JP7122518B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with an automatic fluid injection device.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a washing machine that automatically loads a liquid agent such as a liquid detergent or a liquid softener.

This washing machine includes a housing, a water tank elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing, a drum rotatably supported in the water tank, an automatic liquid material injection device for automatically injecting the liquid material in the tank into the drum, A liquid agent remaining amount detection unit that detects the amount of liquid agent remaining in the tank is provided. The liquid agent remaining amount detection unit includes a subject to be detected which is rotatably provided on the upper part of the tank and floats on the liquid surface, and a detector which detects the subject to be detected.

By detecting the position of the detector that rotates according to the change in liquid level, the remaining amount of liquid in the tank can be estimated.

Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 105463787

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to grasp the remaining amount of a liquid agent inside a tank from an opening provided in a tank lid .

A washing machine according to the present invention comprises a housing forming an outer shell, a water tank elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing, a washing tank rotatably disposed in the water tank, a tank containing a liquid agent, a liquid agent automatic feeding device for supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tub, wherein the tank includes a tank lid that freely opens and closes an upper opening formed in the upper part of the tank; and the liquid agent in the tank. a liquid agent remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent, a connecting portion for connecting the tank and the liquid agent automatic injection device to allow the liquid agent to flow out, and a filter provided inside the tank for filtering the liquid agent. The liquid agent remaining amount detection means includes a float that is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft provided at the top of the tank and that floats near the liquid surface in the tank, and a position where the float floats. the tank lid includes an opening provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion, and a small window that can open and close the opening, and the filter detects the connecting At its lowest point, the float is not positioned vertically below the opening, and the liquid level inside the tank rises. , so as to rotate toward the connecting portion side .

As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid agent inside the tank can be grasped from the opening provided in the tank lid .

According to the present invention, the remaining amount of the liquid agent inside the tank can be grasped from the opening provided in the tank lid .

1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; A longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a plan view of an automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a right side view of the automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a left side view of the automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Left side cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Front cross-sectional view of an automatic liquid agent injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; (a) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying tap water to the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (b) When supplying the detergent liquid of the washing machine to the water tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit, (c) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying the softener liquid of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention to the water tank Sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Rear view of detergent tank and fabric softener tank Sectional view of the tank storage case with the detergent tank and softener tank attached Enlarged view of E1 part of FIG. Rear sectional view of the tank storage case with the detergent tank and softener tank attached FF sectional view of FIG. FIG. 1 is a top view of a detergent tank and a detergent tank lid of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; (a) GG sectional view with no float attached to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid in FIG. 17, (b) GG sectional view with the float attached to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid in FIG. HH sectional view in the state where the filter of FIG. 17 is not attached Detergent tank cross-sectional view showing the line of sight when users of the washing machine of Embodiment 1 of the present invention of different heights look into the inside of the detergent tank through the opening. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the detergent tank and detergent-side three-way valve of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; A perspective view of a filter for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (a) JJ cross-sectional view of FIG. 22, (b) Enlarged view of E2 part of FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a top view of an automatic liquid agent injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; KK sectional view of FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent tank, a detergent tank lid, and a float of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a detergent tank lid and a float of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. The perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Relationship diagram between the magnetic flux density received by the linear Hall element and the output voltage of the linear Hall element Schematic diagram of the lower surface of the detergent tank lid to which the float of the washing machine is attached according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the detergent liquid level is lower than in FIG. Schematic cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the detergent liquid level is lower than in FIG. Schematic cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the detergent liquid level is lower than in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Flowchart for Detergent Remaining Insufficiency Determination and Detergent Tank Defect Determination in Embodiment 1 of the Present Invention Time chart showing the states of the detergent-side coil, the softener-side coil, the drive motor, the first water supply valve, and the drain pump in the "maintenance mode" of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a housing forming an outer shell, a water tank elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing, a washing tank rotatably disposed in the water tank, and a tank containing a liquid agent. and a liquid agent automatic injection device for supplying the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tub, wherein the tank includes a tank lid that opens and closes an upper opening formed in the upper part of the tank, and an inside of the tank. a liquid agent remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent, a connecting portion that connects the tank and the liquid agent automatic injection device to allow the liquid agent to flow out, and a filter that is provided inside the tank and filters the liquid agent. , wherein the liquid agent remaining amount detection means includes a float that is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft provided at the top of the tank and that floats near the liquid surface in the tank; a detection unit that detects a floating position, the tank lid includes an opening provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion, and a small window that can open and close the opening, and the filter includes and the float is inclined downward toward the opening side so as to cover the upper part of the connecting part, and the float is not positioned vertically below the opening at the lowest point, and the liquid level inside the tank is is configured to rotate toward the connecting portion side as the height increases.

In a second invention, in the washing machine of the first invention, ribs are formed on the inner wall surface of the tank so that the user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid by comparing it with the liquid surface of the liquid in the tank. and the float does not rotate toward the opening side of the rib.

A third invention is the washing machine according to the first or second invention, wherein the float includes a link formed by extending from the vicinity of the rotation shaft, and a hollow body provided at the tip of the link and containing a magnet. a structurally formed magnetic box, wherein the link is formed to bend toward the opposite side of the small window.

According to a fourth invention, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to third inventions, the rotation shaft is surrounded by partition ribs formed vertically.

As a result, even when the tank is filled with the detergent, it is possible to prevent the detergent from adhering to the rotating shaft because there is an air pool in the area surrounded by the ribs. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of the liquid agent.

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

[table of contents]
1. Embodiment 1
1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of washing machine 1-1-2. Configuration of Automatic Liquid Injector 1-1-3. Configuration of bath water pump 1-1-4. Configuration of Remaining Amount Detecting Means 1-2. Operation, action 1-2-1. Washing operation operation 1-2-2. Water Supply Method and Liquid Agent Supply Method Using Automatic Liquid Agent Injector 1-2-3. Method of supplying manually charged detergent and softener to water tank 1-2-4. Action of backflow prevention device 1-2-5. Maintenance of the connection between the detergent tank and the automatic liquid dispenser 1-2-6. Method for detecting shortage of remaining amount in detergent tank 1-2-7. Detergent tank failure detection method 1-2-8. Maintenance of the connecting point between the tank and the automatic injection device, and the liquid material supply channel 1-3. Effects, etc. 2. Other Embodiments (Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 38. FIG.

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

1 and 2, inside housing 101, which is the outer shell of washing machine 100, bottomed cylindrical water tank 105 (water tank) is elastically isolated from vibrations by a plurality of suspensions (not shown) and dampers 163. Supported. A bottomed cylindrical drum 106 (washing tub) is rotatably disposed in the water tub 105 . The inner wall surface of the drum 106 is provided with a plurality of baffles 106a. By rotating the drum 106 at a low speed, the baffle 106a can provide an agitation action such as hooking the clothes, lifting them upwards, and dropping them. A plurality of small holes (not shown) are formed through the peripheral surface of the drum 106 . A tank rotation motor (not shown) for rotating the drum 106 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 105 .

A clothing loading/unloading opening 103 is formed on the front surface of the housing 101 to allow loading and unloading of clothing. A lid 102 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101 . The lid 102 covers the clothes loading/unloading opening 103 so as to be openable and closable. By opening the lid 102 , clothes can be thrown into the drum 106 from the clothes inlet/outlet 103 .

An automatic liquid injection device 109 (liquid supply means) is provided above the water tank 105 of the housing 101 . For the configuration of the liquid agent automatic injection device 109, see [1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid injection device].

As shown in FIG. 1, a cover 114a that can be opened and closed is provided on the top of the housing 101. As shown in FIG. Detergent tank 117 (tank) and softener tank 126 (tank) can be detachably attached by opening cover 114a.

An operation display unit 104 including an operation unit for operating operation and a display unit for displaying the operating state is provided on the upper portion of the lid 102 .

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

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

[1-1-2. Configuration of liquid agent automatic injection device 109]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view of an automatic liquid injection device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the automatic liquid injection device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a left side view of the automatic liquid injection device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. Fig. 8 is a left cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 8 is a front sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device for a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying the softener liquid of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 8 (c) is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying detergent liquid to the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. A cross-sectional view, FIG. 10(a) is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying tap water to a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. A schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent liquid of the washing machine to the water tank, FIG. 10(c) is a three-way valve unit when supplying the softener liquid of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a back view of the detergent tank and softener tank, and FIG. 13 is a detergent tank and softener tank. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of E1 portion of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a rear sectional view of the tank housing case with the detergent tank and the softener tank mounted; 16 is a cross-sectional view FF of FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a top view of the detergent tank and the detergent tank lid of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 18(a) is the detergent tank lid of FIG. GG sectional view with no float attached to the bottom surface, FIG. 18(b) is a GG sectional view with a float attached to the bottom surface of the detergent tank lid of FIG. FIG. 17 is an HH cross-sectional view with no filter attached, and FIG. 20 is a view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when users of different heights look into the detergent tank through the opening. Fig. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the detergent tank and the three-way valve on the detergent side of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 23(a) is a cross-sectional view of JJ in FIG. 22, FIG. 23(b) is an enlarged view of E2 part in FIG. 22, and FIG. , a block diagram showing the configuration of the essential parts of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a top view of an automatic liquid agent injection device for the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank lid, and the float of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

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

(Water supply 110)
The water supply device 110 is provided in the upper part of the housing 101, and is composed of a water supply path 110c, a first water supply valve 110a (water supply valve), and a second water supply valve 110b.

One end of the water supply path 110c communicates with a faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). By controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, the channel through which tap water flows can be controlled. The water channel for tap water will be described in (Configuration of Water Injection Case 116 and Configuration of Water Channel).

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

As shown in FIG. 9, the three-way valve unit 113 includes a detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a softener-side three-way valve 113b, a detergent-side coil 113d, and a softener-side coil 113i.

