WO2020208897A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises: a casing body; a liquid solution tank which is detachably housed in a tank housing part formed in the casing body and which contains a liquid solution; and an automatic liquid solution loading device which sucks in and discharges a liquid contained in the liquid solution tank. The liquid solution tank comprises a liquid solution guide part which can be placed in and drawn out from the tank housing part with the liquid solution tank housed in the tank housing part and which guides the liquid solution in the inner part of the liquid solution tank. Accordingly, a user can pour a liquid solution in the liquid solution guide part having been drawn out from the tank housing part, and thus spilling of the liquid solution by the user on the casing body can be limited.

Description

Washing machine

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Conventionally, a washing machine equipped with an automatic detergent charging device has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is arranged on an outer frame, an outer tub supported by vibration isolation on the outer frame, a washing / dehydrating tub rotatably arranged in the outer tub, and an upper part of the outer frame. It is provided with an upper frame body, a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent, and an automatic detergent charging device for charging liquid detergent into the washing / dehydrating tank. The supply port of the detergent tank is arranged on the upper surface of the upper frame and is provided so as to open upward.

In the above-mentioned conventional washing machine, the supply port of the detergent tank opens on the upper surface of the upper frame. Therefore, when the user replenishes the detergent tank with the detergent, there is a risk that the detergent may be spilled on the upper surface of the upper frame.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-313234

The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of suppressing spillage of detergent on the upper frame.

The washing machine in the present disclosure is detachably housed in a housing and a tank accommodating portion formed in the housing, and a liquid agent tank for storing the liquid agent and an automatic liquid agent for sucking and discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank. Equipped with a device. The liquid agent tank is configured so that the liquid agent tank can be taken in and out of the tank accommodating portion while being accommodated in the tank accommodating portion, and has a liquid agent guide portion for guiding the liquid agent inside the liquid agent tank in the pulled out state.

According to the configuration of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the spill of liquid agent such as detergent on the washing machine body.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the washing machine with the lid closed. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the washing machine with the lid open. FIG. 4 is a view of the washing machine with the lid opened as viewed from diagonally above and forward. FIG. 5 is a view of the state in which the liquid agent tank is removed from the tank accommodating portion in FIG. 4 as viewed from diagonally forward and upward. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine. FIG. 8 is a view showing a vertical cross section of a liquid agent tank of the washing machine and a tank accommodating portion in an accommodating state. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the connection between the liquid agent automatic charging device and the liquid agent tank of the washing machine. FIG. 10A is a front view of the filter of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine. FIG. 10B is a side view of the filter of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine. FIG. 11 is a view showing a vertical cross section in a state where the drawer portion of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine is housed. FIG. 12 is a view showing a vertical cross section in a state where the drawer portion of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine is pulled out. FIG. 13 is a view of a state in which the drawer portion of the liquid agent tank of the washing machine is pulled out and viewed from diagonally forward and upward. FIG. 14 is a view of the state in which the lid of the washing machine according to the second embodiment is opened, viewed from diagonally forward and upward. FIG. 15 is an external front view of the washing machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is an external front view of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17A is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank according to the fifth embodiment in a state where the liquid agent guide portion is housed. FIG. 17B is an external perspective view showing a state in which the liquid agent guide portion of the liquid agent tank is pulled out. FIG. 18A is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank according to the sixth embodiment in a state where the liquid agent guide portion is housed. FIG. 18B is an external perspective view showing a state in which the liquid agent guide portion of the liquid agent tank is pulled out.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the accompanying drawings and the following description.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described separately with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

(Basic configuration of washing machine)
First, the basic configuration of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the washing machine 100. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the washing machine 100 with the lid 103 closed. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the washing machine 100 with the lid 103 open.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing machine 100 includes an outer frame 101, an upper frame body 102, a lid 103, and the like. The upper frame body 102 has a laundry input port 104 fixed to the upper part of the outer frame 101 and formed substantially at the center (including the center). The lid 103 is arranged so as to openably cover the laundry input port 104 of the upper frame body 102. The outer frame 101 and the upper frame 102 form the housing of the washing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water tank 106 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is elastically supported inside the outer frame 101. The water tank 106 is configured to be able to store water inside. The water collected in the water tank 106 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe (not shown) by opening the drain valve (not shown).

Further, the water tank 106 includes a washing / dehydrating tank 109 that is rotatably held inside. In the following, the water tank 106 and the washing / dehydrating tank 109 may be collectively referred to as a tank unit.

The washing / dehydrating tank 109 includes a pulsator 110 arranged at the bottom. The pulsator 110 agitates the laundry inside the washing / dehydrating tub 109 by rotation.

Further, the water tank 106 includes a motor 112 held on the lower outside of the bottom. The motor 112 rotates the pulsator 110 alone or simultaneously with the pulsator 110 and the washing / dehydrating tub 109.

The upper frame body 102 has a rear space 119 formed rearward. The liquid agent automatic charging device 130 (see FIG. 6) and the like are housed in the rear space 119. The rear space 119 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper frame body 102 includes an operation display unit 105 provided on the rear side. The operation display unit 105 includes a display unit, an operation unit, and the like. While operating the operation unit, the user can check the information displayed on the display unit and set the operating conditions of the washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lid lock portion 116 is provided on the upper frame body 102 and the lid 103. The lid lock portion 116 is composed of a lid lock insertion portion 116a formed on the back surface of the lid 103 and a lid lock engaging portion 116b provided on the upper portion of the upper frame body 102. Then, when the lid lock engaging portion 116b is driven with the lid lock inserting portion 116a inserted into the lid lock engaging portion 116b, the lid lock portion 116 is locked. The lid lock insertion portion 116a may be provided on the upper frame body 102, and the lid lock engaging portion 116b may be provided on the lid 103.

The upper part of the water tank 106 is covered with the water tank cover 107. A part of the water tank cover 107 is opened, and the inner lid 108 is openably and closably provided so as to cover the opening. As a result, the user can open the inner lid 108 together with the lid 103 and put the laundry or the like into the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 109 before the washing operation.

(Parts configuration housed in the rear space)
Next, the component configuration accommodated in the rear space 119 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is a view of the state in which the lid 103 of the washing machine 100 is opened as viewed from diagonally forward and upward. FIG. 5 is a view of the state in which the liquid agent tank 140 is removed from the tank accommodating portion 131 in FIG. 4 as viewed from diagonally forward and upward. Specifically, FIGS. 4 and 5 are views viewed from diagonally forward and 15 ° above.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, behind the laundry inlet 104, from the left, the softener tank 140b and the detergent tank 140a, the detergent container 121, the drying filter unit 117, and the like, which are liquid agent tanks 140, are arranged in this order. Be placed.

Normally, in a vertical washing machine, most of the internal space of the outer frame 101 is occupied by the water tank 106 and the washing / dehydrating tank 109. Therefore, it is difficult to secure a space for accommodating the detergent tank 140a, the softener tank 140b, and the like.

Therefore, the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment utilizes the rear space 119 at the rear of the upper frame 102, and uses the liquid agent tank 140, the detergent container 121, the drying filter unit 117, and the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 (see FIG. 6). ) Etc. are accommodated. As a result, the above-mentioned components can be mounted without significantly changing the arrangement of the water tank 106 and the washing / dehydrating tank 109 from the conventional washing machine.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper frame body 102 is provided on the left rear portion and includes a tank accommodating portion 131 for accommodating the liquid agent tank 140. The tank accommodating portion 131 is formed in a substantially box shape (including a box shape) that opens forward. Specifically, the softener tank 140b of the liquid agent tank 140 is detachably accommodated on the left side of the tank accommodating portion 131, and the detergent tank 140a of the liquid agent tank 140 is detachably accommodated on the right side of the tank accommodating portion 131. The front side of the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b is arranged so as to be exposed to the laundry inlet 104. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b with the lid 103 open. As a result, the user can easily check the remaining amount of the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b. A liquid agent automatic charging device 130 (see FIG. 6) is arranged behind the softener tank 140b and the detergent tank 140a.

