WO2022001212A1

WO2022001212A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022001212A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/081976
Authority: WO
Inventors: 米泽孝昭; 佐藤弘树; 三觜绅平
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: 2020-06-29
Filing date: 2021-03-22
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: CN115867699A; JP2022010810A; CN115867699B

Abstract

A washing machine, provided with: a detergent drawer (100); a softener drawer (200); a water supply unit (300), supplying water to a washing/dewatering drum (22) to enable a detergent and a softener introduced from the detergent drawer (100) and the softener drawer (200) to flow into the washing/dewatering drum (22); a detergent supply tube, connected to the detergent drawer (100) and the water supply unit (300); and a softener supply tube, connected to the softener drawer (200) and the water supply unit (300). The water supply unit (300) is provided in a space behind an input port (14) of an upper panel (12). The detergent drawer (100) is provided at a left side of the water supply unit (300), and is partially accommodated in a space between the input port (14) and the left end of the upper panel (12); the softener drawer (200) is provided at a right side of the water supply unit (300), and is partially accommodated in a space between the input port (14) and the right end of the upper panel (12).

Description

washing machine

technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background technique

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine that can automatically inject a liquid detergent into a washing and dehydrating tub.

The washing machine of Patent Document 1 is provided with a detergent box which is provided in a housing and accommodates a liquid detergent. The detergent box is hermetically sealed inside by closing the supply port for supplying the detergent with the detergent box cover, and has an air inflow port and a liquid discharge port. An air pump is connected to the air inlet. When the air pump works, the air pressure in the closed detergent box increases, and the detergent in the detergent box is squeezed out from the liquid discharge port and put into the washing and dewatering tub. The user does not need to input a quantity of detergent into the washing machine for each washing operation, which is more convenient.

In addition to the detergent, if the softener can be automatically added, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

Therefore, in addition to the detergent box, a softener box containing liquid softener can be provided in the washing machine. Furthermore, in this case, a structure may be adopted in which the detergent and the softener are introduced from the detergent box and the softener box to the water supply unit that supplies water from the faucet to the washing and dewatering tub, and the washing is performed by the water flowing through the water supply unit. The detergent and softener flow into the washing and dewatering tub.

The detergent box, the softener box, and the water supply unit can be arranged around the inlet provided in the upper panel that is the cover.

Furthermore, in the washing machine, if the rated washing capacity is changed, the size of the washing and dehydrating tub will be changed, and the size of the upper panel and the input port can be changed accordingly. If the dimensions of the top panel and the inlet port are changed, the arranging spaces of the detergent box, softener box, and water supply unit will change. However, between models with different top panel sizes, as long as the above three can be combined It is easy to reduce the cost of the product after the general parts are used.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-259290

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine that can use a detergent box, a softener box, and a water supply unit as common components between models with different top panel sizes.

solution to the problem

The washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention is provided with: a washing tub, which is arranged in the box and washes the laundry; an upper panel, which constitutes the upper part of the box and has an input port; a detergent box, which stores liquid detergent; and a softener box , which stores the liquid softener; the water supply part introduces detergent and softener from the detergent box and the softener box, respectively, and flows the introduced detergent and softener through the water to be supplied to the washing tub. In the washing tub; a first pipe is connected with the detergent box and the water supply part; and a second pipe is connected with the softener box and the water supply part. However, the said water supply part is arrange|positioned in the space behind the said input port inside the said upper panel. Of the detergent box and the softener box, one of the boxes is disposed on the left side of the water supply portion, and a part of the box is accommodated in the space between the inlet and the left end of the upper panel, and the other box is disposed. The cassette is arranged on the right side of the water supply unit, and a part of the cassette is accommodated in the space between the input port and the right end of the upper panel.

According to the above configuration, the detergent box, the softener box, and the water supply unit can be arranged using the space behind the inlet, the space between the inlet and the left end, and the space between the inlet and the right end in the upper panel. Furthermore, when the dimensions of the top panel and the inlet port are changed according to the model, the distance between the detergent box and the end of the water supply portion and the distance between the softener box and the end of the water supply portion are adjusted accordingly. By changing these distances, the first tube and the second tube can be replaced with tubes of different lengths, and at least the detergent box, the softener box, and the water supply section can be used as common parts. Thereby, the reduction of the product cost of a washing machine can be aimed at.

In the washing machine of the present scheme, the water supply part may adopt the following structure, that is, it includes: a first water passage, through which water to be supplied to the washing tub flows; a first switching part, connected to the first pipe, in the Switching between a state in which the detergent can flow into the first water channel and a state in which it cannot flow; and a second switching part, connected to the second pipe, to switch between a state in which the softener can flow into the first water channel and a state in which it cannot flow. switch between states.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the detergent can be introduced into the first water passage from the detergent box by switching the first switching portion, and then the introduced detergent can be made to flow into the washing tub by flowing water through the first water passage. Furthermore, by switching the second switching portion, the softener can be introduced from the softener cartridge into the first water passage, and thereafter, water can be flowed through the first water passage to allow the introduced softener to flow into the washing tub.