As shown in FIG. 10, a water channel 124 is provided for flowing detergent liquid and softener liquid to the pump unit 111 . A three-way valve unit 113 allows the flow of water in the waterway 124 to be controlled. Water channel 124 communicates with detergent-side tubular portion 111 b communicating with detergent tank 117 and softener-side tubular portion 111 f communicating with softener tank 126 at the front. The water channel 124 also communicates with the second water channel 182 and the suction water channel 112 h of the piston pump unit 112 .

As shown in FIG. 10, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a selectively switches between the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent tank 117, and one of them is switched to the softener-side three-way valve. 113b.

The detergent-side three-way valve 113a will be described with reference to FIG. The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocating back and forth, a detergent-side valve body 113f provided at the front end of the detergent-side plunger 113e, and a detergent-side spring 113c having one end positioned at the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l and the other end positioned at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The detergent-side cylinder 113l is formed with an opening a at the front end. A detergent-side coil 113d is provided around the detergent-side cylinder 113l.

As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(c), when the detergent-side coil 113d is not energized, the detergent-side plunger 113e receives a forward biasing force from the detergent-side spring 113c, and the detergent-side valve is closed. The body 113f is configured to close the opening b formed at the rear end of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f. In addition, since the opening a is open, the tap water flowing into the water passage 124 in the direction of the arrow X1 in the second water passage 182 passes through the opening a (arrow X2) and flows to the softener side three-way valve 113b. (Arrow X3).

As shown in FIG. 10(b), when the detergent-side coil 113d is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the detergent-side coil 113d. Therefore, the detergent-side plunger 113e moves backward against the biasing force of the detergent-side spring 113c by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. This opens the opening b. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows through the opening b to the softener side three-way valve 113b as indicated by arrows X5 and X6. Further, since the opening a is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f, the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f.

As described above, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a can switch between the flow of tap water from the second water passage 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117, and selectively supply it to the softener-side three-way valve 113b. can.

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), when the softener-side coil 113i is not energized, the softener-side plunger 113j receives the forward biasing force of the softener-side spring 113h. As a result, the opening d formed at the rear end of the softener-side cylindrical portion 111f is closed by the softener-side valve body 113k. Therefore, the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126 is interrupted by the softener-side valve body 113k that closes the opening d. In addition, since the opening c is open, the detergent liquid or tap water supplied from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to the softener-side three-way valve 113b flows from the opening c through the piston pump as indicated by arrows X4 and X7. It flows into the suction waterway 112h of the unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 10(c), when the softener side coil 113i is energized, the softener side plunger 113j moves backward against the biasing force of the softener side spring 113h due to the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. This opens the opening d. Therefore, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows from the opening d to the intake channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112 as indicated by arrows X8 and X9. In addition, since the opening c is blocked by the softener-side valve body 113k, the softener-side valve body 113k blocks the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a.

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

With the above configuration, when both the detergent-side coil 113d and the softener-side coil 113i are de-energized as shown in FIG. and supplied to the piston pump unit 112 . Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the softener side coil 113i is de-energized, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is pumped through the three-way valve unit 113 to the piston pump unit 112. supplied to 10C, when the detergent-side coil 113d is de-energized and the softener-side coil 113i is energized, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows through the three-way valve unit 113 to the piston. It is supplied to the pump unit 112 .

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

As shown in FIG. 9, the pump unit 111 comprises an outer frame 111a and a piston pump unit 112 provided within the outer frame 111a.

The outer frame 111 a is made of resin and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112 . As shown in FIG. 6, the outer frame 111a is arranged between the water supply device 110 and the tank housing case 114. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 21, a detergent-side tubular portion 111b is formed to extend forward and backward below the front surface of the outer wall of the outer frame 111a. The front end of the detergent-side tubular portion 111b is inserted into a tubular portion 123 formed on the lower rear wall of the detergent tank 117, as shown in FIG. A plurality of spaced apart packings 111c are provided on the front outer peripheral surface of the detergent-side tubular portion 111b. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 21, a protruding rib 111e extending forward is formed in front of the detergent-side tubular portion 111b. A rear end portion of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is connected to the water channel 124 as shown in FIG. Water channel 124 communicates with suction channel 112 h of pump unit 111 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a softener-side cylindrical portion 111f extending forward and backward is formed below the front surface of the outer wall of the outer frame 111a. A softener-side tubular portion 111 f extending forward from the outer frame 111 a is inserted into a tubular portion (not shown) formed on the lower rear wall of the softener tank 126 . The rear end portion of the softener-side tubular portion 111f is connected to the water channel 124 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the piston pump unit 112 includes a cylinder 112d, a suction water channel 112h through which the liquid agent flows into the cylinder 112d, a discharge water channel 112g through which the liquid agent is discharged from the cylinder 112d, and a water discharge channel 112g provided in the cylinder 112d. It has a piston 112e that can reciprocate up and down, and a drive motor 112f that drives the piston 112e.

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

112 h of suction water paths and 112 g of discharge water paths are connected and attached to the lower part of the cylinder 112d. By arranging the suction water channel 112h and the discharge water channel 112g below the piston 112e, the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e is vigorously discharged downward.

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

A suction side check valve 164 is provided in the suction water passage 112h. The suction side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at its lower portion. A spring 164b that biases the suction side check valve 164 downward is provided in the suction water passage 112h. As a result, the convex portion 164a abuts against the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h, so that the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, but does not move downward beyond the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h. It's becoming

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

A discharge side check valve 165 is provided in the discharge water passage 112g. The discharge side check valve 165 has a convex portion 165a formed on its upper portion. A spring 165b that biases the discharge side check valve 165 upward is provided in the discharge water passage 112g. Therefore, since the convex portion 165a contacts the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward, but does not move upward beyond the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g. ing.

When the piston 112 e moves upward, the inside of the accommodation portion 112 c of the cylinder 112 d becomes negative pressure, and an upward force is applied to the suction side check valve 164 . When the upward force generated on the suction side check valve 164 by the negative pressure is greater than the combined force of the gravity of the suction side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, A gap is formed between the convex portion 164a and the inner wall surface 112i of the intake water passage 112h. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the three-way valve unit 113 flows through the gap through the suction water passage 112h and into the cylinder 112d.

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

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

As described above, the piston 112 e repeats vertical motion, thereby sucking the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid from the connecting hose 129 into the pump unit 111 and discharging it into the water tank 105 .

In addition, the suction water channel 112h, the discharge water channel 112g and the branch water channel 129a are formed substantially vertically.

(Tank storage case 114)
The tank housing case 114 is a container having a housing section with an open top. As shown in FIG. 4 , a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are detachably attached to the rear of the housing portion of the tank housing case 114 . A detergent case 115 is detachably attached to the front of the storage portion of the tank storage case 114 .

As shown in FIG. 21, an insertion hole 114d is formed in the lower rear wall of the tank housing case 114. As shown in FIG. The detergent-side tubular portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114d.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, linear Hall elements 136 (detectors) are provided on the left and right side walls of the tank housing case. The linear Hall element 136 is constructed in an analog manner.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a lower water inlet 114 is provided on the lower side wall of the tank housing case 114.
g is formed. The lower water inlet 114g communicates with a detour channel 184, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom of the tank housing case 114 is formed with a drain port 114c. The drain port 114 c is connected to one end of the connection hose 129 . The other end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the water tank 105 so as to be swingable. As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting hose 129 has a branch channel 129a branched in the vertical direction from the middle. The branch water channel 129 a communicates with the discharge water channel 112 g of the pump unit 111 .

(Detergent tank 117, softener tank 126)
Detergent tank 117 and softener tank 126 are containers having top opening 118 at the top.

As shown in FIG. 27, a packing 117f is provided on the upper periphery of the detergent tank 117. A detergent tank lid 119 (tank lid) is attached to the upper part of the detergent tank 117 so as to openably and closably cover the upper opening 118. When the detergent tank lid 119 is attached to the upper part of the detergent tank 117, the packing is crushed and can be watertightly fixed. As a result, even when the detergent tank 117 is laid down, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid inside from spilling out. The packing may be provided on the detergent tank lid 119 side instead of the detergent tank 117 side.

As shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank lid 119 has an opening 139 formed in the front. Further, the detergent tank lid 119 is provided with a small window 119b that covers the opening 139 in an openable and closable manner.

As shown in FIG. 21, below the rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117, a cylindrical portion 123 extending inward (forward) is formed. A check valve 123 b is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 123 . The check valve 123b is biased rearward by a spring (not shown). In the natural state, the check valve 123b presses against the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123 to prevent the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 from leaking out of the cylindrical portion 123. As shown in FIG.

When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank housing case 114 , the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b of the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 . At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b pushes the check valve 123b forward, creating a gap between the check valve 123b and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 123, as indicated by arrow I in FIG. The detergent liquid can be discharged from the cylindrical portion 123 to the three-way valve unit 113 . Further, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank housing case 114, the check valve 123b is urged backward by the spring, and the gap between the check valve 123b and the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 123 disappears. This prevents the detergent liquid from leaking from the detergent tank 117 even when the tank housing case 114 is pulled out from the detergent tank 117 .

Further, when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank housing case 114, the packing 111c keeps the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b watertight. As a result, when the detergent tank 117 is attached, the detergent liquid does not leak from the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 into the tank housing case 114, and a desired amount of detergent liquid can be discharged.

As shown in FIG. 27, a grip portion 117g is formed on the front outer wall surface of the detergent tank 117. As shown in FIG. The grip portion 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. As shown in FIG. The user can pull out the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage case 114 by gripping the grip portion 117g and pulling the detergent tank 117 forward. Also, the user can insert his or her finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above or from below. Also, by inserting a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above and also from below, the grip portion 117g can be gripped.

