JP6865711B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Conventionally, it is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device that measures the washing treatment liquid such as detergent and fabric softener (finishing agent) contained in the tank and automatically charges an appropriate amount of the washing treatment liquid into the water tank (washing and dehydration tank). Washing machines are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, as a charging port into which the washing treatment liquid is charged, a drum-type washing machine having a manual charging port (manual charging section) and an automatic loading port (automatic loading section) is known ( For example, see Non-Patent Document 1). The charging port for automatic charging (automatic charging section) is a charging port for the washing treatment liquid charging device to the tank. That is, the washing machine of Non-Patent Document 1 includes a detergent tank for storing detergent and a softener tank for storing softener as a tank for storing the washing treatment liquid. At the time of washing, one dose of detergent is weighed from the detergent tank and automatically charged into the water tank, and one dose of fabric softener is also weighed from the softener tank and automatically charged into the water tank. Further, the washing machine of Non-Patent Document 1 is manually loaded separately from the automatic loading from the tank, and is manually used when the user loads the detergent or fabric softener into the water tank each time (each time). It has a slot (manual slot).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-300891

Panasonic Corporation's washing machine homepage [searched on April 10, 2018], Internet <https://panasonic.jp/wash/product/vx/auto.html>

In the conventional washing machine, the manual charging unit and the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device are connected to the water tank (washing and dehydrating tank) by independent routes. That is, in the conventional washing machine, the first path connecting the manual charging unit and the water tank (washing / dehydrating tank) and the second path connecting the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device and the water tank (washing / dehydrating tank). It had multiple routes. The conventional washing machine uses a hose for a part of these first and second paths.

Since such a conventional washing machine has a large number of hoses, there is a problem that the risk of water leakage due to hose disconnection or hose breakage is relatively high.

Further, in the conventional washing machine, it is necessary to individually supply water to both the manual charging unit and the washing treatment liquid charging device when the detergent is charged, so that the amount of water used when the detergent is charged is relatively large. was there.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that reduces the risk of water leakage and reduces the amount of water used when adding detergent.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a washing machine, which is used when a housing, a water tank provided inside the housing, and a washing treatment liquid for one time are put into the water tank. Weigh one charging section, a tank for storing the washing treatment liquid for a plurality of times, a second charging section used for storing the washing treatment liquid in the tank, and the washing treatment liquid stored in the tank. Then, the transport means for transporting the washing treatment liquid for one time from the inside of the tank to the outside, the water supply means for supplying water to at least the first inlet, and the first inlet and the water tank are connected. The washing process in which the washing process liquid and the water are charged from the first charging section to the water tank, the tank and the first charging section are connected, and the washing process is discharged from the tank via the transport means. A transport path for transporting the liquid, a case for accommodating the tank, a first cleaning path for supplying cleaning water to the first charging unit, and a second cleaning path for supplying the cleaning water to the case. And a discharge path for discharging the washing water from the inside of the case to the outside, the first washing path connects the water supply means and the first input portion, and the second washing path is The washing treatment liquid contained in the tank is conveyed from the tank to the first charging section through the transport path, connecting the middle portion of the first cleaning path to the case, and then charged. It is configured to be charged into the water tank from the first charging unit through a route.
Other means will be described later.

According to the present invention, the risk of water leakage can be reduced and the amount of water used when adding detergent can be reduced.

It is a perspective view which shows the external structure of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment seen from diagonally above front. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the front panel of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the piping route of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view (1) which shows the external structure of the tank used in embodiment. It is a perspective view (2) which shows the external structure of the tank used in embodiment. It is a perspective view (3) which shows the external structure of the tank used in embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the tank used in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the charging state of the washing process liquid in the washing machine which concerns on a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the charging state of the washing process liquid in the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement relation of the 1st lid and the 2nd lid.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each figure is merely schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[Embodiment]
In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned problems, the conventional washing machine has a problem as described in the chapter <Main features of the washing machine> described later. Therefore, the washing machine is considered to solve the problem. Is intended to provide.

The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the following structural features.
(1) The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device 30 on the front upper portion of the housing 11, which is a place close to the standing position of the user (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
(2) The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device in the upper front part of the housing, which is located far from the drying unit 71 (see FIG. 4).
(3) The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device 30 at a position closer to the user's standing position than the operation panel 14 (see FIG. 4).
(4) The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device 30 in front (outside) of the outer tub 22 (see FIG. 4).
(5) The washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing treatment liquid charging device 30 at a position closer to the user's standing position than the first charging unit 31 (manual charging unit) (see FIG. 4).
(6) The washing machine 1 has a structure in which the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is opened from the front to the rear (see FIG. 12).

