TW201912880A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

This washing machine comprises an automatic liquid detergent injection device that supplies liquid detergent that is inside a detergent tank to a drum. The automatic liquid detergent injection device has: a three-way valve unit connected to a first water supply valve and the detergent tank; and a pump unit connected to a water discharge passage in a tank housing case. The three-way valve unit sends either tap water flowing in from the first water supply valve or liquid detergent flowing in from the detergent tank, to the pump unit. The pump unit is configured so as to suck tap water or liquid detergent flowing in from the three-way valve unit and discharge same to the drum. A backflow prevention device is arranged in a water passage connecting the first water supply valve and the three-way valve unit. As a result, backflow of dirty water inside a water tub or liquid detergent up to the water supply valve is prevented by the backflow prevention device, even if a water supply passage is in a negative pressure state.

Description

washing machine

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a liquid automatic injection device composed of a liquid supply device.

Background of the Invention Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that automatically puts liquid agents such as detergent liquid or softener liquid.

The above washing machine includes: a housing; a water tank, which is elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing; a drum, which is rotatably supported in the water tank; and an automatic liquid agent feeding device, which automatically puts the liquid agent in the storage tank into the drum. The liquid agent automatic injection device is provided with: a pump to attract and spit out the liquid agent in the storage tank; and a three-way valve, which is installed in a water channel connecting the storage tank and the pump.

According to the above configuration, the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied into the water tank by driving the three-way valve and the pump.

However, in the conventional configuration, the negative pressure in the water channel during power outage or water outage may cause the liquid agent in the storage tank to flow back toward the water supply plug. Prior technical literature

Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: Specification of Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 204112111

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing machine capable of suppressing backflow of liquid in a storage tank toward a water supply tap.

The washing machine of the present invention includes: a housing; a water tank, which is supported in the housing; a washing tank, which is rotatably arranged in the water tank; and a water supply valve, which is provided on the housing and controls the water supply of the tap water. In addition, the washing machine also includes: a storage tank storage box, which is provided at an upper part of the water tank, and has a storage part; a storage tank, a storage part installed in the storage tank storage box, which stores a liquid agent; , It is installed on the upper part of the housing and supplies the liquid agent in the storage tank to the washing tank automatically. The automatic liquid injection device has a switching unit communicating with the water supply valve and the storage tank, and a pump unit communicating with the discharge water channel of the switching unit. The switching unit causes either the tap water flowing in from the water supply valve or the liquid agent flowing from the storage tank to flow to the pump unit, and the pump unit sucks the tap water or liquid agent flowing in from the switching unit and discharges it to the water tank. In addition, the washing machine is configured such that a backflow prevention device is disposed in the water path that connects the water supply valve and the switching unit.

According to this configuration, even when the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to power outage or water outage, the backflow prevention device can prevent the liquid agent in the storage tank or the contaminated water in the water tank from flowing back to the water supply plug.

Forms for Carrying Out the Invention Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, sometimes detailed explanations beyond what is necessary are omitted. For example, sometimes detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is because it is necessary to avoid the following description from being unnecessarily lengthy, so as to be easily understood by those skilled in the art. (Embodiment)

Hereinafter, the washing machine of the present embodiment will be described separately for each item using FIGS. 1 to 38. [1-1. Composition] [1-1-1. Composition of washing machine]

First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure of the washing machine of the present embodiment is performed.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the washing machine.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine of the present embodiment includes: a casing 101; and a water tank 105, which is provided inside the casing 101 and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The housing 101 constitutes the outer shape of the washing machine 100. A plurality of suspension systems (not shown) and dampers 163 are used to elastically support the water tank 105 against vibration. In the water tank 105, a rotatable drum 106 is arranged. The drum 106 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and constitutes a washing tank. The drum 106 is provided with a plurality of baffles 106a on the inner wall surface. When the baffle 106a rotates at a low speed, the baffle 106 agitates the laundry, lifts the laundry upward, and then causes the laundry to fall, etc. In addition, the drum 106 has a plurality of small holes (not shown) formed through the peripheral surface. The water tank 105 has a tank rotation motor (not shown) disposed at the bottom. The tank rotation motor drives the drum 106 to rotate.

The case 101 is provided with a laundry input / removal port 103 formed in the front and opened to receive and store laundry. A cover 102 is provided in front of the casing 101. The lid body 102 can open and close to cover the laundry input / output port 103 freely. By opening the cover 102, the user can put the laundry into the drum 106 from the laundry input / removal port 103.

The casing 101 is further provided with an automatic liquid injection device 109 constituting a liquid supply device. The automatic liquid injection device 109 is provided above the water tank 105. In addition, the configuration of the automatic liquid injection device 109 will be described in detail in [1-1-2. Configuration of Automatic Liquid Injection Device].

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the casing 101 has an openable and closable cover 114 a at the upper portion. By opening the cover 114a, the detergent tank 117 and the soft and fine tank 126 can be detachably installed in the opening 114b.

The cover 102 has an operation display unit 104 disposed on the upper part. The operation display unit 104 includes an operation unit that operates and operates, and a display unit that displays the operation state.

The casing 101 further includes a controller (not shown). The controller is to control the storage tank rotation motor, etc., to control successively to perform a series of steps such as washing, rinsing, dehydrating and so on. The controller includes a cloth amount determination unit (not shown), a liquid agent input amount calculation unit (not shown), and the like. The cloth amount determination unit detects, for example, the torque current value when the storage tank rotation motor is rotated at a constant rotation speed. Based on this torque current value, the cloth amount determination unit, for example, classifies the laundry with an upper limit of 10 kg into about 10 stages to determine the cloth amount. In addition, the controller determines the amount of water used for washing based on the determination result of the cloth amount determination unit. The liquid agent input amount calculation unit calculates the detergent input amount and the softener input amount from the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount determination unit.

The washing machine 100 includes a memory unit (not shown). The memory section is composed of, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The memory section memorizes various setting information related to the washing operation, etc. The various setting information includes a detergent type memory section (not shown) that stores information about the type of detergent.

As described above, the washing machine of this embodiment is constituted. [1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid agent feeding device 109 (liquid supply device)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 3 to 27, the structure of the automatic liquid injection device 109 will be described.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of main parts of the washing machine in the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the liquid automatic injection device of the washing machine. Fig. 5 is a right side view of the liquid automatic injection device of the washing machine. Fig. 6 is a left side view of the liquid automatic injection device of the washing machine. Fig. 7 is a left side cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid-dispensing device of the washing machine. Fig. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of an automatic liquid dispenser of the washing machine. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the automatic liquid dispenser of the washing machine. 10A is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying tap water from the same washing machine. 10B is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid of the same washing machine is supplied to the water tank. 10C is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when the soft essence liquid of the same washing machine is supplied to the water tank. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the detergent tank and the soft fine tank. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the storage tank storage box in a state where the detergent tank and the soft fine tank are installed. 14 is an enlarged view of the E1 part of FIG. 13. 15 is a rear cross-sectional view of the storage tank storage box in a state where the detergent tank and the soft fine tank are installed. 16 is a cross-sectional view of 16-16 in FIG. 15. 17 is a top view of the detergent tank and detergent tank cover of the same washing machine. 18A is a cross-sectional view of 18A-18A in a state where the float is not installed under the detergent tank cover of FIG. 17. 18B is a cross-sectional view of 18B-18B in a state where a buoy is installed under the cleaner tank cover of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a 19-19 sectional view in a state where the filter of FIG. 17 is not installed. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent tank showing a line of sight when the user of the same washing machine peers into the detergent tank through the opening from a different height. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the detergent tank and the detergent-side three-way valve of the same washing machine. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the filter of the washing machine. Fig. 23A is a diagram showing a section 23A-23A of Fig. 22. 23B is an enlarged view of the portion E2 of FIG. 22. 24 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of the same washing machine. Fig. 25 is a top view of the automatic liquid dispenser of the washing machine. Fig. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line 26-26 in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, detergent tank cover, and float portion of the same washing machine.

As described above, the automatic liquid injection device 109 (refer to FIG. 2) is provided above the water tank 105 of the casing 101. The automatic liquid injection device 109 includes a water dispenser 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113 that constitutes a switching section, and a detergent tank 117 and a soft fine tank 126 installed in the storage tank storage. Part of the storage tank storage box 114 and so on. In addition, in order to express no distinction between the detergent tank 117 and the soft essence tank 126, it will be described simply as "storage tank". In addition, when there is no distinction between detergent liquid and soft essence liquid, it will simply be described as "liquid" or "liquid". (Water supply 110)

The water supply device 110 is provided on the upper portion of the casing 101 and includes a water supply path 110c, a first water supply valve 110a, a second water supply valve 110b, and the like. In addition, in order to express no distinction between the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, it will be described simply as "water supply valve".

One end of the water supply path 110c passes through a water supply hose (not shown) and communicates with a faucet such as tap water piping. By controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, a water channel through which tap water flows is selected. Furthermore, the water channel of the tap water will be described below (the configuration of the water injection tank 116 and the configuration of the water channel). (Three-way valve unit 113)

The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit that constitutes the liquid agent installed in the detergent tank 117 of the tank storage box 114 and the liquid agent of the soft essence tank 126 to the piston pump unit 112 (see FIG. 11). In addition, the three-way valve unit is an example of a switching part.

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

As shown in FIG. 10A, the three-way valve unit 113 is provided on the water channel 124, and the water channel 124 is used to allow the detergent liquid or the soft liquid to flow to the pump unit 111. The three-way valve unit 113 controls the flow of water in the water channel 124. The front side of the water channel 124 communicates with the following: the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b that communicates with the detergent tank 117, and the soft-fine cylinder portion 111f that communicates with the soft essence tank 126. In addition, the water channel 124 communicates with the second water channel 182 (water channel) and the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 24, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a can be selectively switched between the flow of tap water flowing in the second water path 182 and the flow of detergent liquid flowing from the detergent tank 117. Thereby, either tap water or detergent liquid is supplied to the soft essence side three-way valve 113b.

Next, the specific operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a will be described using FIGS. 10A to 10C.

The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e, a detergent-side valve body 113f, a detergent-side spring 113c, and the like. The detergent-side plunger 113e is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and performs a reciprocating motion back and forth. The detergent-side valve body 113f is provided at the front end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The detergent-side spring 113c is arranged such that one end is located at the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and the other end is located at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The cleaner side cylinder 113l has an opening a at the front end. Around the detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side coil 113d is provided to cover the detergent-side plunger 113e.

First, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, in a state where the detergent-side coil 113 d is not energized, the detergent-side plunger 113 e receives potential energy imparted toward the front from the detergent-side spring 113 c. The detergent-side valve body 113f imparted with potential energy closes the opening b formed at the rear end portion 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. At this time, the opening a of the detergent side cylinder 113l is opened. Thereby, the tap water flowing into the water channel 124 in the direction of the arrow X1 in the second water channel 182 passes through the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l (arrow X2), and flows to the soft-fine three-way valve 113b (arrow X3 ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the cleaner-side coil 113d is energized, the cleaner-side coil 113d generates a magnetic field. Therefore, the detergent-side plunger 113e receives electromagnetic force from the magnetic field and moves toward the rear against the potential energy given by the detergent-side spring 113c. With this, the opening b of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is opened. As a result, the cleaning agent liquid of the cleaning agent tank 117 passes through the opening b as indicated by arrows X5 and X6, and flows toward the soft essence side three-way valve 113b. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f. Therefore, 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 flow of the tap water from the second water channel 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 are switched by the operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. With this, either the tap water or the detergent liquid can be selectively supplied to the soft essence-side three-way valve 113b.

Also, the soft-side three-way valve 113b can be selectively switched in the same manner as the detergent-side three-way valve 113a: the flow of the liquid flowing from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the flow from the soft-fine tank 126 The flow of soft essence liquid. Thereby, either tap water or softness can be supplied to the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Specifically, the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b includes the soft fine-side cylinder 113m, the soft fine-side plunger 113j, the soft fine-side valve body 113k, and the soft fine-side spring, similar to the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. 113h etc. The flexible fine-side plunger 113j is installed in the flexible fine-side cylinder 113m, and reciprocates back and forth. The flexible fine-side valve body 113k is provided at the front end of the flexible fine-side plunger 113j. The flexible side spring 113h is arranged such that one end is located at the rear wall of the flexible side cylinder 113m, and the other end is located at the rear end of the flexible side plunger 113j. The flexible fine cylinder 113m is configured to allow liquid to flow from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. The flexible fine cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. Around the flexible fine cylinder 113m, a flexible fine coil 113i is provided to cover the flexible fine plunger 113j.

First, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in a state where the flexible-side coil 113i is not energized, the flexible-side plunger 113j receives potential energy imparted by the flexible-side spring 113h toward the front. The flexible fine valve body 113k imparted with potential energy closes the opening d formed at the rear end of the flexible fine tube portion 111f. Therefore, the flow of the soft essence liquid from the soft essence tank 126 is blocked by the soft essence side valve body 113k that blocks the opening d of the soft essence side cylinder 111f. At this time, the opening c of the flexible plunger 113j is opened. By this, the detergent liquid or tap water supplied from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to the soft-fine side three-way valve 113b flows from the opening c to the suction water path of the piston pump unit 112 as shown by arrow X4 or arrow X7 112h.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the flexible coil 113i is energized, the flexible coil 113i generates a magnetic field. Therefore, the flexible side plunger 113j receives the electromagnetic force from the magnetic field and moves toward the rear against the potential energy given by the flexible side spring 113h. As a result, the opening d of the flexible fine-side cylindrical portion 111f is opened. As a result, the soft sperm liquid of the soft sperm tank 126 flows from the opening d to the suction water path 112h of the piston pump unit 112 as indicated by arrows X8 and X9. At this time, the opening c of the flexible-side plunger 113j is blocked by the flexible-side valve body 113k. Therefore, the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a is blocked by the flexible fine valve body 113k.

As described above, the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the soft essence liquid from the soft essence tank 126 are switched by the operation of the soft essence three-way valve 113b. Thereby, either the liquid or the soft sperm liquid is selectively supplied to the suction water channel 112h.

