space formed by the gap between the adjacent teeth of the drive gear 51a and the driven gear 51b and the gear pump wall 55 provided near the outer periphery of the gear is filled. As the detergent moves from the suction port 48 toward the supply pipe 54, the detergent is supplied. The operation of the gear pump 51 is generally well known, and a detailed description is omitted.

  The upper end of the pump case 49 is a pump cover 53 that covers the upper surface of the pump means 47.

  The upper end of the supply pipe 54 extends substantially horizontally in a direction away from the pump cover 53, and its tip extends downward, and its tip opens downward to form a detergent discharge port 56.

<Discharge port cleaning>
The second water supply pipe 40 is connected so as to discharge water from a water supply discharge part 57 provided on a side surface of the charging area 39 of the tank storage container 34. If the water supply discharge section 57 is arranged near the discharge port 56 and the water supplied from the water supply discharge section 57 is arranged so as to hang on the discharge port 56, the detergent or softener attached to the discharge port 56 is dried and solidified. As a result, there is no clogging of the detergent and the softener, and the reliability is high.

  A preferred position of the water supply discharge section 57 will be described. When the height of the water supply discharge section 57 is close to the second partition 36, the discharged water passes over the second partition 36 and flows into the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38. There is. On the other hand, if the height of the water supply discharge section 57 is too close to the bottom surface, the discharged water does not hang on the discharge port 56, so that the discharge port 56 cannot be washed. The agent cannot be washed. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the water supply discharge section 57 near the discharge port 56 and at a position lower than the second partition 36.

  Another example of a suitable position of the water supply discharge section 57 will be described. The water supply discharge section 57 is desirably provided at a position higher than the discharge port 56. Thereby, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 can be reliably applied to the discharge port 56, and the solidification of the detergent or the softener at the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and the reliability is improved. Further, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 may be shaped like a shower. Thereby, solidification of the detergent or softener in the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and the reliability is improved.

  Further, since the water supply discharge section 57 is connected to the second water supply pipe 40, every time water is supplied to the second water supply pipe 40, the water discharged from the water supply discharge section 57 hangs on the discharge port 56, It is possible to further suppress the solidification of the detergent or softener at the discharge port 56. Further, since a dedicated water supply path for cleaning the discharge port 56 is not required, water saving is improved.

<Gear pump height>
In the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener becomes small, the detergent or the softener is sucked by the negative pressure from the suction port 48 near the bottom surface of each of the tanks 32 and 33 to the gear pump 51. You. If the suction height is large, it becomes difficult to suck the detergent or softener, so the height of the gear pump 51 is preferably close to the bottom surface. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the height of the gear pump 51 is close to the bottom surface, the volume of the pump case 49 submerged in the detergent or softener becomes large, so that the tank capacity of the detergent or softener decreases. Therefore, by providing the gear pump 51 at a height near the middle between the tank bottom surface 46 and the tank lid 44, the height from the suction port 48 to the gear pump 51 provided near the bottom surface of the pump case 49 can be reduced. It is preferable because the capacity of the detergent or the softener can be secured.

  Furthermore, if the height of the gear pump 51 is arranged at a position lower than the liquid level when the detergent or softener is replenished in the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33, the height of the gear pump 51 is reduced when the detergent or softener is replenished. The gear pump 51 is in a state of being immersed in a detergent or a softener, that is, in a state of so-called “priming”. That is, it is not necessary to suck the detergent or the softener to the height of the gear pump 51 by the negative pressure of the air, so that the detergent or the softener can be surely supplied, which is preferable.

  It is preferable that the gear pump 51 be provided close to the bottom surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33 because the level of the detergent or softener is always higher than that of the gear pump 51, so that the detergent or softener can be reliably supplied.

<Filter structure>
In the present embodiment, a filter 58 is provided in which the lower end of the suction port 48 adjacent to the bottom surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33 is enlarged. The filter 58 has, for example, a disk shape, and a plurality of slits 59 having a width of, for example, about 0.5 mm are provided on the upper surface thereof. Since the filter 58 is provided near the tank bottom surface 46 of the tanks 32 and 33, the detergent in the detergent inlet 25 passes through the slit and reaches the suction port 48 provided at substantially the center of the filter 58. It is sucked by the gear pump 51. With such a configuration, when foreign matter enters the detergent or softener, the foreign matter is collected by the slit 59 of the filter 58, so that the foreign matter can enter the gear pump 51 from the suction port 48 through the suction pipe 50. Since there is no such, it is possible to prevent the gear pump from being clogged with foreign matter, and it is possible to provide a highly-reliable washing liquid automatic charging means 30.

<Pump drive unit>
A configuration for driving the drive gear 51a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pump drive shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the pump case 49 and the pump cover 53. A drive gear 51a is fixed to the lower end of the pump drive shaft 60. The upper end of the drive shaft 60 protrudes from the upper surface of the pump case 49, and the coupling 61 is rotatably fixed integrally with the pump drive shaft 60. The coupling 61 is configured to receive a rotational driving force from a driving unit 62 provided on the tank lid 31 described later.

  That is, when the coupling 61 is rotated by the driving means 62, the gear pump 51 rotates via the pump drive shaft 60, and by the action of the gear pump 51, the detergent in the detergent tank 32 is sucked from the suction port 48, and the gear pump 51 is rotated. , From the discharge port 56 via the supply pipe 54. The detergent delivered from the discharge port 56 is supplied to the charging area 39 of the tank storage container 34.

<Coupling>
The coupling 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the upper surface thereof has a tapered conical shape with a taper. At a plurality of locations on the outer circumference of the coupling 61, in this embodiment, at three locations at 120 ° intervals, coupling projections 63 protruding toward the outer circumference are provided. In the upper part of the coupling 61, the tapered conical portion, the coupling projection 63 also has a tapered shape that becomes thinner upward along the conical surface.

<Lid and driving means>
The tank lid 31 is rotatably supported around a shaft hole 42 provided in the lid support section 43 so as to be openable and closable. Inside the tank lid 31, a supply motor 65, which is a driving unit 62, a gear A speed reduction means 66 having a row and a coupling receiving portion 64 which meshes with the coupling 61 and transmits driving force to the coupling 61 are provided. The driving force of the supply motor 65 is reduced to an appropriate rotation speed via a reduction gear 66 composed of, for example, a worm gear 67 and a reduction gear train having a plurality of spur gears, and the coupling receiver 64 is rotated. Two types of coupling receiving portions 64 are provided. When the tank lid 31 is closed, the coupling receiving portions 64 are provided in the coupling 61 (detergent supply coupling) and the softener tank 33 provided in the detergent tank 32, respectively. It is arranged so as to be engaged with and engaged with the coupling 61 (coupling for supplying the softener). Since the coupling 61 and the coupling protrusion 63 have a tapered shape that becomes thinner upward, when the coupling lid 64 is fitted to the coupling 61 by closing the tank lid 31, the coupling 61 and the coupling protrusion 63 hit or catch each other. It is possible to fit smoothly without any.

