TWI749251B - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Equipped with: a housing; a water tank, which is supported in the housing; a drum, which is rotatably arranged in the water tank; a detergent tank, which has an opening on the upper part to accommodate liquid; a cover for the detergent tank, which opens and closes the opening; and an automatic liquid injection device, The liquid in the detergent tank is supplied to the water tank. The detergent tank has a first vertical rib, a second vertical rib, and a third vertical rib formed on the inner wall surface and extending in the vertical direction. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which the residual amount of liquid agent in the detergent tank can be easily grasped.

Description

washing machine

Invention field

The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid agent injection device, which constitutes a liquid supply device.

Background of the invention

Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which liquid agents such as detergent liquid or softener liquid are automatically injected.

The washing machine described above is provided with: a casing; a water tank, which is elastically vibration-proof and supported in the casing; a drum, which is rotatably supported in the water tank; a storage tank for storing liquid; a storage tank containing box, a storage tank and a drainage port on the side wall ; The water injection channel is arranged on the upper part of the storage tank containing box; and the liquid agent automatic input device, which automatically puts the liquid agent in the storage tank into the drum. The automatic liquid agent injection device is equipped with a pump that inputs the liquid agent in the storage tank into the drum. The storage tank containing box is provided with a mesh member, which is arranged at the drain port for filtering foreign matter.

However, in the conventional washing machine with the liquid agent in the storage tank, it is impossible to visually observe the level of the liquid agent in the storage tank. Therefore, the user cannot easily grasp the remaining amount of liquid in the tank.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-514133

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a washing machine in which a user can easily grasp the residual amount of liquid in a storage tank.

The washing machine of the present invention includes: a casing; a water tank supported in the casing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a storage tank having an opening on the upper part and containing liquid; a storage tank cover that opens and closes the opening; and a liquid supply device (Automatic liquid injection device), which supplies the liquid in the storage tank into the water tank. In addition, the storage tank is configured to have longitudinal ribs formed on the inner wall surface and extending in the vertical direction.

According to this structure, the user can visually confirm the liquid level of the liquid in the tank and the length between the upper end of the longitudinal rib. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the rough cleaning agent remaining amount in the storage tank.

16, 18A, 18B, 19, 23A, 26: cut line

100: washing machine

101: Shell

102, 114a: cover

103: Clothes put in and out

104: Operation display

105: sink

106: drum (washing tank)

106a: baffle

109: Liquid agent automatic input device (liquid supply device)

110: water supply

110a: The first water supply valve (water supply valve)

110b: The second water supply valve (water supply valve)

110c: water supply road

111: Pump unit

111a: Outer frame

111b: Detergent side cylinder (second cylinder)

111c, 117f: liner

111e: protruding rib

111f: Soft fine side cylinder (second cylinder)

112: Piston pump unit

112a: connecting rod

112b: cam

112c: Containment Department

112d: cylinder

112e: Piston

112f: drive motor

112g: spit out the waterway

112h: Suction waterway

112i, 112j: inner wall surface

113: Three-way valve unit (switching part)

113a: Detergent side three-way valve

113b: Soft fine side three-way valve

113c: Cleaner side spring

113d: Detergent 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 fine side cylinder

114: Storage tank storage box (storage storage section)

114b: opening

114c: drain

114d: Insert hole

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

114h, 114i: guide rib

114j: inclined surface

114k: hole (1st water injection port)

114m: engagement part

115: detergent box

115a: next door

115b: Detergent Containment Department

115c: Softening Essence Containment Department

116: water injection box

116a: claw

116b: The first upper water injection port

116c: 2nd upper water injection port

116d: 3rd upper water injection port (2nd water injection port)

117: detergent tank (storage tank)

117a: back wall

117b: protrusion

117c: Lower depression

117g, 126g: grip

117h, 126h: receiving department

117i, 126i: extension

117j, 126j: protrusions

117k, 126k: recess

118: Upper opening

119: Detergent tank cover (storage tank cover)

119a: Next wall rib

119b: Small window (liquid supply cover)

119c: The first bearing part

119d: Hole 1

119e: 2nd bearing joint

119f: 2nd hole

120: Bottom

121: Hook part

122: filter

122a: Lower extension rib

122b: extension rib

122c, 164a, 165a: convex part

122d: bottom

122e: Longitudinal ribs

122f: transverse rib

122g: engagement claw

123: Cylinder part (1st cylinder part)

123b: check valve

124: Waterway

126: Soft fine tank (storage tank)

127: Soft fine tube

128: Soft fine tank cover (storage tank cover)

129: connecting hose

129a: divergent waterways

130: Residual detection department

130a: Float section

131: Rotating shaft

131a: 1st rotation axis

131b: 2nd rotating shaft

132: Brake Rib

133: connecting rod

134: Magnet (detected part)

134a: first magnet (detected part)

134b: 2nd magnet (detected part)

135: Magnet Box

135a: outer cover

135b: Acceptance Department

135c: keep ribs

136: Linear Hall element (detection part)

137: Magnet brake

137a: abutment

138a: the first longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

138b: second longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

138c: The third longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

139: Opening

140: Bath water pump

141: Auxiliary hose (auxiliary waterway)

142: spit out hose (spit out waterway)

163: Damper

164: Suction side check valve

164b, 165b: spring

165: Discharge side check valve

170: Backflow prevention device

171: Waterway

172: Air Extractor

172a, 172b: upper inner circumference

173: Waterway

174: Negative pressure generating part

174a: suction hole

174b: chamfer

175: Out of Water

176: Atmosphere introduction pipe

176a: connection port

177: upper cover

177a: protrusion

177b: Connection part

177c: opening

177d: void

181: First Waterway

181a: The first point of disagreement

182: Second Waterway

181b: second point of disagreement

183: Third Waterway

183a: third point of divergence

184: Detour Waterway

185: Divergent 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: interval

E1, E2: enlarged part

e: spit out

L1, L2, L5: height dimension

L3: Diameter

m: drop

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

TH: line

X: The value of the detergent discharge amount memory

Y: The value of the first memory

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 the main parts of the washing machine in the embodiment.

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

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

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

Fig. 7 is a left side cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid agent injection device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front sectional view of the automatic liquid agent injection device of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

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

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

Fig. 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 sink.

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

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

Figure 12 is the bottom view of the detergent tank and the softener storage tank.

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

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of section E1 in Fig. 13.

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

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Fig. 15.

Figure 17 is the detergent tank of the washing machine in the same embodiment And the top image of the detergent tank cover.

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

Fig. 18B is a cross-sectional view of 18B-18B in a state where the float part 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.

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 of different heights peep into the detergent tank from the opening.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the detergent tank and the detergent-side three-way valve of 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 the E2 section of Fig. 22;

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

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

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in Fig. 25;

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

Figure 28 is the detergent tank of the washing machine in the same embodiment An exploded perspective view of the cover and the lower part of the pontoon.

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 borne by the linear Hall element and the output voltage of the linear Hall element.

Fig. 31 is a schematic view of the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover on which the float part of the washing machine in the same embodiment is installed.

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

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

Fig. 34 is a schematic side 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 of Fig. 33.

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

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

Fig. 37 is a flowchart for performing the determination of insufficient remaining amount of detergent and the determination of abnormality of the detergent tank in the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Figure 38 shows the "maintenance of the washing machine in the same embodiment Time chart of the states of the detergent side coil, the soft fine side coil, the drive motor, the first water supply valve, and the drain pump in the mode".

The form used to implement the invention

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions beyond necessary are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already known items or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configuration are sometimes omitted. This is because the following description should be avoided to be unnecessarily lengthy, so that it can be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

(Implementation form)

Hereinafter, using FIGS. 1 to 38, the washing machine of this embodiment will be described separately for each item.

[1-1. Composition]

[1-1-1. Composition of washing machine]

First, referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the structure of the washing machine of this embodiment is carried out.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance 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 this embodiment includes: a casing 101; and a water tank 105, which is arranged inside the casing 101 and is cylindrical with a bottom. The housing 101 constitutes the outer contour of the washing machine 100. A plurality of suspension systems (not shown) and dampers 163 are used to elastically vibration-proof and support the water tank 105. In the water tank 105, a rotatable drum 106 is arranged. The drum 106 is cylindrical with a bottom and constitutes a washing tank. The roller 106 has Prepare a plurality of baffles 106a. When the drum 106 rotates at a low speed, the baffle 106a will perform a stirring action such as hooking the clothes up and lifting them down, and then dropping them. 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) arranged at the bottom. The sump rotation motor drives the drum 106 to rotate.

The housing 101 is provided with a clothing input/output port 103 formed on the front surface and opened for picking and placing clothing. A cover 102 is provided on the front of the housing 101. The lid body 102 can open and close the clothing input/output port 103 freely. By opening the cover 102, the user can put clothes into the drum 106 from the clothes inserting and extracting port 103.

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

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

The cover 102 has an operation display unit 104 arranged on the upper part. The operation display unit 104 includes an operation unit for operating operation, and a display unit for displaying the operating state.

The housing 101 is also equipped with a controller (not shown). The controller is to control the rotation motor of the storage tank, etc., successively control to perform a series of steps such as washing, washing, and dehydrating. The controller is provided with a cloth amount determination unit (not shown in the figure), a liquid agent input amount calculation unit (not shown in the figure), and the like. The cloth amount judging unit is for example The torque current value when the storage tank rotates the motor at a certain speed. Based on this torque current value, the cloth amount determination unit divides the laundry with an upper limit of 10 kg into about 10 stages to determine the cloth amount, for example. In addition, the controller determines the amount of water used in washing based on the result of the determination of the cloth amount determination unit. The liquid agent input amount calculation unit calculates the detergent input amount and the soft precision input amount from the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount determination unit.

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

As mentioned above, the washing machine of this embodiment is comprised.