That is, with the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, when both the detergent-side coil 113d and the soft-fine coil 113i are in a non-energized state, the tap water in the second water passage 182 is supplied to the three-way valve unit 113 through Piston pump unit 112. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the detergent-side coil 113d is energized and the flexible-fine coil 113i is in a non-energized state, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the piston pump unit through the three-way valve unit 113 112. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the detergent-side coil 113d is not energized, and the soft-sperm-side coil 113i is in the energized state, the soft-sperm liquid of the soft-sperm tank 126 is supplied to the piston pump unit 112 via the three-way valve unit 113 . (Pump unit 111)

As shown in FIG. 9, the pump unit 111 constitutes a unit for sucking the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence liquid in the soft essence tank 126 and discharging it to the water tank 105.

The pump unit 111 includes an outer frame 111a, a piston pump unit 112 disposed in the outer frame 111a, and the like.

The outer frame 111a is formed of resin such as polypropylene, for example, and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer frame 111 a is disposed between the water supply device 110 and the tank storage box 114.

As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C and FIG. 21, the outer frame 111 a is provided with a detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b extending forward and backward below the front of the outer wall. As shown in FIG. 21, the front end of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 formed on the rear wall below the detergent tank 117. A plurality of spacers 111c are provided at intervals on the front outer peripheral surface of the cleaner-side cylindrical portion 111b. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 21, in front of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b, a protruding rib 111 e formed to extend in the front direction is provided. As shown in FIG. 10A, the rear end of the detergent-side cylinder 111 b is connected to the water channel 124. The water channel 124 is connected to the suction water channel 112h of the pump unit 111.

As shown in FIG. 9, the outer frame 111a is provided below the front surface of the outer wall with a flexible fine-side cylindrical portion 111f formed to extend forward and backward. The flexible fine-side cylindrical portion 111f extends forward of the outer frame 111a, and is inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) formed on the lower rear wall of the flexible fine groove 126. As shown in FIG. 10A and the like, the rear end of the flexible fine-side cylindrical portion 111f is connected to and communicates with the water channel 124.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the piston pump unit 112 includes a cylinder 112d, a suction water passage 112h for flowing the liquid into the cylinder 112d, a discharge water passage 112g for discharging the liquid from the cylinder 112d, and driving Motor 112f, etc. The driving motor 112f drives a piston 112e provided in the cylinder 112d and capable of reciprocating up and down.

That is, the cylinder 112d is formed into a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape). Inside the cylinder 112d, a piston 112e capable of reciprocating up and down is arranged. The piston 112e is connected to the drive motor 112f through the link 112a and the cam 112b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the drive motor 112f is transmitted to the piston 112e through the link 112a and the cam 112b, so that the piston 112e reciprocates up and down.

In addition, the cylinder 112d is installed so that its lower part communicates with the suction water passage 112h and the discharge water passage 112g. The suction water passage 112h and the discharge water passage 112g are arranged below the piston 112e. By this, the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e can be vigorously discharged downward.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the suction water channel 112h is a discharge port e that communicates with the water channel 124, and is configured as a water channel that sucks the liquid discharged from the soft-fine side three-way valve 113b to the housing portion 112c in the cylinder 112d.

As shown in FIG. 11, the suction water passage 112h includes a suction side check valve 164 provided inside. The suction side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at the lower portion. In addition, a spring 164b is provided in the suction water passage 112h to impart downward potential energy to the suction side check valve 164. With the potential energy imparted by the spring 164b, the convex portion 164a abuts the drop portion of the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h. Accordingly, the suction side check valve 164 is configured to move upward, but its movement below the cylinder 112d can only reach the position where it contacts the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h.

On the other hand, the discharge water passage 112g constitutes a water passage for discharging the liquid in the cylinder 112d. As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water channel 112 g is connected to the branch water channel 129 a connecting the hose 129.

The discharge water channel 112g includes a discharge-side check valve 165 provided inside. The discharge side check valve 165 has a convex portion 165a formed on the upper portion. In addition, a spring 165b is provided in the discharge water passage 112g, and the discharge side check valve 165 is given upward potential energy. Due to the potential energy given by the spring 165b, the convex portion 165a contacts the drop portion of the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g. Thereby, the discharge side check valve 165 is configured to move downward, but its movement above the cylinder 112d can only reach the position where it contacts the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g.

In the above configuration, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, and therefore, an upward force is applied to the suction side check valve 164. At this time, when the upward force is greater than the combined force of the gravity (self-weight) of the suction side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward. As a result, a gap occurs between the convex portion 164a of the suction side check valve 164 and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h. As a result, the liquid passing through the three-way valve unit 113 passes through the gap, flows through the suction water passage 112h, and flows into the cylinder 112d.

On the other hand, when the piston 112e moves downward, the positive pressure in the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d exerts a downward force on the discharge side check valve 165. At this time, the combined force of the gravity force (self-weight) at the discharge side check valve 165 and the downward force applied to the discharge side check valve 165 gives the elastic force of the upward potential energy of the discharge side check valve 165 than the spring 165b When it is larger, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. As a result, a gap occurs between the convex portion 165a of the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g. As a result, the liquid in the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d passes through the gap, flows through the discharge water passage 112g, and is discharged to the branch water passage 129a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water channel 112 g is connected to and communicates with the branch water channel 129 a of the connection hose 129. The connection hose 129 is a hose that connects the drain port 114c of the tank storage box 114 and the water tank 105. As a result, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid agent in the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d passes through the branched water path 129a of the connecting hose 129 connected to the discharge water path 112g, and then is discharged into the water tank 105.

As described above, the piston 112e of the piston pump unit 112 repeats up and down movements. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the detergent liquid of the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence liquid of the soft essence tank 126 is sucked into the pump unit 111 and discharged to the water tank 105.

In addition, the suction water channel 112h, the discharge water channel 112g, and the branch water channel 129a are arranged in a substantially vertical direction so that the liquid agent and the like can fall freely. (Reservoir storage box 114 (Reservoir storage section))

As shown in FIG. 3, the tank storage box 114 is a container configured with a storage portion whose upper surface is open. On the rear side of the storage portion of the tank storage box 114, a detergent tank 117 and a soft fine tank 126 that are detachably attached are provided. On the front side of the storage portion of the tank storage box 114, a detergent box 115 that is detachably attached is provided.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, the tank storage box 114 has an insertion hole 114d formed in the lower rear wall. The cleaner-side cylindrical portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114d.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the tank storage box 114 includes linear Hall elements 136 arranged on the left and right side walls to constitute a detection unit. The linear Hall element 136 is constituted by, for example, an analog element. Furthermore, the linear Hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic sensor.

In addition, the tank storage box 114 is provided with a lower water injection port 114g (water injection port) at the lower part of the side wall. The lower water injection port 114g is connected to a detour water passage 184 described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank storage box 114 has a drain port 114c formed at the bottom. The drain port 114c is connected to one end of the connection hose 129. The other end of the connecting hose 129 is swingably connected to the water tank 105. The connecting hose 129 is connected to the branch water channel 129 a that branches in the vertical direction from the middle of the connecting hose 129. As described above, the branch water channel 129a communicates with the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111. (Detergent tank 117, soft fine tank 126)

As shown in FIG. 27, the cleaning agent tank 117 and the soft essence tank 126 are configured as a container having an upper surface opening 118 at the upper portion. In addition, when it does not distinguish between the detergent tank 117 and the soft essence tank 126, it is simply described as "storage tank".

The detergent tank 117 is provided with a liner 117f at the upper peripheral edge. On the upper part of the detergent tank 117, a gasket 117f is penetrated, and a detergent tank cover 119 that covers the upper surface opening 118 and can be opened and closed is installed as a tank cover. When the detergent tank cover 119 is installed on the upper part of the detergent tank 117, the gasket 117f is crushed and fixed so that the detergent tank 117 is watertight. Thereby, even when the detergent tank 117 is tilted in the lateral direction, for example, the detergent liquid inside can be prevented from leaking from the detergent tank 117. In addition, the gasket may be provided not on the detergent tank 117 side but on the detergent tank cover 119 side, and the same effect can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank cover 119 has an opening 139 formed in the front. In addition, the detergent tank cover 119 includes a small window 119b configured as a liquid supply cap, and covers the opening 139 so as to be openable and closable. In addition, the small window 119b is preferably constructed using a light-transmitting member such as polypropylene.

As shown in FIG. 21, the detergent tank 117 includes a cylindrical portion 123 formed below the rear wall 117a and extending inward (forward). The cylindrical portion 123 includes a check valve 123b disposed on the inner peripheral surface. The check valve 123b is, for example, subjected to potential energy that is moved toward the rear by a spring (not shown). The check valve 123b presses the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123 in a natural state subjected to the potential energy imparted by the spring. Therefore, there is no gap between the check valve 123b and the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123. With this, leakage from the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be prevented.

With the above-described configuration, when the detergent tank 117 is installed in the tank storage box 114, the cleaner-side cylinder portion 111b (equivalent to the second cylinder portion) of the automatic liquid injection device 109 is inserted into the cylinder portion 123 (equivalent to the first Tube). At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b pushes the check valve 123b forward. As a result, a gap occurs between the check valve 123b and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 123. As a result, as shown by arrow I in FIG. 21, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be discharged from the cylindrical portion 123 to the three-way valve unit 113.

On the other hand, when the detergent tank 117 is withdrawn from the tank storage box 114, the check valve 123b receives the potential energy that is moved toward the rear by the spring. As a result, the gap between the check valve 123b and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 123 disappears. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 from leaking.

In addition, when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage box 114, the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b are held watertight by the gasket 111c. Thereby, when the detergent tank 117 is installed, the leakage of the detergent liquid from the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 toward the tank housing box 114 is prevented. As a result, through the three-way valve unit 113, it is possible to discharge the detergent liquid with the desired amount of water in the washing tank 106.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank 117 includes a grip portion 117g formed on the front outer wall surface. The grip portion 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the user can hold the grip portion 117g. In addition, by the user grasping the grip portion 117g and pulling the detergent tank 117 toward the side, the detergent tank 117 can be drawn out from the tank storage box 114. At this time, for example, the user may insert a finger into the gap between the grasping portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above or below to grasp. In addition, for example, the thumb can be inserted into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above, and the remaining two or three fingers can also be inserted from below to thereby grip the grip portion 117g.

In addition, when the detergent tank 117 is drawn out by gripping the grip portion 117g from the lower side, it is necessary to extend the wrist into the narrow space of the accommodating portion of the detergent box 115, so the wrist is restrained. Therefore, a finger is inserted into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above. Therefore, the posture of the wrist is not restricted, and the detergent tank 117 can be easily drawn out.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the detergent tank 117 has the recessed part 117k formed in the outer bottom surface behind, and recessed upwards. The concave portion 117k includes a receiving portion 117h formed to extend rearward at the peripheral edge portion. The receiving portion 117h is composed of an extending portion 117i extending rearward, and a protrusion 117j formed at the rear end portion of the extending portion 117i.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the tank storage box 114 includes two guide ribs 114 h on the bottom surface 120. The guide rib 114h is formed at a position where the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 is sandwiched when the detergent tank 117 is installed. When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage box 114, the detergent tank 117 is pushed to the rear in a state where it has been put into the storage portion of the tank storage box 114. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the protrusion 117j of the receiving portion 117h enters between the guide ribs 114h. As a result, the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h are fitted to fix the detergent tank 117 to the tank housing box 114.

In addition, when the detergent tank 117 is not completely attached to the tank storage box 114, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid leaks from the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. Thereby, there is a possibility that a desired amount of detergent liquid cannot be supplied to the water tank 105, which may affect the washing performance.

Therefore, the washing machine of the present embodiment is configured to fit the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 into the two guide ribs 114h of the tank housing box 114. With this, the detergent tank 117 can be surely attached to the tank storage box 114. In addition, when the user attaches the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage box 114, the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h. Therefore, the user will need to force the detergent tank 117 back. At this time, when the front end of the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h, the sense of resistance when the detergent tank 117 is pushed is weakened. Therefore, when the user installs the detergent tank 117 in the tank storage box 114, the user will feel a clasp. With this, the user can recognize that the receiving portion 117h has been surely inserted into the guide rib 114h. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the leakage of the detergent liquid from the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. As a result, a desired amount of detergent liquid can be supplied to the water tank 105. In addition, the guide rib 114h also functions as a positioning when inserted into the detergent tank 117.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage box 114 are fixed by the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the detergent tank 117 is pushed rearward and snap-fitted to the tank storage box 114. Specifically, a ring-shaped braking portion that fits with the receiving portion 117h may be formed in the tank housing box 114 to be configured to be snap-fittable.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the detergent tank 117 has a first longitudinal rib 138a, a second longitudinal rib 138b, and a third longitudinal rib 138c formed at intervals on the inner wall surface and extending upward from the bottom surface. In addition, when the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are expressed without distinction, they will be described only as "vertical ribs".

The second longitudinal rib 138b is located behind the first longitudinal rib 138a and has a shorter length. The third longitudinal rib 138c is located behind the second longitudinal rib 138b, and is formed to have a shorter length. By this, the user can grasp the detergent tank by confirming the length of the water surface of the detergent liquid inside the detergent tank 117 and the upper end portions of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c 117 The approximate residual amount of detergent liquid inside. That is, by seeing several longitudinal ribs among the three longitudinal ribs, it is possible to easily grasp the rough residual amount of the cleaning agent. For example, when all of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are hidden in the detergent liquid and become invisible, it can be determined that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 There are many residuals. On the other hand, when the first longitudinal rib 138a and the second longitudinal rib 138b are visible, and only the third longitudinal rib 138c is hidden in the detergent liquid and cannot be seen, it can be judged that the residual amount of the detergent has gradually decreased In addition, when the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are all visible, it can be determined that the shortage is imminent.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the cleaning agent tank 117 accommodates the float 130a disposed under the cleaning agent tank cover 119. As shown in FIG. 19, the float 130a is arranged at intervals in the left-right direction with respect to the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c. The buoy portion 130a is configured so as not to rotate forward of the third longitudinal rib 138c. Thereby, when the user opens the small window 119b of the detergent tank cover 119 and peers into the opening 139, it is possible to prevent the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib from being seen by the float 130a 138c.