<Coupling receiver>
The inner periphery of the coupling receiving portion 64 is a cylindrical recess 68 having a diameter larger than the outer periphery of the coupling protrusion 63 provided on the outer periphery of the coupling 61. An engaging projection 69 protruding toward the projection is provided. In the present embodiment, six engagement projections 69 are provided at every 60 °, and the inner diameter of the engagement projection 69 is larger than the diameter of the coupling 61.

  That is, the coupling 61 has such a dimensional relationship that it can be fitted inside the coupling receiving portion 64, and the coupling projection 63 is disposed between adjacent engagement projections 69 provided on the coupling receiving portion 64. Thus, the coupling projection 63 and the engagement projection 69 do not interfere with each other.

<Coupling engagement>
FIG. 10 is a DD sectional view showing a state in which the coupling 61 is fitted into the inside of the coupling receiving portion 64. The coupling receiving portion 64 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing, and the engaging projection 69 becomes the coupling projection. The state in which the driving force is transmitted from the coupling receiving portion 64 to the coupling 61 by contacting the coupling 63 to rotate the coupling 61 is shown.

  The coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are detachable from each other, and constitute driving force connecting means 29 capable of transmitting a rotational driving force when they are fitted to each other.

The outer periphery of the coupling 61 is provided with three coupling projections 63 every 120 °, and the inner periphery of the coupling receiving portion 64 is provided with six engagement projections 69 every 60 °.
By providing double the number of the coupling projections 63 on the inner periphery of the coupling receiving portion 64 with respect to the number of the coupling projections 63 provided on the outer periphery of the coupling 61, the coupling projections 63 are adjacent to each other. Since the couplings 69 can be disposed between the couplings 69, the coupling between the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 is reliable and preferable.

  When the tank lid 31 is closed and the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are fitted to each other and then the supply motor 65 is energized to rotate the coupling receiving portion 64, the engagement projection 69 comes into contact with the coupling projection 63. Then, the coupling receiving portion 64 idles until the state as shown in FIG. 10 is reached, and then the coupling 61 rotates together with the coupling receiving portion 64. The maximum value of the idling angle is φ in FIG. 10, and in the present embodiment, the angle smaller than the angle of the adjacent engaging projection 69 by 60 degrees by the circumferential thickness of the engaging projection 69 and the coupling projection 63. Become. This angle φ is an angle region in which the gear pump 51 does not rotate even when the supply motor 65 is energized when the tank lid 31 is closed, and causes an error in the supply amount of the detergent or softener, but the angle is at most 60 °. The ratio of the error to the supply amount of the detergent or softener used in one washing step is so small that it does not matter.

  With the above configuration, by rotating the supply motor 65 with the openable / closable tank lid 31 closed, the gear pump 51 is rotationally driven via the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61 and the tank 32 is rotated. , 33 can be supplied to a charging area 39 provided in the tank container 34.

  In the present embodiment, a tank lid 31 provided with a driving means 62 above the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 is rotatably supported around a fulcrum 90. By rotating the tank lid 31 around the fulcrum, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are separated from each other, so that the upper surfaces of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be opened. Therefore, there is no need to move the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 to separate the connection of the drive system, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out only by opening the tank lid 31. It is easy to replenish detergent and softener and clean tank.

<Lid hinge wiring>
The tank lid 31 is openable and closable, and is provided with a wiring 87 from a drive circuit 154 provided in the washing machine main body 4 to the supply motor 65. As a path for inserting the wiring 87 from the washing machine main body 4 to the inside of the tank lid 31, it is preferable that the wiring 87 pass through the spindle hole 42 which is the opening / closing rotation center of the tank lid 31. Even if the tank lid 31 is opened and closed, the wiring 87 is only twisted in the range of the opening and closing angle and is not pulled, so that the reliability of the wiring 87 is ensured and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided. .

<Lid dimensions and tank attachment / detachment>
The opening dimension when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than the dimension in which the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in a top view, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener are opened from the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened. The dimensions are such that the tank 33 can be removed and mounted.

  With the above configuration, when the tank lid 31 is opened, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 as the driving force connecting means 29 are separated from each other, and the detergent tank is opened through the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened. The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily removed simply by pulling the softener tank 32 and the softener tank 33 upward.

  Conversely, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily mounted from above through the opening when the tank lid 31 is opened.

  Thereafter, when the tank lid 31 is closed, the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61 are fitted to each other, and the driving force from the supply motor 65 is transmitted to the pump means 47 to drive the gear pump 51 so that the detergent or softener is Can be supplied into the water tank 17 from the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 via the first detergent supply pipe 14, respectively.

<Quantitative supply>
As is well known, the gear pump 51 is a so-called metering pump, and the supply amount of the fluid is proportional to the rotation speed of the gear. That is, when a predetermined amount of the detergent is supplied, for example, the rotation speed of the supply motor 65 is determined while keeping the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 constant, and the driving time of the supply motor 65 is adjusted to the predetermined time, thereby setting the gear. By setting the number of rotations to a predetermined value, a desired amount of detergent can be supplied.

  By way of example, the supply motor 65 is a DC motor, and the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 is kept constant, so that the rotation speed can be kept constant at a predetermined speed. Alternatively, the supply motor 65 may be a stepping motor, and the frequency of the pulse applied to the supply motor 65 may be constant to make the rotation speed constant at a predetermined speed.

<Switching operation>
Next, an example of a configuration for switching between the supply of the detergent and the supply of the softener will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIGS. 11 and 12 show top views of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30. The washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is provided on the tank lid 31 so as to see through from the tank lid 31 to the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the driving means 62. In the present embodiment, since the rotation direction of the supply motor 65 is reversed between normal rotation and reverse rotation so that the detergent and the softener can be selectively supplied, respectively, the configuration and operation will be described.

