JP6993381B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

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

In the drum-type washing machine, the drum is rotatably arranged in a water tank arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally, and the drum is rotationally driven around the axis of rotation to wash, rinse, and dehydrate the laundry. It is something to do. Some drum-type washing machines even dry the laundry.

The drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 1 "includes a housing, a washing tub, and an automatic detergent supply device provided in the housing. The automatic detergent supply device is inside a detergent tank and a detergent tank. It is equipped with a transport pump provided, and is also equipped with a control means for controlling the automatic detergent supply device. "(Summary).

Further, the transfer pump has a configuration of "immersion type pump including a DC motor and a gear pump" (claims 25, 32, 33).

The washing machine described in Patent Document 2 is "an outer shell that covers the upper part of the water receiving tank 3 in which the washing and dehydrating tank 1 is rotatably arranged with a water receiving tank cover 9 and supports the water receiving tank 3 in a vibration-proof manner. An outer cover 15 is provided on the upper portion of the water receiving tank 3 so as to cover the water receiving tank 3. The outer frame cover 15 is provided with a detergent tank 17 capable of accommodating an amount of liquid detergent 16 that can be used for at least two washings, and the detergent is charged. The apparatus 18 allows the liquid detergent 16 to be put into the washing / dehydrating tank 1 (solution for summarizing), and the configuration of "the detergent tank can be detachably removed from the outer cover (claim 11)" is disclosed. ing.

USP2011 / 0186098A1 Gazette

In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the automatic supply device and the manual supply unit are integrated. Therefore, when cleaning the detergent tank and replenishing the detergent, it is not easy to remove and it is not easy for the user to use. Further, the automatic supply device is arranged on the side surface of the housing, and it may not be easy to remove the tank. Further, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a specific method for removing the detergent tank.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is easy to use.

In order to achieve the above object, as an example, the washing machine of the present invention has a cylindrical drum with an open front, a housing for accommodating the drum, a lid that can open and close the front of the drum, and an upper part of the drum. A tank having a detergent tank which is arranged on the rear side and holds a detergent as a washing treatment liquid and a softener tank which holds a softener as a washing treatment liquid, and a tank which is arranged on the upper rear side of the housing and has a detergent tank and flexibility. It is placed at a position higher than the tank storage part that houses the agent tank and the suction port that sucks the washing treatment liquid from the tank, and the washing treatment liquid on the bottom side of the tank is pumped up, placed outside the tank, and faces downward. The configuration includes a pump that discharges downward from the discharge port, and a water supply / discharge section that supplies water from the side of the tank housing section into the tank housing section and allows water to flow so as to hang on the discharge port.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that is easy to use.

It is a perspective view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the washing treatment liquid tank which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing BB which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the pump part of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a CC sectional view of FIG. 8 which shows the structure of the pump part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The DD sectional view of FIG. 8 of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown. It is a top view of the washing process liquid automatic charging means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which the motor is rotated forward and the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank. It is a top view of the washing process liquid automatic charging means which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which the motor is reversed and the softener is supplied from a softener tank. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the residual amount detection means of the washing process liquid which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the residual amount detecting means of the washing process liquid which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control flowchart which shows the operation of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 18 showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the pump part of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is FF sectional view of FIG. 20 which shows the structure of the pump part of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 18 showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing BB which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition means which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing BB which shows the structure of the washing process liquid automatic addition 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 the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view, and shows a part of the internal configuration by virtually removing the front cover 18. FIG. 3 shows a top view, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. And illustrated.
Further, in the following description, the up / down / left / right / front / back directions are based on the up / down / left / right / front / back directions shown in FIG.

An outer frame 2 formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product is placed on the upper part of the base 1 to form a washing machine main body 4. A lid 3 and a front cover 18, which are doors for taking in and out the laundry 21, are provided on the front surface of the outer frame 2, and a back cover 19 is provided on the back surface.

A part of the front surface of the upper surface of the outer frame 2 is an operation panel 6 provided with switches and displays for selecting an operation course such as power on / off, washing, and drying, and the other part is provided so as to be openable and closable. It is the detergent inlet 25.

A water tap 7 is provided on the upper surface near the back surface 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 washer / dryer, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Detergent inlet>
The detergent charging port 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent charging unit 25a, a liquid detergent charging unit 25b, and a softener charging unit 25c, and can charge a single dose of powder detergent, softener, or liquid detergent, respectively. can. The powder detergent, fabric softener, or liquid detergent charged into the detergent inlet 25 is supplied with water via the first water supply pipe 9 at a predetermined time in the washing process, and is supplied with water via the first detergent supply pipe 14. Then, it is put into the water tank 17.

<Outline configuration on the main body side>
The water tank 17 is elastically supported on the base 1 via a support means 5 provided with a spring and damping.

Inside the water tank 17, a cylindrical rotating rotating drum 20 for putting laundry 21 into the washing and dehydrating is provided, and on the front end side of the rotating drum 20, fluid is confined in a plurality of concentrically provided layers inside. The fluid balancer 22 is provided and rotates integrally with the rotating drum 20 to reduce the vibration of the rotating drum 20 due to the imbalance of the laundry 21. The rotary drum 20 has a large 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 the bottom surface of the water tank 17 via a drain valve 10, and the washing water in the water tank 17 can be drained. Further, in the case of a washer / dryer having a drying function, a drying air passage 13 is connected to the water tank 17, and moist air in the water tank 17 is discharged to provide, for example, a heater and a blowing means (not shown). Dry by drying means.

<Water supply solenoid valve>
When supplying powdered detergent, softener, or liquid detergent charged into the detergent inlet 25 into the water tank 17, the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 is opened to allow the water supply electromagnetic valve 12 and the detergent inlet 25 to be supplied from the water tap 7. Tap water is supplied to, for example, the liquid detergent inlet 25b of the detergent inlet 25 via the first water supply pipe 9 connected to the liquid detergent to dissolve the liquid detergent, and the water tank 17 and the water tank 17 descend from the detergent inlet 25. It is supplied to the inside of 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, and the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent inlet 25 toward the water tank 17 passes through, but conversely, the detergent liquid flows from the water tank 17 toward the detergent inlet 25. It is possible to suppress the passage of air when the pressure in the water tank 17 rises, or in the case of a washing / drying machine, high humidity air.