In the case of adopting the above-mentioned structure, at least one of the first switching part and the second switching part can adopt a switching part corresponding to the detergent box and the softener box in the up-down direction. The structure of the overlapping boxes. In this case, a first recessed portion may be formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding case, and the first recessed portion may be recessed upward and accommodate the at least one switching portion.

With such a structure, the capacity reduction of the detergent box and/or the softener box can be suppressed, and the water supply device including the detergent box, the softener box, and the water supply unit can be made compact in the left-right and vertical directions, and the The water supply device is arranged inside the small-sized upper panel.

In the case of adopting the above-mentioned configuration, further, a second recessed portion may be formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding case, the second recessed portion being connected to the first recessed portion and accommodating the first tube and the The second pipe is connected to the pipe of the at least one switching part.

With such a structure, the first pipe and the first switching portion and/or the second pipe and the second switching portion can be smoothly connected.

When the water supply unit has a structure including the first water passage, the first switching unit, and the second switching unit as described above, the water supply unit may further include a suction unit, The suction part sucks the detergent and the softener into the first water path by making the inside of the first water path a negative pressure. In this case, the first switching portion may be closer to the suction portion than the second switching portion.

With such a structure, since the detergent and the softener are sucked into the first water passage by the suction portion, the detergent and the softener can be introduced into the first water passage satisfactorily. Furthermore, since the first switching part is closer to the suction part than the second switching part, when the suction part operates, it is easier to make the pressure for suctioning the detergent from the detergent box to the first water channel than from the softener box to the first water channel The high pressure for suctioning the softener can better guide the detergent that is used more frequently than the softener into the first water path.

When the water supply unit has a structure including the first water passage, the first switching unit, and the second switching unit as described above, further, the water supply unit may have a structure including the second water passage, The water to be supplied to the washing tub flows through the second water passage, and the allowable flow rate of the second water passage is larger than that of the first water passage.

With such a structure, water can be supplied from the second water passage into the washing tub 22 at a flow rate larger than that from the first water passage, and water can be supplied while only the first water passage is pouring detergent and softener into the washing tub In comparison, the water supply time can be shortened.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can use a detergent box, a softener box, and a water supply unit as common components between models with different top panel sizes.

The effects and significance of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiment at all.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit according to the embodiment are located at the operating positions. (b) and (c) of FIG. 2 are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are located at the standby position.

3 is a plan view of an upper panel on which a water supply device, a storage tank, and a supply nozzle are arranged according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the water supply apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply device on the side of the detergent box when viewed from the bottom surface side of the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply device on the half side of the softener box according to the embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply apparatus according to the embodiment.

(a) and (b) of FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the effects of the embodiment.

Description of reference numerals

1: automatic washing machine (washing machine); 10: box body; 12: upper panel; 14: input port; 22: washing and dewatering bucket (washing bucket); 80: water supply device; 100: detergent box; 104: first recess ; 105: second recess; 200: softener box; 204: first recess; 205: second recess; 300: water supply unit (water supply); 312: first water path; 313: second water path; 330: first Three-way valve (first switching part); 340: second three-way valve (second switching part); 360: pump (suction part); 400: detergent supply pipe (first pipe); 500: softener supply tube (second tube).

detailed description

Hereinafter, one Embodiment of the washing machine of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine. FIG. 2( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 and the water storage unit 52 are located at the operating position. (b) and (c) of FIG. 2 are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 and the water storage unit 52 are located at the standby position. In FIG. 2( c ), the illustration of the cover 55 is omitted so that the inside of the accommodating portion 17 can be seen.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a case 10 forming an outer contour. The case 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body portion 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11 , and a footrest 13 supporting the body portion 11 . The upper panel 12 is formed with a laundry inlet 14 . The input port 14 is covered with an openable and closable upper cover 15 . In the front part of the upper panel 12, the control part 16 is arrange|positioned inside. The control unit 16 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 to be described later.

The outer tub 20 whose upper surface is open is elastically suspended and supported in the case 10 by four suspension bars 21 having a vibration isolation device. Inside the outer tub 20, a washing and dewatering tub 22 whose upper surface is opened is arranged. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dewatering holes 22a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22 over the entire circumference. A balance ring 23 is provided on the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . A pulsator 24 is arranged at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . On the surface of the pulsator 24, a plurality of blades 24a are radially provided. It should be noted that the washing and dewatering tub 22 corresponds to the "washing tub" of the present invention.

A drive unit 30 that generates torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 . The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32 . The transmission mechanism part 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by the switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the driving motor 31 is only transmitted to the pulsator 24 during the washing process and the rinsing process, and only the pulsator 24 is rotated. During the dehydration process The torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 integrally.

In the outer bottom part of the outer tub 20, the drain port part 20a is formed. The drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port part 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41 . When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41 .

