JP7843477B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to washing machines.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub and a tank for containing a liquid agent supplied to the washing tub.

In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a filter member having a mesh portion is housed in the tank. The mesh portion is positioned above the discharge port from which the liquid is discharged from the tank.

International Publication No. 2019/039141

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of stably supplying liquid to the washing tub.

A washing machine according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a washing tub, a tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid dispensing device for supplying the liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub, a filter member disposed within the tank and dividing the internal space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space, and a suction pipe section disposed within the tank and having an inlet that communicates with the second space through an opening provided in the filter member, and a discharge port that is connected to the liquid dispensing device through an opening provided in the wall of the tank constituting the first space, with an air vent adjacent to the filter member.

This disclosure provides a washing machine capable of stably supplying liquid to the washing tub.

Perspective view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Perspective view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Perspective view of the laundry detergent supply unit Tank perspective view Tank perspective view Top view showing the internal structure of the tank Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the tank Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the tank A cross-sectional view of a part of the tank showing the arrangement of filter components. Perspective view of the filter component Perspective view of the filter component Enlarged view of the mesh gripping rib Enlarged view of the gap between the filter component and the back of the tank. Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank Schematic diagram of a tank

(Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure)
At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, washing machines equipped with a liquid dispensing device for automatically dispensing liquids and a filter for filtering out foreign matter were known.

The inventors of the present invention discovered a problem in automatic liquid dispensing in a washing machine equipped with a filter to partition the internal space of the liquid tank: when filtering high-viscosity liquids, or when the filter mesh is fine, the resistance the liquid encounters as it passes through the filter increases, potentially resulting in a less-than-predetermined amount of liquid being dispensed into the washing tub. Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention discovered a problem particularly when the mesh section is positioned at the top of the tank: air easily flows downstream of the mesh section, making it more likely that a less-than-predetermined amount of liquid will be dispensed.

To solve these problems, the inventors of the present invention have arrived at the subject matter of this disclosure.

The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment)
A washing machine according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[Overall structure]
Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a washing machine 51 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the washing machine 51 comprises a housing 2, a water tank 3, a washing tub 4, a detergent supply unit 55, and a control unit C.

<Cabinet>
The housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine 51. The top surface of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 20 and a door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 20.

<Aquarium>
The water tank 3 is a roughly cylindrical component located inside the housing 2, with one end closed to hold laundry water. The water tank 3 may also be referred to as the outer tank.

<Washing machine drum>
The washing tub 4 is a roughly cylindrical member that is rotatably mounted inside the water tank 3 and holds laundry such as clothes. The washing tub 4 has numerous through holes (not shown) that communicate with the water tank 3. The through holes allow the movement of washing water and detergent between the water tank 3 and the washing tub 4. The washing tub 4 may also be called a drum or inner tub. In Figure 1A, the washing tub 4 is covered by an inner lid 41, and in Figure 1B, the washing tub 4 is open.

<Laundry detergent supply unit>
The laundry agent supply unit 55 is a unit that supplies laundry agents such as liquid agents, powder detergents, and solid agents to the washing tub 4. Supplying laundry agents means discharging them downwards toward the washing tub 4. Liquid agents are liquid agents used to wash laundry such as clothes. Liquid agents may include detergents, fabric softeners, and neutral detergents.

As shown in Figure 1A, the laundry detergent supply unit 55 includes a manual dispensing unit 56 and an automatic dispensing unit 7.

<Control Unit>
The control unit C is a component that controls the operation of the washing machine 51. The control unit C may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and the processor may function as these elements by executing the program. Figures 1A and 1B show an example in which the control unit C is arranged on the front of the housing 2, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the control unit C may be arranged on the back of the housing 2.

Next, the configuration of the laundry detergent supply unit 55 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the laundry detergent supply unit 55.

As shown in Figure 2, the laundry detergent supply unit 55 comprises a unit case 100, a lid 100a, a manual dispensing unit 56, an automatic dispensing unit 7, and a water supply member 10.

The unit case 100 is a component that houses the manual feeding unit 56 and the automatic feeding unit 7. The top of the unit case 100 is open and covered by a lid 100a.

The manual dispensing unit 56 is a mechanism that allows the user to manually dispense a single dose of laundry detergent, such as liquid detergent, powder detergent, or solid detergent, each time the washing machine 51 is operated. The laundry detergent dispensed into the manual dispensing unit 56 is then supplied to the washing tub 4 in the dispensed amount.