When trying to pull out the detergent tank 117 inserted into the housing portion of the tank housing case 114 by grasping the grip portion 117g from below, the wrist must be inserted into the narrow space of the housing portion of the detergent case 115, and the wrist becomes cramped. . On the other hand, by inserting a finger from above into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117, the detergent tank 117 can be easily pulled out without putting the wrist in a cramped posture.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bottom surface behind the detergent tank 117 is formed with an upward recess 117k. A receiving portion 117h extending rearward is formed at the periphery of the recess 117k on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117. As shown in FIG. The receiving portion 117h includes an extending portion 117i extending rearward and a projection portion 117j formed at the rear end portion of the extending portion 117i. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, two guide ribs 114h are formed on the bottom surface 120 of the tank housing case 114 at positions sandwiching the receiving portion 117h when the detergent tank 117 is attached.

When attaching the detergent tank 117 to the tank housing case 114 , the detergent tank 117 is put into the housing portion of the tank housing case 114 and pushed backward. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the projecting portion 117j of the receiving portion 117h enters between the guide ribs 114h, and the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h are fitted and fixed.

If the detergent tank 117 is not completely attached to the tank housing case 114, the detergent liquid will leak out from the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b. As a result, the desired amount of detergent liquid cannot be supplied to the water tank 105, and the washing performance is adversely affected.

In this embodiment, the detergent tank 117 can be securely attached to the tank housing case 114 by fitting the receiving portion 117h into the two guide ribs 114h. Further, when the user attaches the detergent tank 117 to the tank housing case 114, the projection 117j must pass between the guide ribs 114h, so that the detergent tank 117 needs to be forcefully pushed backward. When the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h, the feeling of resistance when pushing the detergent tank 117 is weakened. The click feeling allows the user to know that the receiving portion 117h has been securely inserted into the guide rib 114h, so that leakage of the detergent liquid from the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b can be suppressed, and a desired amount of detergent liquid can be obtained. A detergent liquid can be supplied to the water tank 105 . The guide ribs 114h also play a role of positioning when the detergent tank 117 is inserted.

In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which detergent tank 117 and tank housing case 114 are fixed by receiving portion 117h and two guide ribs 114h sandwiching receiving portion 117h, but the present invention is not limited to this. can't It suffices that the detergent tank 117 can be attached to the tank storage case 114 by snap fitting by pushing the detergent tank 117 backward. For example, the tank housing case 114 may be formed with a ring-shaped stop portion that fits with the receiving portion 117h.

As shown in FIG. 18, the inner wall surface of the detergent tank 117 is formed with a first vertical rib 138a, a second vertical rib 138b, and a third vertical rib 138c extending upward from the bottom surface. The second vertical rib 138b is positioned rearward of the first vertical rib 138a and formed to have a shorter length. The third vertical rib 138c is positioned rearward of the second vertical rib 138b and formed to have a short length.

The user can confirm the length of the water surface of the detergent solution inside the detergent tank 117 and the upper end portions of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c, thereby confirming the inside of the detergent tank 117. It is possible to grasp the approximate remaining amount of the detergent liquid. In addition, the remaining amount of detergent can be roughly grasped easily by the number of vertical ribs that can be seen. For example, the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, the third
If all of the vertical ribs 138c are visible, it can be determined that there is a large amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117, and if only the third vertical rib 138c is visible, it can be determined that the amount of detergent remaining is insufficient. I can grasp it.

As shown in FIG. 19, the float 130a is formed with a gap in the horizontal direction from the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c. Also, the float 130a is configured so as not to rotate forward beyond the third vertical rib 138c. As a result, when the user looks into the opening 139 with the small window 119b open, the float 130a prevents the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c from being seen. prevent

As shown in FIG. 20, the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are aligned with the line of sight when the user in front of the washing machine looks into the detergent tank 117 through the small window 119b. The length of is formed so that the front side is longer and the rear side is shorter. As a result, when the user looks into the opening 139 from the front with the small window 119b open, the upper ends of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are visually recognized through the small window 119b. can. In addition, the upper ends of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c can be visually recognized by both a short person and a tall person.

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

(Filter 122)
As shown in FIG. 27, the filter 122 is detachably provided inside the detergent tank 117 . The filter 122 is made of resin, and has a mesh of through holes (not shown) penetrating from the front to the back. Since the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filtered by the filter 122, it is possible to suppress clogging of the solid matter of the detergent liquid and the like in the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b.

Further, since the detergent liquid generally has a high viscosity, if the filter 122 is placed horizontally inside the detergent tank 117, the detergent liquid may not pass through the through-holes of the filter 122 and may remain or adhere to the surface of the filter 122. If the detergent liquid remains and adheres to the surface of the filter 122 , there is a risk that an appropriate amount of detergent liquid will not be discharged from the detergent tank 117 . In addition, when the detergent liquid clogs the through hole of the filter 122, an air pool is generated in the space below the filter 122 inside the detergent tank 117, and the pump unit 111 idles, making it impossible to discharge a desired amount of the detergent liquid. There is fear.

In this embodiment, the filter 122 is obliquely installed in the detergent tank 117 . 22 and 23, the filter 122 has a plurality of vertical ribs 122e extending in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane when attached to the detergent tank 117, and a vertical rib 122e on the back of the vertical rib 122e. A plurality of horizontal ribs 122f that are arranged and intersect with the vertical ribs 122e form a lattice. With the above configuration, the detergent liquid adhering to the surface of the filter 122 flows toward the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117 in the direction along the longitudinal ribs 122e. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from remaining and sticking to the surface of the filter 122 . Also, the detergent liquid that has passed through the through-holes of the filter 122 flows downward through the horizontal ribs 122f, and then flows down from the tip portions of the horizontal ribs 122f. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid adhering to the filter 122 from clogging the through holes of the filter 122 .

As shown in FIG. 18, the filter 122 is formed by bending the lower end 122d while being attached in the detergent tank 117. As shown in FIG. Further, an engaging claw 122g is formed on the rear surface of the filter 122. As shown in FIG. 122 g of engagement claws are formed from the extending|stretching rib 122b extended to the back direction of the filter 122, and the convex part 122c formed in the front-end|tip part of the extending rib 122b in convex shape toward back.

As shown in FIG. 18 , a hook portion 121 is formed on the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117 . The hook 121 is engaged with the lower end 122d of the filter 122. As shown in FIG. A rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117 is formed with a projecting portion 117b projecting inwardly of the detergent tank 117. As shown in FIG. The projecting portion 117 b is engaged with the projecting portion 122 c of the filter 122 . With the above configuration, the filter 122 can be engaged and fixed in an oblique direction.

A method for attaching and detaching the filter 122 and the detergent tank 117 will be described below.

When installing the filter 122 in the detergent tank 117, the lower end 122d of the filter 122 is engaged with the hook 121 of the detergent tank 117, and the filter 122 is pushed backward in FIG. The engaging claw 122g is engaged with the projecting portion 117b. The filter 122 is thereby retained within the detergent tank 117 .

When removing the filter 122 from the detergent tank 117, the filter 122 can be pulled out from the detergent tank 117 by pushing the filter 122 backward in FIG. can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, below the filter 122, a downward extending rib 122a is formed. As shown in FIG. 21, a downward depression 117c is formed in the vicinity of the tubular portion 123 on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so that the detergent can be discharged even if the residual amount of the detergent is small. The downward extending ribs 122a are configured to prevent foreign matter such as solidified liquid agent from entering the downward recessed portion 117c.

(Detergent case 115)
As shown in FIG. 4 , detergent case 115 is detachably provided in front of detergent tank 117 and softener tank 126 of tank housing case 114 . As shown in FIG. 7, detergent case 115 is in contact with detergent tank 117 and softener tank 126 . Therefore, by attaching the detergent case 115, the detergent case 115 pushes the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 backward. By pushing the detergent tank 117 rearward, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b can be reliably inserted into the cylindrical portion 123, thereby preventing the detergent liquid from leaking. Similarly, the softener tank 126 is pushed backward by the detergent case 115, so that it can be securely mounted in the tank housing case 114 and the softener can be prevented from leaking.

The detergent case 115 is a container with an open top, and is formed with a partition wall 115a. Partition wall 115a divides the storage portion of detergent case 115 into detergent storage portion 115b and softener storage portion 115c. The user manually puts powder detergent into the detergent container 115b and softener into the softener container 115c.

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

A conventionally well-known siphon mechanism is provided in the softener container 115c. The second water supply valve 110b is opened when the softener liquid put into the softener container 115c is poured. This will
Tap water flows through the third water channel 183 as indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. 24 and is injected from the second upper water inlet 116c into the softener accommodating portion 115c. Then, the water level in the softener containing portion 115c rises, and the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism allows the softener liquid introduced into the softener containing portion 115c to flow completely into the water tank 105 without leaving any residue.

(Configuration of Water Injection Case 116 and Configuration of Water Channel)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a water injection case 116 through which tap water flows is arranged above the tank housing case 114 . Claw portions 116a of water injection case 116 are engaged with engaging portions 114m of tank housing case 114, thereby fixing water injection case 116 and tank housing case 114 together.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water injection case 116 communicates with a water injection passage communicating with the first water supply valve 110a and a water injection passage communicating with the second water supply valve 110b. Further, the water injection case 116 is formed with a first upper water injection port 116b and a second upper water injection port 116c on the front side. The first upper water injection port 116b and the second upper water injection port 116c communicate with the water injection channel. Further, the water injection case 116 is formed with a third upper water injection port 116d at the rear.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the first water passage 181, water that has flowed from the first water supply valve 110a flows through the water injection passage of the water injection case 116 and into the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent case 115 through the first upper water injection port 116b. It is a channel into which water is injected. When the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a, tap water flows through the first water channel 181 and is injected from the first upper water inlet 116b into the detergent accommodating portion 115b.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the first water channel 181 branches off from the second water channel 182 on the upstream side of the water injection case 116 . The second water channel 182 is a water channel that flows into the branch water channel 129 a of the connecting hose 129 via the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111 .