The detergent container 121 is retractably stored inside the detergent manual charging unit 120 (see FIG. 6). The user can pull out the detergent container 121 forward, put the detergent inside, and perform washing.

The water injection hose 122 connects the detergent manual charging unit 120 and the rear portion of the water tank cover 107. The water injection hose 122 supplies the liquid agent and water to the inside of the washing / dehydrating tank 109.

A drying device (not shown) is arranged behind the drying filter unit 117. The drying device heats the air filtered by the drying filter unit 117 to generate warm air. The generated warm air is blown to the laundry housed inside the washing / dehydrating tank 109 via the dry air hose 118 attached to the water tank cover 107.

Generally, when the laundry is dried, the temperature around the drying device and the hose 118 for dry air becomes high. Therefore, in the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, the softener tank 140b is arranged so as to keep it away from the vicinity of the drying device and the drying air hose 118, for example, with the detergent tank 140a interposed therebetween. As a result, deterioration of the softener, which is sensitive to heat due to warm air, can be suppressed.

(Automatic liquid injection device)
Next, the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 of the washing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 is an automatic charging driving unit that sucks the liquid agent from the tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132 and the tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132 and discharges the liquid agent to the washing / dehydrating tank 109. (Not shown) and so on. The automatic closing drive unit is composed of, for example, a piston pump or the like.

The liquid agent automatic charging device 130 is connected to the liquid agent tank 140 via the tank accommodating portion side connecting portion 132. Further, the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 is also connected to the detergent manual charging unit 120.

In addition to the above piston pump, for example, an air pump, a gear pump, an aspirator system, or the like may be adopted as the automatic injection drive unit.

The automatic charging drive unit sucks the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank 140 and sends the liquid agent to the detergent manual charging unit 120 through a path in the liquid agent automatic charging device 130.

(Tank housing)
Next, the tank accommodating portion 131 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

The tank accommodating portion 131 is formed in a substantially box-shaped (including box-shaped) space that opens toward the laundry inlet 104.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank accommodating portion 131 includes a tank accommodating portion side connecting portion 132 for detergent and softener, a connecting portion protective rib 134, a protective rib notch 134a, an accommodating portion recess 135, and an accommodating portion guide rib 136. , Including notch 138 on the bottom surface of the housing.

The tank accommodating portion side connecting portion 132 for the detergent and the softener is provided in a convex shape toward the front on the rear surface of the tank accommodating portion 131 into which the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b are inserted. ..

The tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132 is surrounded by a tubular connection portion protection rib 134. The connection portion protection rib 134 prevents the user from contacting the tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132 and adhering foreign matter to the tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132.

A protective rib notch 134a formed by the notch is arranged below the connection portion protective rib 134. The protective rib notch 134a drips the liquid agent into the tank housing portion 131 when the liquid liquid drips from the tank housing portion side connection portion 132 when the user removes the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b.

The accommodating portion recessed portion 135 is formed by recessing the bottom surface of the tank accommodating portion 131 into a substantially quadrangle (including a quadrangle) behind the front end portion of the tank accommodating portion 131. The housing portion recessed portion 135 drips when the liquid agent dripping from the tank housing portion side connection portion 132 drips into the tank housing portion 131 when the user removes the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b. Store the liquid agent. Therefore, the liquid agent is less likely to drip downward from the tank accommodating portion 131 on the front side. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the liquid agent to the inner lid 108, the washing / dehydrating tank 109, the water tank 106, and the like.

The accommodating portion guide rib 136 is formed on the bottom surface of the tank accommodating portion 131 in the front-rear direction. The accommodating portion guide rib 136 guides the insertion of the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b into the tank accommodating portion 131 when the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b are attached to the tank accommodating portion 131.

The notch 138 on the bottom of the accommodating part will be described later.

(Appearance shape of liquid agent tank)
Next, the external shape of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100.

The liquid agent tank 140 of the first embodiment is composed of a detergent tank 140a and a softener tank 140b. The configurations of the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b are substantially the same (including the same). Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the detergent tank 140a will be described as an example, and the description of the softener tank 140b will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the tank body 141 of the detergent tank 140a has a transparent window 144 and is configured to have a substantially box-shaped shape (including the box-shaped body) having an open upper surface. The tank body 141 is formed of a transparent material such as polypropylene resin. The front surface of the tank body 141 is covered with a decorative plate 142 having the same color as the upper frame body 102. As a result, the washing machine 100 can have a unified appearance.

The veneer 142 has an opening 143 formed in the central portion. The opening 143 is formed so that the transparent window 144 of the tank body 141 is exposed. As a result, the user can visually recognize the inside of the tank body 141 from the transparent window 144 with the lid 103 open. The transparent window 144 and the decorative plate 142 are formed flush with the upper right surface on the rear surface of the laundry inlet 104 of the upper frame body 102 in a state where the detergent tank 140a is housed in the tank accommodating portion 131. That is, the surfaces on which the softener tank 140b and the detergent tank 140a, the detergent container 121, and the drying filter portion 117 of FIG. 4 are arranged are flush with each other.

The transparent window 144 has an engraved scale display 145. The scale display 145 allows the user to check the remaining amount of detergent stored in the tank body 141. The intervals of the scale display 145 are stamped at intervals at which it is possible to visually recognize that the liquid level has dropped in one washing operation. Further, in the first embodiment, in the scale display 145, except for the bottom scale, the capacity of one scale corresponds to the amount of detergent consumed on average when the washing operation is performed twice. Is formed in. The bottom scale will be described later.

Note that, in the first embodiment, the example in which the scale display 145 is formed by engraving has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scale display may be provided by, for example, laser printing or film sticking. Further, the scale display 145 may be provided on the decorative plate 142.

Hereinafter, the storage state of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 and the tank storage unit 131 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a vertical cross section of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 and the tank accommodating portion 131 in an accommodating state.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tank accommodating portion 131 has a claw 137 formed in an upwardly convex shape on the bottom surface. On the other hand, the tank body 141 has a groove 146 formed in an upward concave shape at the bottom. The convex claw 137 and the concave groove 146 form an engaging portion that engages with each other.

Specifically, the groove 146 is formed at a position facing the claw 137 in a state where the detergent tank 140a is housed in the tank housing portion 131. The rear surface of the claw 137 comes into contact with the groove 146 of the tank body 141 in a state where the detergent tank 140a is housed in the tank housing portion 131. As a result, the tank body 141 is locked to the tank accommodating portion 131. The engagement between the claw 137 forming the engaging portion and the groove 146 can be released only by lifting the detergent tank 140a upward.

The lower end of the decorative plate 142 is provided with a tank body grip portion 147 formed so as to project downward from the bottom surface of the tank body 141. On the other hand, the tank accommodating portion 131 includes an accommodating portion bottom surface notch 138 (see FIG. 5) formed by notching the front end portion of the bottom surface.

Then, the user can remove the detergent tank 140a from the tank housing portion 131 by the following method by the tank body grip portion 147 and the storage portion bottom notch 138.

Specifically, the user first inserts his / her hand into the notch 138 on the bottom of the accommodating portion from below the tank body grip portion 147, and puts his / her hand on the tank body grip portion 147. Next, the user lifts the tank body grip portion 147 upward. As a result, the engagement between the groove 146 and the claw 137 is released. Next, the user pulls the tank body grip portion 147 toward the front in the released state. As a result, the detergent tank 140a is removed from the tank accommodating portion 131.