<Detergent supply>
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the supply motor 65 is operated in the normal rotation direction to supply the detergent, and FIG. 12 shows a state in which the supply motor 65 is operated in the reverse rotation direction to supply the softener. .

  In FIG. 11, a worm gear 67 is provided on a rotation shaft of the supply motor 65, and a worm wheel 70 rotatably supported by the worm gear 67 meshes with the worm gear 67. Transmit to 70. A first reduction gear 71 provided coaxially with the worm wheel 70 has a swing gear 73 as a second gear rotatably supported by a rotation center shaft 77 movably along a swing groove 72. Are engaged at the first engagement 74a. The center of rotation of the oscillating gear 73 is located at one end of the oscillating groove 72 close to the first pump driving gear 75, and meshes with the first pump driving gear 75. As shown in FIG. 8, the first pump driving gear 75 is configured to rotate integrally with the coupling receiving portion 64. In FIG. 11, the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, and the first pump driving gear 75 By rotating in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the pump means 47 provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven to supply the detergent to the charging area 39.

<Softener supply>
In FIG. 12, the rotation center of the swing gear 73 is located at the other end of the swing groove 72, and meshes with the third reduction gear 78. The third reduction gear 78 further meshes with the second pump drive gear 76. The second pump drive gear 76 is configured to rotate integrally with the coupling receiving portion 64 similarly to the first pump drive gear 75. In FIG. 12, the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, and the third reduction gear The second pump driving gear 78 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure to drive the pump means 47 provided in the softener tank 33 to supply the softener to the charging area 39.

<Motor forward / reverse switching>
Here, at the time of normal rotation shown in FIG. 11, the oscillating gear 73 rotates by receiving a substantially tangential force in the rotational driving direction from the first reduction gear 71 in the first meshing gear 74a, and simultaneously rotates the oscillating groove. It moves along 72 and meshes with the first pump drive gear 75 and rotates at the second mesh 74b. When the supply motor 65 is rotated in the reverse direction from this state, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the reverse direction, so that the oscillating gear 73 receives a reverse tangential force from the first reduction gear 71 in the reverse direction. At the same time, it moves from one end to the other end along the rocking groove 72 and meshes with the first pump drive gear 75, that is, the second meshing 74b is released, while the third reduction gear 78 is The engagement 75d rotates with the engagement. Since the swing gear 73 moves along the swing groove 72, the engagement with the first reduction gear 71 moves to the third engagement 74c. That is, when the supply motor 65 is reversed, the state shown in FIG. 11 is changed to the state shown in FIG. 12, and the supply motor 65 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. .

  When the supply motor 65 is rotated forward from the state shown in FIG. 12, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the forward direction, so that the swing gear 73 receives a substantially tangential force in the forward direction from the first reduction gear 71. Therefore, while rotating in the forward rotation direction, it simultaneously moves from the other end to one end along the swing groove 72 and disengages with the third reduction gear 78, while meshing with the first pump drive gear 75. Rotate. That is, when the supply motor 65 is rotated forward, the state shown in FIG. 12 shifts to FIG. 11, and the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 32.

  Here, the distance between one end and the other end of the oscillating groove 72 is such that when the oscillating gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 mesh with each other, the oscillating gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 are separated from each other. When the swing gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 mesh with each other and the swing gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 mesh with each other, the swing gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 only need to satisfy a condition that they do not mesh with each other. Such a condition can be obtained if the distance is equal to or more than the height of the teeth.

<Oscillation gear mesh>
Since the swing gear 73 moves to the other end of the swing groove 72, the meshing position between the swing gear 73 and the first reduction gear 71 moves from the first mesh 74a to the third mesh 74c. Needless to say, the swing gear 73 has a small distance between one end and the other end of the swing groove 72, so that the distance between the first engagement 74a and the third engagement 74c is small, and the swing gear 73 and the first engagement The state of engagement with the reduction gear 71 does not deteriorate.

  Further, a straight line connecting one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 is orthogonal to a straight line connecting the midpoint between the one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 and the rotation center of the worm wheel 70. Then, the direction of movement of the swing gear 73 along the swing groove 72 is the tangential direction of the engagement between the swing gear 73 and the worm wheel 70, so that even if the swing gear 73 moves, This is more preferable because the center-to-center distance with the first reduction gear 71 hardly changes.

<Pump rotates in the same direction>
In the normal rotation state in FIG. 11, the first pump drive gear 75 provided with the coupling 61 rotates while meshing with the oscillating gear 73, so that the pump drive shaft 60 provided in the detergent tank 32 is different from the oscillating gear 73. Rotate in the opposite direction.

  On the other hand, in the reverse rotation state of FIG. 12, the second pump drive gear 76 including the coupling 61 rotates from the swing gear 73 via the third reduction gear 78, so that the pump provided in the softener tank 33 is rotated. The drive shaft 60 rotates in the same direction as the swing gear 73. In the forward rotation state and the reverse rotation state, the rotation directions of the swing gears are opposite to each other, so that the first pump drive gear 75 and the second pump drive gear 76 rotate in the same direction. That is, the pump means 47 for supplying the detergent and the pump means 47 for supplying the softener only need to be configured to supply the detergent or the softener when rotated in the same direction, and may have the same configuration. In addition, there is an advantage that the components can be shared and the configuration can be made at a low cost.

<Summary of forward / reverse switching operation>
According to the present embodiment, when the supply motor 65 is rotated forward, only the pump means 47 provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven to supply the detergent, and when the supply motor 65 is reversed, the detergent is provided in the softener tank 33. Since the softener can be supplied by driving only the pump means 47, two types of detergent and softener can be selected and supplied by only one supply motor 65, and the washing is simple in structure and inexpensive. The processing liquid automatic input means 30 can be realized.

  It should be noted that the forward rotation and the reverse rotation are for convenience of describing the present embodiment, and are not limited to such expressions.

<Remaining amount detection>
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are schematic views showing an example of the configuration of the remaining amount detecting means 79 of the washing treatment liquid in the present embodiment.

  A light emitting element 80 such as an LED is provided to face one surface of the detergent tank 32, and a light receiving element 81 is provided on the opposite side of the light emitting element 80 with respect to the detergent tank 32 and coaxially with the light emitting element 80. The light receiving element 81 is an element that converts the intensity of light into an electric signal, such as a photoelectric tube or a photodiode.