In the second water channel 182 , a detour channel 184 branches downward on the upstream side of the three-way valve unit 113 . The water detour 184 communicates with the lower inlet 114 g of the tank housing case 114 . Detergent-side three-way valve 113a is clogged with foreign matter, or detergent-side three-way valve 113a deteriorates over time. Even in the case of backflow, the backflowing liquid agent flows to the detour 184, so that backflow to the hydrant can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 24, the tap water flowing from the second water supply valve 110b flows through the third water passage 183 through the water injection passage of the water injection case 116, and flows from the second upper water injection port 116c to the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent case 115. It is a water channel into which water is injected. When the controller opens the second water supply valve 110b, tap water flows through the third water channel 183 and is injected from the second upper water inlet 116c into the softener accommodating portion 115c.

As shown in FIG. 24, the third water channel 183 branches off from a branch water channel 185 at a third branch point 183a. The branch channel 185 communicates with the third upper water inlet 116d. A portion of the tap water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows through the branch channel 185 and is injected from the third upper water inlet 116d toward the inclined surface 114j in the direction of arrow D in FIG. The injected water flows on the inclined surface 114j toward the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b.

(Backflow prevention device 170)
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention device of the automatic liquid agent injection device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 24 , a backflow prevention device 170 is provided on the upstream side of the first branch point 181 a of the first water channel 181 . Even if the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows back through the second water channel 182 due to a power outage or water outage, etc., the backflow prevention device 170 prevents the liquid from flowing back to the water tap. can.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper lid 177 covers the upper portion of the outer frame 111a. As shown in FIG. 26, the water passage 171 is formed in the space surrounded by the upper portion of the outer frame 111a and the upper lid 177. As shown in FIG. The water that has passed through the first water supply valve 110a from the water supply path 110c flows through the water supply path 171 from the rear to the front.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 26, the aspirator 172 is arranged inside the water passage 171 . The aspirator 172 is welded and fixed to the lower part of the upper lid 177 . The aspirator 172 has a substantially rectangular cross section and is formed so that the inner diameter widens toward the front and rear.

The water passage 171 includes an inlet passage 173 upstream of the aspirator 172, a negative pressure generating portion 174 formed in the aspirator 172 and having a narrow inner diameter, and a negative pressure generating portion 174 downstream of the aspirator 172. A water outlet channel 175 having an inner diameter larger than that is formed. The height L1 of the water inlet channel 173 is, for example, 12.12 mm, the height L2 of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is, for example, 1.9 mm, and the height L5 of the water outlet 175 is, for example, 15 mm. The portion 174 is formed to have an inner diameter narrower than that of the water inlet passage 173 and the water inlet passage 173 . With the above configuration, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the water passage 171 increases due to the venturi effect in the negative pressure generating portion 174 having a narrow diameter of the water passage.

The negative pressure generating portion 174 of the aspirator 172 is formed with an intake hole 174a. A diameter L3 of the intake hole 174a is, for example, 2.5 mm. The upper lid 177 is formed with a projecting portion 177a having a cavity 177d therein so as to surround the intake hole 174a. As shown in FIG. 25, a connecting portion 177b is formed through the projecting portion 177a. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, an opening 177c formed at the end of the connecting portion 177b is connected to one end of an atmosphere introduction hose 176. As shown in FIG. The other end of the atmosphere introduction hose 176 communicates with the upper portion of the tank housing case 114 at a connection port 176a. The tank housing case 114 is open to the atmosphere. With the above configuration, the negative pressure generator 174 communicates with the tank housing case 114 through the intake hole 174a. Therefore, the negative pressure generating section 174 is exposed to the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 26, the aspirator 172 has a higher inner peripheral upper portion in the water channel on the downstream side of the air intake hole 174a than in the water channel on the upstream side of the air intake hole 174a. Thus, a step m is formed between the water channel downstream of the intake hole 174a and the water channel upstream of the intake hole 174a. In this embodiment, the height dimension of the step m is 0.9 mm.

As shown in FIG. 26, a chamfer 174b is formed around the intake hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174. As shown in FIG. The chamfer 174b is formed such that its diameter decreases from the projecting portion 177a side toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 side.

[1-1-3. Configuration of bath water pump]
As shown in FIG. 3, a bath water pump 140 for sucking bath water is arranged behind the tank housing case 114 . The bath water pump 140 sucks up the bath water in the bathtub through the bath water hose and supplies it to the water tank 105 .

As shown in FIG. 24, the first water passage 181 is branched at a second branch point 181b in the water injection case 116, and is connected to the auxiliary hose 141 through a water injection case hole (not shown) in the rear wall of the water injection case 116. As shown in FIG.
is communicated with one end of the The other end of auxiliary hose 141 communicates with the suction port (not shown) of bath water pump 140 . Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a discharge port (not shown) of the bath water pump communicates with one end of a discharge hose 142, and the other end of the discharge hose 142 is formed on the rear wall of the tank housing case 114. It communicates with hole 114k.

As a result, the water flowing through the first water passage 181 flows from the second branch point 181b through the auxiliary hose 141 and becomes auxiliary water for the bath water pump 140 during the washing process. When the inside of the bath water pump is filled with auxiliary water, the bath water is absorbed and flows into the tank housing case 114 through the hole 114k through the discharge hose 142 (arrow A in FIG. 3), and the rear inclined surface 114j is shown in FIG. 3 and arrow E in FIG.

The auxiliary hose 141 and the discharge hose 142 can be shortened by arranging the bath water pump 140 at a position facing the water injection case hole and the hole 114k.

[1-1-4. Configuration of Remaining Amount Detection Means]
28 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the detergent tank lid and float of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a relational diagram between the magnetic flux density received by the linear Hall element and the output voltage of the linear Hall element. FIG.

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

The first remaining amount detection means 130 is composed of a float 130 a and a linear Hall element 136 . Since the second remaining amount detecting means has the same configuration as the first remaining amount detecting means 130, the explanation is omitted.

(Float 130a)
As shown in FIG. 28, on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119, a first bearing portion 119c (bearing portion) and a second bearing portion 119e (bearing portion) are formed in parallel at separated positions. A first hole 119d (insertion hole) is formed in the first bearing portion 119c, and a second hole 119f (insertion hole) is formed in the second bearing portion 119e.

As shown in FIG. 28, the float 130a is composed of a link 133, a rotating shaft 131 provided at the upper end of the link 133, and a magnet box 135 provided at the lower end of the link 133. As shown in FIG. The rotating shaft 131 includes a first rotating shaft 131a rotatably inserted into the first hole 119d and a second rotating shaft 131b rotatably inserted into the second hole 119f. . A float 130a is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 by inserting the first rotating shaft 131a into the first hole 119d and inserting the second rotating shaft 131b into the second hole 119f. can be done.

119 f of 2nd holes are comprised so that the diameter of a hole may become larger than 119 d of 1st holes. The first rotating shaft 131a is configured to fit in the first hole 119d, and the second rotating shaft 131b is configured to fit in the second hole 119f.

This prevents the user from accidentally inserting the first rotating shaft 131a into the second hole 119f and inserting the second rotating shaft 131b into the first hole 119d.

The height of the first bearing portion 119c is configured to be higher than the height of the second bearing portion 119e. A stopper rib 132 is formed near the second rotation shaft 131b of the float 130a. When the first rotating shaft 131a is inserted into the second hole 119f and the second rotating shaft 131b is inserted into the first hole 119d, the stopper rib 132 comes into contact with the first bearing portion 119c, so that the float 130a Do not rotate. This makes it possible to recognize that the user has incorrectly attached the float 130a.

A notch portion 119n is formed in the second bearing portion 119e into which the second rotating shaft 131 having the stopper rib 132 is inserted. When the first rotating shaft 131a is inserted into the second hole 119f and the second rotating shaft 131b is inserted into the first hole 119d, the stopper rib 132 comes into contact with the first bearing portion 119c, so that the float 130a Do not rotate. This makes it possible to recognize that the user has incorrectly attached the float 130a.

As shown in FIG. 27, the magnet box 135 has a hollow interior, and the magnet box 135 is a closed hollow container. A first magnet 134 a (detected portion) and a second magnet 134 b (detected portion) are provided in the magnet box 135 . The first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are hermetically covered by a magnet box 135 and a cover 135a so that the detergent liquid does not adhere to the magnet 134. As shown in FIG. Holding ribs (not shown) are formed in the magnet box 135 to hold the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b. Further, since the magnet box 135 is hollow inside, the magnet box 135 itself has buoyancy. For this reason, the float 130a is configured to float on the surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and rotate according to changes in the level of the detergent liquid.

As shown in FIG. 28, below the magnet box 135, a U-shaped receiving portion 135b is provided. Further, a magnet stopper 137 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to come into contact with the receiving portion 135b when the amount of detergent water determined to indicate that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. The contact portion of the magnet stopper 137 with the receiving portion 135b is rounded to match the U-shaped receiving portion 135b.

When the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the float 130a rotates downward, but the contact between the receiving portion 135b and the magnet stopper 137 causes the float 130a to rotate below the magnet stopper 137. can be prevented. As a result, even if the liquid surface drops below a predetermined amount of detergent water at which it is judged that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, the magnet box 135 does not rotate downward, and the output of the linear Hall element 136 is reduced. Voltage does not change.

The U-shaped receiving portion 135b is in contact with the magnet stopper 137, so that the receiving portion 135b can be supported by the magnet stopper 137 in the front, rear, left, and right directions. Also, even if the float 130a is displaced to the left or right, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b acts as a guide to the magnet stopper 137, guiding the magnet box 135 to a desired position.

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

In general, the linear Hall element 136 has characteristics as shown in FIG. The horizontal axis of FIG. 30 is the magnetic flux density detected by the linear Hall element 136, and the vertical axis of FIG.