<External configuration of washing machine>
Hereinafter, the external configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the washing machine 1. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1 as viewed from diagonally above and forward.

Here, it is assumed that the washing machine 1 is a washing / drying machine having a function of drying an object to be washed (cloth). However, the washing machine 1 may not have a drying function. Further, here, the washing machine 1 will be described as a vertical washing machine in which a vertical water tank is arranged inside the housing. However, the washing machine 1 may be a drum type washing machine.

Further, the first charging unit 31 (filling port) described later will be described as being a manual charging unit in which the user manually charges the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank) described later. Further, the second charging unit 32 (feeding port) described later will be described as being an automatic charging unit for charging the washing treatment liquid into the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 described later. However, the second charging unit 32, which will be described later, does not necessarily have to be the automatic charging unit that charges the washing treatment liquid charging device 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is provided with an openable and closable upper surface cover 12, an outer lid 13, and a tank storage lid 15 on the upper surface of the housing 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 is provided with a removable front panel 16 on the front surface of the housing 11. The upper surface cover 12 is arranged on the rear upper surface of the housing 11. The outer lid 13 is arranged on the central upper surface of the housing 11. The tank storage lid 15 is arranged on the front upper surface of the housing 11. An operation panel 14 for operating the washing machine 1 is provided on the upper surface of the outer lid 13.

2 and 3 show a state in which the outer lid 13 and the tank storage lid 15 are opened, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the washing machine 1 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the washing machine 1 as viewed from diagonally above and forward.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the outer lid 13 is opened, the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 11a inside the housing 11. Inside the opening 11a, a water tank 21 that functions as a washing / dehydrating tub into which a washing object (cloth) is put is arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a first charging section 31 used for charging a single washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank) is arranged around the water tank 21. The first charging unit 31 functions as a manual charging unit for the user to manually charge a washing treatment liquid such as a liquid detergent or a softener (finishing agent) into the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank). In the illustrated example, the first charging section 31 (manual loading section) is arranged at the upper left front of the housing 11 and outside the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank).

Further, in the washing machine 1, when the tank storage lid 15 is opened, the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is arranged inside the housing 11. The washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is a device that measures the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 and automatically charges an appropriate amount of the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank). The washing treatment liquid charging device 30 includes a tank 42 for accommodating a plurality of washing treatment liquids and a transfer pump 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for transporting the washing treatment liquid. The transport pump 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) functions as a transport means for measuring the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 and transporting one washing treatment liquid from the inside of the tank 42 to the outside.

The tank 42 is arranged at the front upper part of the housing 11 and at a position in front of the first charging section 31 (manual loading section). In the illustrated example, two tanks 42a and 42b, one for detergent and one for softener (finishing agent), are arranged. As a result, the washing machine 1 can automatically charge the detergent and the softener (finishing agent) into the water tank 21. The tank 42 is provided with a second charging unit 32 that is used when the washing treatment liquid is stored in the tank 42. The second charging unit 32 functions as an automatic charging unit for automatically charging the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 (washing / dehydrating tank) by the washing treatment liquid charging device 30. The second charging section 32 is sealed with a charging port lid 43a. For example, the tank 42a is provided with a second charging portion 32a for charging detergent, and is sealed with a charging port lid 43a. Further, the tank 42b is provided with a second charging portion 32b for charging detergent, and is sealed with a charging port lid 43a.

The second charging unit 32 is a charging unit (automatic charging unit) for charging the washing processing liquid stored in the tank 42 of the washing processing liquid charging device 30. As described above, the tank 42 is arranged in the upper part of the front of the housing 11 and in front of the first charging section 31 (manual loading section). Therefore, the second charging section 32 (automatic loading section) is also arranged at the upper front portion of the housing 11 and at a position ahead of the first loading section 31 (manual loading section), similarly to the tank 42. ..

<Internal configuration of washing machine>
Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front panel of the washing machine 1 is removed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 is provided with an outer tub 22 inside the housing 11, and further includes a water tub 21 (washing and dehydrating tub) inside the outer tub 22.