<Automatic injection of washing liquid>
On the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, a washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, which will be described in detail later, is provided, 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 part of the tank lid 31, and as an example, two sets of washing treatment liquid tanks are provided, one of which is an amount of liquid detergent capable of performing multiple washings. The detergent tank 32 has a capacity to hold the softener, and the other can be a softener tank 33 having a capacity to hold, for example, a softener in an amount capable of performing a plurality of washings.

In the state where the tank lid 31 is open, the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out upward from the opening in which 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”.

<Laundry treatment liquid automatic injection means top surface arrangement>
In the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, the user does not have to bend down to attach / detach the washing treatment liquid tank, and an easy-to-use washing machine is provided. Can be done. Further, since both the detergent charging port 25 and the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 are arranged on the left side of the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, they are arranged in a cohesive position, so that the usability of the user is further improved. Further, when the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is arranged below the water tank 17, water may flow back to the treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 from the pipe connecting the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 and the water tank 17. However, in the present embodiment, since the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 is arranged above the water tank 17, there is no risk of such backflow, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided. Further, since the washing processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4, usability is improved.

<The lid opens on the back side>
In the present embodiment, the tank lid 31 is pivotally supported around the lid fulcrum 42a, which is a rotation fulcrum, along the side on the rear surface side, and the front side is lifted toward the back side. It is a configuration that opens. The opening on which the tank lid 31 is opened has the front side and the three sides on both the left and right sides open. Therefore, when inserting a hand through the opening to remove the tanks 32 and 33 upward, either the left or right side is opened. Since it does not come into contact with the tank lid 31 in the open state, it is easy to insert the washing machine, and the tanks 32 and 33 can be easily removed to provide a convenient washing machine.

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 to the rear of the rotation fulcrum, so that it is stable in the open state. Suitable.

<Details of automatic washing liquid injection means>
The washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic filling means 30 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid tank, and FIG. 7 is a configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic filling means 30. -B cross-sectional view, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pump portion of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, FIG. 9 is a CC cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a DD cross-sectional view, and FIG. 11 is a washing. It is a top view of the automatic processing liquid charging means, in which the motor is rotated forward to supply detergent from the detergent tank 32, and FIG. 12 is a top view of the washing processing liquid automatic charging means, in which the motor is reversed and flexible. It shows the state where the softener is supplied from the agent tank.

<Storage container>
The tank storage container 34 has a substantially box-like shape with an open upper surface, and 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 each include a detergent tank storage area 37 divided in the front-rear direction by a first partition wall 35, and a softener tank storage area 38. The left side surface of the tank storage container 34 is provided with a charging area 39 separated from the detergent tank storage area 37 and the softener tank storage area 38 by a second partition wall 36. The other end of the second water supply pipe 40, one end of which is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 12, is connected to the rear side surface of the charging region 39, and when the water supply solenoid valve 12 is opened, the water is second. Water is supplied into the input area 39 via the water supply pipe 40 of the above.

One end of the second detergent supply pipe 41 is connected to the lower surface of the charging region 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 charged into the charging region 39 flows out to the inside of the first detergent supply pipe 14 via the second detergent supply pipe 41 together with the supplied water.

The detergent and the softener are supplied at different timings in the water tank 17, and the detergent is supplied in the washing step and the softener is supplied in the final rinsing step, which will be described in detail later. Since the inside of the charging area 39 is cleaned by supplying water after supplying the detergent to the inside of the charging area 39, even if the softener is supplied to the inside of the same charging area 39, the detergent remains and becomes a softener. Not mixed. Therefore, only one input region 39 is required, and the water supply discharge unit 57 and the second water supply pipe 40 for supplying water to the input basin 39 do not need to be separately provided for the detergent and the softener, which is simple. It is suitable because it can be configured.

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

<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 the front and a detergent tank 32 is provided in the rear. The softener tank 33 and the detergent tank 32 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first partition wall 35. As an example, if the size of the detergent tank 32 in the front-rear direction is larger than the size of the softener tank 33 in the front-rear direction, the capacity of the detergent tank 32 can be made larger than that of the softener tank 33.

Since the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 have the same configuration except that they have a substantially symmetrical shape with the first partition wall in between and the dimensions in the front-rear direction are different, the detergent tanks are shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. The configuration of 32 will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 32 is detachably divided into two parts, an upper tank lid 44 and a lower tank body 45, and the tank lid 44 is used for replenishing detergent or inside the detergent tank 32. When cleaning, it can be removed from the tank body 45 by releasing a locking means (not shown). The tank lid 44 is provided with a tank handle 44a for manually gripping the detergent tank 32 when it is attached or detached.

When the detergent tank 32 is replenished with a predetermined amount of detergent, the tank body 45 is configured so that the liquid level of the detergent has a height lower than the boundary between the tank body 45 and the tank lid 44 and has a maximum capacity. It is preferable because the detergent does not leak to the outside of the detergent tank 32 from the boundary between the tank lid portion 44 and the tank lid portion 44.

If the tank body 45 is molded of a transparent resin such as acrylic resin or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, the remaining amount of detergent or softener when the detergent tank 32 or softener tank 33 is removed from the washing machine body 4 Is suitable because it can be visually confirmed.

The tank bottom surface 46 of the tank body 45 has a substantially V-shape, and if the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 described later is provided at the lowest bottom portion thereof, the detergent in the tank is sucked to the end. Since it can be used, it is suitable because the detergent is not wasted.

<Vertical tank>
The detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are configured so that the depth dimension is the smallest of the depth in the front-rear direction, the width in the left-right direction, and the height dimension in the up-down direction. With this configuration, the area where the detergent or softener inside the tank comes into 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 influence of solidification can be minimized and the supply operation by the pump means 47 described later can be reliably performed.

<Tank front and rear arrangement and tank depth>
The arrangement of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33, and the preferable relationship between 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 to, for example, the case where the container size of each of the detergent and the softener on the market 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 so that the front lid 3 side is high and the rear is lower. In this case, the gap between the water tank 17 and the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 is smaller toward the front and 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 tank having a large capacity in the rear so that the depth in the vertical direction can be increased. It is preferable to arrange a tank having a small depth and a small capacity on the front side, and in this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the detergent tank 32 in the rear and the softener tank 33 in the front.