  Since the tanks 32 and 33 are formed of a transparent resin, when the washing treatment liquid is not contained, the light from the light emitting element 80 passes through the tanks 32 and 33 and reaches the light receiving element 81. Generates an electrical signal. On the other hand, when the washing processing liquid is supplied to the tanks 32 and 33, the light is shielded from light, so that no electric signal is generated in the light receiving element 81. Therefore, by arranging the pair of the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81 at a predetermined height from the bottom surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33, it is possible to detect the level of the washing processing liquid in the tanks 32 and 33. .

  In FIG. 14, a configuration in which a pair of the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81 are provided at two positions from the bottom surface 46 of the tanks 32 and 33 at a height h1 close to the bottom surface 46 and a height h2 above the h1. It is illustrated.

  When the washing treatment liquid is sufficient in the tank and the liquid level is at a position H2 higher than h2, the first light receiving element 81 and the second light receiving element 81 are both shielded from light, It can be seen that the surface height is higher than h2.

  When the liquid level of the washing processing liquid is H1 between h1 and h2, the first light receiving element 81 provided at the position of the height h1 is shielded from light, and the second light receiving element provided at the position of the height h2 is shielded from light. Since the element 81 receives light and generates an electric signal, it can be seen that the liquid level H1 is between h1 and h2.

  When the liquid level of the washing processing liquid is lower than the height h1, both the first light receiving element 81 and the second light receiving element 81 receive light from the light emitting element 80 and generate an electric signal. It can be seen that the liquid level is near the bottom surface and there is almost no remaining amount of the washing liquid.

  If the level of the washing liquid is H1, the first light receiving element 81 is shielded from light, and the second light receiving element 81 receives light to generate an electric signal. Here, when the washing processing liquid is translucent, the first light receiving element 81 is not completely shielded from light but the amount of light is reduced, so that the generated electric signal is reduced. Therefore, measuring the difference between the electric signal generated in the second light receiving element 81 and the liquid surface is more reliable than measuring only the increase / decrease of the signal of the single light receiving element 81. Can be determined to be located between the light receiving element 81 and the light receiving element 81.

  Here, when the liquid level of the washing treatment liquid becomes H1, the heights h1 and h2 are set so that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid becomes, for example, 2-3 washings. If the notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of the processing liquid is small is provided, it is possible to notify the user that it is time to replenish the laundry processing liquid, so that the detergent may run out without the user noticing. And a washing machine provided with a highly reliable washing treatment liquid automatic charging means can be realized.

<Tank detachability>
According to the present embodiment, the tanks 32 and 33 are not provided with a wiring connection portion for attaching and detaching, for example, wiring for driving the supply motor 65 to and from the main body.

  That is, the driving force for driving the gear pump 51 from the supply motor 65 is such that the pump means 47 is driven from the driving means 62 provided on the main body side of the washing machine via the coupling 61 which is the driving force attaching / detaching means. Further, a light emitting element 80 and a light receiving element 81 as detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the washing processing liquid in the tanks 32 and 33 are provided on the washing machine main body 4 side. Therefore, when the user removes the tanks 32 and 33 to supply the washing treatment liquid, as shown in FIG. 1, the coupling 61 is opened by opening the tank lid 31 including the driving means 62. The tank 32, 33 can be easily removed together with the pump means 47 by pulling it upward while holding the tank handle 44a since it is separated from the portion 64.

<Prevention of detergent dripping>
Here, since the tanks 32 and 33 and the pump means 47 are configured to be integrally removed, it is preferable that the washing liquid does not drop when the tanks 32 and 33 are removed from the main body of the washing machine. When the tanks 32, 33 and the pumping means 47 are separated from each other and only the tanks 32, 33 or only the pumping means 47 is taken out, the pumping means 47 and the tanks 32, 33 are provided at the suction port 48 of the pumping means 47. And the detergent may be dripped when the tanks 32 and 33 or the pump means 47 are removed.

<Tank cleanability>
The tanks 32 and 33 according to the present embodiment are detachably divided into two parts, an upper tank lid 44 and a lower tank body 45, and each has no wiring or electric parts. Alternatively, the insides of the tank lid 44 and the tank body 45 can be freely washed with water, so that the insides of the tanks 32 and 33 can be kept clean.

  Also, when replacing with a different washing treatment liquid, the remaining washing treatment liquid can be washed away and a new washing treatment liquid can be added, so that different washing treatment liquids are mixed and solidified, or the detergency decreases. Nothing to do.

<Pump cleanability>
According to this embodiment, the driving means 62 and the pumping means 47 are provided with the driving force connecting means 29 which can be connected and separated, so that the tank and the pumping means 47 are detachable and detachable, and the tank and the pumping means 47 are detachable. Has no wiring for supplying electric power for driving the pump means 47 and has no wiring connected to the detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent / softening agent. The inside of the tank and the inside of the pump can be easily washed, and a washing machine with improved cleanability and reliability can be provided.

  By rotating the coupling 61 by hand while the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 is immersed in water, the gear pump 51 rotates to discharge water from the suction port via the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54. By being discharged from the outlet 56, the detergent remaining inside the pump can be diluted and washed away.

  According to the present embodiment, the tanks 32 and 33 can be easily washed with water, and the inside of the pump means 47 can be easily washed with water. Therefore, the detergent does not remain inside the pump means 47 and solidifies. Since the previously used washing treatment liquid and the new washing treatment liquid are not mixed in the inside of the 47, a washing machine having the highly reliable washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 can be provided.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to mold the case of the pump means 47 with a transparent resin, because it is possible to visually check whether the detergent or softener remains in the pump or whether the cleaning is completed.

<Compatible with manual supply>
According to the present embodiment, as described above, the detergent inlet 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent inlet 25a, a liquid detergent inlet 25b, and a softener inlet 25c, each of which contains one powder. In this configuration, a detergent, a softener, or a liquid detergent is charged, and then charged into the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14. Furthermore, the detergent tank 32 can be automatically fed into the water tank 17 via the second water supply pipe 40 and the first water supply pipe 9.

  That is, according to the user's preference, washing with the detergent in the detergent tank 32 or washing with another detergent put into the liquid detergent input section 25b can be used freely, so that it is easy to use. And a washing machine provided with a washing processing liquid automatic charging means.