The outer tub 22 has an outer tub cover 22a provided on the upper surface portion, a lid member 22b for sealing the opening provided in the outer tub cover 22a, and a drop portion provided so as to drop more than other parts. It has 22c and.

The water tank 21 (washing and dehydrating tank) has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. The water tank 21 has a copper plate 21a forming a cylindrical body portion, a rotary blade 21b that rotates at the bottom of the water tank 21, and a balance ring 21c that maintains the balance of the water tank 21. A plurality of through holes 21aa are formed in the copper plate 21a for water passage and ventilation. The balance ring 21c is a fluid balancer in which a fluid is sealed.

The washing machine 1 includes a drive device 23 for rotationally driving the water tank 21 and the rotor blades 21b, a rotation detection device 24 for detecting the operation of the drive device 23, and a motor current detection device 25. The drive device 23 includes a motor 23a that rotates the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, a clutch mechanism 23b that defines the rotation direction and rotation speed of the water tank 21 and the rotary blade 21b, and a rotary shaft 23c connected to the rotary blade 21b. have. The rotating shaft 23c is arranged at the center of the water tank 21 in the top view.

Further, the washing machine 1 has a water supply unit 20 which is a water supply means for supplying water to the water tank 21 and a drying unit 71 (heater) for heating air to obtain a drying air in the upper rear part of the housing 11. A fan 72 for circulating dry air, a blower duct 73, and a dry duct 81 are provided.

The blower duct 73 is arranged between the fan 72 and the blowout nozzle 74, and the drying unit 71 (heater) is arranged in the middle portion thereof. The blower duct 73 is connected to the blowout nozzle 74 by a bellows tube 73a. The blowing nozzle 74 blows out the drying air sent by the fan 72 and heated by the drying unit 71 into the outer tank 22. The drying duct 81 is arranged between the outer tank 22 and the fan 72. The drying duct 81 is connected to the drop portion 22c of the outer tank 22 by a bellows pipe 81a.

In such a configuration, the washing machine 1 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 (water supply means) to the outer tub 22 so that the water tub 21 (washing and dehydration tub) is immersed in water during, for example, the washing process and the rinsing process. Supply. Further, in the washing machine 1, for example, during the drying process, the fan 72 is rotated to send air to the air blowing duct 73, the air is heated by the drying unit 71 to obtain dry air, and the dry air is sent to the outer tank 22 and the water tank. It passes through the inside of 21. As a result, the washing machine 1 dries the object to be washed (cloth) housed inside the water tank 21. Then, the washing machine 1 sends the air that has passed through the insides of the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 81 to the air duct 73 by the fan 72, and repeats the same operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection hose 51a, a charging hose 54a, and a cleaning hose 61a. The water injection hose 51a is a hose for flowing water from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22. The charging hose 54a is a hose that allows water to flow from the first charging section 31 (manual loading section) to the outer tank 22. The cleaning hose 61a is a hose that allows water to flow from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22 when cleaning the water tank 21 or the outer tank 22. The water injection hose 51a constitutes a part of the first water supply path 51 (see FIG. 6) described later. The charging hose 54a constitutes a part of the charging path 54 (see FIG. 6) described later. The cleaning hose 61a constitutes a part of the first cleaning path 61 (see FIG. 6) described later.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a discharge path 63 for discharging water and a drain valve 65 for opening and closing the discharge path 63.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a case 41 for accommodating the tank 42 in the front upper part of the housing 11. The tank 42 has a structure that can be freely removed and attached to the case 41 by moving it in the vertical direction. The case 41 preferably has a structure that accommodates at least two or more tanks 42 for the detergent and the softener so that the detergent and the softener can be automatically charged into the water tank 21. ..

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

Either one or both of the case 41 and the tank 42 preferably functions as a damping member 45 that functions as a suppressing means for suppressing vibration of the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 between the case 41 and the tank 42 (see FIG. 4). It is good to have. As a result, the washing machine 1 can suppress the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 from shaking and jumping due to the vibration propagating from the drive device 23 and the like.

The case 41 is attached to the front upper part of the housing 11, and is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 and the housing 11. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can suppress the shaking of the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 even if the vibration damping member 45 (see FIG. 4) is not provided. However, the washing machine 1 can more efficiently suppress the shaking of the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 by providing the vibration damping member 45 (see FIG. 4).