Further, since the water tank 17 has a cylindrical shape, the gap between the water tank 17 and the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4 is larger as it is closer to the left and right ends, and is smaller as it is closer to the center. Therefore, when the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the left-right direction, a tank having a small capacity (softener tank 33) is arranged near the center, and a tank having a large capacity is arranged on the end side 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 of the tank arranged near the center (softener tank 33) is made higher to further expand the capacity of the detergent tank 32. It is suitable because it can be done.

<Pump>
The tank lid 44 is provided with a pump means 47 for sucking the washing treatment liquid from the tank body 45 and charging 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 and is provided inside the detergent tank 32, and has a pump case 49 extending downward from the tank lid 44 and further downward from the bottom surface of the pump case 49. A suction pipe 50 is provided 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 rotatably supported by the drive gear 51a along with the pump drive shaft 60, and the other is rotatably supported around the pump driven shaft 91. It is a so-called gear pump 51 composed of a pair of gears which are driven gears 51b, and has a configuration in which detergent can be conveyed 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.

A supply pipe 54 arranged in the vertical direction along the pump case 49 is provided on the other side of the gear meshing portion 52, and the lower end of the supply pipe 54 is connected to the other side of the gear meshing portion 52, and the detergent delivered from the gear pump 51. Is supplied.

By rotating the gear pump 51 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 close to the outer periphery of the gear is filled. The detergent is supplied by moving the detergent from the suction port 48 side toward the supply pipe 54 side. The operation of the gear pump 51 is generally well known, and detailed description thereof will be 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 is stretched substantially horizontally in a direction away from the pump cover 53, and the tip thereof is stretched downward, and the tip thereof 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 the water supply discharge unit 57 provided on the side surface of the charging area 39 of the tank storage container 34. If the water supply / discharge unit 57 is arranged in the vicinity of the discharge port 56 so that the water supplied from the water supply / discharge unit 57 hangs on the discharge port 56, the detergent or softener adhering to the discharge port 56 dries and solidifies. Since there is no clogging of detergents and fabric softeners, it is highly reliable.

A suitable position of the water supply discharge unit 57 will be described. When the height of the water supply discharge portion 57 is close to the second partition wall 36, the discharged water gets over the second partition wall 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 unit 57 is too close to the bottom surface, the discharged water does not reach the discharge port 56, so that the discharge port 56 cannot be cleaned, and the detergent or flexibility adhering to the wall surface of the charging area 39 The agent cannot be washed. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the water supply / discharge unit 57 in the vicinity of the discharge port 56 and at a position lower than the second partition wall 36.

Another example of a suitable position of the water supply discharge unit 57 will be described. It is desirable that the water supply discharge unit 57 is provided at a position higher than the discharge port 56. As a result, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 can be reliably applied to the discharge port 56, the solidification of the detergent or the softener in the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and the reliability is improved. Further, the water discharged from the water supply / discharge unit 57 may be in the shape of a shower. As a result, solidification of the detergent or softener at the discharge port 56 is suppressed, and reliability is improved.

Further, since the water supply discharge unit 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 unit 57 is applied to the discharge port 56. It is possible to further suppress the solidification of the detergent or the 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 negative pressure from the suction port 48 near the bottom surface of each of the tanks 32 and 33 to the gear pump 51 part. To. If the suction height is large, it becomes difficult to suck the detergent or the softener, so it is desirable that the height of the gear pump 51 is close to the bottom surface. On the other hand, in the configuration where 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 the softener becomes large, so that the tank capacity of the detergent or the 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 portion 44, the height from the suction port 48 to the gear pump 51 portion provided near the bottom surface of the pump case 49 can be reduced. It is suitable because it can secure the capacity of detergent or softener.

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

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

<Filter structure>
In the present embodiment, the filter 58 is provided with an enlarged lower end of the suction port 48 near the bottom surfaces of the tanks 32 and 33. 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 close to the tank bottom surface 46 of the tanks 32 and 33, the detergent in the detergent inlet 25 reaches the suction port 48 provided in the substantially central portion of the filter 58 after passing through the slit. It is sucked by the gear pump 51. With such a configuration, if foreign matter is mixed in the detergent or softener, it is collected by the slit 59 of the filter 58, so that the foreign matter may enter the gear pump 51 from the suction port 48 through the suction pipe 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gear pump portion from being clogged with foreign matter, and it is possible to provide a highly reliable automatic washing treatment liquid charging means 30.

<Pump drive unit>
A configuration for driving the drive gear 51a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the pump drive shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the pump case 49 and the pump cover 53, and a drive gear 51a is fixed to the lower end of the pump drive shaft 60 to provide a pump. 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 has a configuration in which a rotational driving force is transmitted from a driving means 62 provided on the tank lid 31, which will be described later.

That is, when the coupling 61 is rotated by the drive means 62, the gear pump 51 rotates via the pump drive shaft 60, and the detergent in the detergent tank 32 is sucked from the suction port 48 by the action of the gear pump 51, and the gear pump 51. , It is configured to be delivered 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 its upper surface has a tapered conical shape with a taper. Coupling protrusions 63 protruding toward the outer peripheral side are provided at a plurality of locations on the outer periphery of the coupling 61, and at three locations at every 120 ° in the present embodiment. In the upper part of the coupling 61 and the tapered conical portion, the coupling protrusion 63 also has a tapered shape that tapers upward along the conical surface.

<Cover / driving means>
The tank lid 31 is pivotally supported around a support shaft hole 42 provided in the lid support portion 43 so as to be openable and closable. Inside the tank lid 31, a drive means 62, a supply motor 65, and a gear are provided. A speed reducing means 66 having a row and a coupling receiving portion 64 that meshes with the coupling 61 and transmits a driving force to the coupling 61 are provided. The driving force of the supply motor 65 is reduced to an appropriate rotation speed via, for example, a worm gear 67 or a reduction means 66 including a reduction gear train including a plurality of spur gears to rotate the coupling receiving portion 64. Two sets of coupling receiving portions 64 are provided, and when the tank lid 31 is closed, they 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 mesh with the coupling 61 (coupling for supplying a softener). Since the coupling 61 and the coupling protrusion 63 have a tapered shape that tapers toward the upper side, when the coupling receiving portion 64 is fitted to the coupling 61 by closing the tank lid 31, they may hit or catch each other. It can be fitted smoothly without any problems.