That is, as shown in FIG. 20, the lengths of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are set to match the user located on the front side of the washing machine to look into the detergent tank 117 from the small window 119b The sight of inner time. Specifically, the lengths of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are formed such that they are longer on the front side and shorter on the rear side. This allows the user to easily see the upper end portions of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c from the small window 119b when looking at the opening 139 from the front. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the first longitudinal rib 138a can be easily seen no matter from the line of sight B (one-point chain line) of a person with a shorter height or from the line of sight A (broken line) of a person with a higher length. , The upper ends of the second vertical ribs 138b and the third vertical ribs 138c can grasp the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

In addition, since the softener tank 126 and the detergent tank 117 have the same structure, the description is omitted. Regarding the flexible fine groove 126, as shown in FIG. 12, each component corresponds to the grip portion 126g, the receiving portion 126h, the extension portion 126i, the protrusion portion 126j, the recessed portion 126k, and the flexible fine cylinder portion 127 (equivalent to the second cylinder portion ) And the guide rib 114i (refer to FIG. 15) of the tank housing case 114, and a cylinder part (corresponding to the first cylinder part) not shown. In addition, the soft essence tank 126, like the detergent tank 117, is provided with a soft essence tank cover (not shown) that constitutes a storage tank cover, and a small window provided on the flexible essence tank cover and constituting a liquid supply cap (Figure Not shown). (Filter 122)

As shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 27, the filter 122 is in the detergent tank 117, and after considering the state shown below, it is detachably installed in an obliquely inclined state. The filter 122 is made of resin such as polypropylene, for example. The filter 122 has through-holes (not shown) that penetrate through the front and back and are formed in a lattice shape. The filter 122 filters the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. With this, it is possible to suppress the fixing matter of the detergent liquid and the like from clogging in the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b.

That is, in general, the detergent liquid has high viscosity. Therefore, when the filter 122 is arranged horizontally inside the detergent tank 117, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid will not pass through the through hole of the filter 122 and may remain and be fixed on the surface of the filter 122. When the detergent liquid remains and is fixed on the surface of the filter 122, there is a possibility that an appropriate amount of detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117. In addition, when the detergent liquid blocks the through hole of the filter 122, cavitation may occur in the space below the filter 122 inside the detergent tank 117. Therefore, there is a possibility that the driving motor 112f of the pump unit 111 is idling, and the desired amount of detergent liquid may not be discharged.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the filter 122 is inclinedly provided in the detergent tank 117.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23B, the filter 122 is formed in a lattice shape by a plurality of vertical ribs 122e and a plurality of lateral ribs 122f. The longitudinal rib portion 122e is formed so as to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in a state of being attached to the detergent tank 117. The horizontal rib 122f is disposed on the back of the vertical rib 122e so as to cross the vertical rib 122e. With the above configuration, the detergent liquid adhering to the surface of the filter 122 flows toward the bottom surface 120 (see FIG. 18B) of the detergent tank 117 in the direction of the longitudinal rib 122e. This can prevent the detergent liquid from remaining on the surface of the filter 122 and being fixed. Also, the detergent liquid passing through the through hole of the filter 122 flows diagonally downward along the side surface of the lateral rib portion 122f and flows down from the front end portion of the lateral rib portion 122f. With this, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid that has adhered to the filter 122 from clogging the through hole of the filter 122.

As shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 23A, the filter 122 is formed such that the lower end 122d is bent in a state where it is installed in the detergent tank 117. In addition, the filter 122 has an engagement claw 122g on the back. The engaging claw 122g includes an extension rib 122b, a convex portion 122c, and the like. The extension rib 122b is formed so as to extend in the back direction of the filter 122. The convex portion 122c is formed to be convex toward the rear at the front end portion of the extending rib 122b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18A, the detergent tank 117 includes a hook portion 121 formed on the bottom surface 120. The hook 121 will engage with the lower end 122d of the filter 122. In addition, the detergent tank 117 includes a protrusion 117b formed in the rear wall 117a and protruding toward the inside of the detergent tank 117. The protruding portion 117b is engaged with the convex portion 122c of the engaging claw 122g of the filter 122. With the above-described configuration, the filter 122 is inclined in the inclined direction in the detergent tank 117, and is engaged and fixed.

Hereinafter, a method of attaching and detaching the filter 122 and the detergent tank 117 will be described.

First, the filter 122 is installed in the detergent tank 117 by the method shown below.

Specifically, the lower end 122d of the filter 122 is engaged with the hook portion 121 of the detergent tank 117. In the engaged state, while the lower end 122d serves as a fulcrum, the filter 122 is pushed backward in the detergent tank 117 as shown in FIG. 18A. As a result, the engaging claw 122g of the filter 122 and the protruding portion 117b of the detergent tank 117 are engaged. As a result, the filter 122 is fixed in the detergent tank 117 and held in the inclined direction.

On the other hand, the filter 122 can be removed from the detergent tank 117 by the method shown below.

Specifically, the filter 122 is pushed and bent toward the rear shown in FIG. 18A. Thereby, the engagement between the engagement claw 122g and the protrusion 117b is released. As a result, the filter 122 can be easily drawn from the detergent tank 117.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the filter 122 includes a downward extending rib 122 a formed below. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the detergent tank 117 is provided with a lower concave portion 117c formed near the cylindrical portion 123 on the bottom surface. The lower concave portion 117c is provided so that the detergent liquid can be discharged even if the residual amount of the detergent liquid is small. The lower extension rib 122a is installed in the lower recessed portion 117c, and prevents the intrusion of foreign matter such as liquid fixation into the lower recessed portion 117c. (Cleanser box 115)

As shown in FIG. 4, the detergent box 115 is provided on the front side of the detergent tank 117 and the soft fine tank 126 of the tank storage box 114 and is detachable.

As shown in FIG. 7, the detergent box 115 is configured to abut the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence tank 126. Therefore, when the detergent box 115 is installed in the tank storage box 114, the detergent box 115 pushes the detergent tank 117 or the soft fine tank 126 toward the rear. When the detergent tank 117 is pushed toward the rear, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 provided on the outer frame 111a of the pump unit 111. With this, it is possible to reliably prevent the leakage of the detergent liquid or the like from the detergent tank 117.

In the same way, when the detergent tank 115 is pushed backward by the detergent tank 115, it is surely installed in the tank storage box 114. With this, the leakage of the soft essence liquid from the soft essence tank 126 can be reliably prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the detergent box 115 constitutes a container whose upper surface is opened, and is provided with a partition 115a. The partition 115a divides the storage portion of the detergent cartridge 115 into a detergent storage portion 115b and a soft essence storage portion 115c. Thereby, the user can manually put the powder detergent into the detergent container 115b, and put the softener into the softener container 115c.

The detergent box 115 includes a discharge port (not shown) formed on the bottom surface. The liquid agent flowing out of the discharge port is supplied to the counter-water tank 105 via the tank storage box 114 and the connecting hose 129.

In addition, when the powder detergent that has been put into the detergent storage portion 115b is rinsed, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a shown in FIG. 24. With this, the tap water supplied by the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and the water injection channel as indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. 24. In addition, tap water is poured into the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent cartridge 115 from the first upper water injection port 116b.

On the other hand, the soft essence accommodating portion 115c also includes a siphon mechanism known in the past. The controller opens the second water supply valve 110b shown in FIG. 24 when flowing the soft sperm liquid charged into the soft sperm container 115c. As a result, the tap water flows through the third water channel 183 as indicated by arrow A3 in FIG. 24. In addition, tap water is injected into the soft essence accommodating portion 115c of the detergent box 115 from the second upper water injection port 116c. By water injection, the water level in the soft essence containing portion 115c will rise. By this, the siphon effect caused by the siphon mechanism, the soft sperm liquid that has been put into the soft sperm storage part 115c will not remain in the soft sperm storage part 115c, but will completely flush into the water tank 105. (The configuration of the water injection box 116, and the configuration of the waterway)

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tank storage box 114 includes a water injection box 116 that is disposed on the upper portion and allows tap water to flow in. The water injection box 116 includes a claw portion 116 a that is engaged with the engagement portion 114 m of the tank housing box 114. Thereby, the water injection box 116 and the tank storage box 114 are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water injection box 116 communicates with the following: the water injection path communicating with the first water supply valve 110a, and the water injection path communicating with the second water supply valve 110b. In addition, the water injection box 116 has a first upper water injection port 116b and a second upper water injection port 116c formed in the front. The first upper water injection port 116b and the second upper water injection port 116c communicate with the water injection path. In addition, the water injection box 116 further includes a third upper water injection port 116d (corresponding to a second water injection port) formed at the rear.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the first water channel 181 constitutes a water channel in which water flowing from the first water supply valve 110a flows through the water injection channel of the water injection tank 116 and is injected into the detergent tank 115 from the first upper water injection port 116b Inside the detergent storage portion 115b. That is, when the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a, tap water flows through the first water channel 181 and is injected into the detergent storage portion 115b from the first upper water injection port 116b. In addition, the first water channel 181 will branch into the second water channel 182 on the upstream side of the water injection box 116.

The second water channel 182 constitutes a water channel that flows into the branch water channel 129a connecting the hose 129 via the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. The second water channel 182 is branched such that on the upstream side of the three-way valve unit 113, the detour water channel 184 faces vertically downward. The detour water channel 184 communicates with the lower water injection port 114g (water injection port) of the tank storage box 114.

In addition, in general, clogging of foreign substances may occur, or the opening and closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a may not be completely closed due to changes over time. At this time, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows back in the second water channel 182. However, in the case of the water channel structure of the present embodiment, the liquid agent flowing back in the second water channel 182 flows toward the bypass water channel 184. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid agent from flowing back to the water supply plug.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the third water channel 183 constitutes a water channel in which tap water flowing in from the second water supply valve 110b flows through the water injection channel of the water injection tank 116 and is injected into the detergent tank 115 from the second upper water injection port 116c Inside the soft essence container 115c.

That is, when the controller opens the second water supply valve 110b, tap water flows through the third water channel 183. In addition, tap water is injected into the soft essence accommodating portion 115c of the detergent box 115 from the second upper water injection port 116c.

As shown in FIG. 24, the third waterway 183 will branch into a branch waterway 185 at the third branch point 183a. The branch water channel 185 communicates with the third upper water injection port 116d. As a result, part of the tap water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows through the branch water channel 185. In addition, tap water is injected from the third upper water injection port 116d toward the inclined surface 114j in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 8. The injected water flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b via the inclined surface 114j.

As described above, each water channel is constructed. (Backflow prevention device 170)

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention device 170 of the automatic liquid medicine feeding device 109 of the washing machine 100 in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 24, the backflow prevention device 170 is provided on the upstream side of the first branch point 181 a of the first water channel 181. The backflow prevention device 170 prevents the backflow of the liquid agent to the water supply plug when the cleaning agent liquid in the cleaning agent tank 117 or the soft essence liquid in the soft essence tank 126 flows back in the second water channel 182 due to power failure or water outage. The backflow prevention device 170 is composed of, for example, the outer frame 111a, the air extractor 172, the upper cover 177, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper cover 177 is disposed so as to cover the upper portion of the outer frame 111a. At this time, 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 cover 177. The water passage 171 causes water passing through the first water supply valve 110a from the water supply passage 110c to flow from the rear toward the front.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 26, the air extractor 172 is disposed in the water passage 171. The air extractor 172 is welded and fixed to the lower surface of the upper cover 177. The air extractor 172 is configured such that the cross section is formed in a substantially square shape (including a square shape), and the inner diameter is widened toward the front and the rear.

In the water passage 171, an inlet passage 173, a negative pressure generating portion 174, an outlet passage 175, and the like are formed. The water inlet 173 is formed on the upstream side of the air extractor 172. The negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed in the air extractor 172 and is constituted by a water channel whose inner diameter is narrowed. The water outlet 175 is formed on the downstream side of the air extractor 172 and has a wider inner diameter than the negative pressure generating portion 174. Specifically, the height dimension L1 of the inlet channel 173 is, for example, 12.12 mm, the height dimension L2 of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is, for example, 1.9 mm, and the height dimension L5 of the outlet channel 175 is, for example, 15 mm. The negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed to have a narrower inner diameter than the water inlet 173 and the water outlet 175. With the above configuration, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the water passage 171 is faster by the Venturi effect in the negative pressure generating portion 174 where the water path is narrower.

The air extractor 172 includes an air intake hole 174 a formed in the negative pressure generating portion 174. The diameter L3 of the suction hole 174a is, for example, 2.5 mm. The upper cover 177 includes a protruding portion 177a formed to surround the suction hole 174a, and the protruding portion 177a has a cavity 177d inside.

As shown in FIG. 25, the protruding portion 177a is formed so as to penetrate the inside, and is connected to the connecting portion 177b. The connecting portion 177b has an opening 177c at the end. The opening 177c is connected to one end of the air introduction pipe 176 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The other end of the air introduction tube 176 is connected to and communicates with the upper part of the tank housing box 114 through the connection port 176a. As a result, the inside of the tank storage box 114 is opened to the atmosphere. With the above configuration, the negative pressure generating portion 174 passes through the suction hole 174 a of the air extractor 172 and communicates with the tank housing box 114. Therefore, the inside of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is opened to the atmosphere.

Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the aspirator 172 is configured such that the height of the inner peripheral upper portion 172b of the water channel downstream of the suction hole 174a is higher than the height of the inner peripheral upper portion 172a of the water channel upstream of the suction hole 174a . As a result, a difference m is formed between the water path on the downstream side of the air intake hole 174a and the water path on the upstream side of the air intake hole 174a. In the present embodiment, the height dimension of the drop m is, for example, 0.9 mm.

In addition, the periphery of the upper side of the suction hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is processed to form a chamfer 174b. The chamfer 174b is formed such that the diameter decreases from the protruding portion 177a side toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 side. [1-1-3. Composition of bath water pump]

As shown in FIG. 3, the bath water pump 140 is disposed behind the storage tank 114. The bath water pump 140 sucks up the bath water in the bath through a bath water hose (not shown), and supplies the bath 105 with water.