In such a configuration, the second charging portion 32 and the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 are arranged in front of the center of the water tank 21 (for example, the portion connected by the rotating shaft 23c (see FIG. 4)). There is. Further, the drying unit 71 (heater) is arranged behind the center of the water tank 21 so as to be separated from the second charging portion 32 and the tank 42.

<Piping route configuration>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the piping path of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a piping route of the washing machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 has a first water supply path 51, a second water supply path 52, a transport path 53, and an input path 54 as piping paths used when washing an object to be washed (cloth). And have.

The first water supply path 51 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input unit 31, and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the first input unit 31.
The second water supply path 52 connects the intermediate portion of the first water supply path 51 and the transfer path 53, and supplies water from the water supply unit 20 to the transfer path 53 via the first water supply path 51.
The transport path 53 connects the tank 42 and the first charging section 31, and transports the washing treatment liquid discharged from the tank 42 via the transport pump 46.
The charging path 54 connects the first charging section 31 and the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), and the washing treatment liquid and water are charged from the first charging section 31 into the water tank 21.

A switching valve 64 is arranged at a connection point between the second water supply path 52 and the transport path 53. The switching valve 64 is a switching means for switching the flow of the fluid. The switching valve 64 (switching means) selectively switches between the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows from the tank 42 to the transport path 53 and the direction in which water flows from the second water supply path 52 to the transport path 53.

Further, a transfer pump 46 and check valves 47a and 47b for preventing backflow of fluid are arranged on the transfer path 53. The check valves 47a and 47b are arranged on the upstream side (tank 42 side) and the downstream side (first input section 31 side) of the transfer pump 46, respectively.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes a first washing path 61, a second washing path 62, and a discharge path 63 as piping paths used when washing the water tank 21, the outer tub 22, the case 41, and the like.

The first cleaning path 61 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input unit 31, and supplies water for cleaning from the water supply unit 20 to the first input unit 31.
The second cleaning path 62 connects the intermediate portion of the first cleaning path 61 with the case 41, and supplies cleaning water from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 via the first cleaning path 61.
The discharge path 63 connects the case 41 and the drain port 66, and drains water from the case 41.

The discharge path 63 includes a drain pipe 63a connecting the case 41 and the air duct 73, a drain pipe 63b connecting the air duct 73 and the outer tank 22, and a drain valve 65 and a drain port 66 provided in the outer tank 22. It is composed of a drainage pipe 63c for connecting the above and

The outer tank 22 is provided with a drain valve 65. By opening the drain valve 65, the washing machine 1 discharges the washing treatment liquid and water from the drain port 66 to the outside via the drain pipe 63c.

Such a washing machine 1 conveys the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 in the transport path when the washing treatment liquid is automatically charged (that is, when the washing treatment liquid is charged into the water tank 21 by the washing treatment liquid charging device 30). It is conveyed from the tank 42 to the first charging section 31 through 53. Then, the washing machine 1 can charge the conveyed washing treatment liquid from the first charging section 31 into the water tank 21 through the charging path 54. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the washing treatment liquid passes through the first charging unit 31 regardless of whether it is manually charged or automatically charged. Therefore, by passing water through the first charging unit 31, the amount of water used when the detergent is charged can be reduced. Can be reduced.

Further, in the washing machine 1, the second water supply path 52 is connected to an intermediate portion of the first water supply path 51. Therefore, even if the transport path 53 is blocked and an unintended pressure is applied to the transport path 53, the washing machine 1 applies the pressure applied to the transport path 53 to the first water supply path 51. It can be released to the outside (water tank 21 side) through. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can reduce the pressure applied to the transport path 53 even if such a phenomenon occurs. As a result, the washing machine 1 can maintain the performance of the transport path 53 for a relatively long time.

Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the first charging section 31 by flowing washing water from the water supply unit 20 to the first charging section 31 along the first washing path 61.

Further, the washing machine 1 can wash the case 41 by flowing washing water from the water supply unit 20 to the case 41 along the second washing path 62. In particular, the bottom of the case 41 is provided with, for example, a nozzle 41a (see FIG. 10) that fits in the lower part of the tank 42, and the nozzle 41a (see FIG. 10) can be cleaned.