Here, the tank body grip portion 147 of the first embodiment is formed flush with the upper frame body 102 as described above. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the tank body grip portion 147 from the outside. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent tank 140a from being accidentally removed from the tank accommodating portion 131 when the user does not intend to take out the detergent tank 140a.

In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the tank body gripping portion 147 is provided on the decorative plate 142 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower portion of the tank body 141 may be projected downward from the bottom surface to form the tank body grip portion 147.

(Liquid tank side connection)
Next, the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the connection between the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 of the washing machine 100 and the liquid agent tank 140.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tank body 141 has a liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 arranged on the back surface. The liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is connected to the tank housing portion side connection portion 132 arranged in the tank housing portion 131.

As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 includes a cylinder portion 151, a check valve 152, a connection portion packing 153, a suction pipe portion 154, a flange 158, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is formed in a tubular shape, and is bent from the tubular portion 151 to the suction pipe portion 154 so as to have an obtuse angle of a substantially inverted L shape. Will be done.

When the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is attached to the tank main body 141 shown in FIG. 9, the tubular portion 151 projects rearward from the back surface of the tank main body 141, and the suction pipe portion 154 protrudes from the inner surface to the inner bottom surface of the tank main body 141. It is arranged so as to extend to.

When attaching to the tank body 141, first, the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is horizontally inserted through the circular hole 148 formed on the back surface of the tank body 141. Next, the suction pipe portion 154 is rotated downward to be fitted into the circular hole 148 at a position where the tubular portion 151 is horizontal.

In general, it is necessary to form the circular hole 148 larger than the suction pipe portion 154 in order to allow the bent portion of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 to pass through.

Therefore, the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 of the first embodiment forms an obtuse angle of bending from the tubular portion 151 to the suction pipe portion 154. Thereby, even if the circular hole 148 is made relatively small, the suction pipe portion 154 can be easily passed through the circular hole 148. Further, a connecting portion packing 153 is attached to the suction pipe portion 154. The connection portion packing 153 seals the gap between the circular hole 148 of the tank body 141 and the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150.

The tubular portion 151 is arranged at a position closer to the end side than the central portion of the back surface of the tank main body 141 and higher than the bottom surface of the tank main body 141. The tubular portion 151 is screwed to the back surface of the tank body 141 via a flange 158 formed at a boundary portion with the suction pipe portion 154. That is, when the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is inserted, the tubular portion 151 positions the connection between the tank accommodating portion side connection portion 132 and the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150.

The tubular portion 151 has a check valve 152 disposed inside. The check valve 152 normally closes the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150. As a result, leakage of the detergent contained in the detergent tank 140a to the outside is suppressed. That is, the check valve 152 is opened only when it is pushed forward by the tank accommodating portion side connecting portion 132 of the tank accommodating portion 131. As a result, the detergent stored in the detergent tank 140a can be sucked into the liquid agent automatic charging device 130.

As described above, the suction pipe portion 154 communicates with the cylinder portion 151 and is inclined and extended toward the vicinity of the inner bottom surface of the tank body 141. The suction pipe portion 154 is provided to suck up the liquid agent in the tank body 141 when the liquid level of the liquid agent stored in the tank body 141 is lower than the connection portion 132 on the tank accommodating portion side. By providing the suction pipe portion 154, it is possible to install the tank body 141 below the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 shown by the broken line in FIG. This increases the degree of freedom in design.

(Structure around the suction pipe)
Next, the configuration around the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the filter 155 of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100. FIG. 10B is a side view of the filter 155 of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the filter 155 is arranged on the inner bottom portion of the tank body 141 so as to cover the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150.

The filter 155 is formed, for example, in an inverted L shape, and is arranged so as to abut on the inner side surface and inner bottom surface in the lateral direction (left-right direction) inside the tank body 141.

As described above, the tank body 141 is made of a transparent material such as polypropylene resin. Therefore, it is difficult to secure the strength of the tank body 141 with the transparent resin material. Therefore, the filter 155 is arranged so as to stretch the inner side surface of the tank body 141 in the lateral direction (left-right direction). That is, the strength of the surface (side surface) of the tank body 141 in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) is reinforced by the filter 155. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tank body 141 from bending inward in the lateral direction.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the filter 155 is formed in a grid pattern in which substantially quadrangular (including quadrangular) holes 155a are arranged at equal intervals. The outer surface side of the filter 155 is provided with ribs 155b that protrude from the holes 155a and are formed in a grid pattern from the upper surface to the lower surface. As a result, when the user cleans the liquid agent tank 140, the rib 155b is exposed facing the surface side with the filter 155 attached to the tank body 141. Therefore, the detergent and foreign matter accumulated on the rib 155b can be easily removed. Further, the grid-like ribs 155b reinforce the strength of the filter 155 and make it difficult to bend.

In general, when molding a lattice-shaped resin part, if the resin part is formed to be thick, there is a risk that the strength of the mold cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the filter 155 of the first embodiment is formed so that the length of the side of the substantially quadrangular hole 155a and the thickness of the filter 155 are about the same. As a result, the strength of the mold for molding the filter 155 can be ensured.

The filter 155 is provided with a hanging rib 156 that is formed to hang down from the back surface in the front-rear direction and constitutes the hanging lower surface. The hanging rib 156 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the tank body 141 and the rear surface to which the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is attached. The hanging ribs 156 further reinforce the strength of the filter 155. At the lower part of the hanging rib 156, there is a hanging rib communication portion 156a forming a communication portion formed by notching the liquid in the tank body 141 so as to be movable. At this time, the hanging rib 156 is arranged at a position shifted from the center line of the tank body 141 to the opposite side of the suction pipe portion 154 so as not to interfere (contact) with the suction pipe portion 154 to be inserted.

The filter 155 is self-supporting due to the hanging rib 156 even when it is removed from the tank body 141. Therefore, when the filter 155 is removed and washed with water, the filter 155 can be erected and dried. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inside of the filter 155 from becoming dirty during drying. Further, even if the filter 155 is accidentally tilted with the surface side facing down, the protruding rib 155b touches the ground. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the contamination of the surface side of the filter 155.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the tank body 141 has a step 157 formed on the inner bottom surface on the transparent window 144 (see FIG. 7) side. The step 157 is formed so as to be at the same height or higher with respect to the position of the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 extending to the inner bottom surface of the tank body 141. When the liquid level of the detergent falls below the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154 due to the step 157, the remaining detergent cannot be sucked. Therefore, the remaining detergent is discarded by the user when cleaning the tank body 141.

That is, in the first embodiment, a step 157 is formed in the tank body 141 so as to have the same height as the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154. As a result, the amount of detergent stored below the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154 can be reduced. As a result, the amount of detergent discarded by the user can be reduced.

(Outline of liquid agent information section)
Next, the outline configuration of the liquid agent guide unit 160 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a vertical cross section in a state where the drawer portion 161 of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 is housed. FIG. 12 is a view showing a vertical cross section in a state where the drawer portion 161 of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 is pulled out. FIG. 13 is a view of the state in which the drawer portion 161 of the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 is pulled out, viewed diagonally forward and 15 ° from above.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 11 and 12, the liquid agent guide unit 160 includes a drawer unit 161 for guiding the liquid agent, a drawer receiving unit 162, and the like. The drawer receiving portion 162 is mounted on the upper part of the tank body 141, and the drawer portion 161 is slid so as to be pulled out.

That is, the drawer unit 161 is configured to be able to be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the drawer receiving unit 162. The front surface of the drawer portion 161 is flush with the rear surface of the laundry input port 104 of the upper frame body 102 in a state where the drawer portion 161 is housed in the drawer receiving portion 162.