  Similarly, when the softener in the softener tank 33 is used, or when another softener charged into the softener input section 25c is used, it is possible to freely use the softener separately, so that the washing is easy to use. It is possible to provide a washing machine including the processing liquid automatic charging means 30.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the washing processing liquid automatic input means 30 and the detergent input port 25 are arranged independently, the cleaning performance of the tank and the pump and the replenishment of the washing processing liquid to the tank are improved, While washing is performed with the washing processing liquid supplied to the detergent input port 25, the tank of the washing processing liquid automatic input means 30 can be pulled out, so that usability is improved.

<Control block diagram>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the control device 138 of the washing machine. Reference numeral 150 denotes a microcomputer, which is connected to the operation button input circuit 151, the water level sensor 134, the detergent remaining amount detecting means 79a, and the softener remaining amount detecting means 79b which are connected to respective switches (not shown). Receive various information signals in the process. The output from the microcomputer 150 is connected to the drive circuit 154, and is connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 116, the drain valve 8, the motor 36, the supply motor 65, and the like, and controls the opening / closing, rotation, and energization of these. Further, it is connected to a display 114 such as a seven-segment light emitting diode, a light emitting diode 156, and a buzzer 157 for notifying the user of the operation state of the washing machine.

  The microcomputer 150 is activated when the power switch 139 is pressed to turn on the power, and executes a basic control program for washing as shown in FIG.

<Control processing program>
Step S101
Check the state of the washer / dryer and perform initial settings.

Step S102
The display 114 of the operation panel 106 is turned on, and whether or not the detergent and the softener are automatically supplied is set according to an instruction input from an operation button switch (not shown). When automatic charging is set, detergent and softener are automatically charged in the following washing process. On the other hand, when the automatic charging is not set, the user manually inputs the detergent and the softener into the detergent inlet 25, and the motor 65 for supplying the detergent and the softener is not driven.

Step S103
The process branches by monitoring an instruction input from a start switch (not shown) on the operation panel 106.

Step S104
Processing branches depending on whether or not automatic detergent input is set.

Step S105
When the automatic detergent supply is set, the remaining amount of the detergent is confirmed based on the output of the detergent remaining amount detecting means 79a, and the process is branched.

Step S106
When automatic detergent injection is set, the remaining amount of the softener is confirmed based on the output of the softener remaining amount detecting means 79b, and the process branches.

Step S107
The rotating drum 20 is rotated, and the rotation driving torque generated in the motor 8 is measured from the current value required to drive the motor 8 at that time, and the amount of cloth put into the rotating drum 20 is determined.

Step S108
The supply amount of the detergent and the softener is set based on the determination value of the cloth amount.

Step S109
Processing branches depending on whether or not automatic detergent input is set.

Step S110
The supply motor 65 is driven in the normal rotation direction for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 32 into the charging area 39. This step is not executed if the automatic detergent addition is not set.

Step S111
The water supply electromagnetic valve 116 is opened to supply water, and the detergent supplied to the detergent inlet 25 or the inlet area 39 is dissolved and supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14.

Step S112
After the washing process is performed and the drainage valve 8 is opened to drain the washing water after completion, the rotating drum 20 is rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S113
The water supply electromagnetic valve 116 is opened to supply water, and rinse water is supplied into the water tank 17.

Step S114
After the rinsing step is performed and the drain valve 8 is opened to drain the rinsing water after completion, the rotary drum 20 is rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S115
The process branches depending on whether or not the automatic softener injection is set.

Step S116
The supply motor 65 is driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of the softener in the softener tank 33 into the charging area 39. This step is not executed if the softener automatic injection is not set.

Step S117
The water supply electromagnetic valve 116 is opened to supply water, and the softener supplied to the softener supply section 25c or the supply area 39 is melted and supplied to the inside of the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14.

Step S118
A final rinsing step is performed, and after completion, the drain valve 8 is opened to drain rinsing water.

Step S119
The rotating drum 20 is rotated at a high speed to perform final dehydration.

Step S120
A series of washing steps is completed.

Second embodiment

  A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a side view showing the configuration of the detergent tank 32 and the pump means 47 of the washing liquid automatic input means according to the second embodiment. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the pump means 47 is not provided inside the detergent tank 32, but is provided adjacent to the side surface of the detergent tank 32. A suction port 48 provided at the lower end of a suction pipe 50 extending downward from the pump means 47 is connected near the lowermost end of the bottom surface.

  As in the first embodiment, when the coupling 61 provided at the upper end of the gear pump 51 is coupled to the coupling 61 and rotated by the driving means 62, the gear pump 51 rotates, and the detergent in the detergent tank 32 receives the suction port. The liquid is sucked from 48, passes through the suction pipe 50, and is discharged from the discharge port 56 via the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54. The discharged detergent is supplied into the water tank 17 as in the first embodiment, and the washing process is performed.

Third embodiment

  A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a top view showing the structure of the washing liquid automatic input means according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line E-E. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pump unit, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line FF.

<Basic layout>
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that tanks 32 and 33 are provided side by side at the rear of the detergent inlet 25, and between the detergent tank 32 and the detergent inlet 25 and the softener tank. A pump is provided between 33 and the detergent inlet 25 to supply a detergent or a softener from the tanks 32 and 33 to the detergent inlet 25.

  In the third embodiment, for example, assuming that the detergent inlet 25 is arranged in the order of the powder detergent inlet 25a, the liquid detergent inlet 25b, and the softener inlet 25c from the left side as viewed from the user, If the detergent tank 32 is arranged at the rear of the liquid detergent introduction section 25b and the softener tank 33 is arranged at the rear of the right softener introduction section 25c, the detergent tank 32 and the liquid detergent introduction section 25b are arranged close to each other, Since the tank 33 and the softener charging section 25c are arranged close to each other, the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be made compact, which is preferable.

  In the third embodiment, a screw pump 82 is provided as a pump, and the suction port 48 at the lower end of the screw pump 82 is fixed to the tanks 32 and 33. The bottom surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33 are configured as inclined surfaces descending toward the suction port 48 of the screw pump 82 so that the detergent flows into the suction port 48.

  The upper surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33 and the screw pump 82 form a tank lid 31 that is rotatably supported around a fulcrum 90. The inside of the tank lid 31 is provided with a driving unit including a motor and a deceleration unit. Although provided, the configuration of the driving means may be the same as that of the first embodiment, and the details are omitted.