The automatic dispensing unit 7 is a mechanism that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid from a liquid storage tank into the washing tub 4. The automatic dispensing unit 7 supplies the appropriate type and amount of liquid to the washing tub 4, for example, depending on the amount and type of laundry. The automatic dispensing unit 7 has two tanks 70 and 71 arranged horizontally in the width direction K (horizontal direction) for containing the liquid, and a pump (not shown) for sucking and dispensing the liquid. In Embodiment 1, tank 70 contains detergent, and tank 71 contains fabric softener.

The water supply member 10 is a mechanism that supplies water to the washing tub 4 via the laundry detergent supply unit 55. The water supply member 10 consists of multiple water supply valves, and the destination of the water supply can be changed by opening and closing these valves. For example, if three water supply valves are provided, one is for supplying water to the detergent, one is for supplying water to the fabric softener, and one is for supplying water for cooling the drying and dehumidifying device (not shown). Furthermore, the water supply valves may change the destination of the water supply between the manual dispensing unit 56 and the automatic dispensing unit 7.

As a representative example of the structures of tanks 70 and 71, the structure of tank 71 will be described in more detail, but the following description also applies to tank 70. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of tank 71.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tank 71 is a box-shaped container comprising a main body 87 having a front 91 and a rear 92. The top of the main body 87 is covered by a lid 88.

As shown in Figure 3, the front panel 91 is provided with a remaining volume indicator window 93 made of a transparent material. The remaining volume indicator window 93 has scale lines 94 printed on it, arranged vertically. The smallest scale line 94A indicates the timing for replenishment. The user can view the liquid level in the tank 71 through the remaining volume indicator window 93 and confirm the remaining amount of liquid by comparing it with the scale lines 94.

As shown in Figure 4, a pump 73 for drawing out the liquid is provided on the rear surface 92. The pump 73 is connected to a discharge port 78 located on the rear surface 92, and draws out the liquid from the tank 71 through the discharge port 78. The pump 73 is a positive displacement pump and supplies a predetermined volume of liquid to the washing tub 4.

Figures 5A to 5C show the internal structure of the tank 71. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the main body 87 houses a filter member 65 and an elbow member 76. As shown in Figure 5B, the liquid contained in the tank 71 passes through the filter member 65 and flows into the pump 73 via the elbow member 76 (see arrow A).

As shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the filter member 65 is positioned along the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The filter member 65 divides the space of the tank 71 into an upper space K1 and a lower space K2, which includes the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The volume of the upper space K1 is larger than the volume of the lower space K2, and in Embodiment 1, it is 30 times or more the volume of the lower space K2.

The filter member 65 has the function of filtering out foreign matter from the liquid flowing from the upper space K1 to the lower space K2 (see arrow A).

An elbow member 76 is provided above the filter member 65 to allow the liquid to flow from the lower space K2 into the pump 73.

As shown in Figure 5B, the elbow member 76 is a tubular member extending between the suction port 77 for drawing liquid from the lower space K2 and the discharge port 78 connected to the pump 73. The elbow member 76 may also be referred to as the suction pipe section. The elbow member 76 forms a flow path inside through which the liquid passes. The operation of the pump 73 causes the liquid to flow through the flow path from the suction port 77 to the discharge port 78.

The elbow member 76 has a first portion 76A extending diagonally upward from the suction port 77 and a second portion 76B extending laterally toward the pump 73. The first portion 76A and the second portion 76B are connected to each other, forming a bend. The end of the first portion 76A forms the suction port 77 and penetrates the filter member 65. The end of the second portion 76B forms the discharge port 78 and penetrates the rear surface 92 of the tank 71. Because the elbow member 76 is bent from the inner bottom surface of the tank 71 toward the side (rear surface 92), it has a bulky shape.

The second section 76B incorporates a check valve 68. The check valve 68 can prevent backflow of the liquid from the pump 73 to the tank 71.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank 71 showing the arrangement of the filter member 65. As shown in Figure 6, the filter member 65 is inclined with respect to the horizontal inner bottom surface 72. The filter member 65 is inclined downward from the back surface 92 toward the front surface 91. As a result, the first side 81A of the filter member 65 along the front surface 91 is in contact with the inner bottom surface 72, and the second side 81B of the filter member 65 opposite the first side 81A is in contact with the back surface 92 at a position higher than the first side 81A. In other words, the vertex of the filter member 65 (and the vertex P1 of the mesh portion 66 described later) is located near the back surface 92. In Embodiment 1, the vertex of the filter member 65 is lower than the minimum scale division 94A.