As shown in FIG. 24, the first water path 181 diverges at the second branch point 181b in the water injection box 116, and the water injection box hole (not shown) on the rear wall of the water injection box 116 communicates with one end of the auxiliary hose 141 (auxiliary water path) . On the other hand, the other end of the auxiliary hose 141 communicates with the suction port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140.

As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140 communicates with one end of the discharge hose 142 (discharge water path). The other end of the discharge hose 142 is formed on the rear wall of the tank housing box 114 and communicates with the hole 114k that constitutes the first water injection port.

Thereby, during the washing step, the water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows from the second branch point 181b through the auxiliary hose 141 to become the auxiliary water of the bath water pump 140. After the auxiliary water is filled into the bath water pump 140, the bath water will be absorbed by the bath water pump 140. As shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the bath water is discharged from the hose 142 through the hole 114k and flows into the tank housing box 114. The inflowing bath water flows in the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. 3 or arrow E in FIG. 8 through the inclined surface 114j behind the tank storage box 114.

That is, by arranging the bath water pump 140 at a position facing the water injection hole and the hole 114k, the length of the auxiliary hose 141 or the discharge hose 142 can be shortened. This can reduce the risk of water leakage caused by the rupture of the auxiliary hose 141 or the discharge hose 142, etc., and at the same time can reduce costs. [1-1-4. Configuration of residual amount detection unit]

Hereinafter, the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 28 to 30.

28 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank cover 119 and the float 130a of the washing machine 100 of the same embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the detergent tank 117 of the washing machine 100 when viewed from above. FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnetic flux density to which the linear Hall element 136 is subjected and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136.

The automatic liquid injection device 109 includes a first remaining amount detection unit 130, a second remaining amount detection unit (not shown), and the like. The first remaining amount detection unit 130 detects the cleaning amount in the cleaning agent tank 117. The second remaining amount detection unit detects the amount of soft essence in the soft essence tank 126. In addition, when the first residual amount detection unit 130 and the second residual amount detection unit are not distinguished and expressed, only the "residual amount detection unit" will be described.

The first remaining amount detection unit 130 is composed of a float 130a, a linear Hall element 136, and the like to be described below. Since the second residual amount detection unit and the first residual amount detection unit 130 have the same configuration, the description is omitted. (Float 130a)

As shown in FIG. 28, the detergent tank cover 119 includes a first bearing portion 119c and a second bearing contact portion 119e formed in parallel at positions spaced from the lower surface thereof. A first hole 119d is formed in the first bearing portion 119c, and a second hole 119f is formed in the second bearing contact portion 119e.

The float 130a includes a link 133, a rotating shaft 131 provided at the upper end of the link 133, a magnet box 135 provided at the lower end of the link 133, and the like. The rotating shaft 131 includes a first rotating shaft 131a, a second rotating shaft 131b, and the like. The first rotating shaft 131a is rotatably inserted into the first hole 119d. The second rotating shaft 131b is rotatably inserted into the second hole 119f. As a result, the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a is rotatably disposed under the detergent tank cover 119.

At this time, the second hole 119f is formed such that the diameter of the hole is larger than that of the first hole 119d. The diameter of the first rotating shaft 131a is formed to match the diameter of the first hole 119d. Similarly, the diameter of the second rotating shaft 131b is formed to match the diameter of the second hole 119f. This can prevent the first rotating shaft 131a from being erroneously inserted into the second hole 119f or the second rotating shaft 131b from being erroneously inserted into the first hole 119d.

In addition, the height position of the first bearing portion 119c is formed to be higher than the height position of the second bearing contact portion 119e in the vertical direction.

In addition, the link 133 of the float 130a includes a brake rib 132 formed near the second rotating shaft 131b. When the first rotation shaft 131a is mistakenly inserted into the second hole 119f or the second rotation shaft 131b is mistakenly inserted into the first hole 119d, the brake rib 132 abuts on the first bearing portion 119c. Therefore, the float 130a is in a state where it cannot rotate. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the erroneous attachment of the float 130a.

As shown in FIG. 27, the magnet box 135 is hollow inside, and constitutes a cover 135a and a sealed hollow container. The magnet box 135 is provided with a first magnet 134a and a second magnet 134b. In addition, when the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are not distinguished and expressed, only the "detected part" or "magnet" will be described. In addition, the magnet is an example of the "magnetic force generating part" or "magnetic body".

The first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are enclosed in a sealed state by the magnet box 135 and the outer cover 135a. This prevents the detergent liquid from intruding into the magnet 134. In addition, the magnet box 135 is provided with holding ribs 135c (see FIG. 27) for supporting the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b formed inside the magnet box 135.

Furthermore, since the magnet box 135 has a hollow structure inside, the magnet box 135 itself receives buoyancy in the detergent liquid. Therefore, the float 130a generally floats on the surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. As a result, the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a rotates in the vertical direction in response to the change in the water level of the detergent liquid.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 28, the magnet box 135 is provided with the receiving part 135b formed in the U-shape below, for example. On the other hand, the detergent tank 117 includes a magnet brake 137 formed on the inner bottom surface. The magnet brake 137 is formed to have a U-shaped arc, and the contact portion 137a with the receiving portion 135b will conform to the U-shaped receiving portion 135b. When it is determined that the amount of detergent water is the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, the magnet brake 137 contacts the receiving portion 135b.

That is, when the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 drops, the float 130a will rotate downward, and the receiving portion 135b will contact the magnet brake 137. Thereby, the float 130a can be prevented from rotating below the magnet brake 137. That is, even if the liquid level is determined to be lower than the prescribed amount of detergent water in which the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, the magnet box 135 will not continue to rotate downward. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change, but a voltage near (1/2) Vdd of the set output voltage value, which will be described later, is output.

In addition, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b and the magnet brake 137 having a similar shape will come into surface contact. By contact with the magnet stopper 137, the front, back, left, and right sides of the receiving portion 135b are suppressed from shaking, and the float 130a is stably supported. In addition, even when the position of the float 130a is shifted in the left-right direction, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b serves as a guide for the magnet brake 137. Therefore, the magnet box 135 can be more reliably guided to a desired position. (Linear Hall element 136)

As shown in FIG. 5, the linear Hall elements 136 constitute a detection portion, and are each provided on the lower side of the outer surface of the left and right side walls of the tank housing box 114. The linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density. Furthermore, the linear Hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic sensor.

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

In addition, when the detected magnetic flux density is close to 0 (zero) Wb / m2, the linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage (1/2) Vdd (V) equivalent to one-half of the maximum voltage value Vdd (V) . Furthermore, when the magnetic force is close to 0 (zero) Wb / m ² , it means that the magnetic force of the magnetic body cannot be detected by the linear Hall element 136, and thus the state where the magnetic body is separated from the linear Hall element 136.

From the above state, when the magnetic body having the N pole is close to the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the N pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 increases to be larger than (1/2) Vdd. That is, as the magnetic force of the detected N pole increases, the output voltage increases toward the direction of arrow O in FIG. 30.

On the other hand, when the magnetic body having the S pole is close to the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the S pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is reduced to (1/2) Vdd. That is, as the magnetic force of the detected S pole increases, the output voltage decreases toward the direction of arrow N in FIG. 30.

As described above, the linear Hall element 136 is provided on the lower side outside the side wall of the tank housing box 114. Therefore, when the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet box 135 is shortened. As a result, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 changes, and therefore, it is possible to detect the change in the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117.

Furthermore, when the linear Hall element 136 is disposed on the outer bottom surface side of the detergent tank 117, the detergent will accumulate on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, so the linear Hall element 136 cannot detect the detergent tank Decreased detergent liquid within 117. Therefore, in this embodiment, the linear Hall element 136 is provided outside the side wall of the tank housing box 114. Thereby, the cleaning agent will flow down along the inner surface of the side wall, and therefore, the above-mentioned erroneous detection can be prevented. [1—2. Action, action]

The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as described above will be described below. [1-2-1. Washing operation]

First, the operation of the washing operation of the washing machine 100 in this embodiment will be described.

Generally, in the washing operation of the washing machine 100, there are a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step, and a drying step. In the washing step, the laundry is immersed in the washing water, and the dirt is shed by rotating the drum 106. The rinsing step will wash the clothes soaked in the detergent liquid with water and remove the detergent liquid. The dehydration step dehydrates clothes containing water. In the drying step, warm air is supplied to the drum 106 to dry the laundry in the drum 106.

First, before starting the operation of the washing operation of the washing machine 100, the user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 in advance, and puts the soft essence liquid into the soft essence tank 126.

Specifically, when replenishing the detergent liquid to the detergent tank 117, the user opens the lid 114a and removes the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage box 114. In addition, the user opens the detergent tank cover 119, puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117, and then puts the detergent tank 117 back into the tank storage box 114. Furthermore, the cleaning agent tank 117 may not be removed from the storage tank storage box 114, but the cleaning agent liquid may be directly poured into the cleaning agent tank 117.

Similarly, when replenishing the soft essence liquid into the soft essence tank 126, the user opens the cover 114a and removes the soft essence tank 126 from the tank storage box 114. In addition, the user opens the soft essence tank cover 128, puts the detergent liquid into the soft essence tank 126, and then puts the soft essence tank 126 back into the storage tank storage box 114. Furthermore, the soft essence tank 126 may be directly put into the soft essence tank 126 without removing the soft essence tank 126 from the storage tank storage box 114.

In addition, the cover 114a, the detergent tank cover 119, and the flexible tank cover 128 of the washing machine 100 in the present embodiment are configured to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism turning up and down, for example. Therefore, when the detergent tank cover 119 and the flexible fine tank cover 128 are closed in the opened state, by closing the cover body 114a, the detergent tank cover 119 and the flexible fine tank cover 128 can be closed in the same manner.

Next, when starting the washing operation, the user opens the lid 102 and puts the laundry into the drum 106 from the laundry input / removal port 103.

Next, the user operates the operation display unit 104 to turn on the power switch, and simultaneously sets various washing schedules or washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, or spin-drying. At this time, the washing schedule that can be set is, for example, "washing only", "rinsing only", "dehydration only", and the like.

Hereinafter, the operation operation in the "washing stroke" will be described.

In the "Laundry Stroke", the controller will be controlled so that the cloth amount determination step, water supply step, washing step, washing step, and dehydration step will be executed one by one.

First, in the cloth amount determination step, the controller measures the torque current value with the cloth amount determination part. The torque current value is the torque when the tank rotation motor is rotated repeatedly in the forward direction and the reverse direction at a certain number of rotations Current value. The cloth amount determination unit detects the cloth amount in the drum 106 from the measured torque current value.

Next, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically put the amount of detergent liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit into the drum 106 from the detergent tank 117.

Next, the controller performs a water supply step: the first water supply valve 110a is opened, and tap water corresponding to the detected amount of cloth is supplied into the drum 106.

After the water supply step is completed, the controller drives the tank rotation motor to rotate the drum 106 forward and reverse. With this, the washing step of the laundry in the stirring drum 106 is performed.

After the washing step is completed, the controller will perform the dehydration step, and then, perform the rinse step.

In addition, in the rinsing step, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a, and supplies a predetermined amount of tap water into the water tank 105. After that, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically supply the amount of the soft sperm liquid calculated by the liquid injection amount calculation unit from the soft scent tank 126 into the water tank 105.

Then, after supplying the detergent liquid or the softener liquid, the controller will continue to supply tap water to the water channel to rinse the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 or the detergent or the softener liquid remaining in the water channel. This prevents the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 or the detergent liquid or the softener liquid in the water channel from being fixed.

And, after the rinsing step is completed, the controller will perform the dehydration step. With this, a series of washing trips will end. [1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid agent supply method using automatic liquid agent injection device]

Hereinafter, the water supply method to the water tank 105 and the liquid agent supply method will be specifically described.

First, in the washing step, tap water is supplied to the water tank 105.

As shown in FIG. 24, when tap water is supplied, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b. In addition, the controller puts the detergent-side coil 113d, the soft-fine coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f into a non-energized state. With this, the tap water supplied from the faucet such as tap water piping flows through the first water channel 181 shown in FIG. 24 and is supplied to the water tank 105 through the tank storage box 114, the connection hose 129, and the like.

After the water supply is completed, the controller will supply the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 to the water tank 105. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the controller puts the detergent-side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f into a powered state, and puts the flexible-side coil 113i into a non-energized state. As a result, the detergent tank 117 and the suction water channel 112h of the pump unit 111 communicate with each other. At this time, the check valve 123b in the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 moves backward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows into the suction water channel of the pump unit 111 from the cylinder part 123, through the detergent side cylinder part 111b, the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the soft fine side three-way valve 113b. 112h.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller drives the driving motor 112 f of the piston pump unit 112 to reciprocate the piston 112 e in the vertical direction in the cylinder 112 d. As a result, the negative pressure and the positive pressure are repeated in the cylinder 112d.

At this time, when the piston 112e moves upward, a negative pressure occurs in the cylinder 112d. As a result, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent liquid flows into the housing portion 112c in the cylinder 112d from the gap between the suction side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112h. In addition, when the piston 112e moves downward, positive pressure is generated in the cylinder 112d. As a result, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the cleaning agent liquid in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder will face the diverging 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 toward the branch water passage 129a as shown by arrow C in FIG. Spit out. The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branch water channel 129 a of the connecting hose 129 arranged in the vertical direction, and is supplied to the water tank 105.

As described above, the piston 112e repeats the up and down movement for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of detergent liquid to the counter tank 105. At this time, the second water channel 182 communicates with the water tank 105. Normally, when the lid 102 is opened, the water tank 105 is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, there is a possibility that the liquid agent may dry, fix, or accumulate in the water passage through which the liquid agent flows from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105.

