WO2021218426A1

WO2021218426A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2021218426A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/080106
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大槻太郎; 税所贵史
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2020-04-28
Filing date: 2021-03-11
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Also published as: JP2021171502A; CN115516160A

Abstract

Disclosed is a washing machine (1). The washing machine comprises: a box body (2); a washing tub (4) for accommodating laundry (Q); a water supply line (20) for supplying tap water to the inside of the washing tub (4); an intake port (35) for the intake of bathing water; a bathing water supply line (22) for supplying bathing water to the inside of the washing tub (4); a first treatment agent supply part (21), which is disposed in the box body (2) and supplies a treatment agent for washing to the water supply line (20); and a second treatment agent supply part (52), which can be mounted to the intake port (35) or detached from the intake port (35) from outside the box body (2), same has a treatment agent accommodation part (53) for accommodating a treatment agent, a treatment agent supply line (54) for connecting the treatment agent accommodation part (53) and the intake port (35), and an electric treatment agent supply valve (55) for opening/closing the treatment agent supply line (54), and same supplies the treatment agent in the treatment agent accommodation part (53) to the bathing water supply line (22). The washing machine (1) can use bathing water to wash the laundry (Q) inside the washing tub (4), and can flexibly use a plurality of treatment agents.

Description

washing machine

Technical field

The invention relates to a washing machine.

Background technique

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 below includes: a cabinet; a drum arranged in the cabinet for placing clothes; a detergent tank and a softener tank built into the cabinet; The detergent contained in the detergent tank and the softener contained in the softener tank are automatically poured into the drum at all times.

In recent years, in recent years when a variety of cleaning treatment agents such as detergents and softeners have been put on the market, users want to have a variety of treatment agents and use them flexibly according to their applications. In this regard, when the treatment agent is previously stored in the detergent tank or the softener tank like the washing machine of Patent Document 1, even if the user wishes to use another type of treatment agent, the treatment that has been stored in these tanks is not exhausted. In the case of chemical agents, other types of processing agents cannot be used.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42265

Summary of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention

The present invention was completed in view of this background, and its object is to provide a washing machine that can flexibly use a variety of treatment agents.

Solutions used to solve the problem

The present invention is a washing machine, comprising: a cabinet; a washing tub arranged in the cabinet to contain laundry; a water supply path for supplying tap water from a faucet into the washing tub; an intake port for taking in Bath water; bath water supply path for supplying the bath water taken in from the intake port into the washing tub; the first treatment agent supply part, which has a first storage part for accommodating the treatment agent for washing, A first connection path connecting the first accommodating portion and the water supply path, and an electric first opening and closing portion that opens and closes the first connection path, and the first processing agent supply portion is disposed in the box , Supplying the treatment agent in the first accommodating part to the water supply channel; and a second treatment agent supply part that can be installed in or detached from the inlet from the outside of the box, and has an accommodating treatment A second storage portion of the drug, a second connection path connecting the second storage portion and the intake port, and an electric second opening and closing portion that opens and closes the second connection path, the second treatment The agent supply part supplies the treatment agent in the second storage part to the bath water supply path.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine includes: a control part electrically connected to at least the first opening and closing part to perform a washing operation; The second opening and closing part is electrically connected.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the case where the second processing agent supply part is attached to the intake port, during the washing operation, the control part is closed by the first opening and closing part. In the state of the first connection path, the second connection path is opened by the second opening and closing portion.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, the washing machine can wash the laundry in the washing tub using tap water supplied from the water supply path into the washing tub. In addition, if the user connects the hose soaked in the bath water in the external bath water pump to the intake port of the washing machine, the bath water will flow through the bath water supply path and be supplied into the washing tub after being taken in through the intake port. . Thus, the washing machine can use bath water to wash the laundry in the washing tub.

If the user stores the treatment agent in the first storage part of the first treatment agent supply part in advance, the first opening/closing part will open the first connection path in the first treatment agent supply part during the washing operation. The treatment agent in the accommodating part is supplied to the water supply path from the first inner connection path and then is poured into the washing tub along with the water flowing through the water supply path. If the user wants to use other types of treatment agents, he only needs to attach the second treatment agent supply part containing the treatment agent in the second accommodating part to the intake port of the washing machine. As a result, during the washing operation, in the second treatment agent supply section, the second opening and closing section opens the second connection path, so the treatment agent in the second storage section is taken into the bath water supply path from the second connection path. It is put into the washing tub. That is, in this washing machine, even if the processing agent in the first container is not used up, other processing agents stored in the second container can be used for washing, so a variety of processing agents can be used flexibly.