<Coupling receiving part>
The inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64 is a cylindrical recess 68 having a diameter larger than the outer circumference of the coupling projection 63 provided on the outer circumference of the coupling 61, and is centered on the inner circumference side of the cylindrical recess 68. A meshing protrusion 69 that is convex toward the surface is provided. In the present embodiment, the meshing protrusions 69 are provided at six positions every 60 °, and the inner peripheral diameter of the meshing protrusions 69 is larger than the diameter of the coupling 61.

That is, the coupling 61 has a dimensional relationship that can be fitted inside the coupling receiving portion 64, and the coupling projection 63 is arranged between the adjacent engaging projections 69 provided in the coupling receiving portion 64. Therefore, the coupling protrusion 63 and the meshing protrusion 69 do not interfere with each other.

<Coupling engagement>
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD showing a state in which the coupling 61 is fitted inside the coupling receiving portion 64. The coupling receiving portion 64 rotates in the counterclockwise direction shown in the drawing, and the engaging projection 69 is a coupling projection. It shows a state in which the driving force is transmitted from the coupling receiving portion 64 to the coupling 61 by abutting on the 63 to rotationally drive the coupling 61.

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

The outer circumference of the coupling 61 is provided with three coupling projections 63 at every 120 °, and the inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64 is provided with six engagement projections 69 at every 60 °.
By providing twice as many meshing protrusions 69 as the number of coupling protrusions 63 provided on the outer periphery of the coupling 61 on the inner circumference of the coupling receiving portion 64, the coupling protrusions 63 are adjacent to each other. Since it can be arranged between the 69s, the fitting of the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 is reliable and suitable.

When the tank lid 31 is closed to fit the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, and then the supply motor 65 is energized to rotate the coupling receiving portion 64, the meshing protrusion 69 comes into contact with the coupling protrusion 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 this idling angle is φ in FIG. 10, and in the present embodiment, the angle is smaller than the angle of 60 degrees of the adjacent meshing protrusion 69 by the thickness of the meshing protrusion 69 and the coupling protrusion 63 in the circumferential direction. 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, which causes an error in the amount of detergent or softener supplied, but the angle is at most 60 °. The ratio of the error to the supply amount of the detergent or the softener used in one washing process is small enough not to be a problem.

With the above configuration, by rotationally driving the supply motor 65 with the openable and 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 driven. , 33 can be supplied to the charging area 39 provided in the tank storage container 34.

In the present embodiment, the tank lid 31 provided with the driving means 62 above the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 is rotatably supported around the fulcrum 90. By rotating the tank lid 31 around the fulcrum, the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 can be separated from each other, and the upper surfaces of the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be opened. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 in order to disconnect the drive system connection, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 can be pulled out upward only by opening the tank lid 31. The structure makes it easy to replenish detergents and fabric softeners and clean the tank.

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

<Cover size and tank attachment / detachment>
The opening size when the tank lid 31 is opened is larger than the size in which the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33 are juxtaposed in the top view, and the detergent tank 32 and the softener 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 attached.

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

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

After that, when the tank lid 31 is closed, the coupling receiving portion 64 and the coupling 61 are fitted, and the driving force from the supply motor 65 is transmitted to the pump means 47 to drive the gear pump 51, and the detergent or the softener is used. Can be supplied from the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 into the water tank 17 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 amount of fluid supplied is proportional to the rotation speed of the gear. That is, when supplying a predetermined amount of detergent, for example, the rotation speed of the supply motor 65 is determined by keeping the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 constant, and the drive time of the supply motor 65 is adjusted to the predetermined time to adjust the gear. By setting the rotation speed to a predetermined value, a desired amount of detergent can be supplied.

As an example, the supply motor 65 is used as a DC motor, and the rotation speed can be made constant by making the voltage applied to the supply motor 65 constant. Alternatively, the supply motor 65 may be a stepping motor, and the rotation speed may be constant by making the frequency of the pulse applied to the supply motor 65 constant.

<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. 11 and 12 show a top view of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30, which is provided on the tank lid 31 with a see-through view from the tank lid 31 to the detergent tank 32 and the softener tank 33. An example of the configuration of the drive means 62 is shown. In the present embodiment, the detergent and the softener can be selectively supplied by reversing the rotation direction of the supply motor 65 into forward rotation and reverse rotation, respectively, and the configuration and operation thereof will be described.

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

In FIG. 11, a worm gear 67 is provided on the rotating shaft of the supply motor 65, and a worm wheel 70 rotatably supported by the worm gear 67 meshes with the worm gear 67 to decelerate the rotation of the supply motor 65 to reduce the rotation of the worm wheel. Communicate to 70. In the first reduction gear 71 provided coaxially with the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, which is a second gear that is rotatable and has a rotation center shaft 77 movably supported along the swing groove 72. Is meshed in the first meshing 74a. The swing gear 73 has a rotation center located at one end of the swing groove 72 close to the first pump drive gear 75 and meshes with the first pump drive gear 75. As shown in FIG. 8, the first pump drive gear 75 is configured to rotate integrally with the coupling receiving portion 64, and in FIG. 11, the worm wheel 70, the swing gear 73, and the first pump drive gear 75 are The pump means 47 provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven by rotating in the direction of the arrow in the drawing to supply the detergent to the charging region 39.

<Softener supply>
In FIG. 12, the swing gear 73 has a rotation center 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 like the first pump drive gear 75, and in FIG. 12, the worm wheel 70, the oscillating gear 73, and the third reduction gear 78 and the second pump drive gear 76 rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing to drive the pump means 47 provided in the softener tank 33 to supply the softener to the charging region 39.

<Motor forward / reverse switching>
Here, at the time of normal rotation shown in FIG. 11, the swing gear 73 rotates from the first reduction gear 71 in the first meshing 74a by receiving a force in the substantially tangential direction in the rotation drive direction, and at the same time, the swing groove. Moving along 72, it meshes and rotates at the first pump drive gear 75 and the second mesh 74b. When the supply motor 65 is reversed from this state, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the reverse direction. At the same time, it moves from one end to the other along the swing groove 72, and the engagement with the first pump drive gear 75, that is, the second engagement 74b is disengaged, while the third reduction gear 78 is the fourth. The meshing 75d of the meshing 75d meshes and rotates. Since the oscillating gear 73 moves along the oscillating groove 72, the meshing with the first reduction gear 71 moves to the third meshing 74c. That is, when the supply motor 65 is reversed, the state of FIG. 11 shifts to the state of FIG. 12 and rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing, and the second pump drive gear 76 is rotationally driven to supply the softener from the softener tank 33. ..