[1-1-2. Composition of automatic liquid injection device 109 (liquid supply device)]

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

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the washing machine in the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Fig. 5 is a right side view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Fig. 6 is a left side view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Fig. 7 is a left cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Fig. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Figure 9 is the same as the washing machine liquid An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the automatic agent injection device. Fig. 10A is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the tap water is supplied to the washing machine. Fig. 10B is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid of the washing machine is supplied to the sink. Fig. 10C is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the soft essence liquid of the washing machine is supplied to the water tank. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pump unit of the same washing machine. Figure 12 is a back view of the detergent tank and the soft fine tank. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tank storage box in a state where a detergent tank and a soft fine tank are installed. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of section E1 in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a rear cross-sectional view of the storage tank accommodating box in a state where a detergent tank and a soft fine tank are installed. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Fig. 15. Figure 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; Fig. 18B is a cross-sectional view of 18B-18B in a state where a float is installed under the detergent 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 the line of sight of users of different heights from the opening of the detergent tank. Figure 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. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the filter of the same washing machine. Fig. 23A is a view showing a section 23A-23A of Fig. 22; Fig. 23B is an enlarged view of the E2 section of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the same washing machine. Figure 25 is a top view of the automatic liquid injection device of the same washing machine. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank cover, and the float part of the same washing machine.

As described above, the automatic liquid injection device 109 (refer to FIG. 2) It is installed above the water tank 105 of the housing 101. The automatic liquid injection device 109 includes a water supply 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113 that constitutes a switching part, and a detergent tank 117 and a soft fine tank 126 are installed to form a storage tank. Part of the storage tank contains box 114 and so on. Furthermore, in order to show that there is no distinction between the detergent tank 117 and the soft fine tank 126, it will be described as a "storage tank" alone. 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 110 is installed in the upper part of the housing 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, when the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b are not distinguished for the sake of performance, they will be described as "water supply valve" alone.

One end of the water supply path 110c passes through a water supply hose (not shown) and communicates with a tap such as a tap water pipe. By controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, the water channel through which the tap water flows is selected. In addition, the water path of the tap water will be described below (the configuration of the water injection box 116 and the configuration of the water path).

(Three-way valve unit 113)

The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit configured to selectively discharge the liquid agent of the detergent tank 117 attached to the tank storage box 114 and the liquid agent of the soft fine tank 126 to the piston pump unit 112 (refer to FIG. 11). Furthermore, the three-way valve unit is an example of a switching unit.

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

As shown in FIG. 10A, the three-way valve unit 113 is provided in the water path 124, and the water path 124 is used to flow the detergent liquid or soft essence liquid to the pump unit 111. With the three-way valve unit 113, the flow of water in the water passage 124 is controlled. The front side of the water passage 124 communicates with the detergent-side cylinder 111 b that communicates with the detergent tank 117, and the soft-finish-side cylinder 111 f that communicates with the soft-finish tank 126. In addition, the water passage 124 communicates with the second water passage 182 (water passage) and the suction water passage 112 h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 24, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a can be selectively switched: 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 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 detergent-side cylinder 1131 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 113d is not energized, the detergent side plunger 113e receives potential energy applied to the front from the detergent side spring 113c. The detergent-side valve body 113f to which potential energy is applied closes the opening b formed at the rear end of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is opened. Thereby, the tap water flowing into the water passage 124 in the direction of arrow X1 in the second water passage 182 passes through the opening a (arrow X2) of the detergent side cylinder 113l, and flows to the soft fine side three-way valve 113b (arrow X3). ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the detergent-side coil 113d is energized, the detergent-side coil 113d generates a magnetic field. Therefore, the detergent-side plunger 113e receives the electromagnetic force from the magnetic field, resists the potential energy imparted by the detergent-side spring 113c, and moves backward. Thereby, the opening part b of the detergent side cylinder part 111b is opened. As a result, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 passes through the opening b as shown by the arrow X5 and the arrow X6, and flows to the soft fine-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 the tap water flowing in the second water passage 182 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f.

As described above, the operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a switches the flow of tap water from the second water path 182 and the flow of detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117. Thereby, it is possible to selectively supply either tap water or detergent liquid to the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b.

In addition, the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b operates in the same manner as the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, and can be selectively switched: the flow of liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the soft fine tank 126 The flow of soft essence liquid. With this, it is possible to supply either tap water or softener to the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Specifically, the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b, like the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, includes: soft fine-side cylinder 113m, soft fine-side plunger 113j, soft fine-side valve body 113k, and soft fine-side spring 113h and so on. The soft fine side plunger 113j is arranged in the soft fine side cylinder 113m, and performs forward and backward reciprocating motions. The soft fine side valve body 113k is provided at the front end of the soft fine side plunger 113j. The soft fine-side spring 113h is arranged so that one end is located at the rear wall of the soft fine-side cylinder 113m, and the other end is located at the rear end of the soft fine-side plunger 113j. The soft cylinder 113m is configured to allow the liquid to flow from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. The soft fine cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. Around the soft fine side cylinder 113m, a soft fine side coil 113i is provided to cover the soft fine side plunger 113j.

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

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

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

That is, with the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the detergent side coil 113d and the soft fine side coil 113i are both in a non-energized state, the tap water in the second water channel 182 is supplied to the through the three-way valve unit 113 Piston pump unit 112. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the soft precision side coil 113i is in a non-energized state, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 will be supplied through the three-way valve unit 113 To the piston pump unit 112. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the detergent-side coil 113d is not energized and the soft-finish coil 113i is in the energized state, the soft essence liquid in the soft fine tank 126 will be 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 softening tank 126 and discharging it to the water tank 105.

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

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

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

Also, as shown in Figure 9, the outer frame 111a is on the lower front of the outer wall It is provided with 111 f of soft fine side cylinders formed by extending forward and rearward. The soft fine-side cylinder 111f extends to the front of the outer frame 111a, and is inserted into a cylinder (not shown) formed on the rear wall below the soft 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 communicated with the water passage 124.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the piston pump unit 112 includes a cylinder 112d, a suction water passage 112h that allows the liquid to flow into the cylinder 112d, a discharge water path 112g that discharges the liquid from the cylinder 112d, and a drive Motor 112f and so on. The driving motor 112f drives the piston 112e which is provided in the cylinder 112d and can reciprocate up and down.

That is, the cylinder 112d is formed in 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 driving motor 112f through the connecting rod 112a and the cam 112b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the driving motor 112f is transmitted to the piston 112e through the connecting rod 112a and the cam 112b, and 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. Thereby, the liquid medicine discharged by the piston 112e can be strongly discharged downward.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the suction water passage 112h is connected to the discharge port e of the water passage 124, and is configured to suck the liquid discharged from the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b to the water passage of the receiving portion 112c in the cylinder 112d.

As shown in Figure 11, the suction water passage 112h is provided with Part of the suction side check valve 164. The suction side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at the lower portion. In addition, a spring 164b is arranged in the suction water passage 112h, and the suction side check valve 164 is given downward potential energy. Due to the potential energy imparted by the spring 164b, the convex portion 164a abuts against 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 abuts 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 passage 112g is connected to the branch water passage 129a connecting the hose 129.

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

In the above configuration, when the piston 112e moves upward, a negative pressure is generated in the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d, and therefore, 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 (weight) of the suction side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward. Thereby, the convex portion 164a of the suction side check valve 164 and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water passage 112h Between, there will be a gap. 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 inside of the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d is positive pressure, and therefore, a downward force is applied to the discharge side check valve 165. At this time, the combined force of the gravity (weight) of the discharge-side check valve 165 and the downward force applied to the discharge-side check valve 165 is greater than the elastic force of the spring 165b imparting upward potential energy to the discharge-side check valve 165 When it is larger, the discharge side check valve 165 will move downward. This creates a gap between the convex portion 165a of the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g. As a result, the liquid in the receiving portion 112c of the cylinder 112d passes through the gap, flows through the discharge water channel 112g, and is discharged to the branch water channel 129a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, 112g of discharge water passages are connected and communicated with the branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129. As shown in FIG. The connecting hose 129 is a hose connecting the drain port 114c of the tank storage box 114 and the water tank 105. Thereby, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid in the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d passes through the branch water passage 129a connected to the connection hose 129 of the discharge water passage 112g, and is then discharged into the water tank 105.

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

Furthermore, the above-mentioned suction water passage 112h, discharge water passage 112g, and branch water passage 129a are arranged in a substantially vertical direction so that liquids and the like can be Free fall.

(Tank accommodating box 114 (tank accommodating part))

As shown in FIG. 3, the storage tank storage box 114 is a container which is comprised by the storage part with an upper surface opening. On the rear side of the accommodating part of the tank accommodating box 114, there are a detergent tank 117 and a soft fine tank 126 that are detachably installed. On the front side of the accommodating part of the tank accommodating box 114, a detergent box 115 is detachably mounted.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the tank storage box 114 has an insertion hole 114d formed in the lower rear wall. , The detergent side cylinder 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 type element or the like. Furthermore, the linear Hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic force 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 communicates with a bypass 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 a branch water passage 129a branching in the vertical direction from the middle of the connecting hose 129. As described above, the branch water passage 129a communicates with the discharge water passage 112g of the pump unit 111.

(Detergent tank 117, soft fine tank 126)

As shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank 117 and the soft fine tank 126 are comprised as the container which has the upper surface opening part 118 at the upper part. In addition, when expressing without distinguishing between the detergent tank 117 and the soft fine tank 126, it is simply described as a "storage tank".

The detergent tank 117 is provided with a gasket 117f on its upper periphery. The upper part of the detergent tank 117 penetrates the gasket 117f, and a detergent tank cover 119 that covers the upper opening 118 and is openable and closable 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 to make the detergent tank 117 watertight. Thereby, even when, for example, the detergent tank 117 is tilted in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid inside from leaking from the detergent tank 117. In addition, the gasket may not be provided on the side of the detergent tank 117 but on the side of the detergent tank cover 119, and the same effect can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank cover 119 has the opening part 139 formed in the front. In addition, the detergent tank cover 119 is provided with a small window 119b configured as a liquid supply cover, and covers the opening 139 in an openable and closable manner. Furthermore, the small window 119b is preferably configured by using a transparent member such as polypropylene.