Because the filter member 65 is inclined downward toward the front surface 91, the liquid level visible through the remaining liquid level indicator window 93 (Figure 3) on the front surface 91 is prevented from being obscured by the filter member 65.

The inclination angle θ of the filter member 65 is, for example, 15° or less, and preferably 2° to 5°.

The suction port 77 is aligned with the lower surface of the inclined filter member 65. In other words, the suction port 77 does not protrude into the lower space K2, but is located on the same plane as the lower surface of the filter member 65. On the other hand, the suction port 77 may protrude below the lower surface of the inclined filter member 65.

A flange portion 95 is provided on the outer circumference of the end of the first portion 76A that forms the suction port 77. The lower surface of the flange portion 95 faces the upper surface of the filter member 65, pressing the filter member 65 against the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. In addition, because the first portion 76A extends diagonally downward, the first portion 76A biases the filter member 65 downward and toward the front surface 91. As a result, a gap X1 is formed between the second side 81B and the back surface 92 of the filter member 65.

Next, the structure of the filter member 65 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of the filter member 65. Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B. Figure 8B is an enlarged view of the gap X1 between the filter member 65 and the back surface 92 of the tank 71.

As described above, the filter member 65 has the function of suppressing the inflow of foreign matter into the pump 73. Examples of foreign matter include lint, hair, dust, sand, and solid particles added to the liquid. Regarding the size of the foreign matter, if the foreign matter is particulate, the particle diameter may be, for example, 0.1 mm or larger, or 0.2 mm or larger.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the filter member 65 has a mesh portion 66, a frame portion 67, and mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B (Figure 7B). The mesh portion 66 has multiple through-holes 66a that penetrate from both sides, allowing the liquid to pass through. The frame portion 67 and the mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B support the mesh portion 66.

As shown in Figure 7A, the frame portion 67 is a plate-like member having a first side 81A and a second side 81B that face each other. As described above, the upper surface of the frame portion 67 is inclined downward from the second side 81B toward the first side 81A.

The frame portion 67 has an opening 84 for providing the mesh portion 66. The opening 84 may extend from the first side 81A to the second side 81B.

This structure allows the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 to be formed separately, and the filter member 65 to be formed by insert molding the mesh portion 66 into the opening 84. That is, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 can be formed by different processing methods. For example, the mesh portion 66 can be formed by weaving chemical fibers, the mesh portion 66 can be placed in a resin molding die corresponding to the frame portion 67, and resin can be poured into the die to form the frame portion 67.

When the mesh portion 66 is insert-molded into the frame portion 67, the mesh portion 66 is inclined along the upper surface of the frame portion 67, and the vertex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is located near the second side 81B.

As shown in Figure 8A, the insert-molded mesh portion 66 is supported by being sandwiched between mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B from above and below. Mesh gripping rib 82B is smaller than mesh gripping rib 82A. Specifically, at the height where it protrudes perpendicularly to the filter member 65, mesh gripping rib 82B is smaller than mesh gripping rib 82A.

Returning to Figures 7A and 7B, the frame portion 67 has a connection opening 85 to which the elbow member 76 is connected, separate from the opening 84 for providing the mesh portion 66. The connection opening 85 is an opening for connecting the elbow member 76 to the lower space K2. A projection 85A is provided along the outer circumference of the connection opening 85, projecting upward from the upper surface of the frame portion 67. Since the side surface of the projection 85A contacts the outer circumference of the flange portion 95, it is possible to suppress the flow of liquid in the upper space K1 into the lower space K2 through the connection opening 85.

As shown in Figure 7B, the frame portion 67 has a wall portion 89 extending downward from the second side 81B. The wall portion 89 contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. This structure allows the second side 81B to be higher than the first side 81A, maintaining the inclined state of the filter member 65.

In addition, a protruding portion 90 is formed on the lower surface of the frame portion 67, projecting downwards. The protruding portion 90 also contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, maintaining the inclined state of the filter member 65.

As shown in Figure 8B, the wall portion 89 forms a gap X1 with the back surface 92. The gap X1 has a width of, for example, 0.2 mm or less, to suppress the passage of foreign matter while allowing the passage of liquid.

As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, a notch 86 is formed in the wall portion 89, creating a recess that extends upward from the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The formation of the notch 86 makes it easier for air bubbles dispersed in the lower space K2 to gather within the notch 86. These gathered air bubbles then easily escape upward through the gap X1 communicating with the notch 86.