Then, when the drawer portion 161 is pulled out from the drawer receiving portion 162, the sliding portion 161a provided on the drawer portion 161 and the rail portion 162b formed on the drawer receiving portion 162 slide in the front-rear direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, in the state where the drawer portion 161 is pulled out, the lower portion of the second inclined surface 170 (described later) comes into contact with the contact surface 162a of the drawer receiving portion 162. As a result, the drawer portion 161 is configured to be restricted from further pulling forward.

The drawer receiving portion 162 includes a drawer receiving portion engaging portion 162c provided at the lower part. The drawer receiving portion engaging portion 162c detachably fixes the drawer receiving portion 162 to the tank body 141. Further, the drawer receiving portion 162 includes a drawer portion packing 163 (see FIG. 7) attached to the lower portion and formed of, for example, rubber. The drawer packing 163 seals between the tank main body 141 and the drawer receiving portion 162 in a state where the drawer receiving portion 162 is fixed to the tank main body 141.

When the user replenishes the liquid agent, the liquid agent guide unit 160 pulls out the drawer portion 161 forward, so that the lower front portion of the drawer portion 161 is opened to the space. As a result, the user can hold the mouth of the container of the commercially available detergent in the vicinity of the drawer portion 161 and tilt the container to put the detergent into the drawer portion 161. That is, the pull-out configuration of the drawer portion 161 allows the user to adjust the amount of detergent flowing down from the mouth of the detergent container and the flow-down position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent from spilling onto the upper frame 102 or the like.

(Drawer grip)
Next, the drawer portion gripping portion 164 of the drawer portion 161 of the liquid agent guide portion 160 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the drawer portion 161 includes a drawer portion grip portion 164 provided on the front surface. The drawer portion grip portion 164 is gripped by the user and is used when the drawer portion 161 is pulled out.

The drawer portion gripping portion 164 includes an opening 165, a first inclined back surface 166b which is the back surface of the first inclined surface 166 (described later), an opening bottom surface 167, a drain hole 168, a finger hook portion 169, and the like. including. The bottom surface 167 of the opening is arranged below the opening 165. The drain hole 168 is arranged at the lower end of the bottom surface 167 of the opening. The finger hook portion 169 is provided below the opening 165 and at the front end of the opening bottom surface 167.

The upper surface of the drawer portion grip portion 164 is composed of a first inclined back surface 166b that inclines downward from the front to the rear. Therefore, the user's finger is inserted into the drawer gripping portion 164 along the inclination of the opening 165 to the first inclined back surface 166b. As a result, the finger rest portion 169 can be guided to place the user's finger.

The finger hook portion 169 of the first embodiment is arranged near the lower side of the opening 165. Therefore, the lower side of the opening 165 is formed so as to project upward from the bottom surface 167 of the opening. As a result, the user can insert a finger through the opening 165 and put the finger on the back surface side of the finger hook portion 169. That is, by arranging the finger hook portion 169 near the lower side of the opening 165, a large internal space of the drawer gripping portion 164 can be secured as compared with the case where the finger hook portion 169 is set near the upper side of the opening 165.

Further, the bottom surface 167 of the opening is provided so as to be inclined downward from the rear to the front. Therefore, the dust or liquid that enters through the opening 165 of the drawer gripping portion 164 and falls on the bottom surface 167 of the opening flows down the drainage hole 168 along the bottom surface 167 of the opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of dust, liquid, etc. in the drawer portion gripping portion 164.

Further, the finger hook portion 169 is provided at the lower part of the drawer portion grip portion 164. Therefore, when the user's finger is put on the finger hook portion 169 and the drawer portion 161 is pulled out forward, a downward force is applied to the tank body 141 together with the drawer portion 161.

As described above, the engagement between the tank body 141 and the tank accommodating portion 131 is released by lifting the tank body 141 upward. That is, even if a downward force is applied to the finger rest portion 169, the engagement between the tank body 141 and the tank accommodating portion 131 is not released. Therefore, when the user pulls out the drawer portion 161, the detergent tank 140a can be more reliably prevented from coming off from the tank accommodating portion 131.

(Liquid guide surface, liquid agent inlet, upper limit display surface)
Next, the liquid agent guide surface, the liquid agent inlet 171 and the upper limit display surface 172 of the drawer portion 161 of the liquid agent guide unit 160 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

As shown in FIG. 11, the drawer portion 161 has a first inclined surface 166 and a second inclined surface 170 that constitute a liquid agent guide surface that incline downward from the front to the rear. The inclination of the second inclined surface 170 is formed so as to be gentler than the inclination of the first inclined surface 166. The first inclined surface 166a is the front side of the first inclined back surface 166b corresponding to the upper surface of the drawer portion gripping portion 164.

The second inclined surface 170 is arranged rearward and has a liquid agent inlet 171 that opens inside the tank body 141. The liquid agent inlet 171 communicates the inside and outside of the tank body 141.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the filter 155 is arranged at a position in the tank body 141 behind the liquid agent charging port 171 when the drawer portion 161 is pulled out forward. As a result, the detergent flowing down from the liquid agent inlet 171 is configured so as not to fall on the horizontal plane 155c of the filter 155. That is, the detergent flowing down from the liquid agent inlet 171 directly falls on the inner bottom surface of the tank body 141. Then, the dropped detergent flows into the inside of the filter 155 from the front side through the hole 155a of the filter 155. At this time, the air inside the filter 155 escapes from the horizontal plane 155c above the filter 155 with the inflow of the detergent. Therefore, the air inside the filter 155 is smoothly replaced with the detergent, and the detergent is smoothly flowed into the filter 155.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the second inclined surface 170 is formed so that the width becomes narrower from the upper part (front) to the lower part (rear). As a result, the flowing detergent is rectified and gradually becomes faster. As a result, the detergent can be smoothly dropped from the liquid agent inlet 171.

The liquid agent inlet 171 has an upper limit display surface 172 formed at a position corresponding to the rear side. The upper limit display surface 172 is formed up and down as a part of the drawer portion 161. The upper limit display surface 172 is formed by a horizontal line and has an upper limit display 172a. The upper limit display 172a indicates the upper limit position of the liquid agent stored inside the tank body 141.

In the first embodiment, the upper limit display 172a is described by an example formed by a horizontal line, but other than the line, for example, a symbol such as a triangle or an arrow may be used.

Further, the lowest scale provided on the scale display 145 of the transparent window 144 of the tank body 141 is provided as the lower limit display 145a. The lower limit display 145a is used as a guide when the detergent tank 140a is removed and the inside is cleaned. The lower limit display 145a is provided at a position corresponding to the amount of detergent consumed by executing the washing operation once. Specifically, the lower limit display 145a corresponds to the total amount of detergent that remains inside the suction pipe portion 154 and the amount of detergent stored up to the lower limit display 145a. That is, by providing the lower limit display 145a in consideration of the amount of detergent remaining inside the suction pipe portion 154, the amount of detergent discarded when cleaning the inside of the tank body 141 can be reduced. Further, the lower limit display 145a is arranged at a position higher than the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154. As a result, air is prevented from flowing in from the lower end surface 154a of the suction pipe portion 154.

Here, in the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, when the user replenishes the detergent, the drawer portion 161 is pulled out from the tank accommodating portion 131, and while looking at the upper limit display 172a from above, the first inclined surface 166 or the first inclined surface 166 or the first Detergent is added to the inclined surface 170 of 2. At this time, when the user pulls out the drawer portion 161, the upper limit display 172a of the drawer portion 161 moves to the front of the state in which the drawer portion 161 is housed.