As shown in FIG. 21, the detergent tank 117 is provided with the cylindrical part 123 formed by extending inwardly (forward) below the rear wall 117a. The cylindrical part 123 is equipped with the check valve 123b arrange|positioned on the inner peripheral surface. The check valve 123b is, for example, subjected to potential energy that is given by a spring (not shown) to move toward the rear. In the natural state of receiving potential energy from the spring, the check valve 123b pushes the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123. Therefore, between the check valve 123b and the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 123, there is no Create a gap. Thereby, it is possible to prevent leakage from the cylinder portion 123 of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117.

With the above configuration, when the detergent tank 117 is installed in the tank storage box 114, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b (corresponding to the second cylindrical portion) of the automatic liquid injection device 109 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 (corresponding to the first Tube). At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b pushes the check valve 123b forward. Thereby, a gap is generated between the check valve 123b and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 123. As a result, as indicated by the arrow I in FIG. 21, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be discharged from the cylinder 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 of the spring to move backward. Thereby, the gap between the check valve 123b and the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 123 disappears. Therefore, the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 can be prevented 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 watertightly by the gasket 111c. Thereby, when the detergent tank 117 is installed, the detergent liquid from the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage box 114 is prevented from leaking. As a result, through the three-way valve unit 113, it becomes possible to discharge the detergent liquid of the desired amount of water in the washing tub 106.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank 117 is equipped with the grip part 117g formed in the front outer wall surface. The grip portion 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. With this, the user can hold and grasp 部117g. In addition, when the user grasps the grip portion 117g and pulls the detergent tank 117 toward the side, the detergent tank 117 can be withdrawn from the tank storage box 114. At this time, the user can, for example, insert a finger from the top or from the bottom into the gap between the grasping portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 to grasp. In addition, for example, the thumb may be inserted into the gap between the grasping portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from the top, and the remaining two or three fingers may also be inserted from the bottom to grasp the grasping portion 117g.

Furthermore, when pulling out the detergent tank 117 from the lower gripping portion 117g, 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.

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

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the tank storage box 114 is provided with two guide ribs 114 h on the bottom surface 120. The guide rib 114h is formed at a position that encloses the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 when the detergent tank 117 is installed. When the detergent tank 117 is installed in the tank storage box 114, the detergent tank 117 will be pushed back in a state where it has been placed in 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. With this, The receiving portion 117 h and the guide rib 114 h will fit together to fix the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage box 114.

Furthermore, when the detergent tank 117 is not completely installed in the tank storage box 114, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid may leak from the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b. As a result, 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 this embodiment is configured to insert the receiving portion 117h of the detergent tank 117 into the two guide ribs 114h of the tank storage box 114. Thereby, the detergent tank 117 can be reliably attached to the tank storage box 114. In addition, when the user installs 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 forcefully push the detergent tank 117 backward. At this time, when the front end of the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h, the feeling of resistance when pressing the detergent tank 117 is weakened. Therefore, when the user installs the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage box 114, the user will feel a snapping feeling. Thereby, the user can recognize that the receiving portion 117h has been inserted into the guide rib 114h with certainty. 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 the detergent tank 117 is inserted.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the structure of fixing the detergent tank 117 and the tank containing box 114 by the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h is taken as an example for description, it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be made by pushing the detergent tank 117 toward the rear, and by buckling (snap-fit) Comes with a configuration that is installed with the tank storage box 114. Specifically, it is also possible to form a ring-shaped braking portion fitted with the receiving portion 117h in the tank storage box 114 to be configured to be buckled.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18A, the detergent tank 117 has the 1st longitudinal rib 138a, the 2nd longitudinal rib 138b, and the 3rd longitudinal rib 138c which are formed at intervals on the inner wall surface and extend upward from the bottom surface. In addition, when expressing without distinguishing between the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c, it will only be described as a "longitudinal rib".

The second longitudinal rib 138b is located behind the first longitudinal rib 138a, and is formed to have a shorter length. The third longitudinal rib 138c is located behind the second longitudinal rib 138b, and is formed to have a shorter length. Thereby, the user can grasp the detergent tank by confirming the water surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the lengths of the upper ends 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 vertical ribs among the three vertical ribs, it is possible to easily grasp the approximate residual amount of the cleaning agent. For example, when the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are all hidden in the detergent liquid and become invisible, it is possible to determine the level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. There is a lot of residual capacity. On the other hand, when the first vertical rib 138a and the second vertical rib 138b are visible, and only the third vertical rib 138c is hidden in the detergent liquid and is invisible, 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.

Also, as shown in Figure 18B, the detergent tank 117 will contain the The float portion 130a provided under the detergent tank cover 119. As shown in FIG. 19, the float part 130a is arrange|positioned at intervals in the left-right direction with respect to the 1st longitudinal rib 138a, the 2nd longitudinal rib 138b, and the 3rd longitudinal rib 138c. The float portion 130a is structured so as not to rotate ahead of the third longitudinal rib 138c. Thereby, when the user opens the small window 119b of the detergent tank cover 119 and looks into the opening 139, it can be prevented that the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib are not seen due to the float portion 130a 138c situation.

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 who is located on the front side of the washing machine peeping through the small window 119b of the detergent tank 117 The sight of inner time. Specifically, the lengths of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are formed to be longer on the front side and shorter on the rear side. This allows the user to easily see the upper ends of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c from the small window 119b when the opening 139 is viewed from the front. Also, as shown in Fig. 20, the first longitudinal rib 138a can be easily seen from the line of sight B (1-dot chain line) of the shorter person or the line of sight A (dashed line) of the taller person. , The upper end portions of the second vertical rib 138b and the third vertical rib 138c can grasp the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

In addition, the soft fine tank 126 and the detergent tank 117 have the same structure, so the description is omitted. Regarding the soft 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 126j, the concave portion 126k, and the soft fine tube portion 127 (corresponding to the second tube portion ), the guide rib 114i (refer to FIG. 15) of the tank storage box 114, and a cylindrical portion (corresponding to the first cylindrical portion) not shown. Also, soft fine groove Similarly to the detergent tank 117, 126 is also provided with a soft fine tank cover (not shown) constituting the tank cover, and a small window (not shown) provided on the soft fine tank cover and constituting a liquid supply cover.

(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 installed in the state inclined obliquely so as to be attachable and detachable. The filter 122 is made of resin such as polypropylene, for example. The filter 122 has a through hole (not shown) that penetrates the front and the back and is formed in a lattice shape. The filter 122 filters the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. Thereby, it can suppress that the fixed substance etc. of a detergent liquid become clogged in the cylinder part 123 or the detergent side cylinder part 111b.

That is, in general, the cleaning agent liquid has a 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 holes 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, a proper amount of detergent liquid may not be spit out from the detergent tank 117. In addition, when the through hole of the filter 122 is blocked by the detergent liquid, air pockets are generated in the space below the filter 122 inside the detergent tank 117. Therefore, there is a possibility that the drive 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 installed obliquely in the detergent tank 117.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23B, the filter 122 is configured as a lattice with a plurality of vertical ribs 122e and a plurality of horizontal ribs 122f. shape. The vertical rib 122e is formed 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 arranged on the back surface 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 and fixing on the surface of the filter 122. In addition, the detergent liquid passing through the through hole of the filter 122 flows obliquely downward along the side surface of the horizontal rib 122f, and flows down from the front end of the horizontal rib 122f. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid adhering to the filter 122 from clogging the through holes of the filter 122.

As shown in FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, and FIG. 23A, the filter 122 is formed such that the lower end 122d is bent in a state of being installed in the detergent tank 117. In addition, the filter 122 has 122 g of engagement claws on the back surface. The engagement claw 122g includes an extension rib 122b, a convex portion 122c, and the like. The extension rib 122b is formed 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 extension rib 122b.

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

Hereinafter, the 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 122 d of the filter 122 is engaged with the hook portion 121 of the detergent tank 117. In the engaged state, the filter 122 is pushed backward in the detergent tank 117 as shown in FIG. 18A with the lower end 122d as a fulcrum. Thereby, the engagement claw 122g of the filter 122 and the protrusion 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 oblique 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 as 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 out from the detergent tank 117.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 22, the filter 122 is equipped with the downward extension rib 122a formed in the downward direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the detergent tank 117 is provided with the lower recessed part 117c formed in the vicinity of the cylindrical part 123 of a bottom surface. The lower recess 117c is provided so that the detergent liquid can be discharged even if the residual amount of the detergent liquid is small. The lower extending rib 122a is installed in the lower recessed portion 117c, and prevents foreign matter such as liquid fixation material from entering the lower recessed portion 117c.

(Detergent Box 115)

As shown in FIG. 4, the detergent box 115 is installed 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 arranged to abut the detergent tank 117 or the soft fine 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 backward, the detergent-side cylinder 111b is inserted into the cylinder 123 provided on the outer frame 111a of the pump unit 111. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the leakage of the detergent liquid and the like from the detergent tank 117.

Similarly, when the soft fine tank 126 is pushed backward by the detergent box 115, it will be reliably installed in the tank accommodating box 114. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the leakage of the soft essence liquid from the soft essence tank 126 can be reliably prevented.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the detergent box 115 constitutes a container with an upper opening, and includes a partition wall 115a. The partition 115a divides the accommodating part of the detergent box 115 into a detergent accommodating part 115b and a soft essence accommodating part 115c. Thereby, the user can manually put the powder detergent into the detergent storage portion 115b, and the softener into the softener storage portion 115c.

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

Furthermore, when flushing the powder detergent put into the detergent storage portion 115b, the controller will open the first water supply valve shown in FIG. 24 110a. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and the water injection channel as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 24. In addition, tap water is poured into the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent box 115 from the first upper water injection port 116b.