An overflow port 20b is formed in the upper part of the outer tub 20 . When the water above the predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer tub 20, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25 . The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the drain hose 41 . The water discharged from the overflow port 20 b is received by the overflow water receiving portion 25 , and flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26 .

The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is arrange|positioned at the substantially center of the rear part of the upper panel 12. As shown in FIG. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation for removing sebum dirt adhering to the cuffs or neckline of shirts, oil dirt adhering to work clothes, and other contaminants adhering to parts of the object to be washed before washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1 .

In the rear part of the upper panel 12, the storage tank 60 is arrange|positioned at the back of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50, and the drainage receiving part 70 is arrange|positioned below the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. The water containing detergent to be supplied to the water tank 52a of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is stored in the storage tank 60 as cleaning water.

The drain receiving part 70 receives the water drained from the water storage tub 52a. A drain hole 71 through which the received water is discharged is formed in the drain receiving portion 70 . One end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71 . The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26 .

2 ( a ) to ( c ), the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 , a water storage unit 52 , and a main body unit 53 . The ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 has an ultrasonic generator 51a that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body portion 53 holds the ultrasonic cleaning portion 51 . The water storage part 52 is attached to the main body part 53, and is located below the ultrasonic generator 51a. The water storage part 52 is provided with the water storage tank 52a which stores the washing water. The washing water is supplied from the supply nozzle 54 connected to the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 52a.

The upper panel 12 is provided with an accommodating portion 17 for accommodating the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 in the central portion of the rear. The front of the accommodating part 17 of the upper panel 12 is opened as an entrance 17a. A substantially rectangular cover 55 having translucent properties is provided at the entrance and exit 17a.

As shown in FIG. 2( a ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is used for the cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 and the water storage unit 52 are pulled forward from the accommodating unit 17 and face upward. The inside of the input port 14 of 12 protrudes. Almost the entire cover 55 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 17 . The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 and the water storage unit 52 at this time are the operating positions.

On the other hand, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 2 , when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used and the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is located in the ultrasonic cleaning part 51 and the water storage part 52 is accommodated in the accommodating part 17 states. The inlet/outlet 17 a of the accommodating part 17 is closed by the cover 55 , and the front of the ultrasonic cleaning part 51 is covered by the cover 55 . The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 51 and the water storage unit 52 at this time are the standby positions.

During the cleaning operation, the dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned is placed between the water storage tub 52a and the ultrasonic generator 51a. The dirt adhering portion is soaked in the washing water stored in the water storage tub 52a. When the ultrasonic generator 51a operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip thereof. The dirt is peeled off from the object to be cleaned by the action of ultrasonic vibration. At this time, by adding the power of the detergent, the cleaning power is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2( a ), on the upper panel 12 , a funnel-shaped detergent injection port 18 is formed at the left rear of the injection port 14 , and a funnel-shaped softener injection port 19 is formed at the right rear of the injection port 14 . . The opening 18a formed in the center part of the detergent injection port 18 is connected with the input port of the detergent box mentioned later. A filter 110 is attached to the input port through the opening 18a. Moreover, the opening 19a formed in the center part of the softener injection port 19 is connected with the input port of the softener cartridge mentioned later. A filter 210 is attached to the input port through the opening 19a. Liquid detergent is injected into the detergent box through the detergent injection port 18 , and liquid softener is injected into the softener box through the softener injection port 19 . When the detergent and the softener are not put in, the detergent injection port 18 and the softener injection port 19 are respectively covered with a cover (not shown).

A water supply device 80 is arranged at the rear of the upper panel 12 . The water supply device 80 is connected to the faucet, and has a function of supplying water to the washing and dewatering tub 22 . In addition, the water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic injection device that automatically injects liquid detergent and softener into the washing and dewatering tub 22 . Furthermore, the water supply device 80 has a function of supplying the washing water to the storage tank 60 . The water supply device 80 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the upper panel 12 on which the water supply device 80 , the storage tank 60 , and the supply nozzle 54 are arranged. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the water supply device 80 . FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply device 80 on the side of the detergent box 100 when viewed from the bottom surface side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply device 80 on the half side of the softener box 200 as viewed from the bottom surface side. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply apparatus 80 . It should be noted that, for convenience, in FIG. 3 , the upper panel 12 is drawn in a transparent state.

The water supply device 80 includes a detergent box 100 , a softener box 200 , a water supply unit 300 , a detergent supply pipe 400 , and a softener supply pipe 500 .

Liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 100 . The softener box 200 stores liquid softener. The detergent and the softener are introduced into the water supply unit 300 from the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200, respectively. The water supply unit 300 flows the introduced detergent and softener into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 through the water to be supplied to the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .

The water supply unit 300 is arranged in the space behind the input port 14 inside the upper panel 12 . The detergent box 100 is arranged on the left side of the water supply unit 300 , and the front part is accommodated in the space between the inlet port 14 and the left end of the upper panel 12 . The softener cartridge 200 is arranged on the right side of the water supply unit 300 , and the front side portion is accommodated in the space between the input port 14 and the right end of the upper panel 12 . The detergent supply pipe 400 is connected to the detergent box 100 and the water supply unit 300 . In addition, the softener supply pipe 500 is connected to the softener box 200 and the water supply unit 300 .

The water supply unit 300 corresponds to the "water supply unit" of the present invention. The detergent supply pipe 400 corresponds to the "first pipe" of the present invention, and the softener supply pipe 500 corresponds to the "second pipe" of the present invention.

In addition, in the inside of the upper panel 12, the storage tank 60 is arrange|positioned at the back of the water supply unit 300. The supply nozzle 54 extends forward from the storage tank 60 . In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is arrange|positioned in the space surrounded by the water supply unit 300 in three directions of the left and right and the rear. As described above, since the water supply unit 300 is formed in a concave shape that surrounds the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when viewed from above, the water supply unit 300 can be efficiently arranged in the rear portion of the upper panel 12 .

The detergent box 100 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a box shape elongated in the front and rear. On the upper surface of the detergent box 100, a circular input port 101 is formed on the front side. A filter 110 is attached to the input port 101 . The filter 110 traps foreign matter that has entered the detergent box 100 from the inlet 101 . On the bottom surface of the detergent box 100, a circular discharge portion 102 protruding downward is formed on the front side. A cylindrical discharge port 103 extending rearward is formed on the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 102 . Moreover, in the bottom surface of the detergent box 100, the 1st recessed part 104 is formed in the back of the discharge part 102, and the water supply unit 300 side. The first concave portion 104 has a substantially square shape long in the front and rear, and the water supply unit 300 side thereof is open. Furthermore, on the bottom surface of the detergent box 100 , a substantially L-shaped second recessed portion 105 connected to the first recessed portion 104 is formed behind the discharge portion 102 .

The softener case 200 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a box shape elongated in the front and rear. A circular injection port 201 is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the softener box 200 . A filter 210 is attached to the input port 201 . The filter 210 traps foreign matter entering the softener box 200 from the inlet 201 . On the bottom surface of the softener cartridge 200, a circular discharge portion 202 protruding downward is formed on the front side. A cylindrical discharge port 203 extending rearward is formed on the peripheral surface of the discharge portion 202 . In addition, on the bottom surface of the softener cartridge 200 , a first recessed portion 204 is formed behind the discharge portion 202 and on the side of the water supply unit 300 . The first recessed portion 204 has a substantially square shape elongated in the front and rear, and the water supply unit 300 side thereof is open. Further, on the bottom surface of the softener cartridge 200 , a substantially L-shaped second recessed portion 205 is formed in the rear of the discharge portion 202 and connected to the first recessed portion 204 .

The water supply unit 300 includes a water passage member 310 , a water supply valve 320 , a first three-way valve 330 , a second three-way valve 340 , a third three-way valve 350 , and a pump 360 . The first three-way valve 330 corresponds to the "first switching portion" of the present invention, the second three-way valve 340 corresponds to the "second switching portion" of the present invention, and the pump 360 corresponds to the "suction portion" of the present invention.

The water channel member 310 is formed by connecting a first water channel portion 310a, a second water channel portion 310b, and a third water channel portion 310c, each of which is formed of a resin material. The first water channel portion 310a is located on the detergent box 100 side, the second water channel portion 310b is located on the softener box 200 side, and the third water channel portion 310c is located between the first water channel portion 310a and the second water channel portion 310b.

In the water channel member 310, a water injection chamber 311 is provided in the first water channel portion 310a. A water injection port 311a is formed at the front end portion of the bottom of the water injection chamber 311 . The water injection port 311a faces above the washing and dewatering tub 22 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the water channel member 310 is formed with a first water channel 312 and a second water channel 313 connected to the water injection chamber 311 . The water to be supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 22 flows through the first water passage 312 and the second water passage 313 . An inflow port 314 for water going to the first water channel 312 and an inflow port 315 for water going to the second water channel 313 are provided in the second water channel portion 310b. The average flow path area of the second water path 313 is larger than the average flow path area of the first water path 312 , and the allowable flow rate of the second water path 313 is larger than the allowable flow rate of the first water path 312 . Furthermore, in the water channel member 310, a branch water channel 316 that branches from the first water channel 312 in order to supply water into the storage tank 60 is formed in the first water channel portion 310a. The outflow port 316a of the branch water passage 316 is connected to the inflow port of the storage tank 60 .