When the supply motor 65 is rotated in the normal direction from the state shown in FIG. 12, the first reduction gear 71 also rotates in the positive direction, so that the swing gear 73 receives a force in the substantially tangential direction in the positive direction from the first reduction gear 71. Therefore, at the same time as rotating in the forward rotation direction, it moves from the other end toward one end along the swing groove 72, and while being disengaged from the third reduction gear 78, it meshes with the first pump drive gear 75. Rotate. That is, when the supply motor 65 is rotated in the normal direction, the state of 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 swing groove 72 is separated from the swing gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 when the swing gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 mesh with each other. It suffices to satisfy the condition that the oscillating gear 73 and the first pump drive gear 75 do not mesh with each other when the oscillating gear 73 and the third reduction gear 78 mesh with each other. Such a condition can be obtained if the distance is equal to or greater than the height of the teeth.

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

Further, the straight line connecting one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the straight line connecting the midpoint between one end and the other end of the swing groove 72 and the rotation center of the worm wheel 70. Then, the moving direction of the swing gear 73 along the swing groove 72 is the tangential direction of the meshing between the swing gear 73 and the worm wheel 70, so that even if the swing gear 73 moves, the swing gear 73 and the swing gear 73 It is more suitable because there is almost no change in the center-to-center distance from the first reduction gear 71.

<Pump rotates in the same direction>
In the normal rotation state of FIG. 11, the first pump drive gear 75 provided with the coupling 61 meshes with the swing gear 73 and rotates. Therefore, the pump drive shaft 60 provided in the detergent tank 32 is different from the swing gear 73. Rotate in the opposite direction.

On the other hand, in the reverse state of FIG. 12, the second pump drive gear 76 provided with 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 provided. The drive shaft 60 rotates in the same direction as the swing gear 73. Since the rotation directions of the swing gears are opposite to each other in the forward rotation state and the reverse rotation state, the first pump drive gear 75 and the second pump drive gear 76 rotate in the same direction. That is, the pump means 47 that supplies the detergent and the pump means 47 that supplies the softener may have the same configuration as long as they supply the detergent or the softener when they rotate in the same direction. Since the parts can be shared, there is an advantage that it can be configured at 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 softener tank 33 is provided. Since only the pump means 47 can be driven to supply the softener, only one supply motor 65 can select and supply two types of detergent and softener, and the structure is simple and low-priced washing. The processing liquid automatic charging means 30 can be realized.

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

<Remaining amount detection>
13 and 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 on 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 and coaxially with the light emitting element 80 with respect to the detergent tank 32. The light receiving element 81 is an element such as a phototube or a photodiode that converts the intensity of light into an electric signal.

Since the tanks 32 and 33 are made of 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, so that the light receiving element 81 Generates an electrical signal. On the other hand, when the washing treatment liquid is charged into the tanks 32 and 33, the light is shielded, 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 surface of the tanks 32 and 33, the height of the liquid level of the washing treatment liquid in the tanks 32 and 33 can be detected. ..

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

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

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

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

When the liquid level height of the washing treatment 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 treatment 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, if the difference from the electric signal generated in the second light receiving element 81 is measured, the liquid level is more reliable than measuring only the increase or decrease of the signal of the single light receiving element 81 and the second light receiving element 81. It can be determined that it is located between the light receiving element 81 and the light receiving element 81.

Here, when the liquid level height of the washing treatment liquid becomes H1, the heights of h1 and h2 are set so that the remaining amount of the washing treatment liquid becomes, for example, 2-3 times of washing, and in that case, washing is performed. If a notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of the treatment liquid is small is provided, the user can be notified that it is time to replenish the washing treatment liquid, so that the detergent runs out without the user noticing. It is possible to realize a washing machine equipped with a highly reliable automatic washing liquid charging means.

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

That is, the driving force for driving the gear pump 51 from the supply motor 65 is configured to drive the pump means 47 from the driving means 62 provided on the washing machine main body side via the coupling 61 which is the driving force attaching / detaching means. Further, the light emitting element 80 and the light receiving element 81, which are detection 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, if the tank lid 31 containing the driving means 62 is opened, the coupling 61 receives the coupling. Since the tank handle 44a is separated from the portion 64, the tanks 32 and 33 can be easily removed together with the pump means 47 by pulling the tank handle 44a upward while grasping the tank handle 44a.

<Prevention of detergent dripping>
Here, since the tanks 32 and 33 and the pump means 47 are integrally removed, it is preferable because the washing treatment liquid does not drip when the tanks 32 and 33 are taken out from the washing machine main body. When the tanks 32 and 33 and the pump means 47 are separated from each other and only the tanks 32 and 33 or only the pump means 47 are taken out, the pump means 47 and the tanks 32 and 33 are taken out at the suction port 48 of the pump means 47. It is necessary to separate from the tank 32, 33 or the pump means 47, and the detergent may drip when the tank 32, 33 or the pump means 47 is removed.

<Tank cleanability>
The tanks 32 and 33 in the present embodiment are detachably divided into two parts, the upper tank lid 44 and the lower tank body 45, which do not have wiring or electrical parts, so that they are outside the tanks 32 and 33. Alternatively, the inside 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 original washing treatment liquid can be washed away and then another new washing treatment liquid can be added, so that the different washing treatment liquids are mixed and solidified, or the cleaning power is reduced. There is nothing to do.

<Pump cleanability>
According to the present embodiment, since the pump means 47 is provided with the driving force connecting means 29 which can be connected and separated from the driving means 62, the tank and the pump means 47 can be detached and removed, and the tank and the pump means 47 can be removed. Does not have a wiring for supplying power to drive the pump means 47, and can be removed because it can be constructed without a wiring connected to a detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent / softener. It is possible to easily clean the inside of the tank and the inside of the pump, and it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved cleanability and reliability.