Therefore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment connects the discharge water channel 112g of the piston pump unit 112 to the branch water channel 129a of the connection hose 129. Therefore, the detergent liquid does not pass through the water injection path of the water injection tank 116 of the tank storage box 114, but is discharged toward the water tank 105 in the downward direction and falls freely (see arrow C in FIG. 7). Thereby, the distance of 112 g of discharge water channels can be shortened, and a water channel does not become complicated. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the fixation of the detergent liquid in the water channel and the like.

Next, after the end of the injection of the detergent liquid, as shown in FIG. 10A, the controller puts the detergent-side coil 113d and the soft-side coil 113i in a non-energized state. At the same time, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). As a result, the water flowing from the first water channel 181 toward the second water channel 182 flows into the three-way valve unit 113 or the pump unit 111. As a result, with the water flowing in, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, or the connection hose 129 can be washed.

Furthermore, generally speaking, at the beginning of water supply, the trend of circulating tap water is weak. Therefore, there is a possibility that the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 may not move sufficiently, and may block the flow of the supplied water. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it may be configured to drive the drive motor 112f for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) from the start of opening the first water supply valve 110a. With the above configuration, the piston 112e of the piston pump unit 112 will reciprocate up and down, and the inside of the housing portion 112c in the cylinder will be in a state of repeated positive pressure and negative pressure. As a result, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 are sufficiently moved, so that the tap water can flow into the pump unit 111 vigorously. As a result, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, the connection hose 129, and the like can be washed more surely.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment communicates the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111 with the water tank 105 through the connection hose 129 without passing through the tank storage box 114. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining and being fixed in the water channel from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the soft liquid is supplied from the soft liquid tank 126, the controller puts the soft-side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f in an energized state, and puts the detergent-side coil 113d in a non-energized state. In addition, the method of supplying the softener liquid is the same as the method of supplying the detergent liquid, so the description is omitted.

In the above configuration, when a foreign substance is caught in the opening and closing portion of the cleaning agent three-way valve 113a, there is a possibility that a gap may occur in the opening and closing portion of the cleaning agent three-way valve 113a. At this time, in a state where the first water supply valve 110a is open, for example, when a power outage or water outage occurs, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 may flow out from the gap between the opening and closing parts of the detergent side three-way valve 113a And, in the second water channel 182, there may be a backflow toward the water supply plug.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the second water channel 182 of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is provided with a detour water channel 184 diverging downward. In addition, the lower water injection port 114g, which is the water outlet of the detour water channel 184, is arranged below the detergent tank 117. Therefore, the detergent liquid passing through the detergent side three-way valve 113a from the above-mentioned detergent tank 117 flows toward the detour water channel 184 shown by arrow A4 in FIG. 24. In addition, the detergent liquid flows toward the water tank 105 through the tank storage box 114 and the connection hose 129. This prevents the detergent liquid from flowing back to the water supply plug. As a result, the failure of the water supply plug caused by the detergent liquid can be suppressed.

At this time, tap water flowing through the detour water channel 184 flows into the tank storage box 114. Therefore, when the water is supplied, it can also be used to rinse the detergent liquid fixed to the tank housing case 114.

In addition, as in the case of the detergent liquid, the backflow of the soft essence in the soft essence tank 126 is also prevented, so the description is omitted. [1-2-3. How to supply the detergent and softener that have been manually put into the sink]

Hereinafter, a method of supplying the powder detergent or softener to the water tank 105 when the user sets the manual injection of the detergent will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 24, when the user supplies the powder detergent manually put into the detergent box 115 to the water tank 105, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b. At this time, as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied by the faucet flows through the first water channel 181, and the water is injected from the first upper water injection port 116 b toward the detergent storage portion 115 b of the detergent cartridge 115. As a result, the powdered detergent in the detergent storage portion 115b flows into the water tank 105 along with the supplied tap water, flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain 114c.

In addition, the tap water supplied to the first water channel 181 by the faucet is supplied to the second water channel 182 at the first branch point 181a as shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 24. The incoming water flowing through the second water channel 182 flows through the detour water channel 184 as indicated by arrow A4 in FIG. 24 and is supplied from the lower water injection port 114g to the inner bottom surface of the tank housing box 114. As a result, water is supplied from the upper side and water supplied from the lower side in the tank storage box 114. As a result, the powdered detergent that has been put into the detergent storage portion 115b does not remain in the tank storage box 114, but is flushed to the connection hose 129.

On the other hand, when the user manually feeds the soft essence in the soft essence accommodating portion 115c of the detergent box 115 to the water tank 105, the controller controls to close the first water supply valve 110a and simultaneously control to open the second water supply valve 110b . Thereby, the tap water supplied by the faucet flows through the third water channel 183 as indicated by the arrow A3 in FIG. 24, and is supplied from the second upper water injection port 116c toward the soft essence container 115c of the detergent box 115. As a result, the water level in the soft essence containing portion 115c rises. Moreover, due to the siphon effect caused by the siphon mechanism, the soft essence liquid does not remain in the soft essence accommodating portion 115c, but flows out toward the tank accommodating case 114. The soft liquid that has flowed out to the tank storage box 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain 114c and is supplied into the water tank 105. [1-2-4. Function of backflow prevention device 170]

Hereinafter, the operation of the backflow prevention device 170 will be described with reference to FIG. 26.

The negative pressure generating portion 174 of the backflow prevention device 170 shown in FIG. 26 is formed as described above so that the inner diameter of the water channel is narrower than the inlet channel 173 or the outlet channel 175. As a result, the flow rate of tap water passing through the negative pressure generating portion 174 is increased. Therefore, due to the so-called cultural effect, the inside of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is in a negative pressure state as compared with the water inlet 173 or the water outlet 175.

Here, the atmospheric pressure is set to P0 (N / m ² ), and the water pressure when the tap water in the water inlet 173 flows is set to P + P0 (N / m ² ). At this time, if the dynamic pressure becomes more than P (N / m ² ) by the flow of tap water in the negative pressure generating part 174, the static pressure in the negative pressure generating part 174 becomes less than the atmospheric pressure P0 (N / m ² ). In this embodiment, the tank storage box 114 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, the pressure on the air introduction tube 176 side (see FIG. 4) than the air intake hole 174a is P0 (N / m ² ).

Normally, fluid will flow from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the water path of the aspirator 172 is designed so that the static pressure in the negative pressure generating portion 174 becomes the atmospheric pressure P0 (N / m ² ) or less. Thereby, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 does not flow out from the suction hole 174a toward the protruding portion 177a of the upper cover 177, but flows toward the water outlet 175. On the other hand, air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air intake hole 174a that is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, the tap water flowing out from the aspirator 172 to the water outlet 175 becomes a gas-liquid mixed state.

In addition, when the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to a power failure or water cut, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the soft liquid in the soft essence tank 126 may flow back toward the water supply plug side. At this time, in the present embodiment, air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air intake hole 174a through the air introduction pipe 176 that is open to the atmosphere. As a result, the connection of the tap water between the water inlet 173 and the water outlet 175 is blocked. Therefore, the tap water in the water channel 171 is separated from the air intake hole 174a to the water inlet channel 173 side, and from the air intake hole 174a to the water outlet channel 175 side. As a result, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 located downstream of the water outlet 175, the soft liquid in the soft liquid tank 126, and the like can be prevented from flowing back to the tap (water supply plug).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the negative pressure generating portion 174 sets the drop m such that the inner diameter of the water path on the downstream side of the suction hole 174a is larger than the water path on the upstream side of the suction hole 174a width. As a result, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 is discharged from the water passage (inner peripheral upper portion 172a) upstream of the suction hole 174a to the water passage (inner peripheral upper portion 172b) downstream of the suction hole 174a. Air is sucked in through the air intake hole 174a. As a result, the tap water can be suppressed from flowing out from the air intake hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174 into the cavity 177d of the protruding portion 177a.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the suction hole 174a has a chamfer 174b at the periphery, and the chamfer 174b is formed so that its diameter narrows toward the negative pressure generating portion 174. As a result, even when water splashes from the suction hole 174a toward the air introduction pipe 176 when water is flowing, water droplets flow down toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 on the chamfer 174b. Therefore, clogging of the suction hole 174a due to water droplets can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the air extractor 172 is constituted by a single component. With this, the backflow prevention device 170 can be configured with a simple structure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the performance degradation caused by the assembly deviation of the backflow prevention device 170. In addition, compared with the backflow prevention device 170 formed by a plurality of component parts, there is no change with time between the component parts. Therefore, even if the backflow prevention device 170 is continuously used, the risk of failure can be greatly reduced. [1-2-5. Maintenance of the connection part between the detergent tank and the automatic liquid injection device]

When the powder detergent is manually charged into the detergent container 115b, the soft essence is charged into the soft essence container 115c, and the laundry is performed in the manual washing mode, the detergent or the soft essence is supplied from the drain 114c of the tank container 114 To the sink 105. At this time, there may be a possibility that the cleaning agent or softener remains in the storage box 114 after washing. The remaining cleaning agent or soft essence may adhere to and be fixed to the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b which is the connection portion between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid injection device 109. Therefore, when the detergent tank 117 is withdrawn from the tank storage box 114, the adhered matter may peel off and enter the detergent supply channel of the liquid automatic injection device 109, which may narrow the flow channel. As a result, there is a risk of pressure loss in the waterway. In addition, there is a possibility that a fixed substance such as a liquid agent adheres to the gasket 111c between the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, and the water tightness of the connecting portion may be damaged.

For the above reasons, there is a possibility that the necessary amount of detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117, and the washing performance or washing performance may be lowered.

Therefore, in general, it is necessary to regularly maintain the detergent tank 117 and the liquid automatic injection device 109.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a water injection box 116 is provided on the upper part of the tank storage box 114. Therefore, it is not easy to maintain the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b arranged near the rear wall of the tank storage box 114, which will be a heavy burden for the user.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, when the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment supplies water in the washing step, the water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows into the auxiliary hose 141 at the second branch point 181 b. The inflowing water flows through the bath water pump 140 and the discharge hose 142, and as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, water is injected into the tank storage box 114 from the hole 114k behind the tank storage box 114. The water filled with water will flow along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side of the storage tank 114 as shown by arrow B in FIG. 3 or arrow E in FIG. 8. The water flowing on the inclined surface 114j flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b which is the connection portion between the tank storage box 114 and the automatic liquid injection device 109.

With the above configuration, the water injected from the hole 114k flushes the connection part between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid injection device 109 every time water is supplied. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for the user to regularly perform maintenance such as removing dirt from the connection part.

In addition, the water filled with water will wash the dirt that has adhered to the pad 111c. Therefore, the watertightness of the connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b can be maintained. By this, the leakage of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 can be prevented, and the necessary amount of detergent liquid can be discharged to the water tank 105. In addition, it is possible to prevent residues from entering the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. As a result, the loss of pressure in the water channel can be prevented, and the necessary amount of detergent liquid can be stably discharged into the water tank 105.

In addition, the water injected from the hole 114k is supplied to the water tank 105 through the connection hose 129 from the drain 114c. Therefore, the water used in the washing step can be used to maintain the periphery of the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. Thereby, there is no need to construct a dedicated water supply valve or hose for waterway for washing the dirt of the tank storage box 114, so the cost can be suppressed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, during the water supply in the rinsing step, the water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows into the branch water channel 185 at the third branch point 183a. The inflowing water flows from the third upper water injection port 116d toward the rear of the tank housing box 114 as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 8. In addition, the inflowing water flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylinder that is the connection portion between the reservoir storage box 114 and the automatic liquid injection device 109 while flowing on the inclined surface 114j on the rear side of the reservoir storage box 114 The part 111b flows. With this, it is possible to flush the periphery of the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. That is, the same effect as when water is supplied during the washing step can be obtained.

In addition, when the user selects the "bath water stroke" for supplying bath water to the water tank 105 in the washing step, the controller will activate the bath water pump 140 after the automatic injection of the cleaning agent is completed. As a result, part of the water supplied by the first water supply valve 110a to the first water channel 181 flows into the bath water pump 140 from the auxiliary hose 141 at the second branch point 181b. By the water flowing into the bath water pump 140, one end is filled with tap water to communicate with the bath water pump 140, and the other end is put into a hose (not shown) in the bath water of the bath (not shown) . In this state, if the bath water pump 140 is driven, the bath water in the bath will flow in the hose and absorb water into the bath water pump 140. The bath water that has absorbed water flows through the discharge hose 142 from the hole 114k behind the tank storage box 114 into the tank storage box 114 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3. The bath water that has flowed into the tank storage box 114 flows on the inclined surface 114j, and flows toward the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b that are the connection portion between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid injection device 109. Thereby, the residue of the detergent liquid adhering to the periphery of the cylindrical portion 123 and the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b can be washed away.

In addition, in the present embodiment, it may be configured to include a "storage container maintenance stroke" in a state where the detergent tank 117 is removed from the reservoir container 114 Next, the rear wall of the tank storage box 114 or the periphery of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b will be washed.

Specifically, when the user selects "storage box maintenance stroke", the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. Thereby, the tap water flows through the first water channel 181, and 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 storage box from the hole 114k Within 114. The water that has flowed into the tank storage box 114 flows in the direction of arrow B on the inclined surface 114j, and rinses the back of the tank storage box 114 or the periphery of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b.

In addition, tap water injected from the hole 114k into the tank housing box 114 flows on the inclined surface 114j as indicated by arrow F1 in FIG. 15. With this, the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage box 114 can be washed and fixed. Similarly, the guide rib 114i and the receiving portion 126h of the flexible fine tank 126 and the tank storage box 114 can also be washed and fixed. In addition, between the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h, by preventing the fixation of the liquid agent, the detergent tank 117 can be easily drawn out from the tank storage box 114, and it can also be prevented from being caused by the fixation The fitting of the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h is poor. With this, the leakage of the detergent liquid from the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b can be suppressed. [1-2-6. Judgment method for insufficient residual amount in detergent tank]

Hereinafter, a method of determining the insufficient amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 36. In addition, the determination of the insufficient amount of the remaining softener in the softener tank 126 is the same, so the description is omitted.

First, the controller will store the threshold voltage (for example, 2.1V) determined by the TH line in FIG. 36 and determined that the residual amount of the cleaning agent is insufficient, in the memory section.