In addition, according to the present invention, in the washing machine, the first opening/closing portion can be opened and closed by the control portion, so that the processing agent in the first storage portion can be injected into the washing tub by the first processing agent supply portion during the washing operation. When the user attaches the second treatment agent supply part to the intake port of the washing machine in order to use a treatment agent different from the treatment agent in the first storage part, the user only needs to connect the cable to the second treatment agent supply part. As a result, the control unit and the second opening/closing unit are electrically connected. Therefore, the second opening/closing unit can be opened and closed by the control unit, so that the treatment agent in the second storage unit can be injected from the second treatment agent supply unit during the washing operation. To the washing tub.

In addition, according to the present invention, when the second processing agent supply unit is attached to the intake port of the washing machine, during the washing operation, the control unit passes through the second connection path while the first connection path is closed by the first opening/closing unit. The opening and closing part opens the second connection path, so that only the treatment agent in the second accommodating part can be put into the washing tub. As a result, it is possible to prevent the processing agent in the first container and the processing agent in the second container from being mixed and supplied into the washing tub.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional right view of the washing machine in a state where a second processing agent supply part is attached.

Description of Reference Signs

1: washing machine; 2: cabinet; 4: washing tub; 20: water supply path; 21: first treatment agent supply part; 22: bath water supply path; 24: detergent storage part; 25: detergent supply path; 26 : Detergent supply valve; 30: Softener storage part; 31: Softener supply path; 32: Softener supply valve; 35: Intake port; 50: Control part; 51: Cable; 52: Second treatment agent supply part; 53: Treatment agent accommodating part; 54: Treatment agent supply path; 55: Treatment agent supply valve; Q: Laundry.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direction orthogonal to the surface of the paper in FIG. 1 is called the left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is called the front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1, and the up-down direction in FIG. 1 is called the up-down direction of the washing machine 1. Z. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side X1, and the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side X2. In the front-rear direction Y, the left side is referred to as the front side Y1, and the right side is referred to as the rear side Y2. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 also includes an integrated washer-dryer with a drying function. However, the washing machine 1 will be described below with an example of a washing machine that omits the drying function and performs only the washing operation. The washing machine 1 includes: a box body 2, which forms the outer contour of the washing machine 1, an outer tub 3, which is arranged in the box body 2, a washing tub 4, which is contained in the outer tub 3; a rotating wing 5, which is contained in the washing tub 4; The motor 6 generates the driving force for rotating the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5; and the transmission mechanism 7 switches the transmission destination of the driving force generated by the motor 6.

The box body 2 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a box shape. The upper surface 2A of the box 2 is formed with an opening 2B through which the inside and the outside of the box 2 communicate. A door 9 that opens and closes the opening 2B is provided on the upper surface 2A. In the upper surface 2A, for example, a region on the front side Y1 of the opening 2B is provided with a display operation unit 10 composed of a touch panel or the like. The user can freely select washing conditions or instruct the washing machine 1 to start operation, stop operation, or the like by operating the display operation unit 10. Information related to the washing operation is visually displayed on the display operation unit 10.

The outer tub 3 is made of resin, for example, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The outer barrel 3 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A, which is arranged in the vertical direction Z; a bottom wall 3B, which blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2; The end edge of the upper side Z1 of 3A is encapsulated, and one side protrudes toward the center of the circumferential wall 3A. An opening 3D is formed inside the annular wall 3C. The opening 3D is arranged directly below the opening 2B of the box 2. The hollow part of the circumferential wall 3A is exposed to the upper side Z1 from the opening 3D. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a circular plate shape extending in the horizontal direction, and a through hole 3E penetrating the bottom wall 3B is formed at the center of the bottom wall 3B. As described later, the outer tub 3 can store water.

The outer tub 3 is connected with a drainage passage 11 from the lower side Z2, and the water in the outer tub 3 is discharged from the drainage passage 11 to the outside of the machine. A drain valve 12 that opens and closes in order to start or stop draining is provided in the middle of the drain path 11.