In the first water passage 312, the second three-way valve 340, the first three-way valve 330, the pump 360, and the third three-way valve 350 are arranged in this order from upstream in the middle of the path from the inflow port 314 to the water injection chamber 311. Therefore, the first water passage 312 is blocked at the positions of the second three-way valve 340, the first three-way valve 330, the pump 360, and the third three-way valve 350, and has

upstream connection ports

317a, 317b, and 317c at each position. , 317d and downstream

side connection ports

318a, 318b, 318c, 318d. Furthermore, the first three-way valve 330 is located closer to the pump 360 than the second three-way valve 340 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , in the first water passage portion 310a, an upstream side connection port 317b and a downstream side connection port 318b corresponding to the first three-way valve 330 are formed on the front side of the side surface of the detergent box 100, and on the rear side An upstream connection port 317d corresponding to the third three-way valve 350, a downstream connection port 318d, and a connection port 316b connected to the branch water passage 316 are formed. In addition, the first water path portion 310a is provided with a pump housing chamber 319 whose bottom surface is open on the front side, and an upstream connection port 317c and a downstream side connection port 318c corresponding to the pump 360 are formed on the top surface of the pump housing chamber 319 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , in the second water passage portion 310b, an upstream side connection port 317a and a downstream side connection port 318a corresponding to the second three-way valve 340 are formed on the front side of the side surface of the softener box 200, and on the rear side An inflow port 314 of the first water passage 312 and an inflow port 315 of the second water passage 313 are formed.

The water supply valve 320 is a so-called double valve, and has a first valve 321 and a second valve 322 whose rated flow rate is larger than that of the first valve 321 . The water inlet 323 of the water supply valve 320 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose not shown. In the second water passage portion 310b, the water outlet 324 of the first valve 321 is connected to the inflow port 314 of the first water passage 312, and the water outlet 325 of the second valve 322 is connected to the inflow port 315 of the second water passage 313.

The first three-way valve 330 and the second three-way valve 340 have

first water inlets

331, 341,

second water inlets

332, 342, and

water outlets

333, 343, and are switched to the

first water inlets

331, 341 and the

water outlet

333 , 343 and the

second water inlets

332 , 342 communicate with the

water outlets

333 , 343 . The

second water inlets

332 , 342 face the opposite direction to the

first water inlets

331 , 341 , and the

water outlets

333 , 343 face the same direction as the

first water inlets

331 , 341 .

The third three-way valve 350 has a water inlet 351 , a first water outlet 352 and a second water outlet 353 , and is switched between a state in which the water inlet 351 communicates with the first water outlet 352 and a state in which the water inlet 351 and the second water outlet 353 communicate with each other. state. The water inlet 351, the first water outlet 352 and the second water outlet 353 face the same direction.

In the first water channel portion 310a, the first water inlet 331 and the water outlet 333 of the first three-way valve 330 are respectively connected to the upstream side connection port 317b and the downstream side connection port 318b, and the water inlet port 351, The first water outlet 352 and the second water outlet 353 are connected to the upstream connection port 317d, the downstream connection port 318d, and the connection port 316b, respectively.

In the second water passage portion 310b, the first water inlet 341 and the water outlet 343 of the second three-way valve 340 are connected to the upstream connection port 317a and the downstream connection port 318a, respectively.

The pump 360 is a piston-type pump, and includes a casing 361 with a built-in piston and a motor 362 for driving the piston. A suction port 363 and a discharge port 364 are formed in the casing 361 . In addition, a cover 365 is formed integrally with the casing 361 . A cam 366 is provided on the shaft of the motor 362 .

The casing 361 is accommodated in the pump accommodating chamber 319 of the first water passage portion 310a. The suction port 363 and the discharge port 364 of the casing 361 are connected to the upstream connection port 317c and the downstream connection port 318c of the top surface of the pump housing chamber 319, respectively. The opening of the bottom surface of the pump accommodating chamber 319 is covered by the cover 365 . The motor 362 is attached to the front surface of the first water passage portion 310a, and the cam 366 is connected to the piston.

In a state where the detergent box 100 , the softener box 200 and the water supply unit 300 are arranged inside the upper panel 12 , almost half of the first three-way valve 330 of the water supply unit 300 is accommodated in the first bottom surface of the detergent box 100 . The recessed portion 104 overlaps the detergent box 100 in the up-down direction. In addition, approximately one third of the second three-way valve 340 of the water supply unit 300 is accommodated in the first recess 204 of the bottom surface of the softener box 200 and overlaps the softener box 200 in the up-down direction. Thereby, the capacity|decrease of the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 can be suppressed, and the water supply apparatus 80 can be made compact in the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

One end of the detergent supply pipe 400 is connected to the second water inlet 332 of the first three-way valve 330 , and the other end of the detergent supply pipe 400 is connected to the discharge port 103 of the detergent box 100 . One end side of the detergent supply pipe 400 is accommodated in the second recess 105 of the bottom surface of the detergent box 100 . That is, the second water inlet 332 of the first three-way valve 330 accommodated in the first recess 104 extends toward the second recess 105 and is connected to one end of the detergent supply pipe 400 in the second recess 105 . Thereby, the first three-way valve 330 and the detergent supply pipe 400 can be smoothly connected.