That is, the upper limit display 172a moves to a position in front of the dark position inside the tank accommodating portion 131 when the drawer portion 161 is accommodating. Therefore, the user can easily see the upper limit display 172a. However, even when the drawer portion 161 is pulled out, since the upper limit display surface 172 is located inside the tank accommodating portion 131, it is difficult for light from the outside to hit the upper limit display 172a.

Therefore, the upper limit display 172a of the first embodiment adopts laser printing with clear brightness to ensure visibility. In addition, instead of laser printing, the upper limit display 172a may be formed by, for example, engraving or pasting a film.

At the lower part of the upper limit display surface 172, an upper limit display surface notch 172b (see FIG. 13) formed by cutting out to the vicinity of the upper limit display 172a is provided. As a result, when replenishing the detergent, the user can look into the inside of the tank body 141 from the upper limit display surface notch 172b and confirm that the liquid level rises. Further, when the liquid level rises and reaches the lower end of the upper limit display surface 172, the detergent can be easily visually recognized by the contrast between the color of the detergent seen from the upper limit display surface notch 172b and the color of the upper limit display surface 172. As a result, the user can easily notice that the liquid level has reached the vicinity of the upper limit display 172a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the input of detergent exceeding the upper limit of the tank body 141. It is desirable that the color of the upper limit display surface 172 is white. As a result, the contrast with the stored liquid agent can be increased, so that the arrival of the liquid level can be visually recognized more easily.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion of the second inclined surface 170 has a lower end portion 170a formed by being bent downward. The lower end portion 170a is formed at a position above the upper limit display 172a. As a result, even when the detergent is stored up to the vicinity of the upper limit display 172a, the liquid level is configured so as not to come into contact with the lower end portion 170a. Therefore, when the drawer portion 161 is taken in and out, the lower end portion 170a prevents the detergent from being scraped out in the tank body 141. As a result, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the detergent around.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the back surface (rear side) of the upper limit display surface 172 is provided with a gap x so as not to come into contact with the drawer receiving portion 162 in a state where the detergent tank 140a is housed in the tank accommodating portion 131. There is. As a result, even when the user pushes the drawer portion 161 vigorously, the detergent can be prevented from being caught between the upper limit display surface 172 and the drawer receiving portion 162 and scattered.

As described above, the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment is configured.

The operation of the washing machine 100 having the above configuration will be described below.

(Washing operation with automatic loading operation)
Hereinafter, the washing operation when the automatic charging function of the liquid agent is turned on (ON) will be described.

Specifically, the user first opens the lid 103 and loads the laundry into the washing / dehydrating tub 109 from the laundry inlet 104. Then, the user operates the operation display unit 105 to turn on the power.

Next, the user operates the operation unit of the operation display unit 105 to select various courses. As a result, the washing operation of the automatic charging function of the liquid agent is started.

Here, the automatic detergent charging operation will be described by taking the detergent tank 140a of the liquid agent tank 140 as an example. The automatic charging operation in the softener tank 140b is basically the same except that the automatic charging operation is executed in the rinsing step, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In the washing operation with the automatic detergent charging function, first, the control device 114 (see FIG. 1) performs a cloth amount detecting operation for detecting the amount of laundry charged.

Next, the control device 114 calculates the liquid agent suction time according to the detected amount of cloth, and starts the automatic charging operation via the liquid agent automatic charging device 130.

When the automatic charging operation is started, the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 drives the automatic charging driving unit during the calculated liquid agent suction time, and the detergent stored in the detergent tank 140a via the liquid agent tank side connection unit 150. Aspirate. At this time, as described above, the check valve 152 of the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150 is opened with the detergent tank 140a accommodated in the tank accommodating portion 131. That is, the liquid agent in the detergent tank 140a is sucked into the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 via the liquid agent tank side connection portion 150. Then, the sucked detergent passes through the path in the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 and is discharged into the detergent manual charging unit 120.

Next, the control device 114 opens the water supply valve and injects water into the path in the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 through which the discharged liquid agent has passed. The injected water reaches the detergent manual charging unit 120 while flushing the path through which the liquid agent has passed. The water that reaches dissolves the detergent in the detergent manual charging unit 120. Then, the water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tank 109 via the water injection hose 122.

When the supply of a predetermined amount of water is completed, the control device 114 starts the washing step.

After that, when a series of steps in the set course is completed, the control device 114 ends the washing operation.

As described above, the washing operation is executed by the automatic charging function of the liquid agent.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment includes an outer frame 101 and an upper frame 102 forming a housing, and a tank accommodating portion 131 formed in the upper frame 102. Further, the washing machine 100 includes a liquid agent tank 140 that is detachably housed in the tank accommodating portion 131 and stores the liquid agent, and an automatic liquid agent charging device 130 that sucks and discharges the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank 140. The liquid agent tank 140 is configured so that the liquid agent tank 140 can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating unit 131 in a state where the liquid agent tank 140 is accommodated in the tank accommodating unit 131. Has.

According to this configuration, the liquid agent guide portion 160, which is a part of the liquid agent tank 140, can be made to protrude to the outside of the tank accommodating portion 131 while the liquid agent tank 140 is housed in the tank accommodating portion 131. Therefore, when the liquid agent is replenished, the possibility that the user spills the detergent on the upper frame 102 can be further suppressed.

Further, in the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, it is desirable that the liquid agent guide unit 160 has a drawer unit 161 and a drawer receiving unit 162, and the drawer unit 161 can be pulled out in the front direction.

According to this configuration, by pulling out the drawer portion 161 forward, a space can be formed in the front lower part of the drawer portion 161. Therefore, the user can inject the detergent into the drawer portion 161 by tilting the container little by little while holding the mouth of the container of the commercially available detergent in the vicinity of the drawer portion 161.

Further, the liquid agent guide portion 160 of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment inclines downward toward the rear to guide the liquid agent, and the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170 constituting the liquid agent guide surface. It is desirable that the liquid agent inlet 171 is provided so that the liquid agent guided to the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170 flows down into the liquid agent tank 140.

According to this configuration, the liquid agent charged into the liquid agent guide portion 160 smoothly flows downward from the liquid agent charging port 171 along the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170, which are the liquid agent guide surfaces. be able to.

Further, the liquid agent guide portion 160 of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment has an upper limit display surface 172 in which a vertical surface is formed in the vertical direction at a position behind the liquid agent inlet 171, and the liquid agent tank is formed on the upper limit display surface 172. It is desirable to provide an upper limit display 172a indicating the upper limit position of the stored amount of the liquid agent stored in 140.

According to this configuration, when the drawer unit 161 is pulled out from the drawer receiving unit 162, the upper limit display 172a engraved on the drawer unit 161 moves to the front position. That is, when the user replenishes the liquid agent, the light easily enters and the upper limit display 172a moves to a position close to the user's viewpoint. Therefore, the user can easily see the upper limit display 172a and can supply an appropriate amount of the liquid agent.

Further, in the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170 which are the liquid agent guide surfaces of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, the lower end 170a which is the lower end of the second inclined surface 170 of the liquid agent guide surface is formed. It is desirable to form it at a position above the upper limit display 172a.

According to this configuration, the lower end 170a of the second inclined surface 170 does not come into contact with the liquid surface of the liquid agent even when the liquid agent such as detergent is stored up to the vicinity of the upper limit display 172a. Therefore, when the drawer portion 161 is taken in and out, it is possible to prevent the detergent from being scraped out by the lower end portion 170a, and it is possible to reliably suppress the scattering of the detergent around.

Further, the bottom surface of the liquid agent tank 140 and the tank accommodating portion 131 of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment are formed so as to engage with each other due to unevenness while the liquid agent tank 140 is accommodated in the tank accommodating portion 131. It is desirable that the liquid agent guide portion 160 includes a claw 137 and a groove 146 that form an engaging portion, and the liquid agent guide portion 160 includes a finger hook portion 169 that is formed so that a finger can be hooked from above on a surface exposed to the outside.