On the other hand, the softener containing portion 115c also has a conventionally well-known siphon mechanism. When the soft essence liquid put into the soft essence storage portion 115c is to flow, the controller opens the second water supply valve 110b shown in FIG. 24. As a result, the tap water flows in the third water channel 183 as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 24. In addition, the tap water is poured into the softener containing portion 115c of the detergent box 115 from the second upper water pouring port 116c. By injecting water, the water level in the soft essence containing portion 115c will rise. Thereby, due to the siphon effect caused by the siphon mechanism, the soft essence liquid that has been put into the soft essence accommodating part 115c will not remain in the soft essence accommodating part 115c, but will completely flush into the water tank 105.

(The composition of the water injection box 116, and the composition of the waterway)

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the tank storage box 114 is equipped with the water injection box 116 which is arrange|positioned at the upper part so that tap water can flow in. The water injection box 116 includes a claw portion 116 a that engages with the engaging portion 114 m of the tank storage box 114. Thereby, the water injection box 116 and the storage tank containing box 114 are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water injection box 116 communicates with 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 will communicate with the water injection path. In addition, the water injection box 116 is further provided with a third upper water injection port 116d (corresponding to a second water injection port) formed at the rear.

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

The second water passage 182 constitutes a water passage that flows into the branch water passage 129 a connecting the hose 129 through the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. The second water passage 182 is branched into a structure in which the bypass water passage 184 is directed vertically downward on the upstream side of the three-way valve unit 113. The detour water passage 184 communicates with the lower water injection port 114g (water injection port) of the tank storage box 114.

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

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, the third water path 183 constitutes a water path in which the tap water flowing in from the second water supply valve 110b flows in the water injection path of the water injection box 116, and is injected into the detergent box 115 from the second upper water injection port 116c The soft essence containing part 115c.

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

As shown in FIG. 24, the third waterway 183 branches into a branch waterway 185 at the third branch point 183a. The branch waterway 185 is connected to the third upper water injection port 116d. Thereby, a part of the tap water flowing in the third water passage 183 flows in the branch water passage 185. In addition, the tap water is poured from the third upper water injection port 116d toward the inclined surface 114j in the direction indicated by the 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 waterway is constructed.

(Backflow prevention device 170)

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper cover 177 is arranged so as to cover the upper part 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 part of the outer frame 111a and the upper cover 177. The water passage 171 will cause the water passing through the first water supply valve 110a from the water supply passage 110c to flow from the rear Flow towards the front.

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

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

The air extractor 172 includes an air suction 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 is provided with a protrusion 177a formed to surround the suction hole 174a, and the protrusion 177a has a cavity 177d inside.

As shown in FIG. 25, the protruding portion 177a is formed to penetrate through the inside and connect the connecting portion 177b. The connecting portion 177b has an opening 177c at the end. The opening 177c will be connected to the atmosphere introduction pipe 176 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 One end of the connection. The other end of the atmosphere introduction pipe 176 will pass through the connection port 176a to connect and communicate with the upper part of the tank containing box 114. Thereby, the inside of the storage tank accommodating box 114 is opened to the atmosphere. With the above configuration, the negative pressure generating part 174 will pass through the suction hole 174a of the aspirator 172 and communicate with the tank storage box 114. Therefore, the inside of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is opened to the atmosphere.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, the aspirator 172 is configured such that the height of the upper inner peripheral portion 172b of the water passage on the downstream side of the suction hole 174a is higher than the height of the upper inner peripheral portion 172a of the water passage on the upstream side of the suction hole 174a . Thereby, a gap m is formed between the water path on the downstream side of the suction hole 174a and the water path on the upstream side of the suction hole 174a. In this embodiment, the height dimension of the drop m is 0.9 mm, for example.

In addition, the upper peripheral edge of the suction hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is processed to form a chamfer 174b. In addition, the chamfer 174b is formed such that the diameter decreases from the side of the protruding portion 177a toward the side of the negative pressure generating portion 174.

[1-1-3. Composition of bath water pump]

As shown in FIG. 3, the bath water pump 140 is arranged behind the tank storage box 114. The bath water pump 140 sucks up the bath water in the bath through a bath water hose (not shown in the figure), and then supplies it to the water bath 105.

As shown in Figure 24, the first water path 181 is branched at a 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 is connected to one end of the auxiliary hose 141 (auxiliary water path) . On the other hand, the other end of the auxiliary hose 141 will communicate with the suction port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140.

As shown in Figure 3, the spout outlet of the bath water pump 140 (not shown in the figure) Show) will be connected to 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 storage box 114, and communicates with the hole 114k constituting the first water injection port.

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

That is, by arranging the bath water pump 140 at a position opposite to the water injection box hole and the hole 114k, the length of the auxiliary hose 141 or the discharge hose 142 can be shortened. Thereby, the risk of water leakage caused by the rupture of the auxiliary hose 141 or the discharge hose 142 can be reduced, and the cost can also be reduced.

〔1-1-4. Composition of Residual Quantity Detection Department〕

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.

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

The automatic liquid agent 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 amount of cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank 117. The second remaining amount detection unit detects the amount of softness in the softness groove 126. In addition, when expressing without distinguishing the first residual amount detection unit 130 and the second residual amount detection unit, it will be described only as the "residual amount detection unit".

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

(Pontoon 130a)

As shown in FIG. 28, the detergent tank cover 119 is provided with the 1st bearing part 119c and the 2nd bearing connection part 119e formed in parallel at the position spaced apart on the lower surface. A first hole 119d is formed in the first bearing portion 119c, and a second hole 119f is formed in the second bearing portion 119e.

The float portion 130a includes a connecting rod 133, a rotating shaft 131 arranged at the upper end of the connecting rod 133, a magnet box 135 arranged at the lower end of the connecting rod 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. Thereby, the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a is rotatably arranged 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 meet the The diameter of 1 hole 119d. Similarly, the diameter of the second rotating shaft 131b is formed to match the diameter of the second hole 119f. Thereby, it is possible to 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 portion 119e in the vertical direction.

In addition, the link 133 of the float portion 130a is provided with a brake rib 132 formed in the vicinity of the second rotating shaft 131b. When the brake rib 132 mistakenly inserts the 1st rotating shaft 131a into the 2nd hole 119f, or inserts the 2nd rotating shaft 131b into the 1st hole 119d by mistake, the brake rib 132 will contact the 1st bearing part 119c. Therefore, the float portion 130a becomes unable to rotate. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the incorrect installation of the float portion 130a.

As shown in FIG. 27, the magnet box 135 is hollow inside, and constitutes an outer cover 135a and a sealed hollow container. The magnet box 135 is provided with a first magnet 134a and a second magnet 134b inside. In addition, when expressing without distinguishing between the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b, only the "detected part" or "magnet" will be described. In addition, the magnet is an example of a "magnetic force generating part" or a "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, the magnet box 135 has a hollow structure. Therefore, the magnet box 135 itself bears buoyancy in the detergent liquid. Therefore, the float portion 130a usually floats on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. Thereby, the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a will rotate in the up and down 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 a U shape, for example below. On the other hand, the detergent tank 117 includes a magnet stopper 137 formed on the inner bottom surface. The magnet stopper 137 is formed to have a U-shaped arc, and the contact point 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 insufficient in the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117, the magnet brake 137 abuts the receiving portion 135b.

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

In addition, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b and the similarly shaped magnet stopper 137 are in surface contact. By abutting with the magnet stopper 137, the front and rear shaking of the receiving portion 135b is suppressed, and the float portion 130a is stably supported. Also, even if the position of the float portion 130a is in the left-right direction When shifting upward, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b also serves as a guide for the magnet stopper 137. Therefore, the magnet box 135 can be guided to a desired position more reliably.

(Linear Hall element 136)

As shown in FIG. 5, the linear Hall elements 136 constitute a detection part, and are respectively arranged on the lower part of the outer surface of the left and right side walls of the storage tank containing 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 force sensor.

Generally, the linear Hall element 136 has the characteristics shown in FIG. 30. The horizontal axis of 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 will output a voltage of (1/2) Vdd (V) which is half of the maximum voltage value Vdd (V). . Furthermore, when the so-called 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 the magnetic body is separated from the linear Hall element 136.

From the above-mentioned state, when the magnetic body with the N-pole magnetism approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 will strongly detect the magnetic force of the N-pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 increases more than (1/2)Vdd. That is, as the detected magnetic force of the N pole increases, the output voltage will increase in the direction of arrow O in FIG. 30.

On the other hand, when the magnetic body with S pole magnetism approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 will strongly detect the S pole. Of magnetism. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is reduced to be smaller than (1/2)Vdd. That is, as the detected magnetic force of the S pole increases, the output voltage will decrease in the direction of arrow N in FIG. 30.

As described above, the linear Hall element 136 is disposed on the lower side of the outer side of the side wall of the storage tank containing box 114. Therefore, when the level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet box 135 will be shortened. In this way, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will change, and therefore, the change in the level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 can be detected.

Furthermore, when the linear Hall element 136 is arranged 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. Therefore, the linear Hall element 136 cannot be used to detect the detergent tank. Reduction of detergent liquid in 117. Therefore, in this embodiment, the linear Hall element 136 is disposed on the outer side of the side wall of the tank containing box 114. Thereby, the cleaning agent flows down along the inner surface of the side wall, and therefore, the above-mentioned erroneous detection can be prevented.

〔1-2. Actions and Functions〕

The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[1-2-1. Washing operation 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 washing step, a dehydrating step, a drying step, and the like. Washing step meeting The laundry is immersed in washing water, and the dirt is peeled off by rotating the drum 106. The rinsing step will wash the clothes soaked in the detergent liquid with water to remove the detergent liquid. The spin-drying step spins clothes that contain 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 washing operation of the washing machine 100, the user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and the soft essence liquid into the soft essence tank 126 in advance.

Specifically, when replenishing the detergent liquid to the detergent tank 117, the user will open the cover 114a and remove the detergent tank 117 from the tank storage box 114. In addition, the user will open the detergent tank cover 119, put the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117, and then put the detergent tank 117 back into the tank storage box 114. Furthermore, the detergent tank 117 may not be removed from the storage tank accommodating box 114, and the detergent liquid may be directly put into the detergent tank 117.