In addition, one end of the softener supply pipe 500 is connected to the second water inlet 342 of the second three-way valve 340 , and the other end of the softener supply pipe 500 is connected to the discharge port 203 of the softener box 200 . One end side of the softener supply tube 500 is accommodated in the second recess 205 on the bottom surface of the softener box 200 . That is, the second water inlet 342 of the second three-way valve 340 accommodated in the first recess 204 extends toward the second recess 205 and is connected to one end of the softener supply pipe 500 in the second recess 205 . Thereby, the second three-way valve 340 and the softener supply pipe 500 can be smoothly connected.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform washing operation in various operation modes. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are sequentially performed.

During the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates rightward and leftward in a state where water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 . Through the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

During the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 are integrally rotated at a high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .

During the water supply in the cleaning process, the detergent is automatically injected into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water supply device 80 . At this time, the third three-way valve 350 is switched to communicate with the water inlet 351 and the first water outlet 352 , and the first water passage 312 is isolated from the storage tank 60 and connected to the water injection chamber 311 . In addition, the second three-way valve 340 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 341 and the water outlet 343 are communicated, and the first water passage 312 is in a state of being communicated at the position of the second three-way valve 340 .

First, the first three-way valve 330 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 332 and the water outlet 333 are communicated. As a result, the detergent can flow into the first water passage 312 in a state. When the pump 360 is operated, the air on the upstream side of the pump 360 in the first water passage 312 is sucked, and the upstream side becomes a negative pressure. Thereby, as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 7 , the liquid detergent in the detergent box 100 is sucked into the first water passage 312 via the detergent supply pipe 400 . The pump 360 operates for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of detergent is stored in the first water passage 312 .

Next, the first three-way valve 330 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 331 and the water outlet 333 are communicated. As a result, the detergent cannot flow into the first water passage 312 . In addition, the first water passage 312 is in a state of communication at the position of the first three-way valve 330 . The first valve 321 of the water supply valve 320 is opened, and as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 7 , water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 312 . The water flowing through the first water path 312 washes away the detergent stored in the first water path 312. The detergent washed away by the water flows to the water filling chamber 311 together with the water, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling port 311a.

Furthermore, in the water supply valve 320 , the second valve 322 is opened at the same time as the first valve 321 is opened, and water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 . 7 , the water from the faucet is supplied into the second water passage 313, flows through the second water passage 313, reaches the water filling chamber 311, and is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling port 311a. At this time, the flow rate of the water flowing through the second water path 313 becomes larger than the flow rate of the water flowing through the first water path 312 . When the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the first valve 321 and the second valve 322 are closed, and the water supply ends.

During the water supply in the final rinsing process, the softener is automatically injected into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water supply device 80 . At this time, as in the cleaning process, the first water passage 312 is in a state of being connected to the water injection chamber 311 . In addition, the first three-way valve 330 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 331 and the water outlet 333 communicate with each other, and the first water passage 312 is in a state of communication at the position of the first three-way valve 330 .

First, the second three-way valve 340 is switched to a state in which the second water inlet 342 and the water outlet 343 are communicated. As a result, the softener can flow into the first water passage 312 . The pump 360 operates, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7 , the liquid softener in the softener box 200 is sucked into the first water passage 312 through the softener supply pipe 500 . The pump 360 operates for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of softener is stored in the first water passage 312 .

Next, the second three-way valve 340 is switched to a state in which the first water inlet 341 and the water outlet 343 are communicated. As a result, the softener cannot flow into the first water passage 312 . In addition, the first water passage 312 is in a state of communication at the position of the second three-way valve 340 . The first valve 321 is opened, and as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 7 , water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 312 . The softener stored in the first water passage 312 is washed away by the water flowing in the first water passage 312 and flows into the water filling chamber 311, and is put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water filling port 311a.

Furthermore, similarly to the washing process, the second valve 322 is opened at the same time as the first valve 321 is opened, and water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .

In the fully automatic washing machine 1, the cleaning operation of the above-described ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be performed. In the water supply during the cleaning operation, the cleaning water is supplied into the storage tank 60 by the water supply device 80 before the water is supplied to the water storage tank 52a.

First, the third three-way valve 350 is switched to a state in which the water inlet 351 and the second water outlet 353 are communicated. As a result, the first water passage 312 is isolated from the water injection chamber 311 and connected to the storage tank 60 via the branch water passage 316 . Similar to the cleaning process, after the first three-way valve 330 is switched to a state in which the detergent can flow into the first water channel 312 , the pump 360 works, and the liquid detergent in the detergent box 100 is sucked into the first water channel 312 . The pump 360 operates for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of detergent is stored in the first water passage 312 .