Further, the washing machine 1 discharges the washing water supplied to the first washing path 61 to the water tank 21 along the charging path 54, and discharges the washing water supplied to the second washing path 62 to the water tank 21. It can be discharged to the water tank 21 along (via the air duct 73). Therefore, the washing machine 1 can wash the water tub 21 and the outer tub 22.

<Tank configuration>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the tank 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. 7 to 9 are perspective views showing the external configuration of the tank 42, respectively. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the tank 42.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the tank 42 has a top cover 43 and a handle portion 44. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the inlet lid 43a is closed. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the inlet lid 43a is opened. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the top cover 43 is removed.

The upper surface cover 43 is a cover member that covers the upper surface of the tank 42.
The handle portion 44 is a member that is gripped by the user.

The second charging portion 32 is provided on the upper surface cover 43 and is sealed by the charging port lid 43a. The inlet lid 43a is configured to be openable and closable in the vertical direction from front to rear.

The upper surface of the upper surface cover 43 is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined so as to descend from the rear to the front. In such an upper surface cover 43, the length of the inlet lid 43a can be increased in the opening / closing direction as compared with the case where the upper surface is formed as a horizontal plane. Further, such an upper surface cover 43 can greatly project the inlet lid 43a upward when the inlet lid 43a is opened. Therefore, such an upper surface cover 43 can improve the operability of the opening / closing operation of the inlet lid 43a, and can easily open / close the inlet lid 43a.

As described above, the tank 42 has a structure that can be freely removed and attached to the case 41 (see FIG. 5) by moving it in the vertical direction. The tank 42 can be easily removed from the case 41 by the user grasping the handle portion 44 and pulling it upward. As shown in FIG. 9, the top cover 43 can be removed from the tank 42.

Since the user can remove the tank 42 from the case 41 and the top cover 43 from the tank 42, the case 41 and the top cover 43 can be easily cleaned by hand.

As shown in FIG. 10, a discharge port 49 (through hole) is provided in the lower part of the tank 42. The discharge port 49 has a structure that fits into the nozzle 41a provided in the case 41. As a result, the tank 42 can reliably deliver the washing treatment liquid to the transport path 53 (see FIG. 6). Inside the tank 42, a bottom surface portion inclined so as to descend toward the discharge port 49 is provided. Further, a mesh-like tank mesh 48 having a fine mesh is provided above the discharge port 49. As a result, the washing machine 1 can prevent the foreign matter from flowing into the transport path 53 (see FIG. 6) even if the foreign matter is mixed inside the tank 42.

<Operation of charging the washing treatment liquid into the second charging unit (automatic charging unit)>
As will be described below, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the washing treatment liquid can be easily charged into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit, charging port). Here, first, an example in which the washing treatment liquid is charged into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) in the washing machine 101 according to the comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. 11A. After that, an example in which the washing processing liquid is charged into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11B. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the washing treatment liquid is added in the washing machine 101 according to the comparative example. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the washing treatment liquid is charged in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

The washing machine 101 according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 11A has a second charging unit 32 between the water supply unit 20 (water supply means) and the first charging unit 31 (manual charging unit), similarly to the conventional washing machine. It is a device in which (automatic loading section) is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the washing machine 101 according to the comparative example, the second charging section 32 (automatic loading section) is arranged behind the first loading section 31 (manual loading section). In the washing machine 101 according to such a comparative example, when the user charges the washing treatment liquid into the second charging portion 32, the housing 11 abuts on the body portion (or bottom portion) of the refill container 91 of the washing treatment liquid. .. Therefore, in the washing machine 101 according to the comparative example, it is necessary to arrange the discharge port of the refill container 91 at a relatively high position above the second charging unit 32, and to charge the washing treatment liquid into the second charging unit 32 in that state. There is. In the washing machine 101 according to such a comparative example, since the washing treatment liquid is charged into the second charging unit 32 from a relatively high position, the washing processing liquid cannot be charged well into the second charging unit 32. There is a possibility of spilling. As a result, the washing machine 101 according to the comparative example may contaminate the periphery of the second charging unit 32 with the washing treatment liquid.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the second charging section 32 (automatic loading section) is arranged in front of the first loading section 31 (manual loading section). .. In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user charges the washing treatment liquid into the second charging portion 32, the housing 11 is placed on the body portion (or bottom portion) of the refill container 91 of the washing treatment liquid. There is no bump. Therefore, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing processing liquid can be charged into the second charging unit 32 by attaching the discharge port of the refill container 91 to the second charging unit 32. In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid is charged into the second charging unit 32 from a relatively low position, the washing processing liquid is satisfactorily charged into the second charging unit 32 without spilling the washing processing liquid. can do. As a result, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the washing machine 1 from contaminating the periphery of the second charging unit 32 with the washing treatment liquid.