When the magnetic flux density detected by the linear Hall element 136 is close to 0 Wb/m2, the linear Hall element 136 outputs 1/2 Vdd (V), which is half the maximum output voltage Vdd (V). When a magnetic body having N-pole magnetism approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the N-pole, and the output voltage becomes larger than 1/2 Vdd (direction of arrow O in FIG. 30). . On the other hand, when a magnetic body having N-pole magnetism approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 detects a strong S-pole magnetic force, and the output voltage becomes smaller than 1/2 Vdd (in the direction of the arrow N in FIG. 30). ).

Since the linear Hall element 136 is provided under the outer surface of the side wall of the tank housing case 114, when the water level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 117 decreases, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet box 135 becomes closer. The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 changes.

If the linear Hall element 136 is arranged on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, the detergent will accumulate on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, so that the decrease of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 cannot be detected. On the other hand, if the linear Hall element 136 is provided on the side wall of the tank housing case 114, the detergent flows down along the outer surface of the side wall, thus preventing the above erroneous detection.

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

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

The washing operation of the washing machine 100 includes a "washing process" in which the clothes are soaked in washing water and the drum 106 is rotated to remove stains, a "rinsing process" in which the clothes soaked in detergent water are rinsed with water, and water-soaked clothes. and a "drying process" of supplying warm air to the drum 106 to dry the clothes in the drum 106, and the like.

Before washing, the user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid into the softener tank 126 in advance.

When refilling the detergent tank 117 with the detergent liquid, the lid 114a is opened and the detergent tank 117 is removed. Next, the detergent tank lid 119 is opened and detergent liquid is introduced into the detergent tank 117 .

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

Further, the lid body 114a, the detergent tank lid 119, and the softener tank lid 128 are configured to open and close while rotating vertically by hinges. Therefore, the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 can also be closed by closing the lid body 114a while the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 are open.

When washing, the user opens the lid 102 and puts clothes into the drum 106 through the clothes inlet/outlet 103 . Next, the operation display unit 104 is operated to turn on the power switch, and various washing courses and washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration are set. The wash courses that can be set include "only washing", "only rinsing", and "only spin-drying".

The operation in the "washing course" will be described below.

In the "washing course", the controller controls to sequentially execute the laundry amount determination process, the water supply process, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process. In the cloth amount determination process, the cloth amount determination unit detects the amount of cloth in the drum 106 by measuring the torque current value when the tub rotating motor is repeatedly rotated in the normal direction and the reverse direction at a constant number of rotations. to detect the amount of cloth. Next, the pump unit 111 is driven, and the amount of detergent liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculator is introduced from the detergent tank 117 into the drum 106 . After that, the first water supply valve 110a is opened, and a water supply process is performed in which tap water is supplied into the drum 106 in an amount corresponding to the amount of laundry.

After the water supply process is completed, the tub rotating motor is driven to rotate the drum 106 to perform the washing process of agitating the laundry in the drum 106 . After finishing the washing process, the controller executes the dehydration and then the rinsing process. In the rinsing step, the first water supply valve 110a is opened to supply a predetermined amount of tap water into the water tank 105, and then the pump unit 111 is driven to dispense the softener liquid in the amount calculated by the liquid material input amount calculation unit. It is supplied from the agent tank 126 into the water tank 105 . Further, after supplying the detergent liquid and the softener liquid, tap water is supplied to wash away the detergent and the softener liquid from the channel.

After the rinsing process is completed, the dehydration process is performed to complete the washing course.

[1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid agent supply method using an automatic liquid agent injection device]
A method of supplying water and a method of supplying the liquid agent to the water tank 105 will be described below.

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

As shown in FIG. 24, when supplying tap water, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b. Also, the detergent-side coil 113d, the softener-side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f are turned off. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is supplied to the water tank 105 .

After the water supply is completed, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the controller energizes the detergent-side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f, and energizes the softener-side coil 113i. Thereby, the detergent tank 117 and the suction channel 112h of the pump unit 111 are communicated with each other. Since the check valve 123b moves backward, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows from the tubular portion 123 to the pump unit 111 via the detergent-side tubular portion 111b, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, and the softener-side three-way valve 113b. It flows into the intake channel 112h.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the driving force of the drive motor 112f causes the piston 112e to reciprocate up and down within the cylinder 112d. Thereby, negative pressure and positive pressure are repeated in the cylinder 112d. When the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent liquid flows into the cylinder 112d from the gap between the suction side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112h. It flows into the accommodation portion 112c. When the piston 112e moves downward, the pressure inside the cylinder 112d becomes positive, and the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the storage portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged directly downward toward the branch water passage 129a from the gap between the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g (arrow in FIG. 7). C direction). The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branch water channel 129 a of the connecting hose 129 and is supplied to the water tank 105 .

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

Here, the second water channel 182 communicates with the water tank 105, but the inside of the water tank 105 is open to the atmosphere when the lid body 102 is open. Therefore, there is a possibility that the liquid agent dries, sticks, and accumulates in the liquid agent channel from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105 .

In the present embodiment, the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111 is connected to the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129, so that it does not pass through the water injection channel of the water injection case 116 and freely falls directly downward toward the water tank 105. (Arrow C in FIG. 7). As a result, the length of the discharge water channel is short and the water channel is not complicated, so that it is possible to suppress the sticking of the detergent liquid.

After the detergent solution is completely supplied, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the controller brings the detergent-side coil 113d and the softener-side coil 113i into a non-energized state, and opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. As a result, water flowing from the first water channel 181 to the second water channel 182 flows into the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111 . As a result, detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connection hose 129 can be washed away.

Further, when water supply is started, since the momentum of the water is weak, there is a possibility that the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 do not move and the flow of water to be supplied is interrupted. Therefore, the drive motor 112f may be driven for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) after the first water supply valve 110a is opened. With the above configuration, the piston 112e reciprocates up and down, and the inside of the housing portion 112c in the cylinder is in a state where positive pressure and negative pressure are repeated. 165 can move to allow tap water to flow into the pump unit 111 . Therefore, detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connection hose 129 can be washed away.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water passage 112g of the pump unit 111 communicates with the water tank 105 via the connection hose 129 without passing through the tank housing case 114. As shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining and sticking in the channel from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105 .

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the softener liquid is supplied from the softener tank 126, the softener-side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f are energized, and the detergent-side coil 113d is controlled to be non-energized. do. Since the method of supplying the softener liquid is the same as the method of supplying the detergent liquid, the explanation is omitted.

In addition, if a foreign object gets caught in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, there is a possibility that a gap may be formed in the opening/closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. When the first water supply valve 110a is open and a power outage or water outage occurs, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows through the opening and closing portion of the three-way valve 113a on the detergent side, and flows through the second water passage 182 toward the water tap. There is a risk of backflow.

Here, as shown in FIG. 24, in the second water channel 182, a detour 184 is branched downward, and a lower water inlet 114g, which is a water outlet of the detour 184, is positioned below the detergent tank 117. is doing. Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing backward from the detergent tank 117 flows into the bypass waterway 184, and flows into the water tank 105 via the tank housing case 114 and the connecting hose 129 (arrow A4). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 from flowing back up to the water tap and causing the water tap to malfunction.

Moreover, since the tap water flowing through the bypass waterway 184 flows into the tank housing case 114, it can also be used to wash away the detergent liquid adhering to the tank housing case 114 during water supply.

The same applies to the case where the softener in the softener tank 126 flows backward, so the explanation is omitted.

[1-2-3. Method of supplying manually added detergent and softener to water tank]
A method of supplying the powder detergent and the softener manually put into the detergent case 115 to the water tank 105 when the manual injection of the detergent is set will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 24, when the powder detergent put into the detergent case 115 is supplied to the water tub 105, the first water supply valve 110a is opened and the second water supply valve 110b is closed. 24, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is injected from the first upper water inlet 116b toward the detergent accommodating portion 115b of the detergent case 115. As shown in FIG. The powder detergent in the detergent containing portion 115b flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c and is supplied into the water tank 105. As shown in FIG. The tap water supplied to the first water channel 181 is discharged from the second water channel 182 at the first branch point 181a. The tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 flows through the detour channel 184 as indicated by arrow A4 in FIG. The powder detergent can be washed away to the connection hose 129 without remaining in the tank housing case 114 by the water injected from the upper side and the water injected from the lower side.

When the softener put into the detergent case 115 is supplied to the water tank 105, the first water supply valve 110a is closed and the second water supply valve 110b is opened. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the third water channel 183 as indicated by arrow A3 in FIG. . Then, the water level in the softener containing portion 115c rises, and the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism allows the softener liquid introduced into the softener containing portion 115c to flow out to the tank containing case 114 without leaving any residue. The softener liquid that has flowed out to the tank housing case 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114 c and is supplied into the water tank 105 .

[1-2-4. Action of backflow prevention device]
The operation of the backflow prevention device 170 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 26 , the negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed to have a narrower inner diameter than the inlet channel 173 and the outlet channel 175 . When the tap water passes through the negative pressure generating section 174, the flow velocity increases, so the inside of the negative pressure generating section 174 is in a negative pressure state compared to the water inlet channel 173 and the water outlet channel 175 due to the venturi effect.

Here, if the atmospheric pressure is P0 (N/m2) and the water pressure when the tap water flows through the water inlet passage 173 is P+P0 (N/m2), the tap water flows through the negative pressure generating section 174, When the dynamic pressure becomes P (N/m2) or more, the static pressure in the negative pressure generating section 174 becomes the atmospheric pressure P0 (N/m2) or less. Further, since the tank housing case 114 is open to the atmosphere, the pressure on the side of the atmosphere introduction hose 176 with respect to the intake hole 174a is P0 (N/m2).

Fluid flows from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. The tap water flowing through the upper lid 177 flows into the water discharge passage 175 without flowing out from the intake hole 174a to the projecting portion 177a of the upper lid 177. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, since air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air intake hole 174a which is open to the atmosphere, the tap water flowing through the water discharge passage 175 is in a gas-liquid mixed state.