According to this configuration, the engagement between the tank body 141 and the tank accommodating portion 131 is released by lifting upward. On the other hand, when the user puts his finger on the finger hook portion 169 and pulls out the drawer portion 161 forward, the drawer portion 161 and the tank body 141 are configured to apply a downward force. As a result, the engagement between the claw 137 and the groove 146 is not disengaged by the downward force applied to the finger hook portion 169. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent tank 140a from coming off from the tank accommodating portion 131 when the drawer portion 161 is pulled out.

Further, the liquid agent tank 140 of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment is provided so as to project downward from the lower part of the decorative plate 142 arranged as a part of the front surface and to be flush with the front surface of the liquid agent tank 140. A configuration including a main body grip portion 147 is desirable.

According to this configuration, the tank body grip portion 147 is formed flush with the rear surface of the laundry inlet 104 of the upper frame body 102, so that it is difficult to see from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally removing the detergent tank 140a from the tank accommodating portion 131 when replenishing the liquid agent.

Further, the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment has an outer frame 101 and an upper frame body 102 which is fixed to the upper part of the outer frame and has a laundry input port 104 which is fixed to a substantially central portion (including the central portion). And a lid 103 that covers the laundry inlet 104 so as to be openable and closable. Further, the washing machine 100 includes a tank accommodating portion 131 formed at a position behind the laundry inlet 104 in the upper frame body 102, a liquid agent tank 140 detachably accommodating in the tank accommodating portion 131 and storing a liquid, and the liquid agent tank 140. The liquid agent automatic charging device 130 for sucking and discharging the liquid stored in the liquid agent tank 140 is provided. The liquid agent tank 140 is configured so that the liquid agent tank 140 can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating unit 131 in a state of being housed in the tank accommodating unit 131, and in the state of being pulled out, the liquid agent guide unit guides the liquid agent into the inside of the liquid agent tank 140. A configuration having 160 is desirable.

Further, in the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, the tank accommodating portion 131 is formed in a substantially box shape (including a box shape) that opens with respect to the laundry input port 104, and the liquid agent tank 140 is taken out in the front direction. A possible configuration is desirable.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the washing machine 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(Constitution)
FIG. 14 is a view of the washing machine 200 of the second embodiment with the lid 203 opened, viewed diagonally forward and 15 ° above.

As shown in FIG. 14, the washing machine 200 of the second embodiment is different from the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment in that it is not provided with a drying device and is not provided with a water tank cover, an inner lid, a water injection hose, or the like. .. Since the configurations other than the above are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, the washing machine 200 is provided with a water injection port (not shown) formed at the lower part of the detergent manual injection unit 220 instead of the water injection hose. The water injection port allows the water and detergent flowing from the liquid agent automatic injection device 230 to flow downward. Further, a detergent container guide 230a formed vertically downward is provided at the lower front portion of the detergent container.

With the above configuration, the water and detergent flowing down from the water injection port are guided to the inside of the washing / dehydrating tank 209 by the detergent container guide 230a.

As described above, the washing machine 200 of the second embodiment is configured.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, in the washing machine 200 of the second embodiment, the outer frame 201 and the laundry inlet 204 which are fixed to the upper part of the outer frame 201 and open to a substantially central portion (including the central portion) are formed. A tub unit that is swingably supported inside the upper frame body 202 and the outer frame 201 and opens so as to face the laundry input port 204 is provided. Further, the washing machine 200 is attached to and detached from the lid 203 that covers the laundry inlet 204 so as to be openable and closable, the tank accommodating portion 231 formed at the rear position of the laundry inlet 204 in the upper frame 202, and the tank accommodating portion 231. It is provided with a liquid agent tank 240 that can be accommodated and stores the liquid agent, and an automatic liquid agent charging device 230 that sucks and discharges the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank 240. The liquid agent tank 240 is configured so that the liquid agent tank 240 can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating unit 231 in a state where the liquid agent tank 240 is accommodated in the tank accommodating unit 231. Has.

According to this configuration, the washing machine 200 does not have an inner lid. Therefore, even if the liquid agent is accidentally spilled when the liquid agent is replenished to the detergent tank 240a or the softener tank 240b, the liquid agent falls directly into the washing / dehydrating tank 209. That is, the detergent tank 240a and the softener tank 240b are arranged above the washing / dehydrating tank 209. As a result, even if the liquid agent is accidentally spilled, the adhesion of the liquid agent to the washing machine body can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the washing machine 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(Constitution)
FIG. 15 is an external front view of the washing machine 300 of the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the washing machine 300 of the third embodiment is composed of a drum-type washing machine, and has a detergent tank 340a, which is a liquid agent tank 340 detachably arranged on the front surface of the housing 301, and a flexible washing machine. The agent tank 340b and the operation display unit 305 are arranged. Further, a transparent window 344 provided on the front side of the liquid agent tank 340 is provided.

As a result, the liquid agent guide portion 360 of the liquid agent tank 340, the tank accommodating unit 331, and the like can be provided on the front side of the housing 301. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the detergent tank 340a and the softener tank 340b so as to open on the upper surface of the washing machine main body.

In the above description, the configuration in which the transparent window 344 is provided in the liquid agent tank 340 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the transparent window 344, a detection mechanism may be provided in the liquid agent tank 340 to detect the amount of the liquid agent or the like. Further, the operation display unit 305 may display the result detected by the detection mechanism so that the user can recognize the amount of detergent and the like.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine 300 of the third embodiment is detachably housed in the housing 301, the tank accommodating portion 331 formed in front of the housing 301, and the liquid agent tank 340 for storing the liquid agent, and the liquid agent. A liquid agent automatic charging device (not shown) for sucking and discharging the liquid agent stored in the tank 340 is provided. The liquid agent tank 340 is configured so that the liquid agent tank 340 can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating unit 331 in a state where the liquid agent tank 340 is housed in the tank accommodating unit 331. Has.

According to this configuration, the liquid agent tank 340 can be arranged in a state of being accommodated in the tank accommodating portion 331, and the liquid agent guide portion 360 which is a part of the liquid agent tank 340 can be arranged so as to protrude to the outside of the tank accommodating portion 331. Therefore, the tank accommodating portion 331 can be arranged on the front side of the housing 301. As a result, the user can replenish the liquid agent such as detergent at hand.

(Embodiment 4)
Hereinafter, the washing machine 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(Constitution)
FIG. 16 is an external front view of the washing machine 400 of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the washing machine 400 of the fourth embodiment is composed of a drum type washing machine. In the washing machine 400, a rotating drum (not shown) having a rotating shaft horizontally or diagonally is rotatably arranged inside the housing 401.

The washing machine 400 of the fourth embodiment is different from the washing machine 300 of the third embodiment in that the liquid agent guide portion 460 constituting the liquid agent tank 440 is arranged apart from the detergent tank 440a and the softener tank 440b. .. Since the configurations other than the above are the same as those in the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in the washing machine 400, the liquid agent guide portion 460 is provided in the upper part of the housing 401, and the detergent tank 440a and the softener tank 440b are provided in the lower part of the housing 401.

A liquid agent guide unit 460 may be extended between the liquid agent guide unit 460 and the tank body (not shown). Further, a liquid agent path may be provided between the liquid agent guide portion 460 and the tank body. Further, the upper portions of the detergent tank 440a and the softener tank 440b may be formed as a liquid agent path.

Further, the tank accommodating portion accommodating the liquid agent guide portion 460 and the tank accommodating portion 431 accommodating the detergent tank 440a and the softener tank 440b may be formed separately.