Returning to Figure 7A, the frame portion 67 has a hook portion 83 extending upward from the first side 81A of the frame portion 67. The hook portion 83 is a component for fixing the filter member 65 to the tank 71. The hook portion 83 has a contact surface 83A that abuts the side wall of the tank 71. The hook portion 83 further has a projection 83B that protrudes laterally from the contact surface 83A.

When attaching the filter member 65 to the tank 71, the protruding portion 83B is fitted into a recess (not shown) formed in the side wall of the tank 71 to position the filter member 65 within the tank 71. Then, the elbow member 76 is attached to the tank 71, and the elbow member 76 presses down on the filter member 65 from above. With this structure, the filter member 65 is sandwiched between the elbow member 76 and the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, allowing the filter member 65 to be firmly fixed to the tank 71.

The multiple through-holes 66a in the mesh portion 66 are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the through-direction. The multiple through-holes 66a may be arranged regularly or randomly. In Embodiment 1, the through-holes 66a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in two substantially orthogonal directions in a plan view from the through-direction.

The opening size of the through-hole 66a may be set according to the specifications, structure, and operation of the pump 73. For example, the through-hole 66a may be a rectangle with a side dimension of 50 μm to 200 μm in a plan view. The through-hole 66a may have, for example, a pair of sides with a length of 0.18 mm and another pair with a length of 0.27 mm. Alternatively, the through-hole 66a may have, for example, a pair of sides with a length of 0.17 mm and another pair with a length of 0.09 mm. Such a structure can suppress the passage of foreign matter and promote the passage of liquids with a viscosity of 5000 mPa or less.

(operation)
With the above configuration, an example of the operation of the tank 71 will be explained with reference to Figures 9A to 9G. Figures 9A to 9G are schematic diagrams of the tank 71.

As shown in Figure 9A, in the empty tank 71, the upper space K1 and the lower space K2 are filled with air. The user then adds or replenishes the empty tank 71 with liquid.

As shown in Figure 9B, when the liquid is poured into the tank 71 up to the liquid level S1, gravity causes the liquid to flow from the upper space K1 through the mesh section 66 into the lower space K2. Meanwhile, some of the air that was present in the lower space K2 before replenishment does not escape into the upper space K1, forming bubbles 101.

As shown in Figure 9C, because the filter member 65 is inclined, the bubbles 101 rise along the lower surface of the filter member 65 towards the second side 81B (arrow B1). Since the mesh gripping rib 82B is smaller than the mesh gripping rib 82A, the bubbles 101 move easily along the lower surface of the filter member 65. On the other hand, the mesh gripping rib 82A improves the strength of the mesh portion 66.

The rising bubbles 101 tend to accumulate in the recesses formed by the notches 86. Bubbles 101 that flow into the notches 86 are released into the atmosphere through the gap X1 from the liquid surface S1 of the liquid agent in the upper space K1.

As shown in Figure 9D, when the liquid agent is used in the washing process, the height of the liquid level S1 in the tank 71 gradually decreases.

If the liquid level S1 is higher than the apex P1, the mesh portion 66 is embedded in the liquid. In other words, the mesh portion 66 is not exposed to air. The space below K2 is filled with the liquid.

The pump 73 (Figure 4) draws the liquid from the tank 71 and discharges it towards the washing tub 4 (arrow W1). The liquid then passes through the mesh section 66 to replenish the amount that has been drawn out (arrow W2).

As shown in Figure 9E, when the liquid level S1 falls below the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66, the upper part of the mesh portion 66 is exposed to air. Therefore, air passes through the exposed portion of the mesh portion 66 and flows into the space K2 below the mesh portion 66 (arrow R1).

When the liquid is discharged in this state, as shown in Figure 9F, the liquid is drawn out of the tank 71 (arrow W1), and the amount of liquid in the lower space K2 decreases. Therefore, air flows further into the empty space in the lower space K2 (arrow R1). As a result, a difference is created between the liquid level H1 upstream of the mesh section 66 and the liquid level H2 downstream.

As more liquid is dispensed, as shown in Figure 9G, the suction port 77 of the elbow member 76 moves away from the liquid surface S2 and is exposed to the air. This makes it difficult for the pump 73 to draw up the liquid, suppressing its extraction. In this state, even though liquid remains in the tank 71, there is a risk that air will be supplied to the washing tub 4 instead of the liquid.