Similarly, when replenishing the soft essence liquid into the soft essence tank 126, the user will open the cover 114a and remove the soft essence tank 126 from the storage tank accommodating box 114. In addition, the user will open the soft fine tank cover 128, put the detergent liquid into the soft fine tank 126, and then put the soft fine tank 126 back into the tank containing box 114. Furthermore, it is not necessary to remove the soft essence tank 126 from the storage tank accommodating box 114, and directly put the soft essence liquid into the soft essence tank 126.

Furthermore, the cover 114a, the detergent tank cover 119, and the soft fine tank cover 128 of the washing machine 100 in this embodiment are, for example, configured to be opened and closed by rotating up and down by a hinge mechanism. Therefore, in the detergent tank When the cover 119 and the soft fine tank cover 128 are closed in the opened state, by closing the cover 114a, the detergent tank cover 119 and the soft fine tank cover 128 can be closed in the same manner.

Next, when the washing operation is started, the user opens the lid 102 and puts the laundry into the drum 106 from the laundry input and extraction port 103.

Then, the user will operate the operation display unit 104 to turn on the power switch, and simultaneously set various washing schedules or washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, or dehydration. At this time, the washing schedule that can be set is, for example, "washing only", "washing only", "spinning only", and so on.

In the following, the operation in the "washing process" will be described.

In the "washing process", the controller will control to: will successively execute the cloth quantity determination step, the water supply step, the washing step, the washing step, and the dehydrating step.

First, in the cloth quantity determination step, the controller measures the torque current value with the cloth quantity determination unit. The torque current value is the torque when the slot rotation motor repeats rotation in the forward and reverse directions with 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 feed the detergent liquid of the amount calculated by the liquid reagent input amount calculation unit into the drum 106 from the detergent tank 117.

Next, the controller will perform the water supply step: open the first water supply valve 110a, and pair the tap water corresponding to the detected amount of cloth Supply in the drum 106.

After the water supply step is completed, the controller will drive the tank rotation motor to rotate the drum 106 forward and backward. In this way, the washing step of the laundry in the mixing drum 106 is executed.

After the washing step is over, the controller will execute the spin-drying step, and then the rinse step.

Furthermore, in the flushing 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 soft essence liquid of the amount calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit from the soft fine tank 126 into the water tank 105.

Then, after the detergent liquid or softener liquid is supplied, the controller will continue to supply tap water to the waterway to rinse the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 or the detergent or softener liquid remaining in the waterway. This prevents the detergent liquid or the softening liquid in the detergent tank 117 and the softening tank 126 or the waterway from sticking.

And, after the rinse step is over, the controller will execute the dehydration step. In this way, a series of washing stroke actions will end.

[1-2-2. Water supply method, and liquid supply method using automatic liquid injection device]

Hereinafter, the method of supplying water to the water tank 105 and the method of supplying the liquid 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-finish-side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f in a non-energized state. Thereby, the tap water supplied from a tap such as a tap water pipe flows through the first water channel 181 shown in FIG.

After the water supply ends, 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 in an energized state, and puts the soft-finish-side coil 113i in a non-energized state. Thereby, the detergent tank 117 and the suction water passage 112h of the pump unit 111 are connected. 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 from the cylinder portion 123, through the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the soft fine side three-way valve 113b, and flows into the suction water passage of the pump unit 111 112h.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller drives the driving motor 112f of the piston pump unit 112 to make the piston 112e reciprocate in the vertical direction in the cylinder 112d. Thereby, the state of negative pressure and positive pressure will be 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 from the gap between the suction side check valve 164 and the suction water passage 112h into the receiving portion 112c in the cylinder 112d. And when the piston When 112e moves downward, the inside of cylinder 112d will become positive pressure. Thereby, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the receiving portion 112c in the cylinder will be as shown by arrow C in FIG. 7, from the gap between the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g toward the branch water channel 129a, and is directed downward. Spit out. The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branch water passage 129a of the connection hose 129 arranged in the vertical direction, and is supplied to the water tank 105.

As described above, by repeating the vertical movement of the piston 112e for a predetermined time, a predetermined amount of detergent liquid is supplied to the counter water tank 105. At this time, the second water passage 182 is in communication with the water tank 105. Normally, when the lid 102 is opened, the inside of the water tank 105 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, in the water path through which the liquid from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105 circulates, there is a risk of the liquid being dried, fixed, or accumulated.

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

Next, after the injection of the detergent liquid is completed, as shown in FIG. 10A, the controller puts the detergent-side coil 113d and the soft-finish 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). With this, from the first waterway 181 towards The water flowing in the second water path 182 flows into the three-way valve unit 113 or the pump unit 111. As a result, the inflowing water can flush the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, or the detergent liquid remaining in the connection hose 129.

Furthermore, generally speaking, when the water supply starts, the trend of the circulating tap water is weak. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 may not move sufficiently, and the flow of the supplied water may be blocked. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the driving motor 112f is driven 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 where positive pressure and negative pressure are repeated. Thereby, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 move sufficiently, and the tap water can flow into the pump unit 111 strongly. 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 reliably.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment does not pass through the tank storage box 114, but connects the hose 129, and connects the discharge water path 112g of the pump unit 111 and the water tank 105. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining and fixing in the water path from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the soft finishing liquid is supplied from the soft finishing tank 126, the controller will energize the soft finishing side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f, so that the detergent side coil 113d will be in a energized state. Non-powered state. In addition, the supply method of the softening essence liquid and the supply method of the detergent liquid are the same, so the description is omitted.

In the above configuration, when a foreign substance is caught in the opening and closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, there is a possibility that a gap may be generated in the opening and closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. At this time, in a state where the first water supply valve 110a is opened, for example, when a power outage or water failure 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 waterway 182, there is a risk of backflow toward the water supply plug.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the 2nd water path 182 of the washing machine 100 of this embodiment is provided with the bypass water path 184 branching downward. In addition, 114 g of the lower water injection port, which is the water outlet of the bypass water channel 184, is arranged below the detergent tank 117. Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing backward from the detergent tank 117 passes through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and flows toward the bypass water channel 184 shown by the arrow A4 in FIG. 24. In addition, the detergent liquid flows toward the water tank 105 via 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 faucet caused by the detergent liquid can be suppressed beforehand.

At this time, the tap water flowing in the detour water passage 184 flows into the tank storage box 114. Therefore, when water is supplied, it can also be used to flush the detergent liquid fixed in the tank storage box 114.

Furthermore, as in the case of the detergent liquid, backflow of the softening fluid in the softening fluid tank 126 is also prevented, so the description is omitted.

〔1-2-3. How to supply manually put detergent and softener to the sink〕

Hereinafter, when the user sets the manual input of the detergent, the method of supplying the powder detergent or softener to the water tank 105 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 shown by the arrow A1 in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181, and water is poured from the first upper water injection port 116 b toward the detergent storage portion 115 b of the detergent box 115. Thereby, the powder detergent in the detergent storage part 115b flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c together with the supplied tap water, and is supplied into the water tank 105.

In addition, the tap water supplied from the faucet to the first water channel 181 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 in the second water passage 182 flows in the bypass water passage 184 as shown by arrow A4 in FIG. In this way, the storage tank storage box 114 is supplied with water supplied from the upper side and water supplied from the lower side. As a result, the powder detergent 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 puts the softener into the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent box 115 to supply the water tank 105, the controller will control the closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the opening of the first water supply valve 110a at the same time. 2Water supply valve 110b. Thereby, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the third water channel 183 as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. As a result, the water level in the softener storage portion 115c rises. In addition, due to the siphon effect caused by the siphon mechanism, the soft essence liquid will not remain in the soft essence containing portion 115c, but will flow out toward the tank containing box 114. The soft essence liquid flowing out to the tank storage box 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c, and is supplied into the water tank 105.

[1-2-4. The role of backflow prevention device 170]

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

As described above, the negative pressure generating portion 174 of the backflow prevention device 170 shown in FIG. 26 is formed such that the inner diameter of the water path is narrower than the water inlet path 173 or the outlet path 175. Thereby, the flow velocity of the tap water passing through the negative pressure generating part 174 will increase. Therefore, due to the so-called venturi effect, the negative pressure generating portion 174 is in a negative pressure state compared to the water inlet 173 or the outlet 175.

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

Generally, 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 part 174 becomes equal to or less than the ^{atmospheric pressure P0 (N/m 2 ).} Thereby, the tap water flowing in the water passage 171 does not flow out from the air suction hole 174a toward the protrusion 177a of the upper cover 177, but flows toward the water outlet passage 175. On the other hand, air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the suction hole 174a opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, the tap water flowing out from the air extractor 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 outage or water failure, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the soft essence liquid in the softening tank 126 may flow back toward the water supply plug side. At this time, in the present embodiment, the air passes through the air introduction pipe 176 that is open to the atmosphere, and is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the air suction hole 174a. In this way, the connection of the tap water between the water inlet 173 and the outlet 175 is blocked. Therefore, the tap water in the water passage 171 is separated into: from the suction hole 174a to the water inlet 173 side, and from the suction hole 174a to the water outlet 175 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 located downstream of the water outlet 175, the softener liquid in the softening tank 126, and the like from flowing back to the water faucet (water supply faucet).

In addition, in this embodiment, the negative pressure generating portion 174 sets the drop m so that the inner diameter of the water path on the downstream side of the suction hole 174a is larger than that of the water path on the upstream side of the suction hole 174a. width. As a result, the tap water flowing in the water passage 171 will be discharged from the water passage (upper inner circumference 172a) on the upstream side than the suction hole 174a to the water passage (upper inner circumference 172b) on the downstream side than the suction hole 174a. Will be inhaled from the suction hole 174a Air. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tap water from flowing out of the suction 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 is provided with a chamfer 174b on the periphery, and the chamfer 174b is formed so that the diameter becomes narrower toward the negative pressure generating portion 174. Thereby, even when water splashes from the air suction hole 174a toward the atmosphere introduction pipe 176 during water flow, the water droplets flow down toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 on the chamfer 174b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress clogging of the suction hole 174a due to water droplets.