After the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 will drop, and the float 130a will rotate 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. In addition, when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has not reached the threshold voltage stored in the storage unit, the controller determines that the residual amount of the cleaning agent is insufficient, and displays the matter on the operation display unit 104.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, two magnets 134 composed of the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are arranged at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a in the magnet box 135. The first magnet 134a faces the N pole side with respect to the linear Hall element 136, and the second magnet 134b faces the S pole side with respect to the linear Hall element 136. Therefore, the linear Hall element 136 detects magnetic forces of different polarities from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b.

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

32 to 35 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 in each detergent level in the detergent tank 117.

36 is a diagram showing the relationship between the residual amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 of the washing machine 100 and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 32, in a state where the detergent liquid is filled in the detergent tank 117, the linear Hall element 136 receives the magnetic force of the N pole from the first magnet 134a. With this, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes a1 as shown in FIG. 36.

Next, when the detergent liquid is continuously discharged from the detergent tank 117 from the state of FIG. 32, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 continues to fall. As a result, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 rises.

Also, as the detergent liquid is discharged, as shown in FIG. 33, when the first magnet 134a rotates to the height position of the linear Hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes as shown in a2 of FIG. 36 Maximum voltage.

When the detergent liquid of the detergent tank 117 continues to be discharged from the state of FIG. 33, the float 130a will continue to rotate. At this time, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a is increased, and the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the second magnet 134b is close. Therefore, 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 a3 as shown in FIG. 36. If the detergent liquid is continuously discharged from the detergent tank 117 from this state, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will continue to decrease.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 35, when the height position of the second magnet 134b of the float 130a is rotated to a position facing the linear Hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes a4 as shown in FIG. 36 .

As described above, as the detergent liquid is discharged, first, the closer the first magnet 134a is to the linear Hall element 136 (section a1 to a2 in FIG. 36). After that, the first magnet 134a will be separated from the linear Hall element 136, and the second magnet 134b will be close to the linear Hall element 136 (section a2 to a3 in FIG. 36). In addition, the second magnet 134b approaches the linear Hall element 136 (section a3 to a4 in FIG. 36).

That is, when the float 130a rotates from FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 (the interval a2 to a4 in FIG. 36), the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a is pulled apart, and the linear Hall element 136 and The distance between the second magnets 134b will be closer. As a result, the magnetic flux density to which the linear Hall element 136 is subjected will decrease in the N-pole component and increase in the S-pole component. Therefore, in the section a2 to a4 of FIG. 36, compared with the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135, the change in the magnetic force received by the linear Hall element 136 is large. That is, the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes larger with respect to the discharge amount of the detergent liquid. As a result, compared with the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determination of the insufficient amount of detergent remaining based on the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, a partition rib 119a is provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. The partition rib 119a is formed so as to surround the rotation axis 131 of the float 130a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 32, when the detergent tank 117 is filled with detergent liquid, an air pocket 200 is formed inside the area surrounded by the partition rib 119a. Therefore, in the area of the partition rib 119a, the detergent liquid cannot flow in. As a result, the adhesion of the detergent liquid to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a can be prevented. In addition, when the detergent tank cover 119 is tilted in a state where the detergent tank cover 119 is removed from the detergent tank 117, a liquid agent adheres under the detergent tank cover 119. Even in this case, the partition rib 119a can block the attached liquid agent from flowing to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a. With this, it is possible to prevent the smooth rotation of the rotating shaft 131 from being reduced due to the fixing of the detergent liquid. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the residual amount of detergent.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the amount of detergent water that is determined to be insufficient for the amount of detergent remaining on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 is in contact with the receiving portion 135b of the magnet box 135. With magnet brake 137. With this, even when the liquid agent is continuously discharged from the insufficient state of the residual amount of the liquid agent, the continued downward rotation of the float 130a is prevented. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change in a state where the amount of detergent remaining is insufficient. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the change in the output voltage due to further rotation is erroneously detected that the residual amount of detergent is not insufficient.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the linear Hall element 136 is configured to receive the N-pole magnetism from the first magnet 134a and the S-pole magnetism from the second magnet 134b as an example, the configuration is described as an example. Not limited to this. For example, the linear Hall element 136 may be configured to receive the magnetism of the S pole from the first magnet 134a and the magnetism of the N pole from the second magnet 134b. At this time, the waveform of the output voltage experienced by the linear Hall element 136 will be inverted up and down with the waveform of FIG. 36.

In addition, it may be configured to provide three or more magnets at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a in the magnet box 135. At this time, the magnetism given to the linear Hall element 136 may also be set to be different from each other. Even in this case, it is possible to exert the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the washing machine is manufactured, the voltage and cleaning of the linear Hall element 136 in a state where the cleaning agent tank 117 is filled with the cleaning agent liquid are measured in the state where the automatic liquid injection device 109 is installed The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in a state where the liquid agent is not replenished, and the memory section is memorized in advance. Furthermore, the state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with detergent liquid corresponds to the M1 section in FIG. 36. In addition, the state in which the detergent liquid is not replenished in the detergent tank 117 corresponds to the section M2 in FIG. 36. Thereby, it is possible to alleviate the error of the insufficient determination of the residual amount of detergent caused by the manufacturing deviation of the residual amount detection of each washing machine or the variation of the arrangement of the linear Hall element 136 and the like.

In addition, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the time when the magnet box 135 is in contact with the magnet brake 137 may be used to determine the shortage of the residual amount of the cleaning agent. This makes it possible to compare the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the magnet box 135 is in contact with the output voltage memorized in the M2 section of the memory section when the magnet brake 137 is brought into contact in advance at the time of shipment value. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the deviation error in the determination of the residual amount of detergent in each washing machine. [1-2-7. Failure detection method of detergent tank]

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 36, a method of detecting the failure of the detergent tank 117 will be described. In addition, the fault detection method of the flexible fine tank 126 is also the same, and therefore the description is omitted.

For example, when the automatic liquid injection device 109 is not used for a long period of time, the cleaning agent liquid in the cleaning agent tank 117 may be fixed. At this time, the fixed detergent liquid may block the cylindrical portion 123 serving as the discharge port in the detergent tank 117 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b of the automatic liquid injection device 109. Therefore, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in a desired amount cannot be discharged from the detergent tank 117. In addition, when the detergent liquid is fixed to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a, even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the float 130a does not rotate. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the residual amount of detergent detected by the rotation of the float 130a is reduced.

Therefore, the controller of the present embodiment includes an abnormality determination unit (not shown), which determines whether or not the cleaning agent liquid adheres to the cleaning agent tank 117 to determine the abnormality.

Hereinafter, the abnormality determination method of the detergent tank 117 performed by the abnormality determination unit will be described.

Normally, after the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 will drop, and the float 130a will swing downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 changes, and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 changes.

However, when detergent liquid or the like is fixed to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a, or is clogged by the barrel 123, etc., even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will not Change fully.

Therefore, first, the controller detects the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at a time point when the accumulated cleaning dose discharged from the cleaning agent tank 117 increases to more than a prescribed value (for example, 30 ml). In addition, the controller calculates the difference between the detected voltage and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the time point when the accumulated cleaning dose spit out from the cleaning agent tank 117 increased to more than the specified value last time value. At this time, when the difference value does not reach a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 V), the control determines that the float 130a has not rotated even if the detergent liquid has been discharged from the detergent tank 117 by the abnormality determination unit. Accordingly, it can be determined that the above-mentioned abnormality is occurring in the detergent tank 117.

In addition, the controller notifies the user that the abnormality is occurring on the operation display unit 104. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of abnormality in the detergent tank 117 as soon as possible. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly recognize and respond to a situation where the desired amount of detergent liquid is not discharged or the remaining amount of detergent liquid is insufficient.

Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, when the detergent tank 117 is not filled with the detergent liquid, the distance between the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b and the linear Hall element 136 will be pulled open. At this time, the lines of magnetic force from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b do not reach the linear Hall element 136. Therefore, even if, for example, the residual amount of the detergent liquid is reduced from 600 ml to 400 ml, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 may become a certain value as shown in the M1 section of FIG. 36. That is, even if the residual amount of the detergent liquid is from 600 ml, for example, about 150 ml of the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the float 130a is rotated downward, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change. That is, in the section M1 of FIG. 36, there may be a problem in the detergent tank 117 due to fixation or clogging, etc. Even if the abnormality does not occur, the abnormality determination unit may erroneously detect that abnormality has occurred The situation is worrying.

Therefore, in a state where the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is not full, the controller of this embodiment will control such that when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is within a predetermined range, it will not be abnormal. The situation determination unit performs abnormality determination. In addition, the above-mentioned predetermined range is, for example, about 2.7V to 2.9V.

As described above, malfunctions (abnormal conditions) of the detergent tank 117 and the like are detected.

The following uses the figure for the determination method and detection method described in [1-2-6. Defective method for residual amount in detergent tank] and [1-2-7. Defective detection method for detergent tank] 37 to explain in detail.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting the insufficient amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and a method for detecting the failure of the detergent tank 117.

In addition, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes a detergent discharge amount memory section (not shown), a first storage section (not shown) and a second storage section (not shown), and a detergent discharge amount memory The calculated value of the accumulated memory liquid residual amount calculation unit; the first memory unit (not shown) and the second memory unit (not shown) memorize the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136.

First, as shown in FIG. 37, the controller determines whether the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. When the detergent liquid is not discharged (No in step S0), the controller repeats the determination operation every predetermined interval until the detergent liquid is discharged.

When the detergent liquid is being discharged (Yes in step S0), the controller determines whether the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has not reached 2.1V (step S1). When the output voltage does not reach 2.1V (Yes in step S1), the controller determines that the residual amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, and displays a message indicating that the residual amount of detergent in the operation display unit 104 is insufficient ( Step S2). In addition, after confirming the message that the amount of detergent remaining in the operation display unit 104 is insufficient, the user removes the detergent tank 117 from the storage portion of the tank storage box 114 and replenishes the detergent tank 117 with detergent liquid. As a result, the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float 130a rotates upward. In this state, the user will reinstall the detergent tank 117 in the storage portion of the tank storage box 114. And, the controller will detect the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 again. At this time, when the detected output voltage increases to be greater than the threshold voltage of 2.1V (TH line in FIG. 36), the controller determines that the detergent liquid has been replenished into the detergent tank 117. In addition, the controller cancels the message that the amount of detergent remaining is insufficient on the operation display unit 104.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is 2.1 V or more (No in step S1), the controller adds the calculated value of the liquid residual amount calculation unit to the detergent discharge amount storage unit The stored value X (step S3). Then, the controller determines whether the value X of the added detergent discharge amount memory unit is greater than 30 ml (step S4). When the value X of the detergent discharge amount memory unit is 30 ml or less (No in step S4), the predetermined amount of detergent liquid has not been discharged, so the controller does not perform failure detection determination and ends the process.

On the other hand, when the value X of the cleaning agent discharge amount memory section is greater than 30 ml (Yes in step S4), the controller will execute the following abnormal conditions such as the cleaning agent tank 117 by the abnormal condition determination section Judgment process.

Specifically, the controller first subtracts 30 ml from the value X of the detergent discharge amount memory section (step S5). Furthermore, the controller stores the value Y of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the first memory section (step S6).

Next, the controller determines whether the value Y stored in the first memory unit is in the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (step S7). When the stored value Y is in the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (Yes in step S7), the controller determines that the detergent tank 117 has been filled with detergent liquid. In addition, the controller does not determine the abnormality of the detergent tank 117, but stores the value Y stored in the first memory unit in the second memory unit (step S10).

On the other hand, when the value Y stored in the first memory unit is outside the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (No in step S7), the controller will determine by the abnormality determination unit that it has been stored in the 1 Is the absolute value of the difference between the value Y of the memory unit and the value (Y-1) stored in the second memory unit less than 0.1V (step S8). When the absolute value of the difference is less than 0.1 V (Yes in step S8), the abnormality determination unit of the controller determines that the liquid agent is being fixed to the cleaning agent tank 117. In addition, the controller displays on the operation display unit 104 that an abnormality is occurring in the detergent tank 117 (step S9). That is, when the absolute value is less than 0.1V, even if the detergent liquid is being discharged from the detergent tank 117, the float 130a is not sufficiently rotated. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit determines that the liquid agent is being fixed to the detergent tank 117. After that, the controller stores the value Y stored in the first memory part in the second memory part (step S10).

On the other hand, when 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 (No in step S8), control The abnormality determination unit of the appliance determines that no abnormality caused by the fixing of the cleaning agent liquid or the like has occurred in the cleaning agent tank 117. In addition, the controller stores the value Y stored in the first memory unit in the second memory unit (step S10).

As described above, the determination of the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and the failure detection are executed.

In addition, the failure detection method of the soft fine tank 126 is also the same as the failure detection method of the detergent tank 117, and therefore the description is omitted.

Here, in general, the supply amount of the soft essence liquid to the drum 106 in the washing step will be less than that of the detergent liquid. Therefore, the discharge amount of the prescribed soft sperm liquid in step S4 is smaller than the prescribed detergent discharge amount (30 ml), and it is preferably set to about 20 ml, for example.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes the abnormality determination unit that detects the abnormality of the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence tank 126. Specifically, the abnormality determination unit first detects the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after the prescribed amount of liquid from the detergent tank 117 is injected, and then calculates the value of the difference. At this time, when the value of the difference does not reach 0.1 V, the abnormality determination unit determines that the liquid agent is fixed to the detergent tank 117. In addition, the controller will display the occurrence of abnormality on the operation display unit 104. This makes it possible to detect the occurrence of abnormality in the detergent tank 117 as soon as possible. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to quickly recognize and respond to a situation where the desired amount of detergent liquid is not discharged or the remaining amount of detergent liquid is insufficient.

Furthermore, the controller of the present embodiment is configured such that cleaning is not performed when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the state where the cleaning agent tank 117 is filled with the liquid agent is in the range of, for example, 2.7V to 2.9V The abnormality of the agent tank 117 is determined. With this, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of abnormality caused by the abnormality determination unit when no detergent liquid is fixed in the detergent tank 117.