Next, the first three-way valve 330 is switched to a state in which the detergent cannot flow into the first water passage 312 and the first water passage 312 communicates at the position of the first three-way valve 330 . Then, the first valve 321 of the water supply valve 320 is opened, and the water from the faucet is supplied into the first water passage 312 . The detergent stored in the first water passage 312 is washed away by the water flowing through the first water passage 312, and the detergent is mixed with the water to become washing water. The washing water flows into the storage tank 60 through the branch water passage 316 . When a predetermined amount of washing water is stored in the storage tank 60, the first valve 321 is closed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the detergent box 100 and the softener can be arranged using the space behind the input port 14 inside the upper panel 12 , the space between the input port 14 and the left end, and the space between the input port 14 and the right end. Box 200 and water supply unit 300 .

In addition, by changing the dimensions of the upper panel 12 and the input port 14 according to the model, and changing the spacing of the left and right spaces, the left ends of the detergent box 100 and the water supply unit 300, ie, the first and third, are adjusted accordingly. The distance between the through valve 330 and the distance between the softener box 200 and the right end of the water supply unit 300 , that is, the second three-way valve 340 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8( a ), when the size of the upper panel 12 is small and the size of the input port 14 is reduced accordingly, the distance between the detergent box 100 and the first three-way valve 330 of the water supply unit 300 is disappear, the two overlap in the up-down direction, the distance between the softener box 200 and the second three-way valve 340 of the water supply unit 300 disappears, and the two overlap in the up-down direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8( b ), when the size of the upper panel 12 is large and the size of the input port 14 is increased accordingly, the detergent box 100 and the first three-way valve 330 of the water supply unit 300 The distance between the softener box 200 and the second three-way valve 340 of the water supply unit 300 increases.

Since the distances in the left-right direction of the detergent box 100, the softener box 200, and the water supply unit 300 are changed, lengths are prepared for the detergent supply pipe 400 and the softener supply pipe 500 like, for example, (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 . different tubes. However, the detergent box 100, the softener box 200, and the water supply unit 300 can be used as general-purpose parts. Thereby, the reduction of the product cost of the fully automatic washing machine 1 can be aimed at.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by switching the first three-way valve 330, the detergent can be introduced from the detergent box 100 into the first water passage 312, and thereafter, water can be made to flow through the first water passage 312, and the introduced detergent can flow into the first water passage 312. Wash in the dehydration tub 22. Furthermore, by switching the second three-way valve 340 , the softener can be introduced from the softener box 200 into the first water passage 312 , and thereafter, water can flow through the first water passage 312 and the introduced softener can flow into the washing and dewatering tub 22 . .

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the first three-way valve 330 and the second three-way valve 340 overlap the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 in the vertical direction, and the bottom surfaces of the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 are formed with The first recesses 104 and 204 of the first three-way valve 330 and the second three-way valve 340 are recessed upward and accommodated. Thereby, the capacity reduction of the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 can be suppressed, the water supply device 80 can be made compact in the left-right direction and the vertical direction, and the water supply device 80 can be easily arranged inside the small-sized upper panel 12 .

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the second recess 105 that is connected to the first recess 104 and accommodates the detergent supply pipe 400 is formed on the bottom surface of the detergent box 100, the detergent supply pipe can be smoothly connected to the second recess 105 400 and the first three-way valve 330. Furthermore, the second recess 205 which is connected to the first recess 204 and accommodates the softener supply tube 500 is formed on the bottom surface of the softener box 200 , so that the softener supply tube 500 and the second and third recesses can be smoothly connected in the second recess 205 . Through valve 340 .

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the detergent and the softener are sucked into the first water passage 312 by the pump 360 , the detergent and the softener can be introduced into the first water passage 312 satisfactorily. In addition, the first three-way valve 330 is closer to the pump 360 than the second three-way valve 340, so when the pump 360 works, it is easier to make the pressure of the detergent to be sucked from the detergent box 100 to the first water passage 312 than that of the softener box. The pressure of the 200 to suck the softener into the first water passage 312 is high, and the detergent that is used more frequently than the softener can be introduced into the first water passage 312 more satisfactorily.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the water supply unit 300 is provided with the second water passage 313 having a larger allowable flow rate than the first water passage 312, so that the second water passage 313 can flow into the washing and dewatering tub 22 at a flow rate larger than that from the first water passage 312. For water supply, the water supply time can be shortened compared to the case where only the detergent and the softener are supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the first water passage 312 while water is supplied.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications other than those described above can be made in the embodiments of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is provided with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the supply nozzle 54 and the storage tank 60 for supplying water to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 . However, the fully automatic washing machine 1 may adopt a configuration in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the supply nozzle 54 and the storage tank 60 are not provided. In this case, the third three-way valve 350 and the branch water passage 316 are not provided in the water supply device 80 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the detergent box 100 is arranged on the left side of the water supply unit 300 , and the softener box 200 is arranged on the right side of the water supply unit 300 . However, on the contrary, the softener box 200 may be arranged on the left side of the water supply unit 300 and the detergent box 100 may be arranged on the right side of the water supply unit 300 . In this case, the water supply unit 300 can change the left and right positions of the first water channel portion 310 a and the second water channel portion 310 b of the water channel member 310 .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first three-way valve 330 and the second three-way valve 340 are used to switch between the state in which the detergent and the softener can flow into the first water passage 312 and the state in which they cannot flow. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the detergent supply pipe 400 and the softener supply pipe 500 are connected to the first water passage 312 via on-off valves, respectively. In this configuration, the opening and closing of the on-off valve switches between a state in which the detergent and softener can flow into the first water passage 312 and a state in which they cannot flow.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pump 360 is used in order to suck the detergent and the softener into the first water passage 312 from the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 . However, suction capable devices other than pump 360 may also be used. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 may be higher than the first water path 312 without providing a suction device such as the pump 360, and the detergent and softener may be introduced into the first water path 312 by gravity.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the