The washing tub 4 is, for example, made of metal, has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can contain laundry Q inside. The washing tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged in the vertical direction Z and a bottom wall 4B that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.

The space surrounded by the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A is an entrance 4C that exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1. The entrance 4C is in a state of communicating with the opening 3D of the tub 3 and the opening 2B of the box 2 from the lower side Z2. The user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 9 to open the opening 2B, the opening 3D, and the entrance and exit 4C, and takes the laundry Q into the washing tub 4 through the opening 2B, the opening 3D, and the entrance and exit 4C.

The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated in the outer tub 3 and is arranged along the vertical direction Z. The washing tub 4 in the state contained in the outer tub 3 can rotate around the central axis J. A plurality of through holes (not shown) are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and the water in the outer tub 3 can pass between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 is consistent with the water level in the washing tub 4.

The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in the shape of a circular plate extending substantially parallel to the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 at an interval on the upper side Z1. The through hole 4D of the bottom wall 4B. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 13 that surrounds the through hole 4D and extends along the central axis J to the lower side Z2. The support shaft 13 is inserted into the through hole 3E of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 13 is located on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3B.

The rotating wing 5 is a so-called pulsator formed in a disk shape centered on the central axis J, and is arranged in the washing tub 4 concentrically with the washing tub 4 along the bottom wall 4B. A plurality of blades 5A arranged radially are provided in the rotary wing 5 from the lower side to the upper surface of the inlet and outlet 4C of the washing tub 4. The rotating blade 5 is provided with a rotating shaft 14 extending from its center along the central axis J to the lower side Z2. The rotating shaft 14 is inserted into the hollow portion of the supporting shaft 13, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 14 is located on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3.

The motor 6 is arranged on the lower side Z2 of the tub 3 in the case 2. The motor 6 has an output shaft 15 that rotates around the center axis J. The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower end of each of the support shaft 13 and the rotating shaft 14 and the upper end of the output shaft 15. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output by the motor 6 from the output shaft 15 to one or both of the support shaft 13 and the rotation shaft 14. As the transmission mechanism 7, a known clutch or the like can be used.

When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 13, the washing tub 4 rotates about the central axis J. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 14, the rotating wing 5 rotates about the central axis J. The rotation direction of the output shaft 15 of the motor 6 is variable. Therefore, each of the washing tub 4 and the rotating wing 5 can rotate not only in one direction, but also in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

Regarding the water supply to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, the washing machine 1 further includes: a water supply path 20 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) into the washing tub 4; In the case 2, a washing treatment agent such as detergent and softener is supplied to the water supply path 20; and a bath water supply path 22 is merged with the water supply path 20 in the case 2.

One end (not shown) of the water supply channel 20 is led out of the box 2 and connected to a faucet. The other end of the water supply path 20 is arranged in the box 2 as a water supply port 20A facing the inlet and outlet 4C of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1. In the water supply path 20, the upstream portion 20B arranged outside the box 2 and the downstream portion 20C arranged in the box 2 and having the water supply port 20A may be separable. In this case, the upstream portion 20B and the downstream portion 20C is connected by a joint (not shown). A water supply valve 23 that can be opened and closed is provided in the downstream portion 20C. The water supply valve 23 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. When the water supply valve 23 is opened, the tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply path 20, is supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A, and is stored in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. When the water supply valve 23 is closed, the water supply of tap water is stopped.

The first processing agent supply unit 21 is a device that automatically dispenses a processing agent into the washing tub 4 via the water supply path 20. Specifically, the first processing agent supply unit 21 includes a detergent supply unit 21A that supplies detergent to the water supply channel 20 and a softener supply unit 21B that supplies a softener to the water supply channel 20. The detergent supply part 21A is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the washing tub 4 in the housing 2. The detergent supply part 21A has: a detergent container 24 for accommodating detergent such as liquid detergent, and functions as an example of the first container; 20 is connected and functions as an example of the first connection path; the detergent supply valve 26 is provided in the detergent supply path 25 and functions as an example of the first opening and closing section.