In this embodiment, a plurality of magnets are provided at intervals in the magnet box 135 at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a. Thereby, the linear Hall element 136 can detect the magnetic force of the magnet in a wide range in which the float 130a rotates. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which only one magnet is used, even when the residual amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is large, it is possible to detect the abnormality of the detergent tank 117.

Furthermore, in the above, first, in step S8, although the absolute value of the difference between the value Y stored in the first memory section and the value (Y-1) stored in the second memory section is The configuration in which the threshold voltage (0.1 V) is compared to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the threshold voltage may be changed according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. That is, as shown in FIG. 36, the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 relative to the amount of change in the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is not constant. Therefore, an appropriate threshold voltage is changed and set according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. With this, the accuracy of the abnormality determination of the detergent tank 117 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the float 130a is rotated is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the structure in which the float 130a floats on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 without rotating may be obtained, and the same effect can be obtained. That is, the float 130a may float on the liquid surface, and move the float 130a up and down in accordance with the change in the water level of the detergent liquid.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of measuring the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 to detect the residual amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, a photo sensor or the like may be used to detect the residual amount of the liquid agent.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the abnormality detection unit determines the occurrence of the abnormality in the detergent tank 117 and displays the occurrence of the abnormality on the operation display unit 104 to notify the user as an example, But it is not limited to this. For example, the washing machine may be sent to a server through an Internet connection, and then sent from the server to a smartphone, etc., so that the abnormality of the detergent tank 117 is displayed on the screen of the smartphone. In addition, the user may be notified from the washing machine through a speaker or the like with sound or the like. With this, even if the user is not in the vicinity of the washing machine, it can immediately notify the occurrence of an abnormal situation and prompt a response.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the value of the difference between the output voltages of the linear Hall element 136 before and after the discharge of a predetermined amount (for example, 30 ml) of detergent liquid is calculated to determine the abnormality of the detergent tank 117 as Examples are described, but not limited to this. For example, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 last time may be calculated. To determine the value of the difference.

In addition, in the above, in step S8 of FIG. 37, the absolute value of (Y-(Y-1)) is compared with the threshold value (0.1V) to determine that the residual amount of the cleaning agent is insufficient. That is, the detection voltage of the linear Hall element 136 depends on the polarity of the magnet, and the plus and minus will be reversed. but. By comparing with absolute values, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of abnormality caused by the polarity of the magnet. Also, it is not necessary to produce the magnet box 135 in consideration of the magnetic direction of the magnet. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the man-hours required for the production of the magnet box 135, the man-hours required for confirmation inspection, and the like. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the magnet box 135 and the like. [1-2-8. The connection between the detergent tank and the automatic injection device, and maintenance of the liquid supply water channel]

Fig. 38 is a time chart showing the states of the cleaner-side coil 113d, the soft-side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the first water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance stroke".

Normally, when the detergent tank 117 repeatedly discharges the detergent liquid, metals such as magnesium or calcium contained in the tap water will combine with the fatty acid contained in the detergent liquid to precipitate metal soap. The deposited metal soap adheres to the flowing water channel before the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105 (hereinafter referred to as "detergent liquid water supply channel"). In addition, the detergent liquid water supply path is the cylinder part 123 shown in FIG. 24, the detergent side cylinder part 111b, the detergent side three-way valve 113a, the flexible fine side three-way valve 113b, the suction water channel 112h, the storage part 112c, The waterway 112g, the branch waterway 129a, the connection hose 129, and the like. The metal soap adhering to the detergent liquid water supply path acts as a resistance to the flow of the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent tank 117 or the supplied tap water. Therefore, there is a possibility that the discharge amount of the detergent liquid may decrease or the trend of the circulating water may be weakened. In addition, there is a possibility that metal soap may enter the drum 106 and adhere to the laundry.

Therefore, in order to suppress the above-mentioned abnormal situation, it is necessary to periodically rinse and remove the metal soap that has adhered to the detergent liquid water supply channel as described below.

First, when maintaining the detergent liquid water supply path, the user removes the detergent tank 117 from the storage portion of the tank storage box 114 and cleans the detergent tank 117. In addition, the user supplements the detergent tank 117 with, for example, 200 ml of citric acid water.

After that, the user will install the detergent tank 117 to the storage portion of the tank storage box 114 again. In addition, the user selects "maintenance mode" through the operation display unit 104.

When the "maintenance mode" is selected, the controller will drive the drainage pump (not shown), and interactively execute the following steps 1 and 2.

In addition, the first step is a step of closing the first water supply valve 110a, putting the detergent-side coil 113d in an energized state, and putting the sperm-side coil 113i in a non-energized state.

In addition, the second step is a step of opening the first water supply valve 110a to put the detergent-side coil 113d and the flexible-side coil 113i in a non-energized state.

First, by performing the first step, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows through the detergent liquid water supply path and is supplied to the water tank 105. Generally speaking, metal soap has the property of being dissolved by acidic aqueous solution. Therefore, acidic citric acid water will dissolve and rinse the attached metal soap in the detergent liquid water supply. The washed metal soap is supplied to the water tank 105 together with citric acid water. And, driven by the drainage pump, the citric acid water containing metal soap flows from the drainage port (not shown) in the drainage hose (not shown) and is drained out of the casing 101.

Next, by performing the second step, as shown in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied from the water supply plug flows from the first water supply valve 110a in the first water channel 181. A part of the tap water flowing in the first water channel 181 flows toward the second water channel 182 as indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 24. The water flowing through the second water passage 182 flows through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b, the suction water passage 112h, the receiving portion 112c, the outlet water passage 112g, the branch water passage 129a, and the connecting hose 129 , And is supplied to the water tank 105. Thereby, in the first step, the citric acid water remaining in the detergent liquid water supply channel is washed by the water supplied in the second step.

Hereinafter, the control operation when the "maintenance mode" is executed will be specifically described using FIG. 38.

38 is a time chart showing the states of the detergent-side coil 113d, the soft-side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the first water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance mode" of the detergent tank 117 of the washing machine 100.

When the user selects the "maintenance mode", the controller will energize the cleaner-side coil 113d at time T0 and start the first step. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move backward. As a result, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows into the water passage 124 from the opening b formed behind the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. The flowing citric acid water flows toward the suction water path 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Next, at time T1 0.5 seconds from time T0, the controller drives the driving motor 112f and the drainage pump. By driving the drive motor 112f, the piston 112e will reciprocate up and down. As a result, the pressure state in the housing portion 112c repeats the positive pressure state and the negative pressure state.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the housing portion 112c will be in a negative pressure state. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 moves upwards against the biasing force of the spring 164b. As a result, citric acid water flows into the storage portion 112c from the suction water channel 112h.

Then, when the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the housing portion 112c becomes a positive pressure state. Therefore, 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 accommodating portion 112c flows through the outlet water channel 112g, the branch water channel 129a, and the connection hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105.

By repeating the above actions, citric acid water will flow in the detergent liquid water supply and dissolve the metal soap.

In addition, by driving the drainage pump, the citric acid water in the water tank 105 flows through the drainage hose from the drainage port and is drained out of the casing 101.

At this time, by driving the drive motor 112f, even if the detergent-side coil 113d is in an energized state, there is a possibility that the detergent-side valve body 113f may not move backward. That is, when the driving motor 112f is being driven, the flow of water of X1 shown in FIG. 10A is enhanced, so the flow of water becomes a resistance, and a state where the detergent-side valve body 113f cannot move backward may occur. Therefore, the controller performs control as follows: First, at time T0, energization of the detergent-side coil 113d is started, and at time T1 after 0.5 seconds, the drive motor 112f is driven. With this, the occurrence of the above state can be avoided.

In this embodiment, the controller controls the maximum discharge amount of the detergent liquid in the washing step (for example, 120 ml) or the maximum discharge amount of the soft essence in the washing step (for example, 100 ml). The amount of citric acid water (for example, 200 ml) will be greater. This makes it possible to reliably dissolve the metal soap in the detergent liquid water supply channel.

Next, at time T2, 55 seconds after time T1, the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f. Then, at time T3, which is 0.5 seconds from time T2, the controller puts the cleaner-side coil 113d in a non-energized state. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10A, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move forward. Further, the cleaner-side valve body 113f blocks the opening b formed behind the cleaner-side cylindrical portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of citric acid water from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f.

Then, the first step ends at time T3.

At this time, by driving the driving motor 112f, even if the detergent-side coil 113d is in a non-energized state, there is a possibility that the detergent-side valve body 113f cannot move forward. That is, when the driving motor 112f is being driven, the flow of water (equivalent to X1) in the state of FIG. 10B will be enhanced, so the flow of water will become a resistance, and there may be a case where the cleaner-side valve body 113f cannot face forward The state of movement. Therefore, the controller puts the driving motor 112f into a non-driving state at time T2, and puts the detergent-side coil 113d into a non-energizing state at time T3 after 0.5 seconds. With this, the occurrence of the above state can be avoided.

Next, at time T4 0.5 seconds after time T3, the controller drives the drive motor 112f and opens the first water supply valve 110a. With this, the second step will be started. In the second step, as shown in FIG. 10A, the supplied tap water flows through the second water passage 182, flows into the water passage 124 of the three-way valve unit 113 from the opening a, and faces the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112 flow. At this time, the citric acid water remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the piston pump unit 112, and the like will be washed by the flowing tap water.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the water supply starts, the flow of tap water flowing in is usually weak. Therefore, the water pressure of the supplied tap water alone may prevent the suction side check valve 164 of the piston pump unit 112 shown in FIG. 11 from moving upward, or the discharge side check valve 165 from moving down. Therefore, in order to avoid the above state, in the second step, the controller drives the driving motor 112f to pressurize the tap water. With this, the tap water can surely pass through the piston pump unit 112.

In addition, there is a possibility that the movement of the cleaner-side valve body 113f of the three-way valve unit 113 may be hindered due to the driving of the driving motor 112f. Therefore, the controller performs control as follows: The drive motor 112f is driven at time T4 0.5 seconds after the end of the energization of the detergent-side coil 113d (time T3) (time T3). With this, the occurrence of the above state can be avoided.

Next, at time T5, which is 5 seconds after time T4, the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f, and controls to close the first water supply valve 110a. With this, the second step will end.

Next, at time T6, which is 0.5 seconds from time T5, the controller performs the same control as time T0, and starts the first step.

Thereafter, at time T6 to time T11, and time T12 to time T17, the controller performs the same control as time T0 to time T5.

And, at time T17, the controller ends the second step. After that, at time T18, which is 40 seconds from time T17, the controller stops driving the drainage pump. As a result, the citric acid water or tap water remaining in the drum 106 will be drained.

In addition, the operation of each part in the "maintenance mode" of the soft fine tank 126 is also the same, so the description is omitted. [1-3. Effect etc.]

As described above, the washing machine 100 equipped with the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 of the present embodiment is provided with a reverse flow composed of the air extractor 172 and the like in the water path connecting the first water supply valve 110a and the detergent tank 117. Prevention device 170. The air extractor 172 has a negative pressure generating portion 174 formed with a narrow diameter. The negative pressure generating portion 174 has an air intake hole 174a that is opened to the atmosphere. In addition, the air intake hole 174a is configured to communicate with the tank storage box 114 that is opened to the atmosphere. As a result, even when the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to power failure, water cut, or the like, air flows into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air intake hole 174a. Therefore, the tap water in the water channel 171 is separated from the air intake hole 174a to the water inlet channel 173 side, and from the air intake hole 174a to the water outlet channel 175 side. As a result, the liquid agent in the storage tank or the contaminated water in the water tank 105 can be prevented from flowing back to the water supply plug. (Other embodiments)

As an example of the technology disclosed in this application, the embodiment is described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to the embodiments where changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above to create a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

For example, in the embodiment, the configuration using the air extractor 172 has been described as an example of the backflow prevention device, but it is not limited to this. That is, the backflow prevention device can be any device as long as it can prevent the backflow of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence tank 126. For example, as a backflow prevention device, a vacuum circuit breaker, a ball valve, etc. can also be used.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the configuration using the drum type washing machine has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be a vertical type washing machine, and it can exert the same function and effect.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably disposed in the water tank; and a water supply valve installed in the housing to control the supply of tap water. In addition, the washing machine also includes: a storage tank storage box, which is provided at an upper part of the water tank, and has a storage portion; a storage tank, which is installed in the storage section of the storage tank storage box and will contain liquid agent; The upper part of the housing will automatically supply the liquid agent in the storage tank to the laundry storage tank. The automatic liquid injection device has a switching unit communicating with the water supply valve and the storage tank, and a pump unit communicating with the discharge water channel of the switching unit. The switching unit causes either the tap water flowing in from the water supply valve or the liquid agent flowing from the storage tank to flow to the pump unit. The pump unit attracts the tap water or liquid agent flowing in from the switching unit and spit out the water tank. In addition, the washing machine is configured such that a backflow prevention device is disposed in the water path that connects the water supply valve and the switching unit.

According to this configuration, even when the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to power outage or water outage, the backflow prevention device can prevent the liquid agent in the storage tank or the contaminated water in the water tank from flowing back to the water supply plug.

In addition, the backflow prevention device of the washing machine of the present invention is composed of an inlet water path, a negative pressure generating portion formed downstream of the inlet water path, and an outlet water path formed downstream of the negative pressure generating portion. The negative pressure generating portion is formed to be narrower than the water inlet and outlet channels, and has a suction hole penetrating therethrough. The suction hole may also be configured to communicate with one end of the atmosphere introduction tube, and the other end of the atmosphere introduction tube will communicate with the storage tank storage box.

According to this configuration, the air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion through the air intake hole through the air introduction tube opened to the atmosphere. With this, the communication of the tap water between the inlet water channel and the outlet water channel can be blocked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent in the storage tank located downstream of the water outlet or the contaminated water in the water tank from flowing back to the water supply valve.

In addition, the backflow prevention device of the washing machine of the present invention may be constituted by a single component. With this, it is possible to prevent performance degradation caused by assembly deviation and the like. In addition, it is possible to reduce the risk of failure caused by continuous use of the backflow prevention device.