<Arrangement relationship between the inlet lid (first lid) and the tank storage lid (second lid)>
Hereinafter, the arrangement relationship between the inlet lid 43a and the tank storage lid 15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement relationship between the inlet lid 43a (first lid) and the tank storage lid 15 (second lid).

As shown in FIG. 12, the washing machine 1 is provided with an inlet lid 43a and a tank storage lid 15 at the upper front portion of the housing 11. The inlet lid 43a is a first lid that seals the second inlet 32. The tank storage lid 15 is a second lid that is larger than the inlet lid 43a and covers the inlet lid 43a. The inlet lid 43a (first lid) and the tank storage lid 15 (second lid) are configured to be openable and closable in the vertical direction from front to rear, respectively (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

As shown in FIG. 12, the tank storage lid 15 (second lid) is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the inlet lid 43a (first lid) when closed. Such a tank storage lid 15 can come into contact with the inlet lid 43a and automatically close the inlet lid 43a even if the inlet lid 43a is open at the time of closing. That is, even if the user forgets to close the inlet lid 43a, the washing machine 1 can automatically close the inlet lid 43a only by the user closing the tank storage lid 15.

<Main features of the washing machine>
The present embodiment has the following problems in the conventional washing machine, and it is intended to provide the washing machine 1 in consideration of solving the problems.

(1) The conventional washing machine is provided with a hose connected to a water tub (washing / dehydrating tub) in each of the manual charging unit and the washing treatment liquid charging device. That is, in the conventional washing machine, the hose of the first system connecting the manual charging unit and the water tank (washing and dehydrating tank) and the second system connecting the washing treatment liquid charging device and the water tank (washing and dehydrating tank) are connected. It was equipped with multiple hoses with the hose of. Since such a conventional washing machine has a large number of hoses, there is a problem that the risk of water leakage due to hose disconnection or hose breakage is relatively high.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment transports the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 from the tank 42 to the first charging section 31 through the transport path 53. It is charged into the water tank 21 from the first charging unit 31 through the charging path 54.

In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment as described above, the hose connecting the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 and the water tank 21 can be deleted. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the risk of water leakage due to hose disconnection or hose tear by the amount of the deleted hose, as compared with the conventional washing machine. As a result, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the risk of water leakage to half that of the conventional washing machine, and can improve the reliability by that amount.

(2) In a conventional washing machine, it is necessary to separately supply water to both the manual charging unit and the washing treatment liquid charging device when the detergent is charged, so that the amount of water used when the detergent is charged is relatively large. There was a challenge.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the water supplied to the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is supplied to the first charging unit 31, so that the amount of water used when the detergent is charged. Can be reduced. As a result, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the amount of water used when adding detergent to, for example, about half that of a conventional washing machine, and the usage cost can be reduced by that amount.

(3) In a conventional washing machine, a water supply means is arranged in the upper rear part of the housing, and a manual charging part is arranged in front of the water supply means. Then, the tank and the charging part (automatic charging part) of the washing treatment liquid charging device were arranged between the water supply means and the manual charging part and at a place on the side of the water tank (washing and dehydrating tank). Therefore, in the conventional washing machine, the charging unit (automatic charging unit) of the washing treatment liquid charging device is arranged at a place away from the position where the user is standing. Therefore, the conventional washing machine has a problem that when the user puts the washing treatment liquid into the automatic charging part, it is difficult to put the washing treatment liquid and it is not easy to use.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) is arranged at a position close to the position where the user is standing. Therefore, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing treatment liquid can be easily charged into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit). The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can improve usability.