When the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to a power failure, water interruption, etc., the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 may flow back to the water tap side. In this case, air is introduced from the intake hole 174a into the negative pressure generating portion 174 via the atmosphere introduction hose 176 which is open to the atmosphere, so that communication of tap water between the water inlet passage 173 and the water outlet passage 175 can be blocked. As a result, the tap water in the water passage 171 can be separated from the intake hole 174a to the water inlet 173 side and from the intake hole 174a to the water outlet 175 side. , the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 can be prevented from flowing back to the water supply.

Further, the negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed with a step m so that the inner diameter of the water channel on the downstream side of the intake hole 174a is wider than that on the upstream side of the intake hole 174a. As a result, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 collides with the periphery of the intake hole 174a, causing turbulence in the flow of tap water and suppressing the flow from the intake hole 174a into the cavity 177d of the projecting portion 177a.

Further, a chamfer 174b whose diameter narrows toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed on the peripheral edge of the intake hole 174a. As a result, even if water splashes from the intake hole 174a to the atmosphere introduction hose 176 when water is passed, the water droplets flow down the chamfer 174b toward the negative pressure generating portion 174, thereby preventing the intake hole 174a from being blocked.

In addition, the aspirator 172 is composed of one component. As a result, the backflow prevention device 170 can be configured with a simple structure, and performance deterioration due to assembly variations can be prevented. Further, the risk of failure due to continued use of the backflow prevention device 170 can be reduced.

[1-2-5. Maintenance of the connection between the detergent tank and the automatic liquid dispenser]
When powder detergent is manually put into the detergent containing portion 115b and softener is manually put into the softener containing portion 115c, and washing is executed in the manual washing mode, the detergent and the softening agent are discharged from the drain port 114c of the tank containing case 114 to the water tank 105. supplied to At this time, there is a possibility that the detergent and the softener remain in the tank storage case 114 even after the washing is finished. Here, if the detergent or softener adheres to and adheres to the tubular portion 123 or the detergent-side tubular portion 111b, which is the connecting portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic injection device 109, the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank housing case 114. There is also a risk that solid matter adhering to the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b may enter the detergent supply channel of the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 from the tubular portion 123 and cause pressure loss in the channel. In addition, there is a risk that solid substances such as a liquid agent will adhere to the packing 111c between the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, impairing the watertightness of the connecting portion. As a result, the required amount of detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the required amount of detergent tank 117, and there is a concern that the washing performance and the rinsing performance may deteriorate. For this reason, the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 require regular maintenance. However, as shown in FIG. It is difficult to clean the cylindrical portion 123 near the rear wall of the storage case 114 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, which is a burden on the user.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, water flowing through the first water passage 181 flows into the auxiliary hose 141 at the first branching point 181a, and the bath water pump 140 discharges the water. It flows through the hose 142 and flows into the tank housing case 114 through the hole 114k behind the tank housing case 114 as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. The water injected into the tank housing case 114 through the hole 114k flows along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the tank housing case 114 as indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 3 and the arrow E in FIG. It flows toward the cylindrical portion 123, which is the connecting portion of the loading device 109, and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b.

With the above configuration, dirt on the connecting portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 can be washed away with water injected from the hole 114k every time water is supplied, so that the user does not need to perform regular maintenance. In addition, since dirt adhering to the packing 111c can be washed away, the watertightness of the connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is maintained, and the necessary amount of detergent liquid can be discharged to the water tank 105 without leakage of the detergent liquid. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the residue from entering the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, it is possible to prevent pressure loss in the water channel and stably discharge the required amount of the detergent liquid. In addition, since the water injected from the hole 114k passes through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c and is supplied to the water tank 105, the water used in the washing process is used to move around the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. I can take care of it. In addition, since a water supply valve dedicated to washing away dirt behind the tank housing case 114 and hoses constituting a water channel are not required, costs can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 24, during water supply in the rinsing process, water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows into the branch water channel 185 at the third branch point 183a. Water flowing through the branch water channel 185 flows into the rear of the tank housing case 114 from the third upper water inlet 116d as indicated by arrow D in FIG. While flowing along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the tank housing case 114, it flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111b, which are the connecting portions of the tank housing case 114 and the liquid agent automatic injection device 109, and flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent side cylindrical portion 111b. It is possible to wash away the area around the portion 111b. As a result, the same effect as water supply during the washing process can be obtained.

Further, when the "bath water course" for supplying bath water to the water tank 105 in the washing process is selected, the bath water pump 140 operates after the detergent is automatically added, and the bath water is supplied from the first water supply valve 110a to the first water passage 181. Some of the water flowing into the bath water pump 140 flows from the auxiliary hose 141 at the second branch point 181b. When water flows into bath water pump 140, tap water fills a hose (not shown) whose one end communicates with bath water pump 140 and whose other end is immersed in the bath water of a bathtub (not shown). When the bath water pump 140 is driven in this state, the bath water in the bathtub flows through the hose and is sucked into the bath water pump. The absorbed bath water flows into the tank housing case 114 from the hole 114k behind the tank housing case 114 via the discharge hose 142 as indicated by arrow A in FIG. The bath water that has flowed into the tank housing case 114 flows along the inclined surface 114j toward the cylindrical portion 123, which is the connecting portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic dispenser 109, and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. As a result, it is possible to wash away the residue of the detergent liquid adhering around the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b.

Further, a "tank housing case cleaning course" may be provided in which the rear wall of the tank housing case 114 and the periphery of the detergent-side tubular portion 111b are washed with the detergent tank 117 removed from the tank housing case 114. FIG. When the "tank housing case maintenance course" is selected, the first water supply valve 110a is opened for a predetermined time. As a result, the tap water flows through the first water channel 181, flows through the auxiliary hose 141, the bath water pump 140, and the discharge hose 142 at the second branch point 181b, and flows into the tank housing case 114 through the hole 114k. The water that has flowed into the tank housing case 114 flows along the inclined surface 114j in the direction of the arrow B, and can wash away the rear of the tank housing case 114 and the periphery of the detergent-side tubular portion 111b.

15, the tap water injected into the tank housing case 114 through the hole 114k flows along the inclined surface 114j in the direction of the arrow F1, and guide ribs 114h that fix the detergent tank 117 and the tank housing case 114 together. The receiving portion 117h, and the guide rib 114i and the receiving portion 126h that fix the softener tank 126 and the tank housing case 114 can also be washed. As a result, the liquid agent adheres between the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h, making it easier for the detergent tank 117 to come out of the tank housing case 114, thereby suppressing the leakage of the detergent liquid from the tubular portion 123 and the detergent-side tubular portion 111b. .

[1-2-6. Method for judging insufficient residual amount in the detergent tank]
A method for determining whether the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient will be described below. The same applies to the determination of insufficient amount of softener in softener tank 126 .

Like the TH line in FIG. 36, a threshold voltage (for example, 2.1 V) for determining that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient is stored in the storage unit.

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 drops and the float 130a rotates downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet and the linear Hall element 136 changes, so the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 also changes. When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes less than the threshold voltage, it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, and the operation display section 104 displays that fact.

Further, in the present embodiment, two magnets consisting of a first magnet 134a and a second magnet 134b are arranged at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a inside the magnet box 135. As shown in FIG. The first magnet 134 a has its N pole directed toward the linear Hall element 136 , and the second magnet 134 b has its S pole directed toward the linear Hall element 136 . Therefore, the linear Hall element 136 detects different polarities from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b.

32 to 35 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the magnet and the linear Hall element at each detergent water level in the detergent tank.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

32 to 36, the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 for each water level of the detergent liquid in detergent tank 117 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 32, when the detergent liquid is filled, the linear Hall element 136 receives N-pole magnetism from the first magnet 134a. As a result, the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor becomes as indicated by a1 in FIG. When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 in the state of FIG. 32, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 drops and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 rises.

As shown in FIG. 33, when the first magnet 134a rotates to the height position of the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 reaches the maximum voltage as shown by a2 in FIG.

When the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged from the state of FIG. 33, the float 130a rotates. As the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a increases, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the linear Hall element 136 decreases, so the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 decreases. When the float 130a rotates to the position shown in FIG. 34, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes as shown by a3 in FIG. Furthermore, when the detergent liquid in detergent tank 117 is discharged, the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 decreases. When the float 130a rotates to the height position of the second magnet 134b, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes as shown by a4 in FIG.

As described above, after the first magnet 134a approaches (section a1-a2 in FIG. 36), the flow from the first magnet 134a approaches the second magnet 134b (section a2-a3 in FIG. 36), and the second magnet 134b approaches (section a2-a3 in FIG. 36). 134b (section a3-a4 in FIG. 36).

Here, when the float 130a rotates from FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 (sections a2 to a4 in FIG. 36), the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a increases, and the linear Hall element 136 and the linear Hall element The distance with 136 approaches. As a result, the magnetic flux density received by the linear Hall element 136 has less N-pole components and more S-pole components. Therefore, in the section a2 to a4 in FIG. 36, the magnetism received by the linear Hall element 136 changes more greatly than when one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135. The amount of change in the output voltage of 136 increases. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 can improve the accuracy of determination of the shortage of detergent remaining amount compared to the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135 .

As shown in FIG. 28, a partition rib 119a is formed on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 around the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, even when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent solution, the air pools exist inside the area surrounded by the partition ribs 119a, so the detergent solution does not flow. It is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from adhering to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a. Moreover, even when the detergent tank lid 119 is tilted with the detergent tank lid 119 removed from the detergent tank 117, the partition wall ribs prevent the liquid agent adhered to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 from flowing to the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130a. 119a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the turning shaft 131 from sticking with the detergent liquid and deteriorating the measurement accuracy of the remaining detergent amount.

A peripheral edge rib 119m is formed on the peripheral edge of the back surface of the detergent tank lid 119 . Partition rib 119a is connected to peripheral rib 119m. As a result, the peripheral rib 119m can be realized with a simple configuration, and the cost can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 29, a magnet stopper 137 is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to come into contact with the receiving portion 135b of the magnet box 135 at the amount of detergent water determined to indicate that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. This prevents the float 130a from rotating downward even when the liquid is discharged when the remaining amount of the liquid is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 from changing when the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, thereby preventing erroneous detection that the remaining amount of detergent is not insufficient.