In this disclosure, when the liquid level S1 drops to the minimum scale line 94A, the user is prompted to replenish the liquid. Therefore, once the liquid is replenished, the liquid level S1 is maintained above the minimum scale line 94A. Since the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set below the minimum scale line 94A, it becomes easier to maintain the state in which the mesh portion 66 is embedded in the liquid.

(summary)
To summarize the above explanation, the features of this disclosure are described below.

In the washing machine 51 according to this embodiment, the elbow member 76 is positioned above the filter member 65. This eliminates constraints such as accommodating the discharge port 78 of the elbow member 76 in the lower space K2, allowing the filter member 65 to be positioned lower in the tank 71. Therefore, the filter member 65 can remain covered by the liquid for a longer period. The amount of space for air to enter the lower space K2 is reduced, preventing the pump 73 from drawing air instead of liquid from the tank 71. Consequently, the liquid can be supplied stably to the washing tub 4.

Furthermore, the filter member 65 is tilted to form a gap X1 between the second side 81B, which is the upper end of the tilt, and the back surface 92 of the tank 71. This makes it easier for air bubbles 101 in the lower space K2 to escape into the upper space K1. Therefore, the lower space K2, which is in communication with the pump 73, is filled with the liquid, and the pump 73 is prevented from sucking out air.

(effect)
The washing machine 51 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

As described above, the washing machine 51 of this embodiment comprises a washing tub 4, a tank 71, a pump 73 (liquid dispenser), a filter member 65, and an elbow member 76 (suction pipe section). The tank 71 contains the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The pump 73 supplies the liquid contained in the tank 71 to the washing tub 4. The filter member 65 is located inside the tank 71 and divides the internal space of the tank 71 into an upper space K1 (first space) and a lower space K2 (second space) below the upper space K1. The elbow member 76 is located inside the tank 71 and has a suction port 77 and a discharge port 78. The suction port 77 communicates with the lower space K2 via a connection opening 85 (opening) provided in the filter member 65. The discharge port 78 is connected to the pump 73 via an opening provided in the back surface 92 (wall) of the tank 71, which constitutes the upper space K1.

With this configuration, the pump 73 can draw out the liquid simply by exposing the suction port 77 of the elbow member 76 to the lower space K2. This eliminates constraints such as the need to accommodate the elbow member 76 in the lower space K2, allowing the filter member 65 to be positioned lower in the tank 71. Therefore, it prevents the pump 73 from drawing out air instead of liquid from the tank 71, ensuring a stable supply of liquid to the washing tub 4.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 is arranged along the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71.

This configuration allows for a lower placement, thus enabling the filter member 65 to remain covered by the liquid for a longer period.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 is positioned at an inclination with respect to the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71.

This configuration makes it easy to release the air bubbles 101 in the lower space K2 into the upper space K1. Therefore, the lower space K2, which is connected to the pump 73, is filled with the liquid, suppressing the pump 73 from drawing out air.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a first side 81A that contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, and a second side 81B that is positioned higher than the first side 81A and faces the first side 81A. A gap X1 is formed between the back surface 92 (inner wall) of the tank 71 and the second side 81B.

This configuration makes it easy for the air bubbles 101 that have reached the second side 81B forming the upper end of the slope to escape into the upper space K1 through the gap X1.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a wall portion 89 extending downward from the second side 81B.

This configuration allows the filter member 65 to be easily tilted.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the wall portion 89 has a recessed shape that extends upward from the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, and is provided with a notch portion 86 (notch) that communicates with the gap X1.

This configuration makes it easier for bubbles 101 to gather and escape upwards. Furthermore, the length of the gap X1 in the vertical direction is reduced at the location where the notch 86 is formed. Therefore, the resistance that bubbles 101 experience from the side walls in the gap X1 can be reduced. As a result, the passage of bubbles 101 through the gap X1 near the notch 86 can be facilitated.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the suction port 77 is positioned along the lower surface of the filter member 65.

This configuration facilitates the suction of the liquid from the lower space K2 through the suction port 77, while suppressing the obstruction of the movement of air bubbles along the inclination of the filter member 65.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a mesh portion 66 through which the liquid passes and a frame portion 67 that supports the mesh portion 66. The suction port 77 communicates with the lower space K2 via a connecting opening 85 (opening) provided in the frame portion 67.