(4) In the conventional washing machine, the automatic charging unit of the washing treatment liquid charging device is arranged behind the manual charging unit. Therefore, in the conventional washing machine, when the user holds the refill container for the washing treatment liquid and charges the washing treatment liquid into the automatic charging unit, the housing abuts on the body portion (or bottom portion) of the refilling container. Therefore, in the conventional washing machine, it is necessary to arrange the discharge port of the refill container at a relatively high position above the automatic charging unit, and to charge the washing treatment liquid into the automatic charging unit in that state. In such a conventional washing machine, since the washing treatment liquid is charged into the automatic charging part from a relatively high position, there is a possibility that the washing processing liquid cannot be properly charged into the automatic charging part and spills. There was a problem that there was.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the second charging section 32 (automatic loading section) is arranged in front of the first loading section 31 (manual loading section). Therefore, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user holds the refill container 91 for the washing treatment liquid and charges the washing treatment liquid into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit), the housing 11 is refilled. It does not hit the body (or bottom) of the container 91. Therefore, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing processing liquid can be charged into the second charging unit 32 by attaching the discharge port of the refill container 91 to the second charging unit 32. In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid is charged into the second charging unit 32 from a relatively low position, the washing processing liquid is satisfactorily charged into the second charging unit 32 without spilling the washing processing liquid. can do. As a result, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the washing machine 1 from contaminating the periphery of the second charging unit 32 with the washing treatment liquid.

(5) In the conventional washing machine, when the user puts the washing treatment liquid into the automatic charging part, the washing treatment liquid may be spilled on the operation panel, causing malfunction of the buttons and the touch panel. There was a problem.

On the other hand, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be satisfactorily charged into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) without spilling the washing treatment liquid, as described in the above section (4). .. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the buttons and the touch panel from malfunctioning due to spilling the washing treatment liquid on the operation panel 14 (see FIG. 1).

(6) A larger amount of the washing treatment liquid is charged into the automatic charging unit of the washing treatment liquid charging device than the manual charging unit. Nevertheless, in conventional washing machines, the automatic loading section is provided behind the manual loading section. Therefore, the conventional washing machine (particularly, the vertical washing machine) has a problem that the washing treatment liquid charging device is not easy to use.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) into which a relatively large amount of washing processing liquid is charged is the first charging unit 31 (manually). It is provided in front of the input section). Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the usability of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30.

(7) When the conventional washing machine has a drying function, for example, a drying unit is arranged in the upper rear part of the housing. In a conventional washing machine having this configuration, since the distance between the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device and the drying unit is relatively short, the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank may gel due to the heat from the drying unit. There was a problem.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the drying unit 71 is arranged in the rear upper part of the housing 11, and the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is arranged in the front upper part of the housing 11. Has been done. That is, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is arranged at a place farthest from the drying unit 71 in the upper part of the housing 11. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 from gelling due to the heat from the drying unit 71.

(8) Generally, it is desired that the width of the washing machine be reduced. However, in the conventional washing machine, since the washing treatment liquid charging device is mounted on the side of the water tank, it is necessary to reduce the size of the clothes charging portion (opening of the water tank). As a result, the conventional washing machine (particularly, the vertical washing machine) has a problem that the ease of putting in clothes is lowered.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is mounted in a place in front of the water tank 21. Therefore, it is not necessary to reduce the size of the clothing charging portion (opening of the water tank 21). Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the ease of putting in clothes.

(9) In the conventional washing machine, the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device is arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction at a place on the side of the water tank (washing and dehydrating tank), and the tank cannot be removed. It was a structure. Therefore, the conventional washing machine has a problem that the tank and the like cannot be washed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 can be removed, the tank 42 and the like can be washed.

(10) The conventional washing machine is provided with a lid for sealing the automatic loading portion. The lid has a structure that opens to either the left or right. Such a conventional washing machine has a problem that it is difficult to open the lid when the opening direction of the lid is opposite to that of the user's dominant hand.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the inlet lid 43a (first lid) can be opened and closed in the vertical direction from front to back. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can open the inlet lid 43a (first lid) without relying on the dominant hand. As a result, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can easily charge (replenish) the washing treatment liquid into the second charging unit 32 (automatic charging unit) regardless of the dominant hand.

(11) In the conventional washing machine, when the user forgets to close the lid that seals the automatic charging part, the washing processing liquid may leak from the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device. There was a problem that there was.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a case where the user forgets to close the inlet lid 43a (first lid) for washing. Also, by closing the tank storage lid 15 (second lid), the inlet lid 43a can be automatically closed. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the washing treatment liquid from leaking from the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 even in such a case.