In this embodiment, the linear Hall element 136 is arranged so as to receive N-pole magnetism from the first magnet 134a and S-pole magnetism from the second magnet 134b. The present invention is not limited to this, and the linear Hall element 136 may be configured to receive south pole magnetism from the first magnet 134a and receive north pole magnetism from the second magnet 134b. In this case, the waveform of the output voltage received by the linear Hall element 136 is vertically inverted from the waveform of FIG.

Even if three or more magnets are alternately provided at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a in the magnet box 135 so as to give different magnetism to the linear Hall element 136, the same effect as the present invention can be obtained. can be done.

In the present embodiment, when the washing machine is manufactured, the voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is measured when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid (M1 section in FIG. 36) with the automatic liquid dispenser 109 attached. Then, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is measured when the detergent tank 117 is not replenished with the detergent liquid (section M2 in FIG. 34) and stored in the storage unit. As a result, it is possible to reduce the error in determining the shortage of the remaining amount of detergent due to manufacturing variations in the detection of the remaining amount of each device and variations in installation of the linear Hall element 136 .

The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the magnet box 135 comes into contact with the magnet stopper 137 may be used to determine that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. As a result, the magnet box 135 can compare the output voltage value in the M2 section stored in the storage unit in the magnet stopper 137, so that the variation error in determination of the remaining amount of detergent for each device can be reduced.

[1-2-7. Tank failure detection method]
If the automatic liquid injection device 109 is not used for a long period of time, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 may stick. If the fixed detergent liquid clogs the cylindrical portion 123, which is the discharge port in the detergent tank 117, or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b of the automatic liquid injection device 109, there is a possibility that the desired amount of detergent liquid will not be discharged from the detergent tank 117. . In addition, when the detergent liquid adheres to the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130a, the float 130a does not rotate even though the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, and there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of detergent may be lowered. There is

Therefore, the controller of the present embodiment is provided with a trouble determination section (not shown) for judging whether or not the detergent liquid adheres to the detergent tank 117 and causes the above trouble. A defect determination method by the defect determination unit will be described below.

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 drops and the float 130a rotates downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 changes, so the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 also changes. However, if the solidified detergent solution or the like clogs the rotating shaft 131 and cylindrical portion 123 of the float 130a, even if the detergent solution is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change sufficiently.

Therefore, when the cumulative amount of detergent discharged from detergent tank 117 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 30 ml), the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 and the cumulative amount of detergent discharged from detergent tank 117 last time are set to a predetermined value. When the difference between the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is less than the predetermined value (0.1 V) at the time when the value exceeds the value, the float 130a is held even though the detergent liquid is being discharged from the detergent tank 117. Since the detergent tank 117 is not rotated, it is determined that the detergent tank 117 has the above problem. When it is determined that the detergent tank 117 is malfunctioning, the controller notifies the user by displaying that effect on the operation display unit 104 . This makes it possible to detect defects in the detergent tank 117 at an early stage, thereby preventing problems such as not noticing that the desired amount of detergent liquid is not discharged or not noticing that the detergent liquid is insufficient. can be done.

On the other hand, when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid as in the M1 section of FIG. Magnetic lines of force from 134 a and second magnet 134 b may not reach linear Hall element 136 . In such a case, even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the float 130a rotates downward, the lines of magnetic force from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b do not reach the linear Hall element 136, The output voltage of element 136 may not change. That is, in the M1 section of FIG. 36, even though the above-described trouble does not occur in the detergent tank 117, there is a possibility that the trouble detection unit may erroneously detect that trouble has occurred.

Therefore, when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 (for example, 2.7 V to 2.9 V) is controlled so that the malfunction determination unit does not perform the malfunction determination. ing.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart for determining the amount of detergent remaining in the washing machine and determining whether the detergent tank is malfunctioning according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A specific determination method for detecting a failure of the detergent tank 117 will be described below with reference to FIG. 37 .

In the washing machine according to the present embodiment, a detergent discharge amount storage unit (not shown) that cumulatively stores the calculated values of the liquid agent remaining amount calculation unit and a first storage unit (not shown) that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 figure)
and a second storage unit (not shown).

When the detergent liquid is discharged from detergent tank 117 (step S0), the controller determines whether the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 is less than 2.1 V (step S1). If the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is less than 2.1 V (step S1: Yes), it is determined that the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, and a detergent remaining amount shortage message is displayed on the operation display section 104. (step S2). After confirming the message on the operation display unit 104 that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, the user removes the detergent tank 117 from the housing portion of the tank housing case 114 and replenishes the detergent tank 117 with the detergent liquid. As a result, the detergent liquid level in the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float 130a rotates upward. In this state, the detergent tank 117 is reattached to the housing portion of the tank housing case 114 . When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 exceeds the threshold voltage of 2.1 V, the controller determines that the detergent tank 117 has been replenished with the detergent liquid, and cancels the detergent remaining amount shortage message on the operation display unit 104. .

When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is 2.1 V or higher (step S1: No), the value calculated by the liquid agent remaining amount calculator is added to the value X stored in the detergent discharge amount storage unit (step S3). , and determines whether or not the value X in the detergent discharge amount storage unit after the addition is greater than 30 ml (step S4). If the value X stored in the detergent ejection amount storage unit is 30 ml or less (step S4: No), the predetermined amount of detergent liquid has not yet been ejected, so failure detection determination is not performed.

If the value X stored in the detergent discharge amount storage unit is greater than 30 ml (step S4: Yes), the malfunction determination unit performs malfunction determination. First, 30 (ml) is subtracted from the value X in the detergent discharge amount storage unit (step S5), and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is stored in the first storage unit (step S6). Next, it is determined whether the value Y stored in the first storage unit is within the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (step S7). If the value Y stored in the first storage unit is within the range of 2.7 V to 2.9 V (step S7: Yes), it is determined that the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, and the detergent tank The value Y stored in the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit without executing the failure judgment of 117 (step S10). If the value Y stored in the first storage unit is outside the range of 2.7 V to 2.9 V (step S7: No), the defect determination unit determines the value Y stored in the first storage unit and the value stored in the second storage unit It is determined whether the absolute value of the difference from Y-1 is less than 0.1 V (step S8). If the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the first storage unit and the value Y-1 stored in the second storage unit is less than 0.1 V (step S8: Yes), the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. However, since the float 130a is not sufficiently rotated, the defect determination section determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the detergent tank 117, and the operation display section indicates that the detergent tank 117 is defective. A message to that effect is displayed (step S9). After that, the value Y stored in the first memory is stored in the second memory (step S10). If the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the first storage unit and the value Y-1 stored in the second storage unit is 0.1 V or more (step S8: Yes), the defect determination unit It is determined that no problem such as the detergent solution is sticking has occurred, and the value Y stored in the first memory is stored in the second memory (step S10).

The failure detection method for the softener tank 126 is also the same as the failure detection method for the detergent tank 117 . Also, the amount of the softener liquid supplied to the drum 106 in the washing process is less than that of the detergent liquid. Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined amount of the softener liquid to be discharged in step S4 is smaller than the predetermined amount of detergent to be discharged.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present embodiment is provided with a malfunction determination unit that detects malfunction of detergent tank 117 or softener tank 126 . When the differential value of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after the predetermined amount of liquid is introduced from the detergent tank 117 is less than 0.1 V, the malfunction determination section determines that the liquid is stuck to the detergent tank 117, and the display section determines that the liquid is stuck. to that effect. As a result, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the detergent tank 117 at an early stage, so that problems such as not noticing that the desired amount of detergent liquid is not being discharged or noticing that the detergent liquid is insufficient can be prevented. can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the controller operates when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is the output voltage (for example, 2.7 V to 2.9 V) when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the liquid agent. 117 defect determination is not performed. As a result, even though the detergent liquid is not fixed in the detergent tank 117, it is possible to prevent an erroneous detection that a malfunction has occurred by the malfunction detection unit.

In addition, in the magnet box 135, by providing a plurality of magnets at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a, the linear Hall element 136 can move the magnets over a wide range with respect to the rotation of the float 130a. of magnetic force can be detected. Therefore, compared with the case where only one magnet is used, even if the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is large, the malfunction of the detergent tank 117 can be detected.

In this embodiment, in step S8, the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the first storage unit and the value Y−1 stored in the second storage unit and a predetermined threshold voltage (0.1 V) are calculated. The configuration for determining whether or not there is a problem in the detergent tank 117 by comparison has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the threshold voltage varies according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 may be employed. As shown in FIG. 36, the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 with respect to the amount of detergent change in the detergent tank 117 is not constant, so an appropriate threshold voltage should be set according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. , the accuracy of defect determination of the detergent tank 117 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the float 130a rotates has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if it is, the same effect can be obtained. For example, the float 130a may be configured to move up and down according to changes in the water level while floating on the liquid surface.

In this embodiment, the configuration for detecting the remaining liquid amount in detergent tank 117 by measuring the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical sensor or the like may be used.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117 by the malfunction detection unit, the operation display unit 104 displays the fact to notify the user of the abnormality. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to transmit from the washing machine to the server through the Internet line, transmit from the server to the smartphone, and display on the screen of the smartphone that an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117. Alternatively, the washing machine may be configured to notify the user by emitting sound.

In the present embodiment, in order to determine whether detergent tank 117 is defective, the configuration for calculating the difference in the output voltage of linear Hall element 136 before and after discharging a predetermined amount (for example, 30 ml) of detergent liquid has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. It may be configured to calculate a difference value with.