In addition, in this embodiment, the air extractor 172 is constituted by a single part. Thereby, the backflow prevention device 170 can be configured with a simple structure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent performance degradation caused by assembly deviation of the backflow prevention device 170. In addition, compared with the backflow prevention device 170 formed of a plurality of constituent parts, there is no change over time between constituent 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 put into the detergent storage part 115b, the softener is put into the softener storage part 115c, and the washing is performed in the manual washing mode, the detergent or softener will be supplied from the drain port 114c of the tank storage box 114 To the sink 105. At this time, there is a possibility that detergent or softener may still remain in the storage tank containing box 114 after the washing is finished. Residual detergent or soft essence may be attached or fixed on the cylinder part 123 or the detergent side cylinder part which is the connection part of the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid injection device 109 The danger of 111b. Therefore, when the detergent tank 117 is withdrawn from the tank storage box 114, the adhered solids may peel off and enter the detergent water supply path of the automatic liquid injection device 109, which may narrow the flow path. 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 cylinder portion 123 and the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b, and the water tightness of the connection portion may be impaired.

Due to the above-mentioned 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 rinsing performance may be reduced.

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

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is not easy to perform maintenance of the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b arranged near the rear wall of the tank containing box 114, which becomes a great burden for the user.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment causes the water flowing in the first water channel 181 to flow into the auxiliary hose 141 at the second branch point 181b during the water supply in the washing step. The inflowing water will flow in the bath water pump 140 and the spitting hose 142, and the arrow A in FIG. The injected water will flow along the inclined surface 114j on the rear side of the storage tank containing box 114 as indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 3 or the 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 that is the connection portion of the tank storage box 114 and the automatic liquid injection device 109.

With the above-mentioned structure, the water injected from the hole 114k washes the dirt of the connection part between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic injection device 109 every time the 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 injected water washes away the dirt that has adhered to the liner 111c. Therefore, the water tightness of the connection part between the cylindrical part 123 and the detergent side cylindrical part 111b can be maintained. Thereby, the leakage of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 can be prevented, and the necessary amount of detergent liquid can be discharged into the water tank 105. In addition, it is possible to prevent residues from entering the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. As a result, it is possible to prevent pressure loss in the water passage, and to stably discharge a necessary amount of detergent liquid 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 port 114c. Therefore, it is possible to use the water used in the washing step to maintain the periphery of the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b. Therefore, it is not necessary to construct a dedicated water supply valve or a hose or the like for flushing the dirt of the storage tank storage box 114, so that the cost can be suppressed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, during the water supply in the flushing step, the water flowing in the third water passage 183 flows into the branch water passage 185 at the third branch point 183a. The inflowing water flows into the rear of the tank storage box 114 from the third upper water injection port 116d as indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 8. In addition, the inflowing water flows on the inclined surface 114j on the rear side of the tank accommodating box 114 while heading toward the cylinder 123 or the detergent side cylinder that is the connection part of the sump accommodating box 114 and the automatic liquid injection device 109. The part 111b flows. Take this, rush The periphery of the washing tub portion 123 or the detergent side tub portion 111b will become feasible. That is, the same effect as when water is supplied in the washing step can be obtained.

In addition, when the user selects the "bath water course" for supplying bath water to the sink 105 in the washing step, the controller will activate the bath water pump 140 after the automatic injection of the detergent ends. Thereby, a part of the water supplied by the first water supply valve 110a to the first water passage 181 flows into the bath water pump 140 from the auxiliary hose 141 at the second branch point 181b. With the water flowing into the bath water pump 140, one end is connected to the bath water pump 140 with tap water, and the other end is put into the 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 bathtub will flow in the hose and absorb water into the bath water pump 140. The absorbed bath water will flow into the tank accommodating box 114 from the hole 114k at the rear of the tank accommodating box 114 through the spitting hose 142 as indicated by 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 connecting portion between the detergent tank 117 and the automatic liquid injection device 109. Thereby, the residue of the detergent liquid adhering to the cylindrical portion 123 and the periphery of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b can be washed away.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it can also be configured to have a "storage storage box maintenance process", which is in a state where the detergent tank 117 is removed from the storage tank storage box 114. Bottom, the rear wall of the tank storage box 114 or the periphery of the detergent side cylinder 111b will be cleaned.

Specifically, when the user selects the "tank storage box maintenance schedule", the controller will open the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. borrow Therefore, the tap water flows in the first water passage 181, flows in 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 114 from the hole 114k. Inside. The water that has flowed into the tank accommodating box 114 flows in the direction of arrow B on the inclined surface 114j, and the rear of the sump accommodating box 114 or the periphery of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b is washed.

In addition, the tap water poured into the tank storage box 114 from the hole 114k flows on the inclined surface 114j as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 15. Thereby, the guide rib 114h and the receiving part 117h of the fixed detergent tank 117 and the tank storage box 114 can be cleaned. Similarly, the guide rib 114i and the receiving portion 126h that fix the soft fine tank 126 and the tank storage box 114 can also be cleaned. 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 is also possible to prevent the fixation caused by the detergent tank 117. The fitting of the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h is poor. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the detergent liquid from the cylindrical portion 123 or the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b.

[1-2-6. Determining method of insufficient residual amount in detergent tank]

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

First, the controller will pre-store the threshold voltage (for example, 2.1V) that is shown as the TH line in FIG. 36 and determine that the remaining amount of the cleaning agent is insufficient in the memory unit.

After the detergent liquid is spit out from the detergent tank 117, the detergent The water level of the tank 117 will drop, and the float portion 130a will rotate downward. Thereby, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 will change, and therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will also change. In addition, when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has not reached the threshold voltage stored in the memory unit, the controller determines that the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, and displays this on the operation display unit 104.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, two magnets 134 composed of a first magnet 134a and a second magnet 134b are arranged at positions along the rotation direction of the float portion 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 the magnetic forces of different polarities from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b.

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

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

36 is a graph 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, when the detergent liquid is filled with the detergent tank 117, the linear Hall element 136 receives N from the first magnet 134a. The magnetic force of the poles. As a result, 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 will continue to drop. As a result, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 rises.

And, as the detergent liquid is discharged, as shown in FIG. 33, when the first magnet 134a is rotated to the height position of the linear hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 will become a2 in FIG. 36 Maximum voltage.

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

When the float portion 130a rotates to the position shown in FIG. 34, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will become a3 in FIG. 36. If the detergent liquid continues to be discharged from the detergent tank 117 from this state, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will continue to decrease.

And, as shown in FIG. 35, if the height position of the second magnet 134b of the float portion 130a is rotated to a position opposite to the linear Hall element 136, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will become a4 as shown in FIG. 36 .

As described above, as the detergent liquid is discharged, first, the first magnet 134a is closer to the linear Hall element 136 (a1 to a2 section in FIG. 36). After that, the first magnet 134a will interact with the linear Hall element 136 If the distance is increased, the second magnet 134b will approach the linear Hall element 136 (a2~a3 section in FIG. 36). In addition, the second magnet 134b approaches the linear Hall element 136 (a3 to a4 section in FIG. 36).

That is, when the float portion 130a is rotated from FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 (a2~a4 section in FIG. 36), the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a will be extended, and the linear Hall element 136 will be The distance between the second magnets 134b will be close. As a result, the magnetic flux density that the linear Hall element 136 bears, the N-pole component will decrease, and the S-pole component will increase. Therefore, in the section a2 to a4 in FIG. 36, the change in the magnetic force received by the linear Hall element 136 is greater than that in the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135. That is, the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes larger with respect to the amount of discharge of the detergent liquid. As a result, compared with the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135, the accuracy of determining the insufficient amount of the cleaning agent based on the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, a partition rib 119a is provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119, and the partition rib 119a is formed to surround the circumference of the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 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, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of the detergent liquid to the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a. In addition, when the detergent tank cover 119 is tilted with the detergent tank cover 119 removed from the detergent tank 117, the liquid agent adheres to the lower surface of the detergent tank cover 119. Even in this case, the barrier rib 119a can block The attached liquid agent flows to the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the smooth rotation of the rotating shaft 131 from being reduced due to the fixation of the detergent liquid. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the residual amount of the detergent.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, the amount of detergent water judged to be insufficient in the residual detergent amount will contact and fit the receiving portion 135b of the magnet box 135. With a magnet brake 137. Thereby, even when the liquid medicine is continuously discharged from the insufficient state of the liquid medicine residual amount, the continuous downward rotation of the float portion 130a is prevented. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change in a state where the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. As a result, it is possible to prevent the output voltage from being erroneously detected as being not insufficient due to the fluctuation of the output voltage caused by the further rotation.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the linear Hall element 136 is arranged to receive the magnetism of the N pole from the first magnet 134a and the magnetism of the S pole from the second magnet 134b as an example, it will be described. 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 received by the linear Hall element 136 will be reversed up and down with the waveform of FIG. 36.

Moreover, it can also be made into a structure in which more than three magnets are provided in the position along the rotation direction of the float part 130a in the magnet box 135. At this time, the magnetic properties imparted to the linear Hall element 136 can also be set to be different alternately. Even in this case, it is possible to perform the same as the above-mentioned embodiment The role and effect of.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the washing machine is manufactured, the automatic liquid injection device 109 is installed to measure the voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the state where the detergent liquid is filled with the detergent tank 117, and the cleaning The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the state where the agent liquid is not replenished is stored in the memory in advance. Furthermore, the state of filling the detergent tank 117 with the detergent liquid corresponds to the M1 section of FIG. 36. In addition, the state where the detergent liquid is not replenished in the detergent tank 117 corresponds to the M2 section in FIG. 36. As a result, it is possible to reduce errors in determining the lack of detergent residual amount caused by manufacturing deviations in the residual amount detection of each washing machine, or deviations in the arrangement of the linear Hall element 136, etc.