The detergent container 24 is formed in a box shape or a groove shape, and is fixed to the box body 2. At least the upper surface portion of the detergent container 24 is exposed to the opening 2B of the upper surface 2A of the box 2 when the user opens the door 9 of the box 2. A cover 27 that can be opened and closed or can be detached is provided on the upper surface of the detergent container 24. When the user touches the cover 27 from the opening 2B to open or remove the cover 27, the inside of the detergent container 24 is exposed, so the user can replenish detergent into the detergent container 24. The detergent accommodating portion 24 can store in advance an amount of detergent that can perform the washing operation multiple times. The user who has completed the replenishment of the detergent closes the cover 27 or fits the cover 27 to the detergent accommodating portion 24. The cover 27 may be exposed to the upper surface 2A of the box 2. In this case, the user can touch the cover 27 without opening the door 9.

The detergent supply path 25 extends from the lower end of the detergent container 24 at least to the lower side Z2, and is connected to the downstream area 20D closer to the water supply port 20A than the water supply valve 23 at the downstream portion 20C of the water supply path 20. The detergent supply valve 26 is electric, and in the present embodiment is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like, and the detergent supply path 25 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the detergent supply valve 26 itself. In the detergent supply part 21A, when the detergent supply valve 26 is opened, the detergent supply path 25 is opened. Therefore, the detergent in the detergent container 24 is supplied after flowing down in the detergent supply path 25 by its own weight. To the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. At this time, if the water supply valve 23 is in an open state, the detergent supplied to the downstream area 20D will be supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A along with the tap water flowing through the water supply channel 20. When the detergent supply valve 26 is closed, the detergent supply path 25 is cut off, and therefore the supply of detergent from the detergent storage portion 24 is stopped.

The softener supply part 21B is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the washing tub 4 in the box 2. The softener supply part 21B has: a softener containing part 30 which contains a softener such as liquid softener and functions as an example of a first containing part; a softener supply path 31 which connects the lower end of the softener containing part 30 The supply path 25 is connected and functions as an example of the first connection path; and the softener supply valve 32 is provided in the softener supply path 31 and functions as an example of the first opening and closing section.

The softener container 30 is formed in a box shape or a groove shape, and is fixed to the box body 2. In the present embodiment, the detergent container 24 and the softener container 30 are arranged side by side in a lateral manner, but they may be arranged separately from each other. At least the upper surface portion of the softener accommodating portion 30 is exposed to the opening 2B of the upper surface 2A of the box 2 when the user opens the door 9 of the box 2. A cover 33 that can be opened and closed or can be detached is provided on the upper surface of the softener container 30. When the user touches the cover 33 from the opening 2B to open or detach the cover 33, the inside of the softener accommodating portion 30 is exposed, so the user can replenish the softener into the softener accommodating portion 30. The softener accommodating part 30 can store in advance an amount of softener that allows washing operations to be performed multiple times. The user who has completed the supplement of the softener closes the cover 33 or fits the cover 33 to the softener accommodating part 30. The cover 33 may be exposed to the upper surface 2A of the box 2. In this case, the user can reach the cover 33 without opening the door 9.

The softener supply path 31 extends from the lower end of the softener storage portion 30 at least to the lower side Z2, and is connected to the downstream area 25A of the detergent supply path 25 that is closer to the water supply path 20 than the detergent supply valve 26 is. The softener supply path 31 of the present embodiment connects the softener storage section 30 and the water supply path 20 via the downstream area 25A. Alternatively, the softener supply path 31 may be connected to the water supply path 20 without passing through the downstream area 25A, thereby directly connecting the softener storage section 30 and the water supply path 20.

The softener supply valve 32 is electric, and in the present embodiment is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like, and the softener supply path 31 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the softener supply valve 32 itself. In the softener supply section 21B, when the softener supply valve 32 is opened, the softener supply path 31 is opened. Therefore, the softener in the softener storage section 30 will flow through the softener supply path 31 and the detergent in order. After flowing down the path 25, it is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. At this time, if the water supply valve 23 is in an open state, the softener supplied to the downstream area 20D will be supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A along with the tap water flowing through the water supply channel 20. When the softener supply valve 32 is closed, the softener supply path 31 is cut off, and therefore the supply of the softener from the softener storage section 30 is stopped.