(12) In a conventional washing machine, when the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank of the washing treatment liquid charging device is pressurized with air and sent out to the water tank, a portion where water does not pass along the piping path through which the washing treatment liquid passes. Exists. The conventional washing machine has a problem that it is difficult to wash a part through which water does not pass.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is sent out to the transport path 53, and the transport path 53 Water passes through any of the above parts. Therefore, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can reliably wash the transport path 53.

As described above, according to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the risk of water leakage can be reduced and the amount of water used when the detergent is added can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to the one including all the described configurations. Further, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add another configuration to the configuration of the embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add / delete / replace other configurations for a part of each configuration.

For example, the tank 42 preferably has a claw-shaped engaging means or the like so as to firmly engage with the case 41.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the vibration damping member 45 is provided in the case 41. However, the vibration damping member 45 may be provided in either one or both of the tank 42 and the case 41.

Further, for example, the inlet lid 43a (first lid) may have a structure that slides from the front to the rear to open and close.

1 Washing machine (washer / dryer)
11 Housing 11a Opening 12 Top cover 13 Outer lid 14 Operation panel 15 Tank storage lid (second lid)
16 Front panel 20 Water supply unit (water supply means)
21 Water tank (washing and dehydrating tank)
21a Copper plate 21aa Through hole 21b Rotor 21c Balance ring (fluid balancer)
22 Outer tank 22a Outer tank cover 22b Lid member 22c Drop-in part 23 Drive device 23a Motor 23b Clutch mechanism 23c Rotating shaft (center of water tank)
24 Rotation detection device 25 Motor current detection device 30 Washing treatment liquid charging device 31 First charging section (manual loading section)
32 (32a, 32b) Second loading section (automatic loading section)
41 Case 41a Nozzle 42 (42a, 42b) Tank 43 Top cover 43a Input port lid (first lid)
44 Handle 45 Vibration damping member (suppressing means)
46 Conveying pump (conveying means)
47a, 47b Check valve 48 Tank mesh 49 Discharge port 51 First water supply route 51a Water injection hose 52 Second water supply route 53 Transport route 54 Input route 54a Input hose 61 First cleaning route 61a Cleaning hose 62 Second cleaning route 63 Discharge route 63a, 63b, 63c drain pipe 64 switching valve (switching means)
65 Drain valve 66 Drain port 71 Drying unit (heater)
72 Fan 73 Blower duct 73a, 81a Bellows tube 74 Blow-out nozzle 81 Drying duct 91 Refill container

Claims (5)

With the housing
A water tank provided inside the housing and
The first charging section used when charging one washing treatment liquid into the water tank, and
A tank for storing the washing liquid for multiple times and
A second charging unit used to store the washing liquid in the tank, and
A transport means for measuring the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank and transporting one dose of the washing treatment liquid from the inside of the tank to the outside.
A water supply means for supplying water to at least the first input section, and
A charging path for connecting the first charging section and the water tank and charging the washing treatment liquid and the water from the first charging section to the water tank.
A transport path that connects the tank and the first charging section and transports the washing treatment liquid discharged from the tank via the transport means.
A case for accommodating the tank and
A first cleaning path for supplying cleaning water to the first charging section, and
A second cleaning path for supplying the cleaning water to the case, and
A discharge path for discharging the cleaning water from the inside of the case to the outside is provided.
The first cleaning route connects the water supply means and the first input section, and connects the water supply means.
The second cleaning route connects an intermediate portion of the first cleaning route with the case.
The washing treatment liquid contained in the tank is conveyed from the tank to the first charging section through the transport path, and is charged into the water tank from the first charging section through the charging path. A featured washing machine. In the washing machine according to claim 1,
Further, a first water supply path for supplying the water to the first input section and
A second water supply path for supplying the water to the transport path is provided.
The first water supply path connects the water supply means and the first input section, and connects the water supply means.
The washing machine is characterized in that the second water supply path connects an intermediate portion of the first water supply path and the transport path. In the washing machine according to claim 2.
Further, a switching means for switching the flow of the fluid is provided at the connection point between the second water supply path and the transport path.
The switching means is characterized in that it selectively switches between the direction in which the washing treatment liquid flows from the tank to the transport path and the direction in which the water flows from the second water supply path to the transport path. Washing machine. In the washing machine according to claim 1 ,
A washing machine characterized in that the tank has a structure that can be removed and attached to the case by moving in the vertical direction. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The washing machine comprises at least two or more of the tanks for detergent and fabric softener.

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