In addition, it is also possible to use the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the time when the magnet box 135 abuts the magnet stopper 137 to determine the insufficient amount of the cleaning agent. Thereby, it is possible to compare the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the magnet box 135 is in contact with the output voltage in the M2 section stored in the memory when the magnet stopper 137 is in contact with the magnetic brake 137 at the time of shipment. value. Therefore, the deviation error in the determination of the remaining amount of detergent for each washing machine can be reduced.

[1-2-7. Troubleshooting method of detergent tank]

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 36, a failure detection method of the detergent tank 117 will be described. In addition, the failure detection method of the soft fine groove 126 is also the same, so the description is omitted.

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

Therefore, the controller of this embodiment includes an abnormality determination unit (not shown in the figure) that determines whether the detergent liquid adheres to the detergent tank 117 and the above-mentioned abnormality has occurred.

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

Generally, after the detergent liquid is spit out from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 will drop, and the float portion 130a will rotate downward. Thereby, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 will change, and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will change.

However, when the detergent liquid or the like is fixed on the rotating shaft 131 of the float portion 130a, or is clogged in the cylinder portion 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 Fully varied.

Therefore, first, the controller will detect the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the point in time when the accumulated cleaning amount discharged from the cleaning agent tank 117 increases to more than a prescribed value (for example, 30 ml). and, The controller calculates the difference between the detected voltage and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the point in time when the cumulative amount of cleaning agent discharged from the cleaning agent tank 117 increased to more than a predetermined value. At this time, when the difference does not reach a predetermined value (for example, 0.1V), the control uses the abnormality determination unit to determine that the float portion 130a is not rotating even if the detergent liquid has been discharged from the detergent tank 117. In this way, it is determined that the above-mentioned abnormality is occurring in the detergent tank 117.

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

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, when the detergent tank 117 is not filled with detergent liquid, the distance between the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b, and the linear Hall element 136 will be reduced. 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 the residual amount of detergent liquid is reduced from 600 ml to 400 ml, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 may become a constant value as shown in the M1 section of FIG. 36. That is, even if the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is 600 ml, for example, about 150 ml of the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the float portion 130a rotates downward, the output voltage of the linear hall element 136 does not change. That is, in the M1 section of FIG. 36, there is a possibility that the detergent tank 117 may be stuck or clogged, which may cause an abnormality even when the above-mentioned abnormality does not occur. The situation determination unit still erroneously detects that an abnormal situation has occurred.

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

As described above, malfunctions (abnormalities) of the detergent tank 117 etc. are detected.

Hereinafter, use the diagram for the judgment method and detection method explained in [1-2-6. Detergent tank insufficient residual amount determination method] and [1-2-7. Detergent tank failure detection method]. 37 will be explained in detail.

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

Furthermore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment is provided with a detergent discharge amount memory unit (not shown), and a first memory unit (not shown) and a second memory unit (not shown), and detergent discharge amount memory Part of the cumulative storage of the calculated value of the liquid agent residual amount calculation part; the first storage part (not shown) and the second storage part (not shown) store 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 at predetermined intervals 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 will determine that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, and display a message indicating that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient on the operation display unit 104 ( Step S2). In addition, after confirming the message that the remaining amount of detergent in the operation display unit 104 is insufficient, the user will take out the detergent tank 117 from the accommodating part of the tank storage box 114 and replenish the detergent tank 117 with detergent liquid. Thereby, the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 will rise, and the float portion 130a will rotate upward. In this state, the user will reattach the detergent tank 117 to the receiving part of the tank receiving 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 a 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 remaining amount of detergent is insufficient on the operation display unit 104.

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

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

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

Next, the controller determines whether the value Y stored in the first storage unit is within 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 will determine 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 storage unit in the second storage unit (step S10).

On the other hand, when the value Y stored in the first memory is outside the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (No in step S7), the controller will determine with the abnormal situation determination unit: Is the absolute value of the difference between the value Y in the first storage unit and the value (Y-1) stored in the second storage unit less than 0.1V (step S8). When the absolute value of the difference is less than 0.1V (Yes in step S8), the abnormality determination section of the controller determines that the liquid agent is fixed to the detergent 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 of is less than 0.1V, even if the detergent liquid is being discharged from the detergent tank 117, the float portion 130a is not sufficiently rotated. therefore, The abnormality determination unit determines that the liquid agent is fixed to the detergent tank 117. After that, the controller stores the value Y stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit (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 0.1V or more (No in step S8), control The abnormality determination unit of the cleaner will determine that: there is no abnormality caused by the fixation of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117. In addition, the controller stores the value Y stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit (step S10).

As described above, the determination of the residual amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and the failure detection will be 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, so the description is omitted.

Here, generally, the supply amount of the softening liquid to the drum 106 in the washing step is smaller than the supply of the detergent liquid. Therefore, the predetermined discharge amount of soft essence liquid in step S4 is smaller than the predetermined detergent discharge amount (30 ml), for example, it is preferable to set it to about 20 ml.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes an abnormality determination unit that detects abnormalities of the detergent tank 117 or the softening tank 126. Specifically, the abnormality determination unit first detects the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after the predetermined 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 is less than 0.1V, the abnormality determination unit will determine that the liquid agent has been fixed to the detergent 槽117. In addition, the controller displays the occurrence of an abnormal situation on the operation display unit 104. In this way, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the detergent tank 117 as soon as possible. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to recognize and respond to the situation that the desired amount of the detergent liquid is not discharged, or the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

Furthermore, the controller of this embodiment is configured such that when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the state of being filled with liquid in the detergent tank 117 is in the range of, for example, 2.7V to 2.9V, it will not clean. The abnormality of the agent tank 117 is determined. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of an abnormality caused by the abnormality determining unit when the detergent liquid is not fixed in the detergent tank 117.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in the magnet box 135, a plurality of magnets are provided at intervals along the rotation direction of the float portion 130a. Thereby, the linear Hall element 136 can detect the magnetic force of the magnet in a wide range where the float portion 130a rotates. Therefore, for example, compared with a configuration in which there is one magnet, even when the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is large, the abnormality of the detergent tank 117 can be detected.

Furthermore, in the above, first, in step S8, although 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 compared with a predetermined value The configuration of comparing the threshold voltage (0.1V) 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, it may be configured to vary the threshold voltage in accordance with the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. That is, as shown in Figure 36, relative to the detergent in the detergent tank 117 The amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is not constant. Therefore, an appropriate threshold voltage is changed and set according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. Thereby, the accuracy of the abnormality determination of the detergent tank 117 can be improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the structure in which the float portion 130a rotates has been described as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, the float portion 130a may float on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 without rotating, and the same effect can also be obtained. In other words, the float portion 130a may float on the liquid surface, and the float portion 130a can move up and down in accordance with the change in the water level of the detergent liquid.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the configuration of measuring the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 to detect the remaining amount of the liquid in the detergent tank 117 has been described as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, a light sensor or the like can also be used to detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the abnormality detection unit determines the occurrence of the abnormality in the detergent tank 117, it 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, it can also be configured to send from the washing machine to the server through the Internet connection, and then from the server to the smartphone, etc., so that the abnormal occurrence of the detergent tank 117 is displayed on the screen of the smartphone. In addition, it may be configured to notify the user through a horn or the like from the washing machine. With this, even when the user is not in the vicinity of the washing machine, he can immediately notify the occurrence of an abnormal situation and prompt the increase To correspond.

In addition, in this embodiment, the difference in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after the discharge of a predetermined amount (for example, 30 ml) of the detergent liquid is calculated to determine the abnormality of the detergent tank 117 as follows: The example is explained, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be made to calculate 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. The value of the difference to determine the composition.

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 remaining amount of the cleaning agent is insufficient. That is, the detection voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is based on the polarity of the magnet, and the positive and negative are reversed. but. By comparing with absolute values, it is possible to prevent misdetection of abnormalities caused by the polarity of the magnet. Moreover, it is not necessary to consider the direction of magnetism of the magnet to produce the magnet box 135. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the man-hours required for the production of the magnet box 135, the man-hours required for the confirmation inspection, and the like. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the magnet box 135 and the like can be suppressed.

[1-2-8. The connection between the detergent tank and the automatic input device, and the maintenance of the liquid water supply path]

FIG. 38 is a time chart showing each state of the detergent side coil 113d, the softening side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the first water supply valve 110a, and the drain pump in the "maintenance schedule".

Usually, when the detergent tank 117 repeatedly spit out the detergent liquid At this time, metals such as magnesium or calcium contained in the tap water will combine with the fatty acids contained in the detergent liquid to precipitate metal soaps. The deposited metal soap adheres to the flowing water path (hereinafter referred to as the "detergent liquid water supply path") before the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105. Furthermore, the detergent liquid water supply path is shown in FIG. 24: the cylindrical portion 123, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, the soft fine-side three-way valve 113b, the suction water passage 112h, the receiving portion 112c, and the outlet Waterway 112g, branch waterway 129a, connecting hose 129, etc. The metal soap that has adhered to the detergent liquid water supply channel will hinder the flow of the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent tank 117 or the supplied tap water. Therefore, there is a fear that the discharge amount of the detergent liquid may decrease, or the tendency of the circulating water may be weakened. In addition, there is a possibility that the metal soap may penetrate into the drum 106 and adhere to the laundry.

Therefore, in order to suppress the above-mentioned abnormalities, 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 will replenish 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 receiving part of the storage tank receiving box 114 again. In addition, the user will select the "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 Sudden.

Furthermore, the first step is a step of closing the first water supply valve 110a, turning the detergent side coil 113d into an energized state, and turning the soft fine side coil 113i into a non-energized state.

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

First, by the execution of the first step, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows in 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 an acidic aqueous solution. Therefore, the acidic citric acid water will dissolve and wash the attached metal soap in the detergent liquid water supply path. The washed metal soap is supplied to the water tank 105 together with the citric acid water. In addition, 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 to the outside of the housing 101.