Further, by manually rotating the coupling 61 while the suction port 48 of the pump means 47 is immersed in water, the gear pump 51 rotates and discharges water from the suction port via the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54. By discharging from the outlet 56, the detergent remaining inside the pump can also be diluted and washed away.

According to the present embodiment, the tanks 32 and 33 can be easily washed with water, and even the inside of the pump means 47 can be easily washed with water, so that the detergent does not remain and solidify inside the pump means 47, or the pump means. Since the previously used washing treatment liquid and the new washing treatment liquid do not mix inside the 47, it is possible to provide a washing machine provided with a highly reliable automatic washing treatment liquid charging means 30.

Further, if the case of the pump means 47 is molded with a transparent resin, it is preferable because it is possible to visually confirm whether the detergent or the softener remains in the pump and whether the cleaning is completed.

<Compatibility with manual supply>
According to the present embodiment, as described above, the detergent charging port 25 includes, for example, a powder detergent charging unit 25a, a liquid detergent charging unit 25b, and a softener charging unit 25c, each of which is a powder for one dose. A detergent, a softener, or a liquid detergent is charged, and the detergent, a softener, or a liquid detergent is charged into the water tank 17 via the first detergent supply pipe 14. Further, the detergent can be automatically charged into the water tank 17 from the detergent tank 32 via the second water supply pipe 40 and the first water supply pipe 9.

That is, 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 charged in the liquid detergent charging unit 25b according to the user's preference. Can provide a washing machine equipped with a good automatic washing liquid charging means.

Similarly, when the softener in the softener tank 33 is used or when another softener charged in the softener charging unit 25c is used, it is possible to freely use the washing machine, which is easy to use. It is possible to provide a washing machine provided with the processing liquid automatic charging means 30.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the automatic washing liquid charging means 30 and the detergent charging port 25 are arranged independently, the cleanability of the tank and the pump and the replenishment of the washing treatment liquid into the tank are improved. While washing with the washing treatment liquid charged into the detergent charging port 25, it is possible to take out the tank of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 and the like, which improves usability.

<Control block diagram>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the washing machine control device 138. Reference numeral 150 denotes a microcomputer, which is connected to an operation button input circuit 151 connected to each switch (not shown), a water level sensor 134, a detergent remaining amount detecting means 79a, and a softener remaining amount detecting means 79b, and is connected to a user's button operation and washing. Receives various information signals in the process. The output from the microcomputer 150 is connected to the drive circuit 154, connected to the water supply solenoid valve 116, the drain valve 8, the motor 36, the supply motor 65, and the like, and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and energization. Further, it is connected to a display 114 such as a 7-segment light emitting diode, a light emitting diode 156, and a buzzer 157 for informing the user of the operating state of the washing machine.

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

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

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

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

Step S104
The process is branched depending on whether or not the automatic detergent injection is set.

Step S105
When the automatic detergent injection 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 the automatic detergent addition 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 is branched.

Step S107
The rotary drum 20 is rotated, and the rotary drive 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 charged into the rotary drum 20 is determined.

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

Step S109
The process is branched depending on whether or not the automatic detergent injection is set.

Step S110
The supply motor 65 is driven in the forward rotation direction for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of detergent in the detergent tank 32 into the charging region 39. Do not perform this step if automatic detergent loading is not set.

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

Step S112
The washing step is executed, and after the washing step is completed, the drain valve 8 is opened to drain the washing water, and then the rotary drum 20 is rotated at high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S113
The water supply solenoid valve 116 is opened to supply water, and the rinse water is supplied to the inside of the water tank 17.

Step S114
The rinsing step is executed, and after completion, the drain valve 8 is opened to drain the rinse water, and then the rotary drum 20 is rotated at high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration.

Step S115
The process is branched depending on whether or not the softener automatic 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 region 39. Do not perform this step if automatic fabric softener loading is not set.

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

Step S118
The final rinsing step is executed, and after the completion, the drain valve 8 is opened to drain the rinse water.

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

Step S120
Finish a series of washing processes.

Second embodiment

The 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 treatment liquid automatic charging 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, and is provided in the detergent tank 32. A suction port 48 provided at the lower end of the suction pipe 50 extending downward from the pump means 47 is connected to the vicinity of the lowermost end of the bottom surface.

Similar to 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 drive means 62, the gear pump 51 rotates, and the detergent in the detergent tank 32 is sucked in. It is sucked from 48, passes through the suction pipe 50, passes through the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54, and is discharged from the discharge port 56. The discharged detergent is supplied into the water tank 17 as in the first embodiment, and the washing step is performed.

Third embodiment

The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21.

FIG. 18 is a top view showing the configuration of the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line EE. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pump portion, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the 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 the 33 and the detergent inlet 25, and the detergent or the softener is supplied from the tanks 32 and 33 to the detergent inlet 25.

In the third embodiment, for example, if the detergent charging port 25 is arranged in the order of the powder detergent charging unit 25a, the liquid detergent charging unit 25b, and the softener charging unit 25c from the left side when viewed from the user, the left side. If the detergent tank 32 is arranged at the rear of the liquid detergent charging section 25b and the softener tank 33 is placed at the rear of the softener charging section 25c on the right side, the detergent tank 32 and the liquid detergent charging section 25b are arranged close to each other and the softener is charged. Since the tank 33 and the softener charging portion 25c are arranged close to each other, the washing treatment liquid automatic charging means 30 can be configured in a small size, which is suitable.

In the third embodiment, the 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 so that the detergent flows toward the suction port 48 as an inclined surface that descends toward the suction port 48 of the screw pump 82.

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

<Screw pump configuration>
The configuration of the screw pump 82 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 21. The male gear 83 is rotatably supported together with the pump drive shaft 60, has an oval cross section twisted along the rotation shaft, and has two teeth. The female gear 84 has three teeth, is rotatably supported around the pump driven shaft 91, and has a recess corresponding to the oval portion of the male gear 83 so as to mesh with the male gear 83 and rotate. , The convex portions corresponding to the straight portions of the male gear 83 are alternately formed in a cross-sectional shape, and are twisted at the same angle in the direction opposite to that of the male gear 83. A casing 85 having a substantially spectacle-shaped cross section is provided so as to include the male gear 83 and the female gear 84 that mesh with each other. The upper and lower ends of the casing 85 are sealed, and the rear side of the 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 opened and connected to the discharge port 56. The detergent or softener discharged from the discharge port 56 is arranged so as to be supplied into the detergent inlet 25.