<Screw pump configuration>
The configuration of the screw pump 82 will be described with reference to FIGS. The male gear 83 is rotatably supported along with the pump drive shaft 60, has a shape of an elliptical cross section twisted along the rotation axis, and has two teeth. The female gear 84 has three teeth, is rotatably supported around a pump driven shaft 91, and has a concave portion corresponding to an oblong portion of the male gear 83 so as to rotate while meshing with the male gear 83. And the convex portion corresponding to the linear portion of the male gear 83 has a cross-sectional shape formed alternately, and is twisted at the same angle in the opposite direction to the male gear 83. A casing 85 having a substantially eyeglass-shaped cross section is provided so as to include a male gear 83 and a female gear 84 meshing with each other. Upper and lower ends of the casing 85 are sealed, and a rear end of a lower end is an open suction port 48, which is connected to the tanks 32 and 33. The front side of the upper end of the casing 85 is open and connected to the discharge port 56. The detergent or softener discharged from the discharge port 56 is arranged to be supplied into the detergent input port 25.

  The male gear 83 is provided rotatably with the pump drive shaft 60, and a coupling 61 is provided at the upper end of the pump drive shaft 60. When the coupling 61 rotates, the male gear 83 and the female gear 84 rotate via the pump drive shaft 60. When the tank lid 31 is closed, a rotational driving force from a driving unit 62 is transmitted to the coupling 61.

  When the male gear 83 and the female gear 84 rotate in the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 20 and 21, the transfer space 86 is a gap formed between the teeth of the male gear 83 and the teeth of the female gear 84 twisted in opposite directions. Is moved upward from below, whereby the detergent inside the casing 85 is sucked from the lower suction port 48, conveyed upward, and discharged from the discharge port 56.

  When the tank lid 31 is opened, the tanks 32 and 33 can be removed upward together with the respective screw pumps 82 through the openings, and the user can replenish the detergent or softener from the replenishing port 88, Alternatively, the tanks 32, 33 can be cleaned.

<Confirmation of supply amount>
In the third embodiment, the detergent or softener can be supplied to the detergent inlet 25 from the tanks 32 and 33 by operating the driving means. In the third embodiment, since the detergent or softener supplied by the screw pump 82 is supplied to the detergent inlet 25, the detergent or softener supplied by opening the lid of the detergent inlet 25 after the supply operation is completed. This is preferable because the user can visually confirm the amount of the agent.

  In the third embodiment, the screw pump 82 is provided close to the outside of the tanks 32 and 33. However, the screw pump 82 may be provided inside the tanks 32 and 33.

  The powder detergent, the liquid detergent, and the softener supplied to the detergent supply port 25 are supplied with water through a water supply path (not shown), and supplied into the water tank 17 via the siphon 89 and the first detergent supply pipe 14.

Fourth embodiment

<Forward drawer>
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 19 in the third embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, tanks 32 and 33 are arranged at the rear of the detergent inlet 25, and a gear pump 51 is provided on the lower surface side of the rear of the tanks 32 and 33, and a supply pipe 54 is provided upward from the gear pump 51. The upper end of the supply pipe 54 projects laterally, that is, toward the far side of the drawing, and the tip forms a discharge port 56. A further rear portion of the gear pump 51 is a drive unit 62 having a supply motor 65 and a reduction unit 66 provided in the washing machine main body 4, and a coupling 61 provided in the drive force coupling unit 29 and configured to be separable from each other. The coupling receiving portion 64 meshes with and rotates around a rotation shaft provided horizontally in the front-rear direction, and transmits a rotational driving force from the driving means 62 to the gear pump 51.

  When the supply pump 65 is energized and the gear pump 51 is driven to rotate, the detergent or softener is sent out from the tanks 32 and 33 and discharged from the discharge port 56 provided above the gear pump 51, and the second detergent supply pipe 41 is discharged. Through the first detergent supply pipe 14 and into the water tank 17.

  The powder detergent, the liquid detergent, and the softener supplied to the detergent supply port 25 are supplied with water through a water supply path (not shown), and supplied into the water tank 17 via the siphon 89 and the first detergent supply pipe 14.

  In the fourth embodiment, the detergent inlet 25, the tanks 32 and 33, and the pump means 47 are configured so as to be able to be integrally pulled out, and FIG. 22 (b) shows the detergent inlet 25 and the tank 32. , 33 are being drawn forward. The coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are separated from each other. When the detergent inlet 25, the tanks 32, 33, and the pump means 47 are drawn out, the openable and closable replenishing port 88 provided in the tanks 32, 33 is opened, so that the detergent and the softener can be replenished in the tanks. .

  Since the drive means 62 and the pump means 47 are separated by the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, the pump means 47 does not require wiring for driving the supply motor 65, and Can be removed and washed with water, so that a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

Fifth embodiment

  A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a BB cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, in which the detergent tank storage area 37 to the softener tank storage area 38 are simplified. FIG.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the driving means 62 is not provided on the tank lid 31 but is provided below the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38, and is not provided on the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank. The gear pump 51 provided on the inside with the bottom surface of the agent tank 33 interposed therebetween and the coupling 61 provided on the outside are rotatably connected while preventing leakage through a sealing member 92 made of a flexible member such as rubber. Have been. The coupling 61 is detachable from the coupling receiving portion 64 provided in the driving means 62, and has a configuration capable of transmitting a driving torque when the coupling 61 is engaged with the coupling receiving portion 64.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the supply motor 65 rotates, the coupling receiving portion 64 rotates at a reduced speed via the speed reducing means 66, and transmits the driving torque to the coupling 61 to be disposed inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33. By rotating the gear pump 51, the detergent or softener in the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is discharged from the discharge port 56 through the supply pipe 54 as shown by an arrow.

Sixth embodiment

  A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a BB cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, in which the detergent tank storage area 37 to the softener tank storage area 38 are simply shown. FIG.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the driving means 62 is not provided on the tank lid 31, but is provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38, and the detergent tank 32 or the softener is provided. The gear pump 51 provided on the inside with the side surface of the tank 33 interposed therebetween and the coupling 61 provided on the outside are rotatably connected while preventing leakage through a seal member 92 made of a flexible member such as rubber. ing. The coupling 61 is detachable from the coupling receiving portion 64 provided in the driving means 62, and has a configuration capable of transmitting a driving torque when the coupling 61 is engaged with the coupling receiving portion 64.

  In the sixth embodiment, when the supply motor 65 is rotated, the coupling receiving portion 64 is decelerated and rotated via the decelerating means 66, and the driving torque is transmitted to the coupling 61 to be disposed inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33. By rotating the gear pump 51, the detergent or softener in the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is discharged from the discharge port 56 through the supply pipe 54 as shown by an arrow.