An electric treatment agent pump 34 may be provided in the downstream region 25A of the detergent supply path 25, strictly speaking, in the downstream region 25A, which is closer to the water supply path 20 than the portion connected to the softener supply path 31. The processing agent pump 34 is driven to suck the processing agent in the downstream area 25A and discharge it to the downstream area 20D side of the water supply channel 20. Therefore, the treatment agent, that is, the detergent in the detergent container 24 or the softener in the softener container 30, can be efficiently supplied to the downstream region 20D.

Regarding the bath water supply path 22, an intake port 35 for taking in bath water is provided on the upper surface 2A of the tank 2. One end 22A of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the intake port 35, and the other end 22B of the bath water supply path 22 is connected to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. The intake port 35 is a hole exposed to the upper surface 2A, that is, the surface of the box 2. The intake port 35 may refer to a hole formed in the case 2 or an opening of one end 22A exposed from the hole.

A commercially available external bath water pump 40 can be installed in the intake port 35. The bath water pump 40 is an electric pump. The bath water pump 40 also has a hose 41 whose one end is immersed in bath water and the other end is connected to the intake port 35. When the bath water pump 40 is driven, the bath water outside the tank 2 is sucked into the hose 41 and taken into the bath water supply path 22 at the intake port 35. The bath water taken into the bath water supply path 22 is supplied to the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20 and then is supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 20A. When the bath water pump 40 is stopped, the water supply of bath water is stopped.

The washing machine 1 further includes a control unit 50 composed of a personal computer or the like, and a cable 51 connected to the control unit 50 and led out of the cabinet 2. The cable 51 includes at least one of a signal line and a power supply line. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the display operation unit 10, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the softener supply valve 32, and the treatment agent pump 34. When the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 is attached to the intake port 35, by connecting the cable 51 to the bath water pump 40 by the user, the bath water pump 40 is also electrically connected to the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 performs the washing operation by controlling the actions of the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the detergent supply valve 26, the softener supply valve 32, the treatment agent pump 34, and the bath water pump 40. The washing operation includes a washing process of washing the laundry Q in the washing tub 4, a rinsing process of rinsing the laundry Q after the washing process, and a dehydration process of dehydrating the laundry Q after the rinsing process. The rinsing process can be performed multiple times, and the final rinsing process is called the final rinsing process. The dehydration process includes an intermediate dehydration process performed immediately after a washing process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process performed at the end of the washing operation.

In the washing process, the control unit 50 first opens the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with at least the drain valve 12 and the softener supply valve 32 closed to supply water to the washing tub 4 (refer to the dashed arrow in FIG. 1). At this time, the control unit 50 opens the detergent supply valve 26 for a predetermined period of time, and drives the treatment agent pump 34 for a predetermined period of time as needed, thereby allowing the detergent in the detergent storage unit 24 to flow through the water supply path 20 with one washing operation amount. The tap water is supplied to the washing tub 4 together. It should be noted that the control unit 50 may supply the bath water into the washing tub 4 by driving the bath water pump 40 without opening the water supply valve 23 during water supply. At this time, the control unit 50 supplies the detergent of one washing operation amount into the washing tub 4 along with the bath water flowing through the water supply path 20.

When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to a predetermined water level, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5 after stopping the water supply. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is agitated or decontaminated by detergent, thereby being washed. Finally, the control unit 50 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

During the rinsing process, the control unit 50 first stores the tap water in the washing tub 4 by opening the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time in a state where at least the drain valve 12 and the detergent supply valve 26 are closed. Next, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotor blade 5. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is rinsed. In particular, when water is supplied in the final rinsing process, the control unit 50 opens the softener supply valve 32 for a predetermined period of time, and drives the treatment agent pump 34 for a predetermined period of time as needed, thereby reducing the amount of one wash operation in the softener container 30 The softener is supplied into the washing tub 4 along with the tap water flowing through the water supply channel 20. After that, by rotating the rotor blade 5, the softener permeates the laundry Q in the washing tub 4. Finally, the control unit 50 drains the washing tub 4.

During the dehydration process, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 with the drain valve 12 opened to rotate the washing tub 4 at a predetermined dehydration rotation speed. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by centrifugal force. It should be noted that in the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the operating conditions may be different. As an example, the dehydration speed of the final dehydration process may be higher than the dehydration speed of the intermediate dehydration process.