In addition, the negative pressure generating portion of the washing machine of the present invention may be configured such that the height of the upper part of the inner periphery of the water channel on the upstream side of the suction hole is lower than the height of the upper part of the inner periphery of the water channel on the downstream side of the suction hole. Thereby, when water is passed, it is possible to suppress the flow of water in the water inlet path, and the tap water contacting the periphery of the suction hole flows from the suction hole toward the atmosphere introduction pipe.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention may have a chamfer whose diameter narrows toward the negative pressure generating portion at the periphery of the suction hole on the outer peripheral surface of the negative pressure generating portion. Thereby, even when the water splashes from the air intake hole to the air introduction pipe when water is flowing, the water droplets flow down toward the negative pressure generating portion through the chamfer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress clogging of the suction holes caused by water droplets.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a housing; a water tank, which is supported in the housing; a washing tank, which is rotatably arranged in the water tank; and a water supply valve, which is provided on the housing and controls the supply of tap water. In addition, the washing machine is further provided with: a storage tank storage box, which is arranged at an upper part of the water tank, and has a storage part; a storage tank, which is arranged in the storage part of the storage tank storage box, and can store liquid agent; In the upper part of the casing, the liquid agent in the storage tank will be automatically supplied to the washing tank. The automatic liquid injection device has a switching unit communicating with the water supply valve and the storage tank, and a pump unit communicating with the discharge water channel of the switching unit. It is constituted that the switching unit causes either the tap water flowing in from the water supply valve or the liquid agent flowing from the storage tank to flow to the pump unit, and the pump unit attracts the tap water or liquid agent flowing in from the switching unit to the water tank. Spit out. In addition, the washing machine may be configured to include a detour water channel formed by a branch in the water channel connecting the water supply valve and the switching unit. According to this configuration, the liquid agent that flows back in the water path that connects the water supply valve and the switching portion flows to the detour water path. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid agent from flowing back to the water supply plug.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention may be configured such that the detour water channel communicates with the water injection port formed in the side wall of the tank storage box. As a result, the counter-current liquid agent can flow to the water tank. In addition, each time water is supplied, part of the supplied water flows in the detour water channel. Therefore, even if the liquid agent remains in the tank storage box, the liquid agent is rinsed every time water is supplied, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of fixation of the liquid agent and the like. Industrial availability

The washing machine of the present invention can prevent the liquid agent in the storage tank or the contaminated water in the water tank from flowing back to the water supply plug by the backflow prevention device even when the water supply path is in a negative pressure state due to power failure or water cut in the storage tank. Therefore, it is useful for applications such as washing machines for business.

16, 18A, 18B, 19, 23A, 26

100‧‧‧ washing machine

101‧‧‧Housing

102、114a‧‧‧cover

103‧‧‧ clothing input and export

104‧‧‧Operation display section

105‧‧‧Sink

106‧‧‧Drum (washing tank)

106a‧‧‧Baffle

109‧‧‧Automatic liquid injection device (liquid supply device)

110‧‧‧Water supply

110a‧‧‧First water supply valve (water supply valve)

110b‧‧‧Second water supply valve (water supply valve)

110c‧‧‧Water supply road

111‧‧‧Pump unit

111a‧‧‧Outer frame

111b‧‧‧Cleaning agent side cylinder part (second cylinder part)

111c, 117f‧‧‧ pad

111e‧‧‧ protruding rib

111f‧‧‧Soft fine side cylinder part (2nd cylinder part)

112‧‧‧Piston pump unit

112a‧‧‧Link

112b‧‧‧Cam

112c‧‧‧Containment Department

112d‧‧‧Cylinder

112e‧‧‧piston

112f‧‧‧Drive motor

112g‧‧‧spit out the waterway

112h‧‧‧Inhalation waterway

112i, 112j‧‧‧Inner wall

113‧‧‧Three-way valve unit (switching section)

113a‧‧‧Three-way valve on detergent side

113b‧‧‧soft fine side three-way valve

113c‧‧‧ detergent side spring

113d‧‧‧cleaner side coil

113e‧‧‧cleaner side plunger

113f‧‧‧cleaner side valve body

113h‧‧‧soft fine side spring

113i‧‧‧soft fine side coil

113j‧‧‧soft fine side plunger

113k‧‧‧soft fine side valve body

113l‧‧‧cleaner side cylinder

113m‧‧‧soft side cylinder

114‧‧‧storage storage box (storage storage section)

114b‧‧‧ opening

114c‧‧‧Drain

114d‧‧‧insert hole

114g‧‧‧Lower water injection port (water injection port)

114h, 114i‧‧‧Guide ribs

114j‧‧‧inclined surface

114k‧‧‧ hole (1st water injection port)

114m

115‧‧‧ detergent box

115a‧‧‧Next door

115b‧‧‧Detergent Storage Department

115c‧‧‧soft essence containment department

116‧‧‧Water injection box

116a‧‧‧Claw

116b‧‧‧The first upper water injection port

116c‧‧‧The second upper water injection port

116d‧‧‧3rd water injection port (second water injection port)

117‧‧‧ detergent tank (storage tank)

117a‧‧‧Back wall

117b‧‧‧Projection

117c‧‧‧Lower depression

117g, 126g

117h, 126h‧‧‧ undertake department

117i, 126i‧‧‧ Extension

117j, 126j ‧‧‧ protrusion

117k, 126k ‧‧‧ recess

118‧‧‧ Upper opening

119‧‧‧ detergent tank cover (storage tank cover)

119a‧‧‧Next door rib

119b‧‧‧Small window (liquid supply cap)

119c‧‧‧First bearing

119d‧‧‧hole 1

119e‧‧‧The second bearing joint

119f‧‧‧The second hole

120‧‧‧Bottom

121‧‧‧Hook Department

122‧‧‧filter

122a‧‧‧Lower extension rib

122b‧‧‧Extended rib

122c, 164a, 165a

122d‧‧‧lower

122e‧‧‧Long Rib

122f‧‧‧Transverse rib

122g

123‧‧‧Cylinder (1st cylinder)

123b‧‧‧Check valve

124‧‧‧Waterway

126‧‧‧soft precision tank (storage tank)

127‧‧‧soft tube section

128‧‧‧Soft precision tank cover (storage tank cover)

129‧‧‧Connect hose

129a‧‧‧Different waterway

130‧‧‧Remaining amount detection department

130a‧‧‧buoy

131‧‧‧Rotating shaft

131a‧‧‧1st rotating shaft

131b‧‧‧ 2nd rotating shaft

132‧‧‧brake ribs

133‧‧‧Link

134‧‧‧Magnet (Detected Department)

134a‧‧‧First magnet (detected part)

134b‧‧‧Second magnet (detected part)

135‧‧‧Magnet box

135a‧‧‧cover

135b‧‧‧ undertake department

135c‧‧‧retaining rib

136‧‧‧Linear Hall Element (Detection Department)

137‧‧‧Magnetic brake

137a‧‧‧Departure

138a‧‧‧1st longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

138b‧‧‧Second longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

138c‧‧‧third longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

139‧‧‧ opening

140‧‧‧bath water pump

141‧‧‧Auxiliary hose (auxiliary waterway)

142‧‧‧Discharge hose (discharge waterway)

163‧‧‧Damper

164‧‧‧Suction side check valve

164b, 165b ‧‧‧ spring

165‧‧‧Discharge side check valve

170‧‧‧Backflow prevention device

171‧‧‧Waterway

172‧‧‧Aspirator

172a, 172b

173‧‧‧Inlet

174‧‧‧Negative pressure generating section

174a‧‧‧Suction hole

174b‧‧‧Chamfer

175‧‧‧ Outlet

176‧‧‧Atmosphere introduction tube

176a‧‧‧Connector

177‧‧‧Cover

177a‧‧‧Projection

177b‧‧‧Connection

177c‧‧‧ opening

177d‧‧‧Empty

181‧‧‧ First Waterway

181a‧‧‧The first branch

182‧‧‧Second Waterway

181b‧‧‧The second branch

183‧‧‧ Third Waterway

183a‧‧‧The third branch

184‧‧‧Circular waterway

185‧‧‧Different waterway

200‧‧‧Cavitation

A, B‧‧‧ sight

A, A1, A2, A3, A4, B, C, D, E, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, F1, I‧‧‧ arrow

a, b, c, d ‧‧‧ opening

a0, a2, a3, M1, M2‧‧‧‧

E1, E2‧‧‧Enlargement

e‧‧‧spit

L1, L2, L5 ‧‧‧ height dimension

L3‧‧‧Diameter

m‧‧‧Drop

S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10

TH‧‧‧ line

X‧‧‧The value of the detergent discharge memory

Y‧‧‧ First memory value

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the washing machine in the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of main parts of the washing machine in the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of an automatic liquid medicine pouring device of a washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a right side view of the automatic liquid medicine pouring device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a left side view of the automatic liquid medicine pouring device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

7 is a left side cross-sectional view of an automatic liquid medicine pouring device of a washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid dispenser of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the automatic liquid medicine pouring device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve unit when supplying tap water of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

10B is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid of the washing machine in the same embodiment is supplied to the water tank.

10C is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the soft liquid concentrate of the washing machine in the same embodiment is supplied to the water tank.

11 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the detergent tank and the soft storage tank.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the storage tank storage box in a state where the detergent tank and the soft fine tank are installed.

14 is an enlarged view of the E1 part of FIG. 13.

15 is a rear cross-sectional view of the storage tank storage box in a state where the detergent tank and the soft fine tank are installed.

16 is a cross-sectional view of 16-16 in FIG. 15.

17 is a top view of the detergent tank and detergent tank cover of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

18A is a cross-sectional view of 18A-18A in a state where the float portion is not installed under the detergent tank cover of FIG. 17.

18B is a cross-sectional view of 18B-18B in a state where a float portion is installed under the detergent tank cover of FIG. 17.

Fig. 19 is a 19-19 sectional view in a state where the filter device of Fig. 17 is not installed.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent tank showing the line of sight of the washing machine in the same embodiment when users with different heights peer into the detergent tank from the opening.

21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the detergent tank and the detergent-side three-way valve in the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the filter device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 23A is a diagram showing a section 23A-23A of Fig. 22.

FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of part E2 of FIG. 22.

24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a top view of the automatic liquid medicine pouring device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

26 is a cross-sectional view of 26-26 of FIG. 25.

Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, detergent tank cover, and float portion of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of the detergent tank cover and the float of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnetic flux density to which the linear Hall element is subjected and the output voltage of the linear Hall element.

Fig. 31 is a schematic view of the lower surface of the detergent tank cover to which the pontoon portion of the washing machine in the same embodiment is attached.

32 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the buoy portion of the washing machine and the linear Hall element in the same embodiment.

33 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float portion and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent liquid is lower than that in FIG. 32.

34 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float portion and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent liquid is lower than that in FIG. 33.

35 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float portion and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent liquid is lower than that in FIG. 34.

36 is a diagram showing the relationship between the residual amount of detergent in the detergent tank of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element in the same embodiment.

37 is a flowchart for determining whether the remaining amount of detergent in the washing machine is insufficient and the condition of the detergent tank is abnormal in the same embodiment.

38 is a time chart showing the state of the detergent-side coil, the soft-fine-side coil, the drive motor, the first water supply valve, and the drain pump in the "maintenance mode" of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Claims (7)

A washing machine is provided with: a housing; a water tank, supported in the housing; a washing tank, rotatably disposed in the water tank; a water supply valve, provided in the housing, to control the supply of tap water; a storage tank storage box, provided A storage part is provided at an upper part of the water tank; a storage tank is installed in the storage part of the storage tank storage box to store the liquid agent; and an automatic liquid injection device is provided on the upper part of the casing to place the storage tank The liquid agent is automatically supplied to the washing tank, and the automatic liquid agent injection device includes a switching unit that communicates with the water supply valve and the storage tank, and a pump unit that communicates with the discharge water path of the switching unit, and the liquid agent is automatically injected The device is configured such that the switching unit causes either the tap water flowing from the water supply valve or the liquid agent flowing from the storage tank to flow into the pump unit, and the pump unit attracts the tap water flowing from the switching unit or The liquid agent is discharged to the water tank, and a backflow prevention is arranged in the water channel connecting the water supply valve and the switching part Home. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention device is composed of an inlet water path, a negative pressure generating portion formed on the downstream side of the inlet water path, and an outlet water path formed on the downstream side of the negative pressure generating portion. The pressure generating portion is formed to be narrower than the water inlet and the water outlet, and has a suction hole penetrating therethrough, and the suction hole is configured to communicate with one end of the air introduction pipe and the other end of the air introduction pipe The aforementioned storage tank storage box is in communication. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the aforementioned backflow prevention device is composed of a single part. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the negative pressure generating portion is configured such that the height of the inner circumferential upper portion of the water channel upstream of the suction hole is higher than the height of the inner circumferential upper portion of the water channel downstream of the suction hole low. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the negative pressure generating portion has a chamfer whose diameter narrows toward the negative pressure generating portion at the periphery of the air intake hole on the outer circumferential surface. A washing machine is provided with: a housing; a water tank, supported in the housing; a washing tank, rotatably disposed in the water tank; a water supply valve, provided in the housing, to control the supply of tap water; a storage tank storage box, provided In the upper part of the water tank, there is a storage part; a storage tank, which is arranged in the storage part of the storage tank storage box, and contains a liquid agent; and an automatic liquid injection device is provided on the upper part of the casing, and the storage tank The liquid agent inside is automatically supplied to the washing tank, and the automatic liquid agent injection device includes a switching unit that communicates with the water supply valve and the storage tank, and a pump unit that communicates with the discharge water path of the switching unit, and the liquid agent is automatically injected The device is configured such that the switching unit causes either the tap water flowing from the water supply valve or the liquid agent flowing from the storage tank to flow into the pump unit, and the pump unit attracts the tap water flowing from the switching unit Or the liquid agent is discharged to the water tank, and the water channel that connects the water supply valve and the switching part includes Back to the sea. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the detour water channel is configured to communicate with a water injection port formed on a side wall of the tank storage box.