In step S8 of FIG. 37, the absolute value of (Y-(Y-1)) is compared with 0.1V. This can prevent erroneous detection due to the polarity of the magnet. In addition, since the magnet box 135 does not need to be produced in consideration of the directionality of the magnetism of the magnet, the number of man-hours required for producing the magnet box 135 and the number of man-hours required for confirmation inspection can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[1-2-8. Maintenance of the connection point between the detergent tank and the automatic injection device, and the liquid supply channel]
FIG. 38 is a time chart showing each state of the detergent-side coil 113d, the softener-side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the first water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance course".

When the detergent liquid is repeatedly discharged from the detergent tank 117, metals such as magnesium and calcium contained in the tap water are combined with fatty acids contained in the detergent liquid to deposit metallic soap. As shown in FIG. 24, the precipitated metal soap flows through tubular portion 123, detergent-side tubular portion 111b, detergent-side three-way valve 113a, softener-side three-way valve 113b, suction channel 112h, storage portion 112c, water outlet channel 112g, and branch channel. 129a, connection hose 129, etc., through which the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 flows until it is supplied to the water tank 105 (hereinafter referred to as detergent solution supply channel). As a result, the metal soap adhering to the detergent liquid supply channel acts as resistance to the flow of the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the tap water supplied. For this reason, there is a possibility that the discharge amount of the detergent liquid may decrease or the momentum of the running water may weaken. In addition, there is a possibility that the metal soap may enter the drum 106 and adhere to the laundry.

Therefore, in order to suppress the above problems, it is necessary to periodically wash off the metallic soap adhering to the detergent liquid supply channel.

When the user cleans the detergent liquid supply channel, the detergent tank 117 is removed from the housing portion of the tank housing case 114, and after washing the inside of the detergent tank 117, the detergent tank 117 is replenished with citric acid water. After that, the detergent tank 117 is reattached to the housing portion of the tank housing case 114, and the "maintenance mode" is selected on the operation display section 104. FIG.

When the "maintenance mode" is selected, the controller drives the drain pump (not shown) and alternately executes the following two steps.

- 1st process: The process which closes the 1st water supply valve 110a, makes the detergent side coil 113d an energized state, and makes the softener side coil 113i a non-energized state.

• Second step: a step of opening the first water supply valve 110a and deenergizing the detergent-side coil 113d and the softener-side coil 113i.

By executing the first step, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows through the detergent liquid supply channel and is supplied to the water tank 105 . Since the metallic soap has the property of being dissolved by an acidic aqueous solution, the acidic citric acid water can wash away the metallic soap adhering to the detergent solution supply channel while dissolving it. The washed-out metallic soap is supplied to the water tank 105 together with the citric acid water, and is drained out of the housing 101 through a drain port (not shown) and a drain hose (not shown) by the driving force of the drain pump. .

By executing the second step, as shown in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied from the water tap flows through the first water passage 181 from the first water supply valve 110a. Part of the tap water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows into the second water channel 182 as indicated by arrow A2 in FIG. 112c, an outlet channel 112g, a branch channel 129a, and a connecting hose 129, and supplied to the water tank 105. As a result, the citric acid water remaining in the detergent solution supply channel in the first step can be washed away.

The control when the "maintenance mode" is executed will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

When the user selects the "maintenance mode", the controller energizes the detergent-side coil 113d (time T0). As a result, the first step is started, and as shown in FIG. 10(b), the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f are moved rearward, and the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 is released into the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. It flows into the water passage 124 from the opening b formed behind the piston pump unit 112 and flows toward the intake water passage 112 h of the piston pump unit 112 .

0.5 seconds after time T0 (time T1), drive motor 112f and the drainage pump are driven. The driving force of the driving motor 112f causes the piston 112e to reciprocate up and down, and the inside of the accommodating portion 112c is brought into a positive pressure state or a negative pressure state. As shown in FIG. 11, when the piston 112e moves upward, the accommodating portion 112c is put into a negative pressure state, and the suction side check valve 164 moves upward against the biasing force of the spring 164b. As a result, the citric acid water flows from the intake channel 112h into the storage portion 112c. Next, when the piston 112e moves downward, the accommodating portion 112c is brought into a positive pressure state, and the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward against the biasing force of the spring 165b. As a result, the citric acid water in the storage portion 112c flows through the water outlet channel 112g, the branch channel 129a, and the connecting hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105. By repeating the above operation, the citric acid water flows while dissolving the metallic soap in the detergent liquid supply channel. Further, the driving force of the drain pump causes the citric acid water in the water tank 105 to flow from the drain port through the drain hose and is drained out of the housing 101 .

Further, in order to prevent a situation in which the detergent-side valve body 113f cannot move rearward even though the detergent-side coil 113d is energized due to the drive motor 112f being driven, the detergent is turned on at time T0. It is controlled to drive the drive motor 112f 0.5 seconds after starting to energize the side coil 113d.

In the present embodiment, the discharge amount of citric acid water (for example, 200 ml) in the detergent tank 117 is the maximum discharge amount (for example, 120 ml) of the detergent liquid in the washing process and the maximum discharge amount of the softener in the rinsing process. (eg, 100 ml).

After 55 seconds from time T1 (time T2), the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f. After 0.5 seconds from time T2 (time T3), the detergent-side coil 113d is de-energized. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move forward, and the detergent-side valve body 113f opens the opening b formed at the rear of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. blocked. Therefore, the flow of the citric acid water from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f. The second step ends at time T3. Further, in order to prevent the detergent-side valve body 113f from moving forward even though the detergent-side coil 113d is in a non-energized state due to the drive motor 112f being driven, the time At T2, the detergent-side coil 113d is brought into a non-energized state 0.5 seconds after the drive motor 112f is brought into a non-driven state.

0.5 seconds after time T3 (time T4), the controller drives the drive motor 112f and opens the first water supply valve 110a. This starts the second step. As shown in FIG. 10A, supplied tap water flows through the second water passage 182, flows into the water passage 124 of the three-way valve unit 113 through the opening a, and flows toward the intake water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112. As a result, the citric acid water remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the piston pump unit 112, etc. can be washed away. In addition, since the momentum of the running water is weak at the start of water supply, the water pressure of the tap water alone will not
, or the discharge-side check valve 165 cannot be moved downward. Therefore, by driving the drive motor 112f in the second step, the tap water can reliably pass through the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG.

In addition, 0.5 seconds (time T4) after the start of energization of the detergent-side coil 113d (time T3), so that the movement of the detergent-side valve body 113f of the three-way valve unit 113 is not hindered by the driving force of the drive motor 112f. It controls to drive the drive motor 112f.

Five seconds after time T4, the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f and closes the first water supply valve 110a (time T5). This completes the second step.

0.5 seconds after time T5 (time T6), the same control as at time T0 is executed to start the first step. After that, from time T6 to time T11 and from time T12 to time T17, the same control as at time T0 to time T5 is executed. 40 seconds after the second step ends at T17 (time T18), the drain pump is stopped. As a result, citric acid water and tap water remaining in the drum 106 can be drained.

In addition, since the care mode of the softening agent tank 126 is also the same, description is omitted.

[1-3. effects, etc.]
Automatic liquid detergent injection device 109 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment includes first remaining amount detection means 130 for detecting the amount of liquid detergent remaining in detergent tank 117 . The first remaining amount detection means 130 has a rotatable float 130a floating on the liquid surface of the liquid agent contained in the detergent tank 117, and a linear Hall element 136 for detecting the float 130a. A partition rib 119a is formed on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 around the rotation shaft 131 of the first float 130a.

As a result, even when the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent solution, air pockets exist inside the area surrounded by the partition wall ribs 119a. 131 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of detergent.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like. Also, it is possible to combine the constituent elements described in the first embodiment to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

Although the configuration in which two magnets are provided in the magnet box 135 has been described in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Only one magnet may be provided, or three or more magnets may be provided.

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

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the residual amount of the liquid agent, so that the reliability can be improved.

101 housing 105 water tank 106 drum (washing tub)
109 liquid agent automatic injection device (liquid agent supply means)
111 pump unit 117 detergent tank (tank)
119 detergent tank lid (tank lid)
119a Partition rib 119c First bearing portion (bearing portion)
119d first hole (insertion hole)
119e Second bearing portion (bearing portion)
119f Second hole (insertion hole)
119m peripheral rib 119n notch 126 softener tank (tank)
128 softener tank lid (tank lid)
130 first remaining amount detection means (liquid remaining amount detection means)
130a Float 131 Rotating shaft 132 Stopper rib 134a First magnet (part to be detected)
134b second magnet (detected part)
136 Linear Hall element (detector)

Claims (4)

a housing forming an outer shell;
a water tank elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing;
a washing tub rotatably disposed in the water tub;
a tank containing a liquid agent;
a liquid agent automatic injection device that supplies the liquid agent in the tank to the washing tub,
The tank is
a tank lid that openably and closably covers an upper opening formed in the upper part of the tank;
liquid agent remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank;
a connecting portion that connects the tank and the liquid agent automatic injection device and causes the liquid agent to flow out;
a filter provided inside the tank for filtering the liquid agent;
has
The liquid agent remaining amount detection means includes:
a float that is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft provided at the top of the tank and that floats near the liquid surface in the tank;
a detection unit that detects the floating position of the float,
The tank lid includes an opening provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion, and a small window that covers the opening so as to be able to be opened and closed,
The filter is provided inclined downward toward the opening side so as to cover the upper part of the connecting part,
The float is
not located vertically below the opening at the lowest point,
It is configured to rotate toward the connecting part side as the liquid level inside the tank increases,
washing machine. Ribs are formed on the inner wall surface of the tank so that the user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid agent by comparing it with the liquid surface of the liquid agent in the tank,
the float does not rotate toward the opening than the rib;
The washing machine according to claim 1. The float is
a link formed by extending from the vicinity of the rotation shaft;
a magnet box provided at the tip of the link and having a hollow structure containing a magnet,
The link is bent toward the opposite side of the small window,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The rotation shaft is surrounded by partition ribs formed at the top and bottom,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3.

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