That is, in the washing machine 500 of the fourth embodiment, the liquid agent guide portion 460 for charging the liquid agent is arranged apart from the detergent tank 440a and the softener tank 440b for storing the liquid agent. With this arrangement configuration, a liquid agent tank that requires a sufficient capacity can be arranged below the rotating drum. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a space for accommodating the liquid agent tank in the upper part of the housing 401 which is the main body of the washing machine. Therefore, the rotating drum can be arranged higher. As a result, workability such as putting in laundry to the user can be further improved.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine 400 of the fourth embodiment has a housing 401, a liquid agent tank 440 for storing the liquid agent, and an automatic liquid agent charging device for sucking and discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank 440 (not shown). ) Is provided. The liquid agent tank 440 is arranged above the liquid agent tank 440 and the liquid agent tank 440, which are housed in the tank accommodating portion 431 formed in the housing 401, and guides the liquid agent into the liquid agent tank 440 in a pulled-out state. It has a guide unit 460.

According to this configuration, a liquid agent tank that requires a sufficient capacity can be arranged below the housing 401. Therefore, the rotating drum can be arranged higher. As a result, the user can replenish the liquid agent in a comfortable posture, for example, by the liquid agent guide unit 460 arranged near the hand. Further, since the rotating drum is arranged higher, the user can easily put in the laundry.

(Embodiment 5)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B.

(Constitution)
FIG. 17A is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank 540 of the fifth embodiment in a state where the liquid agent guide portion 560 is housed. FIG. 17B is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank 540 in a state where the liquid agent guide portion 560 is pulled out.

The washing machine of the fifth embodiment (not shown) is composed of a vertical washing machine as in the first embodiment. The liquid agent tank 540 is housed in a tank housing portion (not shown) formed in an upper frame (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the liquid agent tank 540 includes a liquid agent guide portion 560 provided so as to be able to rotate forward and open / close while the liquid agent tank 540 is housed in the tank accommodating portion. That is, the liquid agent guide portion 560 has a rotation shaft 560a provided in the horizontal direction. Further, the liquid agent guide portion 560 includes a drawer portion grip portion 564 in which the liquid agent guide portion 560 is rotated by the user.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17B, the user pulls the drawer portion grip portion 564 toward (forward) to rotate it. As a result, the user pulls out the liquid agent guide unit 560 to the front side and injects the liquid agent into the liquid agent guide unit 560.

In the washing machine of the fifth embodiment, the back surface of the front surface of the liquid agent guide portion 560 constitutes the liquid agent guide surface. Therefore, the opening formed in the upper part of the front surface of the tank body 541 becomes the liquid agent inlet 571. As a result, the liquid agent charged into the liquid agent guide surface flows down the liquid agent guide surface and falls from the liquid agent charging port 571 into the inside of the tank main body 541.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine of the fifth embodiment is detachably housed in the upper frame and the tank accommodating portion formed in the upper frame, and is stored in the liquid agent tank 540 and the liquid agent tank 540 for storing the liquid. It is equipped with an automatic liquid charge charging device (not shown) that sucks and discharges the liquid material to be discharged. The liquid agent tank 540 has a liquid agent guide portion 560 that guides the liquid agent inside the liquid agent tank 540 in a state where the liquid agent tank 540 is housed in the tank accommodating portion. The liquid agent guide portion 560 has a rotation shaft 560a in the horizontal direction, and the liquid agent guide portion 560 is configured to open in the vertical direction toward the front surface.

According to this configuration, the liquid agent inlet 571 is arranged in front of the drawer unit which is configured to be able to draw out linearly from the drawer receiving unit, and the distance for guiding the liquid agent can be shortened. Therefore, for example, when a large amount of liquid agent is replenished, the liquid agent charged from the liquid agent charging port 571 immediately reaches the tank body 541. As a result, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the liquid agent does not easily spill from the liquid agent guide portion 560.

(Embodiment 6)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B.

(Constitution)
FIG. 18A is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank 640 of the sixth embodiment in a state where the liquid agent guide portion 660 is housed. FIG. 18B is an external perspective view of the liquid agent tank 640 in a state where the liquid agent guide portion 660 is pulled out.

Note that the washing machine of the sixth embodiment (not shown) is composed of a vertical washing machine as in the first embodiment. The liquid agent tank 640 is housed in a tank housing portion (not shown) formed in an upper frame (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the liquid agent tank 640 includes a liquid agent guide portion 660 provided so as to be rotatable toward the front side and openable / closable while the liquid agent tank 640 is housed in the tank accommodating portion. That is, the liquid agent guide portion 660 has, for example, a rotation shaft 660a provided in the vertical direction on the left side. The rotation shaft 660a may be provided on the right side of the liquid agent guide portion 660 instead of the left side. Further, the liquid agent guide portion 660 includes a drawer portion grip portion 664 in which the liquid agent guide portion 660 is rotated by the user.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18B, the user pulls and rotates the drawer grip portion 664 in the horizontal direction. As a result, the user pulls out the liquid agent guide unit 660 toward the front (front) and injects the liquid agent into the liquid agent guide unit 660.

The liquid agent guide unit 660 is provided with a liquid agent guide surface (not shown) that is provided inside and is inclined downward with respect to the direction of rotation. As a result, the liquid agent that has flowed down the liquid agent guide surface falls from the liquid agent inlet 671 into the inside of the tank body 641.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine of the sixth embodiment is detachably housed in the upper frame and the tank accommodating portion formed in the upper frame, and is stored in the liquid agent tank 640 and the liquid agent tank 640 for storing the liquid agent. It is equipped with an automatic liquid charge charging device (not shown) that sucks and discharges the liquid liquid. The liquid agent tank 640 has a liquid agent guide unit 660 that guides the liquid agent inside the liquid agent tank 640 in a state where the liquid agent tank 640 is housed in the tank accommodating portion. The liquid agent guide unit 660 has a rotation shaft 660a in the vertical direction, and the liquid agent guide unit 560 is configured to open in the left-right direction toward the front.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Examples 1 to 6 have been described as examples of the techniques disclosed in the present application. However, the techniques in this disclosure are not limited to this.

Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

For example, in the first, second, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the washing machine 100, which is a vertical washing machine, has been described as an example of the washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. The washing machine is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to perform washing using a liquid agent, and therefore, for example, a drum type washing machine or a two-tank type washing machine may be used.

Further, in the third embodiment, as an example of the washing machine, the washing machine 300 which is a drum type washing machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The washing machine is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to perform washing using a liquid agent, and therefore, for example, a vertical washing machine or a two-tank washing machine may be used.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the liquid agent discharged from the automatic charging drive unit of the liquid agent automatic charging device 130 is sent to the detergent manual charging unit 120 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the configuration in which the liquid agent sent to the detergent manual charging unit 120 is poured into the washing / dehydrating tank 109 together with the water via the water injection hose 122 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid agent discharged from the automatic charging drive unit may be fed between the washing / dehydrating tank 109 and the water tank 106 without passing through, for example, the detergent manual charging unit 120. Further, the liquid agent sent to the detergent manual charging unit 120 may be poured together with water between the washing / dehydrating tank 109 and the water tank 106. As a result, the route to the injection can be shortened, and the detergent can be prevented from directly adhering to the clothes.

Further, in the first to sixth embodiments, the liquid agent tank is composed of the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid agent tank is not particularly limited to the detergent tank 140a and the softener tank 140b as long as it is a tank having a structure for accommodating the liquid agent. The number of liquid agent tanks may be, for example, one or three or more. Further, the liquid agent to be contained is not limited to a detergent or a softener, and may be, for example, a bleaching agent. Further, a plurality of dedicated tanks for storing the same type of liquid may be provided. For example, it may be configured to be provided by a plurality of detergent tanks. As a result, a plurality of detergents or softeners can be automatically added, which further improves the convenience of the user.