The male gear 83 is rotatably provided together 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 is rotated, the male gear 83 and the female gear 84 rotate via the pump drive shaft 60. When the tank lid 31 is closed, the rotational driving force from the driving means 62 is transmitted to the coupling 61.

When the male gear 83 and the female gear 84 rotate in the arrow directions of FIGS. 20 to 21, the transport 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. By moving from the lower side to the upper side, 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 openings can be opened and the tanks 32 and 33 can be removed upward together with the respective screw pumps 82, so that the user can replenish the detergent or softener from the replenishment port 88. Alternatively, the tanks 32 and 33 can be washed.

<Supply amount can be confirmed>
In the third embodiment, the detergent or the softener can be supplied from the tanks 32 and 33 to the detergent inlet 25 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 is completed. It is suitable because the amount of the agent can be visually confirmed by the user.

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

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

Fourth embodiment

<Front drawer>
The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment, which is the same cross-sectional view as that of FIG. 19 in the third embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the tanks 32 and 33 are arranged at the rear of the detergent inlet 25, and the gear pump 51 and the supply pipe 54 upward from the gear pump 51 are provided on the lower surface side of the rear of the tanks 32 and 33. The upper end of the supply pipe 54 projects laterally, that is, toward the inner side of the paper surface, and the tip thereof serves as a discharge port 56. Further rear of the gear pump 51 is a drive means 62 containing a supply motor 65 and a speed reduction means 66 provided in the washing machine main body 4, and a coupling 61 provided in the drive force connecting means 29 and configured to be separable from each other. And the coupling receiving portion 64 mesh with and rotate around a rotation shaft provided horizontally in the front-rear direction, and transmit a rotational driving force from the driving means 62 to the gear pump 51.

When the supply motor 65 is energized and the gear pump 51 is rotationally driven, 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 used. It is configured so that it can be supplied into the water tank 17 through the first detergent supply pipe 14.

The powder detergent, liquid detergent, and softener charged into the detergent inlet 25 are supplied with water by a water supply path (not shown), and are 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 tank 32, 33, and the pump means 47 are configured so as to be integrally drawn forward, and FIG. 22B shows the detergent inlet 25 and the tank 32. , 33 and are shown in the process of pulling forward. The coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64 are in a state of being separated from each other. With the detergent inlet 25, the tanks 32, 33, and the pump means 47 pulled out, the openable refill port 88 provided in the tanks 32, 33 can be opened to replenish the detergent or softener in the tank. ..

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 the tanks 32 and 33 Since it can be removed and washed with water, a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

Fifth embodiment

The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment, and is the same cross-sectional view as that of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. It is shown in the figure.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the drive means 62 is not provided on the tank lid 31, but is provided on the lower side of the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38, and is provided on the lower side of the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 32 or flexible. The gear pump 51 provided on the inside and the coupling 61 provided on the outside across the bottom surface of the agent tank 33 are rotatably connected to each other via a seal member 92 made of a flexible member such as rubber to prevent leakage. Has been done. The coupling 61 is detachable from the coupling receiving portion 64 provided in the drive means 62, and is configured to be able to transmit the drive torque when they are engaged with each other.

In the fifth embodiment, when the supply motor 65 rotates, the coupling receiving portion 64 decelerates and rotates via the decelerating means 66, transmits the drive torque to the coupling 61, and is arranged inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33. By rotating the gear pump 51, the detergent or the softener inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is discharged from the discharge port 56 through the supply pipe 54 as shown by the arrow.

Sixth embodiment

The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line BB showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment, which is the same sectional view as that of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, and the detergent tank storage area 37 or the softener tank storage area 38 is simplified. It is shown in the figure.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the drive 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 and the coupling 61 provided on the outside across the side surface of the tank 33 are rotatably connected to each other via a seal member 92 made of a flexible member such as rubber to prevent leakage. ing. The coupling 61 is detachable from the coupling receiving portion 64 provided in the drive means 62, and is configured to be able to transmit the drive torque when they are engaged with each other.

In the sixth embodiment, when the supply motor 65 rotates, the coupling receiving portion 64 decelerates and rotates via the decelerating means 66, transmits the drive torque to the coupling 61, and is arranged inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33. By rotating the gear pump 51, the detergent or the softener inside the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 is discharged from the discharge port 56 through the supply pipe 54 as shown by the arrow.

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

In the first to sixth embodiments, by attaching and detaching the coupling 61 and the coupling receiving portion 64, the detergent tank 32 or the softener tank 33 can be removed, and the drive torque of the gear pump 51 can be reduced. It was supposed to be communicable, but it is not limited to its configuration.

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

If 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 attached, the gears mesh with each other and the drive torque can be transmitted.

<Effect>
<Automatic supply of washing liquid>
As described above, the detergent and the softener filled in each tank can be automatically supplied in an appropriate supply amount at a predetermined timing in the washing process or the rinsing process. Furthermore, if a cloth amount measuring means is provided and the supply amount is controlled according to the measured cloth amount, the detergent and the softener are not overused or insufficient, so that the detergent and the softener are wasted. Can provide no washing machine.

<Forward / reverse switching operation>
By switching the rotation direction of the supply motor 65 between forward rotation and reverse rotation, the gear pump provided in the detergent tank 32 is driven to supply detergent during normal rotation, and the softener tank 33 is provided during reverse rotation. 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 constructed at low cost.

<Remaining amount detection>
Since it is equipped with a remaining amount detecting means, it is possible to detect the remaining amount in the tank of the detergent or the softener and notify the user when the remaining amount is less than the predetermined amount, so that there is a shortage of the detergent or the softener. It can prevent and provide a highly reliable washing machine.

<Cover size and tank attachment / detachment>
A drive means equipped with a motor and a reduction gear is built in the lid, and when the lid is closed, the drive means and the drive force connecting means 29 provided in the pump portion are connected to transfer the drive force of the motor to the gear pump 51. When the lid is opened for transmission, the coupling receiving portion 64 of the driving force connecting means 29 and the coupling 61 are separated from each other. If the opening size 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 attached.

<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 filled with detergent or softener, the height of the driving force connecting means 29 is higher than the liquid level. Therefore, even if the detergent or the 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. Detergent or fabric softener does not invade.