first recesses

104 and 204 are formed on both the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200, and the first three-way valve 330 and the second three-way are accommodated in these

first recesses

104 and 204. valve 340. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the first recess 104 ( 204 ) is formed in one of the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 , and the first three-way valve 330 and the first three-way valve 330 and the first recess 104 ( 204 ) are accommodated in the first recess 104 ( 204 ). The corresponding three-way valve in the two-three-way valve 340 . In this case, in the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200, the second recess 105 (205) is formed in the box in which the first recess 104 (204) is formed. Furthermore, a structure in which the

first recesses

104 and 204 and the

second recesses

105 and 205 are not formed on both the detergent box 100 and the softener box 200 may be adopted.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the size of the first concave portion 104 on the bottom surface of the detergent box 100 is set to a portion that can accommodate the first three-way valve 330, and the size of the first concave portion 204 on the bottom surface of the softener box 200 is set to It is a part where the second three-way valve 340 can be accommodated. However, the size of the first concave portion 104 of the detergent box 100 may be capable of accommodating the entire first three-way valve 330 , and the size of the first concave portion 204 of the softener box 200 may also be capable of accommodating the entire second three-way valve 340 . With such a structure, the detergent box 100 and the first three-way valve 330 can be overlapped vertically as a whole, and the softener box 200 and the second three-way valve 340 can be overlapped vertically as a whole.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first valve 321 and the second valve 322 of the water supply valve 320 are simultaneously opened during the water supply during the washing process and the rinsing process, and water flows into the first water channel 312 and the second water channel 313 simultaneously. However, the detergent and the softener may be put into the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the water flowing to the first water passage 312 by opening the first valve 321, and the first valve 321 may be opened immediately after the washing and dehydration tub 22 is filled with the detergent and the softener. The second valve 322 allows water to flow into the second water passage 313 .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the water supply unit 300 is provided with the second water passage 313 . However, a configuration in which the second water passage 313 is not provided in the water supply unit 300 may be employed. In this case, the water supply valve 320 is configured to include only the first valve 321 .

Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 was shown in the said embodiment. However, the present invention can also be used for washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a fully automatic washing and drying machine with a drying function.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized in that it has:

The washing bucket is arranged in the box to wash the laundry;

The upper panel, which constitutes the upper part of the box body, has an input port;

Detergent box, storing liquid detergent;

Softener box to store liquid softener;

a water supply part, into which detergent and softener are respectively introduced from the detergent box and the softener box, and the introduced detergent and softener flow into the washing tub through the water to be supplied to the washing tub;

a first pipe, connected to the detergent box and the water supply part; and

The second pipe is connected with the softener box and the water supply part,

The water supply unit is arranged in a space behind the input port inside the upper panel,

Of the detergent box and the softener box, one of the boxes is disposed on the left side of the water supply portion, and a part of the box is accommodated in a space between the input port and the left end of the upper panel, and the other box is arranged on the left side of the water supply portion. The cassette is arranged on the right side of the water supply unit, and a part of the cassette is accommodated in the space between the input port and the right end of the upper panel.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein

The water supply section includes:

a first water path through which water to be supplied to the washing tub flows;

a first switching part, connected to the first pipe, to switch between a state in which the detergent can flow into the first water channel and a state in which it cannot flow; and

The second switching portion is connected to the second pipe, and switches between a state in which the softener can flow into the first water passage and a state in which it cannot flow.
The washing machine of claim 2, wherein

At least one of the first switching portion and the second switching portion overlaps a corresponding one of the detergent box and the softener box in the up-down direction,

A first recessed portion is formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding case, and the first recessed portion is recessed upward and accommodates the at least one switching portion.
The washing machine of claim 3, wherein

A second concave portion is formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding box, the second concave portion is connected to the first concave portion and accommodates a pipe connected to the at least one switching portion of the first pipe and the second pipe .
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein,

The water supply part further includes a suction part, and the suction part sucks the detergent and the softener into the first water channel by making the inside of the first water channel a negative pressure,

The first switching portion is closer to the suction portion than the second switching portion.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein,

The water supply unit further includes a second water passage through which water to be supplied to the washing tub flows, and the allowable flow rate of the second water passage is larger than that of the first water passage.