As described above, the washing machine 1 can use the tap water supplied from the water supply path 20 into the washing tub 4 to wash the laundry Q in the washing tub 4, and can also use bath water to wash the laundry Q. It should be noted that, when bath water is not used, the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 may not be attached to the intake port 35.

Incidentally, it is conceivable that the user wants to use another detergent of a different kind from the detergent contained in the detergent accommodating portion 24 of the detergent supply portion 21A. Similarly, it is conceivable that the user wants to use another softener of a different kind from the softener contained in the softener accommodating part 30 of the softener supply part 21B. In this case, the hose 41 of the bath water pump 40 is removed from the intake port 35 by the user, and the second processing agent supply part 52 shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the intake port 35 from the outside of the housing 2 of the washing machine 1. The second processing agent supply part 52 is attached to the intake port 35 by, for example, screwing. It should be noted that the illustration of the upstream portion 20B (refer to FIG. 1) that is a part of the water supply channel 20 is omitted in FIG. 2. The second processing agent supply part 52 is an accessory included in the washing machine 1. The second treatment agent supply part 52 attached to the inlet 35 supplies a treatment agent of a different kind from the treatment agent supplied by the first treatment agent supply part 21 to the bath water supply path 22 from the inlet 35. In other words, the second processing agent supply unit 52 is an external processing agent supply device.

The second processing agent supply unit 52 has: a processing agent storage portion 53 as an example of a second storage portion for containing the processing agent, and a treatment as an example of a second connection path connecting the processing agent storage portion 53 and the intake port 35 The treatment agent supply path 54 and an electric treatment agent supply valve 55 as an example of a second opening and closing section that opens and closes the treatment agent supply path 54.

The treatment agent accommodating part 53 in this embodiment has a detergent accommodating part 53A accommodating detergent and a softening agent accommodating part 53B accommodating a softener. The detergent storage portion 53A and the softener storage portion 53B are each formed in a box shape or a groove shape. A cover 56 that can be opened and closed or can be detached is provided on the upper surface of each of the detergent storage portion 53A and the softener storage portion 53B. When the user opens or removes the cover 56 of the detergent accommodating portion 53A, the inside of the detergent accommodating portion 53A is exposed, so the user can replenish detergent into the detergent accommodating portion 53A. The detergent accommodating part 53A can accommodate a detergent in an amount that can perform the washing operation multiple times. The user who has completed the replenishment of the detergent closes the cover 56 or fits the cover 56 to the detergent accommodating portion 53A. The user can replenish the softener to the softener accommodating part 53B in the same order as the detergent accommodating part 53A.

The processing agent supply path 54 has a merging path 54A extending from the intake port 35 at least to the upper side Z1, and branches from the merging path 54A into a first branch path 54B and a second branch path 54C. The first branch path 54B extends at least to the upper side Z1 and is connected to the lower end of the detergent container 53A. The second branch path 54C extends at least to the upper side Z1 and is connected to the lower end of the softener accommodating portion 53B. The detergent contained in the detergent accommodating portion 53A also exists in the first branch path 54B due to its own weight. The softener contained in the softener accommodating portion 53B also exists in the second branch path 54C by its own weight.

The processing agent supply valve 55 is constituted by a solenoid valve or the like. The processing agent supply valve 55 is provided at the junction 54A of the processing agent supply path 54. The processing agent supply valve 55 in this embodiment is a multi-directional valve connected to the confluence path 54A, the first branch path 54B, and the second branch path 54C, respectively, and opens the first branch path when the second branch path 54C is closed. 54B, only the detergent in the detergent container 53A flows to the converging path 54A, or the second branch path 54C is opened with the first branch path 54B closed, and only the softener in the softener container 53B flows to the converging path. Road 54A. It should be noted that, instead of a multi-directional valve, the processing agent supply valve 55 may be provided in the first branch path 54B and the second branch path 54C, and only the corresponding branch path may be opened and closed.