  When removing the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33, the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is shifted to the right until the engagement between the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61 is released, and then moved upward. It can be removed from the washing machine body. When mounting, the reverse operation is performed.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, by removing the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, the drive torque of the gear pump 51 can be reduced while the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 can be removed. Although transmission was possible, it is not limited to that configuration.

  The first embodiment will be described. In FIG. 7, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are integrated, and a first pump driving gear 75 or a second pump driving gear 76 is provided in the pump means 47. The oscillating gear 73 is provided on the tank lid 31 and is located at a position where the engagement between the first pump driving gear 75 or the second pump driving gear 76 and the oscillating gear 73 can be detached in conjunction with opening and closing of the tank lid 31. Deploy.

  When the tank lid 31 is opened, the gears are disengaged and the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 can be taken out. If the tank lid 31 is closed after the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is mounted, the gears mesh with each other to transmit the driving torque.

<Effect>
<Automatic supply of laundry treatment liquid>
As described above, the detergent and the softener filled in each tank can be automatically supplied at a predetermined timing in the washing step or the rinsing step by an appropriate supply amount. In addition, if a control is provided to supply a supply amount according to the measured amount of cloth by providing a cloth amount measuring means, there is no overuse or shortage of the detergent and the softener, so that the waste of the detergent and the softener can be reduced. No washing machine can be provided.

<Forward / reverse switching operation>
By switching the rotation direction of the supply motor 65 between normal rotation and reverse rotation, the gear pump provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven during normal rotation to supply the detergent, and the reverse rotation is provided in the softener tank 33. Since the gear pump is driven to supply the softener, two gear pumps can be selectively driven by only one motor, so that the drive system can be configured at low cost.

<Remaining amount detection>
Since the remaining amount detecting means is provided, the remaining amount of the detergent or softener in the tank can be detected, and if the remaining amount is smaller than a predetermined amount, the user can be notified. It is possible to provide a washing machine with high reliability.

<Lid dimensions and tank attachment / detachment>
A drive unit having a motor and a reduction gear is incorporated in the lid, and when the lid is closed, the drive unit and the driving force coupling unit 29 provided in the pump unit are connected to connect the driving force of the motor to the gear pump 51. When the power is transmitted and the lid is opened, the coupling receiving portion 64 of the driving force connecting means 29 and the coupling 61 are separated from each other. If the opening dimension when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than the plan view of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be easily removed and mounted.

<Coupling reliability>
The driving force connecting means 29 is provided between the lower surface of the tank lid 31 provided on the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 and the upper surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33. That is, even if the tanks 32 and 33 are fully replenished with detergent or softener, the height of the driving force connecting means 29 is higher than the liquid level. Therefore, even when the detergent or softener leaks from the tanks 32 and 33, the liquid level does not reach the driving force connecting means 29 or the driving means 62 provided on the tank lid 31, and the driving means 62 No detergent or softener penetrates into the machine.

  Further, since the coupling receiving portion 64 of the driving force connecting means 29 that is rotationally driven is provided on the lower surface of the tank lid 31, when the tank lid 31 is opened, the coupling receiving portion 64 is higher than the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4. At a higher position, an opening is formed on a substantially vertical surface.

  When the user puts the tanks 32 and 33 in and out of the tanks 32 and 33 to replenish the detergent or softener, even if the detergent or softener drips, the detergent or softener remains on the upper surface of the washing machine body 4 or the tank. It hangs inside the storage container 34. Since a rotary drive unit such as the coupling receiving unit 64 is not provided inside the tank storage container 34, the dripping detergent does not enter the rotary drive unit and does not hinder the driving of the pump. A high washing machine can be provided.

<No tank wiring>
The wiring to the supply motor 65 for driving the pump means 47 is provided from the washing machine main body 4 to the inside of the tank lid 31, and the tanks 32 and 33 have no wiring to the supply motor 65. Further, the remaining amount detecting means 79 of the tanks 32 and 33 is also arranged outside the tank, and the wiring of the remaining amount detecting means 79 is also arranged inside the washing machine main body 4.

  Therefore, since no electric components are arranged in the tanks 32 and 33, when attaching and detaching the tanks 32 and 33, it is not necessary to attach and detach wiring connection means having electric contacts such as so-called connectors. A highly reliable washing machine can be provided without causing poor contact due to adhesion or the like.

<Tank cleanability>
Since the tanks 32, 33 are easily detachable and have no wiring or electrical contacts, the entire tanks 32, 33 can be immersed in water. Therefore, it is easy to wash and remove the detergent and softener remaining inside the tanks 32 and 33, and the tanks can be kept clean. Also, when a new detergent or softener is replenished, there is no danger that the washing performance will be deteriorated by mixing with the old detergent or softener remaining inside the tanks 32 and 33, so that a highly reliable washing machine is provided. it can.

<Pump cleanability>
Since the driving means 62 and the pumping means 47 are provided with the driving force connecting means 29 which can be connected and separated, the tank and the pumping means 47 are detachable and detachable, and the pumping means 47 is attached to the tank and the pumping means 47. There is no wiring for supplying driving power, and there is no wiring connected to the detection means for detecting the remaining amount of detergent and softener. Can be washed, and a washing machine with improved cleanability and reliability can be provided.

  Since the pump means 47 can be removed from the tank body 45, if the suction port of the pump means 47 is immersed in water and the coupling 61 is rotated by hand, water is sucked from the suction port 48 and passes through the inside of the gear pump 51. Since the water is discharged from the discharge port 56, the inside of the pump means 47 can be washed with water. Therefore, the old detergent or softener deteriorates to prevent clogging of the pump, or when the detergent or softener is newly replenished, the old detergent or softener is mixed with the old detergent or softener remaining inside the pump means 47 and the cleaning performance is improved. Since there is no risk of deterioration of the washing machine, a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to mold the case of the pump means 47 with a transparent resin, because it is possible to visually check whether the detergent or softener remains in the pump or whether the cleaning is completed.

<Gear pump height>
If the height of the gear pump 51 is set lower than the liquid level when the detergent or softener is replenished in the tanks 32 and 33, the gear pump 51 will be detergent or soft when the detergent or softener is replenished. It is in a state of being immersed in the agent, that is, a state of so-called "priming". That is, there is no need to suction the detergent or softener to the height of the gear pump 51 by the negative pressure of air, so that the detergent or softener can be supplied reliably, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

<Compatible with manual supply>
It is possible to freely use the case of washing with the detergent in the detergent tank 32 or the case of washing with another detergent inserted into the detergent inlet 25 according to the preference of the user, so that the washing is easy to use. It is possible to provide a washing machine including the processing liquid automatic charging means 30.