Then, by the execution of the second step, as shown in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied from the water supply faucet flows in the first water channel 181 from the first water supply valve 110a. A part of the tap water flowing in the first water channel 181 flows toward the second water channel 182 as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 24. The water flowing in 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 storage portion 112c, the outlet water passage 112g, the branch water passage 129a, and the connecting hose 129 , And the water tank 105 is supplied. Thereby, in the first step, the citric acid water remaining in the detergent liquid water supply path is rinsed by the water supplied in the second step.

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

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

When the user selects the "maintenance mode", the controller will energize the detergent 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. Thereby, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows into the water channel 124 from the opening part b formed in the back of the detergent side cylinder part 111b. The inflowing citric acid water will flow toward the suction water passage 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Then, at the time T1 0.5 seconds after the time T0, the controller drives the driving motor 112f and the drainage pump. Driven by the driving motor 112f, the piston 112e will reciprocate up and down. Thereby, the pressure state in the receiving portion 112c will repeat 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 receiving portion 112c will be in a negative pressure state. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 resists the force exerted by the spring 164b and moves upward. Thereby, the citric acid water flows into the accommodating portion 112c from the suction water passage 112h.

Then, when the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the receiving portion 112c becomes a positive pressure state. Therefore, the discharge side check valve 165 resists the force exerted by the spring 165b and moves downward. With this, the containment department The citric acid water in 112c flows through 112g of outlet water channels, branch water channels 129a, and connection hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105.

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

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

At this time, even if the detergent-side coil 113d is energized by the driving of the drive motor 112f, there is a possibility that the detergent-side valve body 113f cannot move backward. That is, when the driving motor 112f is driving, the flow of water at X1 shown in FIG. 10A will increase, so the flow of water will become 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 a time T1 0.5 seconds later, the drive motor 112f is driven. In this way, the occurrence of the above-mentioned state can be avoided.

In addition, in this embodiment, the controller will control as follows: the maximum discharge volume (for example, 120ml) of the detergent liquid in the washing step or the maximum discharge volume (for example, 100ml) of the softener in the washing step Compared with citric acid water, the vomiting volume (for example, 200ml) will be more. Thereby, it is possible to surely dissolve the metal soap in the detergent liquid water supply channel.

Then, at the time T2 55 seconds after the time T1, the controller stops the driving of the driving motor 112f. In addition, at time T3, which is 0.5 seconds later from time T2, the controller causes the detergent side coil 113d to be in a non-active state. Power-on state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move forward. In addition, the detergent-side valve body 113f blocks the opening b formed at the rear of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of the citric acid water from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f.

Then, the first step is ended at time T3.

At this time, even if the detergent side coil 113d is in a non-energized state by the driving of the driving motor 112f, there is a possibility that the detergent side valve body 113f cannot move forward. That is, when the driving motor 112f is driving, the flow of water (equivalent to X1) in the state of FIG. 10B will increase, so the flow of water will become resistance, and it may cause the detergent side valve body 113f not to face forward. The state of movement. Therefore, the controller puts the drive motor 112f in a non-driving state at time T2, and puts the detergent side coil 113d in a non-energized state at time T3 0.5 seconds later. In this way, the occurrence of the above-mentioned state can be avoided.

Next, at time T4, which is 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 in 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, etc. will be washed away by the tap water flowing in.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the trend of inflowing tap water is usually weak at the beginning of water supply. Therefore, just the tap water that is supplied 11, the suction side check valve 164 of the piston pump unit 112 shown in FIG. 11 may not move upward, or the discharge side check valve 165 may not move downward. Therefore, in order to avoid the above-mentioned state, in the second step, the controller drives the driving motor 112f to pressurize the tap water. Thereby, the tap water can surely pass through the piston pump unit 112.

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

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

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

From now on, at time T6 to time T11, and from time T12 to time T17, the controller will perform 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 later from time T17, the controller stops the driving of the drainage pump. Thereby, the citric acid water or tap water remaining in the drum 106 is drained.

Furthermore, 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.]

The washing machine of the present invention is provided with a first vertical rib 138a, a second vertical rib 138b, and a third vertical rib 138c formed by separating the inner wall surface of the detergent tank 117 and extending upward from the bottom surface with different lengths. According to this structure, the user can confirm the distance between the liquid water surface in the detergent tank 117 and the upper end part of the 1st longitudinal rib 138a, the 2nd longitudinal rib 138b, and the 3rd longitudinal rib 138c. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the remaining amount of liquid in the detergent tank 117.

In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, the detergent tank cover 119 is provided with a small window 119b constituting a liquid supply cover, and the liquid supply cover is an opening 139 provided on the front side of the housing 101 so as to be openable and closable. In addition, the first longitudinal rib 138 a, the second longitudinal rib 138 b, and the third longitudinal rib 138 c constituting the longitudinal ribs are provided on the rear side of the opening 139. In addition, the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c are formed such that their heights increase toward the front side. According to this structure, the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are arranged in accordance with the user's line of sight on the front side (front side) of the washing machine. Therefore, the user can easily see the upper ends of the first longitudinal rib 138a, the second longitudinal rib 138b, and the third longitudinal rib 138c from the small window 119b by peeping into the opening 139 from the front side.

In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, the detergent tank cover 119 is provided with a float portion 130a arranged so as to be rotatable. The float portion 130a is structured so as not to rotate ahead of the third longitudinal rib 138c. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c in the detergent tank 117 from being blocked by the float portion 130a.

(Other embodiments)

In this embodiment, although a configuration example having three longitudinal ribs is described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or two longitudinal ribs, or even more than four longitudinal ribs, can also be used.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are formed to extend upward from the bottom surface, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to extend upward from the middle of the inner wall surface of the detergent tank 117.

In addition, the small window 119b may be formed of, for example, a light-transmitting member such as polypropylene. According to this structure, the user can see the inside of the detergent tank 117 even if the small window 119b is not opened. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the approximate remaining amount of the liquid in the detergent tank 117.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with: a casing; a water tank supported in the casing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a storage tank having an opening on the upper part and containing liquid; a storage tank cover, which opens and closes Opening; and a liquid supply device that supplies the liquid in the storage tank to the water tank. In addition, the storage tank has longitudinal ribs formed on the inner wall surface and extending in the vertical direction. According to this structure, the user can visually confirm the liquid level of the liquid in the tank and the length between the upper end of the longitudinal rib. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining in the storage tank.

In addition, the storage tank of the washing machine of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs of different lengths, which are discretely formed on the inner wall surface. According to this structure, the user can easily recognize the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining by the number of vertical ribs that can be seen. In addition, it can be confirmed that among a plurality of longitudinal ribs of different lengths, the position The distance between the upper end of the shortest longitudinal rib and the liquid level above the liquid level in the storage tank. Thereby, the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining in the storage tank can be easily grasped.

In addition, the storage tank cover of the washing machine of the present invention is provided with a liquid supply cover provided to be openable and closable at the opening formed on the front side of the casing. In addition, the vertical rib may be provided on the rear side of the opening. According to this structure, the user can open the liquid medicine supply cap and supply the liquid medicine from the opening. In addition, the user can peek into the tank from the opening to confirm the distance between the upper end of the vertical rib and the liquid surface. Thereby, the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining in the storage tank can be easily grasped.

In addition, the liquid replenishing cover of the washing machine of the present invention may also be constituted by a member having translucency. According to this structure, the user can visually observe the vertical ribs in the tank even without opening the liquid supply cover. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining in the storage tank.

In the washing machine of the present invention, a plurality of vertical ribs may be formed so that the height increases toward the front side. According to this configuration, the length of the plurality of vertical ribs is adapted to the line of sight of the user when peeking into the tank from the opening, and the configuration is configured such that the front side (front side) becomes longer and the rear side becomes shorter. Therefore, the upper ends of a plurality of longitudinal ribs can be easily visually observed.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with a buoy part that is rotatably arranged on the tank cover and floats on the liquid surface in the tank. In addition, the pontoon part may be configured such that, among the plurality of longitudinal ribs, it does not rotate on the front side of the rearmost longitudinal rib. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the longitudinal ribs in the storage tank from being invisible due to the shielding of the float portion.

Industrial availability

The present invention can easily grasp the approximate amount of liquid agent remaining in the detergent tank. Therefore, it is useful not only for household use, but also for applications such as washing machines for business use that require efficient workability.

117‧‧‧Cleaning agent tank (storage tank)

117g‧‧‧Grip

119‧‧‧Cleaning agent tank cover (storage tank cover)

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

122‧‧‧Filter

138a‧‧‧The first longitudinal rib (longitudinal rib)

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

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

139‧‧‧Opening

A, B‧‧‧Line of sight

Claims (3)

A washing machine is provided with: a casing; a water tank supported in the casing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a storage tank having a storage tank opening on the upper part for storing liquid; a storage tank cover having a The cover opening on the front side of the housing and opens and closes the opening of the storage tank; and a liquid supply device for supplying the liquid in the storage tank into the water tank, and the inner wall of the storage tank is formed in a vertical direction The plurality of vertical ribs extending upward, the plurality of the vertical ribs are discretely formed on the rear side of the lid opening, and the plurality of the vertical ribs are formed such that their height increases toward the front side. A washing machine is provided with: a casing; a water tank supported in the casing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; a storage tank having a storage tank opening on the upper part for storing liquid; a storage tank cover having a The opening of the cover on the front side of the casing, and opens and closes the opening of the storage tank; the float part rotatably floats on the liquid surface in the storage tank, And a liquid supply device for supplying the liquid in the storage tank into the water tank, and the inner wall surface of the storage tank is formed with a plurality of vertical ribs extending in the vertical direction, and the float portion is configured so as not to The longitudinal rib on the rearmost side among the plurality of longitudinal ribs is rotated forward. The washing machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage tank cover includes a liquid supply cover that is opened and closably provided at the opening of the cover, and the liquid supply cover is formed of a light-transmitting member.

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