When attaching the second treatment agent supply part 52 to the intake port 35, the user removes the cable 51 currently connected to the bath water pump 40 (refer to FIG. 1) from the bath water pump 40, and supplies the second treatment agent with the cable 51. Section 52 is connected. Thereby, the control part 50 of the washing machine 1 and the processing agent supply valve 55 are electrically connected. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the processing agent supply valve 55 by sending a signal to the processing agent supply valve 55 or controlling the energization of the processing agent supply valve 55, that is, by controlling the switching (ON/OFF) of the processing agent supply valve 55.

In the washing operation when the second processing agent supply unit 52 is attached to the intake port 35, the control unit 50 sets the detergent supply path 25 in the first processing agent supply unit 21 through the detergent supply valve 26 The state is always closed, and the softener supply path 31 is always closed by the softener supply valve 32. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the processing agent of the first processing agent supply unit 21 and the processing agent of the second processing agent supply unit 52 from being mixed and supplied into the washing tub 4. In this state, during the washing process, the control unit 50 first opens the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 12 closed to supply water to the washing tub 4 (refer to the dotted arrow in FIG. 2). At this time, the control unit 50 controls the processing agent supply valve 55 of the second processing agent supply unit 52 to open the first branch path 54B of the processing agent supply path 54 through the processing agent supply valve 55 for a predetermined time. As a result, in the second treatment agent supply unit 52, the first branch path 54B and the merging path 54A are opened, so that the detergent for one washing operation amount in the detergent accommodating section 53A is supplied to the bath water from the merging path 54A. Supply road 22. The detergent supplied to the bath water supply path 22 is supplied into the washing tub 4 along with the tap water flowing through the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20.

When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to a predetermined water level, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotary wing 5 after stopping the water supply. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is stirred or dirt is decomposed by the detergent, thereby being washed. Finally, the control unit 50 drains the washing tub 4 by opening the drain valve 12.

During the rinsing process, the control unit 50 first stores the tap water in the washing tub 4 by opening the water supply valve 23 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 12 closed. Next, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 to rotate the rotor blade 5. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is rinsed. In particular, during the final rinsing process, the control unit 50 controls the processing agent supply valve 55 of the second processing agent supply unit 52 to open the second branch path 54C of the processing agent supply path 54 for a predetermined time through the processing agent supply valve 55. As a result, in the second treatment agent supply part 52, the second branch path 54C and the merging path 54A are opened. Therefore, the softener for one washing operation amount in the softener storage part 53B is supplied to the bath from the merging path 54A. Water supply path 22. The softener supplied to the bath water supply path 22 is supplied into the washing tub 4 along with the tap water flowing through the downstream area 20D of the water supply path 20. After that, by rotating the rotary wing 5, the softener permeates the detergent Q in the washing tub 4. Finally, the control unit 50 drains the washing tub 4.

In the dehydration process, as described above, the control unit 50 controls the motor 6 and the transmission mechanism 7 in a state where the drain valve 12 is opened to rotate the washing tub 4 at a predetermined dehydration rotation speed. As a result, the laundry Q in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by centrifugal force. When the washing operation ends with the end of the dehydration process, the user can either keep the second treatment agent supply part 52 attached to the intake port 35 unchanged, or make the second treatment agent supply part 52 pass from the intake port 35. Break away.

As described above, in the washing machine 1, even if the detergent in the detergent container 24 in the first treatment agent supply part 21 and the softener in the softener container 30 in the first treatment agent supply part 21 are not used up, the second treatment agent can be used. The other treatment agents in the treatment agent storage section 53 of the agent supply section 52 are used for washing, so a variety of treatment agents can be used flexibly. In addition, it is possible to effectively use the intake port 35 and the bath water supply path 22 as a configuration for supplying bath water to put the other treatment agent into the washing tub 4. In this case, the user does not need to manually put the other detergent into the washing tub 4.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the technical solution.

For example, the first treatment agent supply part 21 supplies both detergent and softener in this embodiment, but it may only supply one of the detergent and the softener. In this case, the first treatment agent supply part 21 only has washing Either the agent accommodating part 24 and the softening agent accommodating part 30. Similarly, the second processing agent supply part 52 supplies both detergent and softener in this embodiment, but it may only supply one of the detergent and the softener. In this case, the processing agent container 53 has a detergent container. Either the portion 53A and the softener storage portion 53B.