With this configuration, the frame portion 67 supports the mesh portion 66, while the elbow member 76 can be connected to the lower space K2 through the connecting opening 85.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the elbow member 76 has a flange portion 95 that contacts the upper surface of the frame portion 67.

This configuration allows the flange portion 95 to press the filter member 65 against the inner bottom surface 72, easily securing the filter member 65 to the tank 71. It also prevents gaps from forming between the filter member 65 and the elbow member 76.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the vertex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set to a predetermined height or lower.

This configuration allows the filter member 65 to be positioned at an even lower location within the tank 71.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the tank 71 is provided with a minimum scale line 94A (liquid replenishment line) corresponding to the timing of liquid replenishment. The apex P1 of the mesh section 66 is set to be below the height of the minimum scale line 94A.

With this configuration, the state in which the mesh portion 66 is covered with liquid can be maintained by replenishing the liquid in the tank 71.

Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

In this embodiment, an example was described in which the vertex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set to be below the height of the minimum scale line 94A, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the tank 71 may be equipped with a liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid agent. By prompting the user to replenish the liquid agent according to the liquid level detected by the liquid detection means, the state in which the mesh portion 66 is covered with liquid agent can be maintained.

The washing machine in the first embodiment comprises a washing tub, a tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid dispensing device for supplying the liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub, a filter member disposed within the tank and dividing the internal space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space, a suction pipe section disposed within the tank and having an inlet that communicates with the second space through an opening provided in the filter member, and a discharge port that is connected to the liquid dispensing device through an opening provided in the wall of the tank constituting the first space.

In the second embodiment of the washing machine, the filter member is arranged along the inner bottom surface of the tank, as in the washing machine of the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment of the washing machine, as in the washing machine of the second embodiment, the filter member is arranged at an inclination with respect to the inner bottom surface of the tank.

In the fourth embodiment, the washing machine, as in any of the first to third embodiments, has a filter member with a first side in contact with the inner bottom surface of the tank and a second side positioned higher than the first side and facing the first side, with a gap formed between the inner wall of the tank and the second side.

In the fifth embodiment, the washing machine, as in the fourth embodiment, has a wall portion extending downward from the second side.

In the sixth embodiment, the washing machine, as in the fifth embodiment, has a recessed shape extending upward from the inner bottom surface of the tank, and is provided with a notch that communicates with a gap.

In the seventh embodiment, the washing machine is arranged along the lower surface of the filter member, as in any of the first to fifth embodiments.

In the eighth embodiment, as a washing machine in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the filter member has a mesh portion through which the liquid passes and a frame portion supporting the mesh portion, and the intake port communicates with the second space through an opening provided in the frame portion.

In the ninth embodiment, the washing machine, as in the eighth embodiment, has a flange portion that contacts the upper surface of the frame portion.

In the washing machine according to the tenth embodiment, or in the washing machine according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, the vertices of the mesh portion are set to a predetermined height or lower.

In the eleventh embodiment, the washing machine in any of the eighth to tenth embodiments is provided with a liquid replenishment line in the tank corresponding to the timing of liquid replenishment, and the top of the mesh section is set to be below the height of the liquid replenishment line.

This disclosure is fully described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in this art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, as long as they do not fall outside that scope.

The washing machine of this disclosure is useful as a household washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a household front-loading or top-loading washing machine) because it can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid dispensing.

51 Washing machine 2 Casing 3 Water tank 4 Washing tub 7 Automatic dispensing unit 55 Detergent supply unit 56 Manual dispensing unit 65 Filter component 66 Mesh part 67 Frame part 70 Tank 71 Tank 72 Inner bottom surface 73 Pump 76 Elbow component 77 Suction port 78 Discharge port 85 Connection opening 87 Main body 93 Remaining amount display window 95 Flange part

Claims (3)

The washing machine drum,
A tank for containing the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub,
A liquid agent dispensing device that supplies the liquid agent contained in the tank to the washing tub,
A filter member is placed inside the tank and divides the internal space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space,
The suction pipe section is located inside the tank and has an inlet that communicates with the second space through an opening in the filter member, and an outlet that is connected to the liquid supply device through an opening in the wall of the tank that constitutes the first space,
The filter member has a mesh portion and a frame portion that supports the mesh portion and is inclined with respect to the inner bottom surface of the tank.
The suction pipe section is connected to the filter member at a position lower than the upper edge of the frame section in the washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the intake port is along the lower surface of the filter member. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a gap is provided between the upper edge of the frame portion and the side surface of the tank adjacent to the upper edge of the frame portion .