Further, in the third embodiment, the configuration in which the detergent tank 340a and the softener tank 340b are arranged on the upper front surface of the housing 301 which is the main body of the washing machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The arrangement position is not particularly limited as long as it is the front surface of the housing 301, and therefore, for example, it may be arranged in the lower part of the front surface of the housing 301. As a result, the user can replenish the liquid agent such as detergent at hand.

Further, in the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which the liquid agent guide portion is composed of a drawer portion and a drawer receiving portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The drawer portion is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure for guiding the liquid agent into the inside of the tank body. That is, the liquid agent guide portion is not limited to the drawer portion that slides on the drawer receiving portion and is drawn out from the tank housing portion. The liquid agent guide may have, for example, a stretchable hose shape.

Further, in the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration in which the drawer portion is moved in and out in the front-rear linear direction has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The direction in which the drawer portion is taken in and out is not limited to the front-back linear direction, and may be configured to rotate as in the fifth to sixth embodiments, for example. Further, the configuration in which the liquid agent guide portion is taken out is not limited to the configuration in which the user grips and pulls out the liquid agent guide portion. The liquid agent guide portion may be configured to be pulled out by an urging force such as a spring.

Further, in the first embodiment, the example in which the liquid agent guide surface is composed of the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid agent guide surface is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure for guiding the liquid agent into the inside of the tank body. That is, the liquid agent guide surface is not limited to the first inclined surface 166 and the second inclined surface 170. The liquid agent guide surface may be, for example, a curved surface or a tubular shape.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration of the opening 165, the upper surface which is the back surface of the first inclined surface 166, the lower surface of the opening 167, and the drawer gripping portion 164 provided with the drain hole 168 has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this. Since the drawer portion gripping portion may include a finger hook portion for gripping the drawer portion, the configuration is not limited to the drawer portion gripping portion 164. As the finger hook portion, for example, a rib extending downward from the upper side of the opening may be formed, and a finger may be hooked on the rib from below.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration of the claw 137 and the groove 146 has been described as an example of the engagement relationship between the liquid agent tank and the tank accommodating portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. The engagement relationship between the liquid agent tank and the tank accommodating portion is not limited to the claw 137 and the groove 146 as long as the liquid agent tank is detachably accommodated in the tank accommodating portion. For example, a claw that is convex downward may be formed on the bottom surface of the tank body, and a groove may be provided in the tank housing portion at a position facing the claw while the tank body is housed in the tank housing portion. Further, one of the claws or the groove may be arranged on the back surface of the tank body, and the other may be arranged at a position facing the claw or the groove. As a result, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

This disclosure is applicable to a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid injection device. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a vertical type washing machine, a drum type washing machine, a two-tank type washing machine, and the like.

100,200,300,400,500 Washing machine 101,201 Outer frame (housing)
102, 202 Upper frame (housing)
103,203 Lid 104,204 Laundry inlet 105,305 Operation display unit 106 Water tank 107 Water tank cover 108 Inner lid 109,209 Washing and dehydration tank 110 Pulsator 112 Motor 114 Control device 116 Lid lock part 116a Lid lock insertion part 116b Lid Lock engagement part 117 Drying filter part 118 Dry air hose 119 Rear space 120, 220 Detergent manual charging part 121 Detergent container 122 Water injection hose 130,230 Liquid agent automatic charging device 131,231,331,431 Tank housing 132 Tank housing Side connection 134 Connection protection rib 134a Protective rib notch 135 Housing recess 136 Storage guide rib 137 Claw (engagement)
138 Storage bottom notch 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640 Liquid tank 140a, 240a, 340a, 440a Detergent tank 140b, 240b, 340b, 440b Softener tank 141,541,641 Tank body 142 Decorative plate 143 opening 144, 344 Transparent window 145 Scale display 145a Lower limit display 146 Groove (engagement part)
147 Tank body grip 148 Circular hole 150 Liquid tank side connection 151 Cylinder 152 Check valve 153 Connection packing 154 Suction pipe 154a Lower end surface 155 Filter 155a Hole 155b Rib 156 Hanging rib (hanging lower surface)
156a Hanging rib communication part (communication part)
157 Step 158 Flange 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 Liquid guide part 161 Drawer part 161a Sliding part 162 Drawer receiving part 162a Contact surface 162b Rail part 162c Drawer receiving part Engagement part 163 Drawer part packing 164,564 , 664 Drawer grip 165 Opening 166 First inclined surface (liquid guide surface)
166a 1st inclined surface 166b 1st inclined back surface 167 Opening bottom surface 168 Drain hole 169 Finger hook 170 2nd inclined surface (liquid guide surface)
170a Lower end 171,571,671 Liquid agent inlet 172 Upper limit display surface 172a Upper limit display 172b Upper limit display surface notch 230a Detergent inlet guide 301,401 Housing 560a, 660a Rotating shaft

Claims (9)

1. With the housing
   A liquid agent tank that is detachably housed in a tank accommodating portion formed in the housing and stores the liquid agent,
   A liquid agent automatic charging device for sucking and discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank is provided.
   The liquid agent tank is configured so that the liquid agent tank can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating portion in a state of being accommodated in the tank accommodating portion, and in a state of being pulled out, the liquid agent guide unit for guiding the liquid agent into the inside of the liquid agent tank. Have,
   Washing machine.
2. The liquid agent guide portion has a drawer portion and a drawer receiving portion.
   The drawer portion is configured to be able to be pulled out in the front direction.
   The washing machine according to claim 1.
3. The liquid agent guide portion includes a liquid agent guide surface that is inclined downward toward the rear to guide the liquid agent, and a liquid agent inlet that allows the liquid agent that is guided by the liquid agent guide surface to flow down into the liquid agent tank. Have, have
   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2.
4. The liquid agent guide portion has an upper limit display surface in which a vertical surface is formed in the vertical direction at a position behind the liquid agent inlet.
   An upper limit display indicating the upper limit position of the stored amount of the liquid agent to be stored in the liquid agent tank is provided on the upper limit display surface.
   The washing machine according to claim 3.
5. The lower end of the liquid agent guide surface is formed at a position above the upper limit display.
   The washing machine according to claim 4.
6. The bottom surface of the liquid agent tank and the tank accommodating portion include engaging portions provided so as to engage with each other due to unevenness in a state where the liquid agent tank is accommodated in the tank accommodating portion.
   The liquid agent guide portion includes a finger hook portion formed so that a finger can be hooked from above on a surface exposed to the outside.
   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The liquid agent tank includes a tank body grip portion that projects downward from the lower portion on the front side and is provided so as to be flush with the front surface of the liquid agent tank.
   The washing machine according to claim 6.
8. With the outer frame
   An upper frame body that is fixed to the upper part of the outer frame and is formed with a laundry inlet that substantially opens in the center.
   A lid that covers the laundry slot so that it can be opened and closed,
   A tank accommodating portion formed at a position behind the laundry inlet in the upper frame, and
   A liquid agent tank that is detachably housed in the tank accommodating portion and stores the liquid agent,
   A liquid agent automatic charging device for sucking and discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank is provided.
   The liquid agent tank is configured so that the liquid agent tank can be taken in and out from the tank accommodating portion in a state of being accommodated in the tank accommodating portion, and in a state of being pulled out, a liquid agent guide portion for guiding the liquid agent is provided inside the liquid agent tank. Have, have
   Washing machine.
9. The tank accommodating portion has a drawer portion and a drawer receiving portion which are formed in a substantially box shape and open to the laundry inlet.
   The drawer portion is configured so that it can be taken out in the front direction.
   The washing machine according to claim 8.

Images