<Filter structure>
Since a filter 58 provided with a slit 59 is provided around the suction port 48 of the pump means 47, foreign substances are prevented from being sucked and clogged in the gear pump 51, and the highly reliable washing processing liquid automatic filling means 30 is provided. It can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the two pumps are selectively driven in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation of one motor. However, each of the tanks is provided with a motor and a deceleration means, and a different motor is selectively driven so that the detergent is selectively driven. And a softener may be selected and supplied.

  Although the pump is a gear pump in the present embodiment, the pump is not limited to the gear pump, but may be a pump of another type such as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a vane pump, or the like.

  Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the transfer pump has a structure in which a direct current motor and a gear pump are provided inside and is immersed in the liquid, so that there is a limit to downsizing of the transfer pump. Even when a reduction gear is provided between the DC motor and the gear pump in order to optimize the rotation speed of the gear pump, the reduction gear must be provided inside the transport pump. Since the transfer pump is provided in the detergent tank, its size is limited, and the size of the motor and the reduction ratio of the reduction gear are limited. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, since the driving force connecting means 29 capable of connecting and separating the rotational driving force transmitted from the driving means 62 to the pump means 47 is provided, the above-mentioned problems can be solved.

  In the above embodiment, the drum type washing machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a vertical type washing machine.

1 Base 2 Outer frame
3 Lid
Reference Signs List 4 Washing machine main body 5 Support means 6 Operation panel 7 Water tap 8 Drum motor 9 First water supply pipe 10 Drain valve 11 Drain pipe 12 Water supply solenoid valve 13 Dry air path 14 First detergent supply pipe 15 Second detergent supply pipe 16 Non-return valve 17 Water tank 18 Front cover 19 Back cover 20 Rotary drum 21 Laundry 22 Fluid balancer 25 Detergent inlet 25a Powder detergent inlet 25b Liquid detergent inlet 25c Softener inlet 29 Driving force connecting means 30 Automatic washing processing liquid Charging means 31 Tank lid 32 Detergent tank (first tank)
33 Softener tank (second tank)
34 Tank storage container 35 First partition 36 Second partition 37 Detergent tank storage area 38 Softener tank storage area 39 Input area 40 Second water supply pipe 41 Second detergent supply pipe 42 Spindle hole 42a Lid fulcrum 43 Lid support part 44 Tank lid part 44a Tank handle 45 Tank body 46 Tank bottom 47 Pump means 48 Suction port 49 Pump case 50 Suction pipe 51 Gear pump 51a Drive gear 51b Drive gear 52 Gear meshing part 53 Pump cover 54 Supply pipe 55 Gear pump wall 56 Discharge port 57 Water supply discharge part 58 Filter 59 Slit 60 Pump drive shaft 61 Coupling 62 Driving means 63 Coupling projection 64 Coupling receiving part 65 Supply motor 66 Reduction means 67 Worm gear 68 Cylindrical recess 69 Meshing projection 70 Worm wheel 71 First Gear 72 of the swing Groove 73 Swing gear 74a First mesh 74b Second mesh 74c Third mesh 75d Fourth mesh 75 First pump drive gear 76 Second pump drive gear 77 Rotation center shaft 78 Third reduction gear 79 Remaining amount detecting means 79a Detergent remaining amount detecting means 79b Softener remaining amount detecting means 80 Light emitting element 81 Light receiving element 82 Screw pump 83 Male gear 84 Female gear 85 Casing 86 Transport space 87 Wiring 88 Refill port 89 Siphon 90 Support point 91 Pump driven shaft 92 Sealing member

Claims (3)

A housing,
A water tank provided inside the housing,
Washing treatment liquid supply means for supplying a washing treatment liquid into the water tub,
The washing treatment liquid supply means,
A tank for holding the washing treatment liquid therein,
A transport pump that transports the washing treatment liquid from inside the tank to outside the tank,
Pump driving means for generating a driving force for driving the transport pump,
A connection unit that can connect and disconnect the pump driving unit and the transport pump ,
The connection unit includes a driving-side member provided in the pump driving unit, and a driven-side member provided in the transport pump,
When the tank and the transport pump are removed from the housing, the drive-side member and the driven-side member are in a separated state,
The pump driving means is provided inside a lid that is pivotally supported on the upper surface of the housing to be openable and closable,
When the lid is closed, the drive side member and the driven side member of the connection means are connected to transmit a driving force to the driven side member,
When the lid is opened, the driving-side member and the driven-side member of the connecting means are separated from each other,
The washing machine is characterized in that the tank and the transport pump are detached and attached to a housing through an opening generated when the lid is opened . A housing,
A water tank having a rotating drum inside the housing,
Washing treatment liquid supply means for supplying at least two types of washing treatment liquid into the water tank;
In a washing machine with
The washing treatment liquid supply means,
A first tank that holds therein an amount of the first washing treatment liquid capable of performing a plurality of washing steps,
A second tank that holds therein an amount of the second washing treatment liquid that allows a plurality of washing steps,
A first transfer pump that carries out the first washing treatment liquid from the inside of the first tank to the outside of the first tank by obtaining a rotational driving force,
A second transfer pump that carries out the second washing treatment liquid from the inside of the second tank to the outside of the second tank by obtaining a rotational driving force,
A pump driving means for generating a rotational driving force of the transport pump including a motor and a deceleration means,
The pump driving means,
A forward / reverse motor
An oscillating gear that rotates by transmitting a rotational driving force by moving a rotation center axis between one end and the other end of a movement range in accordance with forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor,
A first pump drive gear for driving the first transport pump,
A second pump drive gear for driving the second transport pump,
When the motor rotates forward and the swing gear is located at one end of the movement range, the swing gear meshes with the first pump drive gear,
The washing machine is characterized in that when the motor rotates reversely and the swing gear is located at the other end of the movement range, the swing gear meshes with the second pump drive gear. The pump driving means,
Further comprising an idler gear that rotates in mesh with the second pump drive gear,
When the motor rotates forward and the oscillating gear is located at one end of the movement range, the oscillating gear meshes with the first pump drive gear,
The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the oscillating gear meshes with the idler gear when the motor rotates reversely and the oscillating gear is positioned at the other end of the movement range.

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