Further, since the coupling receiving portion 64 that is rotationally driven among the driving force connecting means 29 is provided on the lower surface of the tank lid 31, when the tank lid 31 is opened, it is more than the upper surface of the washing machine main body 4. It is configured to open to a nearly vertical surface at a higher position.

Even if the detergent or fabric softener drips when the user puts the tank 32 or 33 in and out to refill the tank 32 or 33 with the detergent or fabric softener, the detergent or fabric softener is applied to the upper surface of the washing machine body 4 or the tank. It hangs inside the storage container 34. Since the rotation 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 rotation drive unit and interfere with the drive of the pump, so that the reliability is high. Can provide expensive washing machines.

<Tank wiring-less>
The wiring to the supply motor 65 for driving the pump means 47 is arranged from the washing machine main body 4 to the inside of the tank lid 31, and the tanks 32 and 33 do not have the wiring to the supply motor 65. Further, the remaining amount detecting means 79 of the tanks 32 and 33 are also arranged outside the tank, and the wiring of the remaining amount detecting means 79 is also arranged in the washing machine main body 4.

Therefore, since the electric parts are not arranged in the tanks 32 and 33, when the tanks 32 and 33 are attached and detached, it is not necessary to attach and detach the wiring connection means having an electric contact such as a so-called connector. It is possible to provide a highly reliable washing machine without causing poor contact due to adhesion or the like.

<Tank cleanability>
Since the tanks 32 and 33 are easy to remove and have no wiring or electrical contacts, the entire tanks 32 and 33 can be immersed in water. Therefore, it is easy to remove the detergent and the softener remaining inside the tanks 32 and 33 by washing with water, and the tank can be kept clean. In addition, when a new detergent or fabric softener is replenished, there is no risk of deterioration of cleaning performance due to mixing with old detergent or fabric softener that remains attached to the inside of the tanks 32 and 33, providing a highly reliable washing machine. can.

<Pump cleanability>
Since the pump means 47 from the drive means 62 is provided with a drive force connecting means 29 that can be connected and separated, the tank and the pump means 47 are removable and removable, and the tank and the pump means 47 are provided with the pump means 47. It does not have wiring to supply the power to drive, and it can be constructed without wiring connected to the detection means to detect the remaining amount of detergent / softener, so it is easy to remove and inside the tank and inside the pump. It is possible to provide a washing machine with improved cleanability and reliability.

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, the water is sucked from the suction port 48 and passes through the inside of the gear pump 51. Since the pump 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 a new detergent or softener is replenished, the cleaning performance is mixed with the old detergent or softener that remains attached to the inside of the pump means 47. Since there is no risk of deterioration, a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

Further, if the case of the pump means 47 is molded with a transparent resin, it is preferable because it is possible to visually confirm whether the detergent or the softener remains in the pump and whether the cleaning is completed.

<Gear pump height>
If the height of the gear pump 51 is lower than the liquid level when the tanks 32 and 33 are replenished with the detergent or the softener, the gear pump 51 will be the detergent or the softener when the detergent or the softener is replenished. It is in a state of being immersed in the agent, that is, a state of being so-called "priming". That is, since it is not necessary to suck the detergent or the softener to the height of the gear pump 51 by the negative pressure of air, the detergent or the softener can be reliably supplied, and a highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

<Compatibility with manual supply>
It is easy to use because it can be freely used when washing with the detergent in the detergent tank 32 or when washing with another detergent charged in the detergent inlet 25 according to the user's preference. It is possible to provide a washing machine provided with the processing liquid automatic charging means 30.

<Filter structure>
Since the filter 58 provided with the slit 59 is provided around the suction port 48 of the pump means 47, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being sucked into the gear pump 51 and to provide a highly reliable automatic washing treatment liquid charging means 30. It has the effect of being able to provide it.

In this embodiment, two pumps are selectively driven according to the forward / reverse rotation of one motor. However, each tank is provided with a motor and a deceleration means, and different motors are selectively driven to drive the detergent. And the 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, and may be another type of pump such as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, and a vane pump.

Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the transfer pump has a structure in which a DC motor and a gear pump are provided inside and is immersed in the liquid, there is a limit to the miniaturization 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 conveyor pump. Since the transfer pump is installed in the detergent tank, there are restrictions on the dimensions, and there are limits to the size of the motor and the reduction ratio of the reduction gear. 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.

Further, although the above embodiment has been described by taking a drum type washing machine as an example, 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
4 Washing machine body 5 Support means 6 Operation panel 7 Water faucet 8 Drum motor 9 First water supply pipe 10 Drain valve 11 Drain pipe 12 Water supply electromagnetic valve 13 Dry air passage 14 First detergent supply pipe 15 Second detergent supply pipe 16 Check valve 17 Water tank 18 Front cover 19 Back cover 20 Rotating drum 21 Washing machine 22 Fluid balancer 25 Detergent inlet 25a Powder detergent inlet 25b Liquid detergent inlet 25c Softener inlet 29 Driving force connecting means 30 Washing treatment liquid automatic Loading 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 Support shaft hole 42a Lid fulcrum 43 Lid support 44 Tank lid 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 Driven 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 Drive means 63 Coupling protrusion 64 Coupling receiving part 65 Supply motor 66 Deceleration means 67 Worm gear 68 Cylindrical recess 69 Engagement protrusion 70 Warm wheel 71 First Reduction gear 72 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 Conveyance space 87 Wiring 88 Replenishment port 89 Siphon 90 fulcrum 91 pump driven shaft 92 seal member

Claims (1)

A cylindrical drum with an open front and
A housing for accommodating the drum and
A lid that can open and close the front of the drum,
A tank provided on the upper rear side of the drum and having a detergent tank for holding a detergent as a washing treatment liquid and a softener tank for holding a softener as a washing treatment liquid .
A tank accommodating portion arranged on the upper rear side of the housing and accommodating the detergent tank and the softener tank, and the tank accommodating portion.
It is arranged at a position higher than the suction port for sucking the washing treatment liquid from the tank, pumps the washing treatment liquid on the bottom side of the tank upward, is placed outside the tank, and discharges downward from the discharge port facing downward. With a pump,
A washing machine having a water supply / discharge unit that supplies water from the side of the tank storage unit into the tank storage unit and allows water to flow so as to hang on the discharge port.

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