In addition, the washing machine 1 may include a detection unit (not shown) such as a sensor that detects the attachment and detachment of the second processing agent supply unit 52 to the intake port 35. In this case, the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit 50, and the detection result is input to the control unit 50 in real time. When the detection unit detects the attachment of the second processing agent supply unit 52 to the intake port 35, the control unit 50 automatically determines the presence of the second processing agent supply unit 52. In response to this, the control unit 50 uses the detergent and softener supplied from the second processing agent supply unit 52 to perform the washing operation. Therefore, in this washing operation, the control unit 50 opens the treatment agent through the treatment agent supply valve 55 in a state where the detergent supply path 25 and the softener supply path 31 of the first treatment agent supply unit 21 are closed as described above. The supply path 54 selectively supplies detergent and softener from the second treatment agent supply unit 52 to the bath water supply path 22. When the detection unit does not detect the attachment of the second processing agent supply unit 52 to the intake port 35, the control unit 50 executes the washing operation using the processing agent of the first processing agent supply unit 21.

In addition, the user can also select which of the first processing agent supply unit 21 and the second processing agent supply unit 52 is used for washing by operating the display operation unit 10. The control unit 50 puts the treatment agent of the first treatment agent supply unit 21 or the treatment agent of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 into the washing tub 4 according to the selection.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the control unit 50 originally controls the second treatment agent supply unit 52 by connecting to the second treatment agent supply unit 52 via the cable 51 for the bath water pump 40. In contrast to this, a dedicated cable that connects the second processing agent supply unit 52 and the control unit 50 may be provided separately from the cable 51. Alternatively, the control unit 50 and the second processing agent supply unit 52 may be connected in a wirelessly communicable manner. In this case, a cable is not used, and the control unit 50 may control the second processing agent supply unit 52 wirelessly. In this case, the second processing agent supply unit 52 may have a built-in battery and be driven by the battery.

The washing machine 1 may also have an attachment port for attaching the second processing agent supply part 52 and the intake port 35 separately. In the washing machine 1 in this case, a dedicated supply path for supplying the treatment agent from the second treatment agent supply unit 52 into the washing tub 4 from the installation port may be provided separately from the bath water supply path 22. The bath water supply path 22 may not merge with the water supply path 20 and may directly supply bath water into the washing tub 4.

The washing machine 1 may further include a treatment agent pump (not shown) that sucks in the treatment agent supplied from the second treatment agent supply part 52 and discharges it to the washing tub 4 side. The treatment agent pump is provided in the treatment agent supply path 54 of the second treatment agent supply unit 52 or the bath water supply path 22. The control unit 50 can adjust the supply amount of the treatment agent into the washing tub 4 by controlling the opening degree of the treatment agent supply valve 55 and the operation of the treatment agent supply pump.

In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine in which the washing tub 4 is arranged longitudinally. However, the central axis J of the washing tub 4 may be arranged obliquely to the vertical direction in addition to being arranged in the vertical direction Z, that is, the vertical direction. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 may also be a drum-type washing machine in which the central axis J is horizontal.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized in that it comprises:

Box

The washing tub is arranged in the box and contains the washing;

A water supply path for supplying tap water from a faucet into the washing tub;

Take in the mouth, used to take in the bath water;

A bath water supply path for supplying bath water taken in through the intake port into the washing tub;

The first treatment agent supply unit has a first storage unit that contains a cleaning treatment agent, a first connection path connecting the first storage unit and the water supply path, and a device that opens and closes the first connection path An electric first opening and closing part, the first treatment agent supply part is arranged in the box body, and supplies the treatment agent in the first storage part to the water supply path; and

The second processing agent supply part can be installed in the intake port or detached from the intake port from the outside of the box, and has a second storage section for storing the treatment agent, and connects the second storage section and the take-in port. The second connection path connected to the inlet and the electric second opening/closing part that opens and closes the second connection path, and the second treatment agent supply part supplies the bath water supply path to the second storage part Treatment agent.
The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

The control part is electrically connected to at least the first opening and closing part, and performs a washing operation; and

A cable is led out of the box body and electrically connects the control part and the second opening and closing part.
The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that:

In the case where the second processing agent supply part is attached to the intake port, during the washing operation, the control part is in a state where the first connection path is closed by the first opening and closing part The second connection path is opened by the second opening and closing portion.