WO2022201573A1

WO2022201573A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022201573A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/028144
Authority: WO
Inventors: 健次中澤; 耕一田邉; 圭佑網代
Original assignee: 日立グローバルライフソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-22
Filing date: 2021-07-29
Publication date: 2022-09-29

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine for which an increase in size can be inhibited and an increase in vibration can be inhibited.　The present invention is provided with: a housing 11; a water bath 21 provided in the housing 11; a detergent tank 42a for storing a detergent; a softener tank 42b for storing a softener; a detergent outlet 71a provided to the detergent tank 42a; a softener outlet 71b provided to the softener tank 42b; a switching valve 73 for performing switching to choose between the detergent discharged from the detergent outlet 71a and the softener discharged from the softener outlet 71b; a stepping motor 75 for driving the switching valve 73; and a pump motor 46c for driving a pump that puts a liquid chosen by the switching valve 73 into the water bath 21. The stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are disposed symmetrically with respect to the location of the detergent outlet 71a or the softener outlet 71b.

Description

washing machine

The present invention relates to washing machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a washing machine equipped with a detergent supply device that measures washing processing liquid such as detergent and softener (finishing agent) contained in a tank and automatically feeds an appropriate amount of washing processing liquid into a washing and dehydrating tank. ing. The detergent supply device is provided with a three-way valve unit that selectively discharges the detergent contained in the detergent tank and the softener contained in the softener tank to the piston pump unit.

The three-way valve unit includes a detergent-side three-way valve, a softener-side three-way valve, a detergent-side coil for switching the detergent-side three-way valve, and a softener-side coil for switching the softener-side three-way valve. .

Then, the detergent side coil and the softener side coil operate the detergent side three-way valve and the softener side three-way valve to supply detergent and softener to the piston pump unit. I'm trying to supply drugs.

As such a technology, there is the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2019-92690 A

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the detergent-side coil for operating the detergent-side three-way valve, the softener-side three-way valve, the softener-side coil, and the driving motor of the piston pump unit are arranged in the vertical direction of the detergent supply device. It is Therefore, there is a problem that the detergent supply device becomes large in the vertical direction, and the size of the washing machine 1 equipped with the detergent supply device becomes large.

In addition, since the detergent-side coil, the softener-side coil, and the drive motor are relatively heavy, if they are moved to one side of the detergent supply device, the heavy objects of the detergent supply device become eccentric. When the washing machine 1 is operated, the vibration concentrates on the heavy detergent-side coil, the softener-side coil, and the drive motor, which may further increase the vibration of the washing machine 1 . If the vibration increases, the fluid may leak from the connection portion of the portion that carries the fluid such as water.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in size and an increase in vibration.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a housing, a water tank provided inside the housing, a first tank containing a first washing treatment liquid, and a second washing treatment liquid containing a second washing treatment liquid. a tank, a first washing treatment liquid discharge part provided in the first tank, a second washing treatment liquid discharge part provided in the second tank, and the washing treatment liquid discharged from the first washing treatment liquid discharge part a switching unit that selects and switches between the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid discharged from the second washing liquid discharge unit; a first driving unit that drives the switching unit; a second driving section for driving a pump that introduces one of the fluids selected by the switching section into the water tank, wherein the first driving section and the second driving section are connected to the first washing liquid discharging section or the It is characterized by being arranged symmetrically with respect to the position of the second washing treatment liquid discharge part.
Further, the present invention provides a water supply unit for supplying water, a first tank containing a first washing treatment liquid, a second tank containing a second washing treatment liquid, and a A discharge control unit provided downstream for controlling the discharge of fluid, a first flow path supplied with the first washing liquid from the first tank, and the second washing liquid from the second tank. and a third flow path to which water is supplied from the water supply unit. It is characterized by comprising a switching part for discharging fluid.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can suppress an increase in vibration while suppressing an increase in size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows the external structure of the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a front view which shows the structure of the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention from diagonally upper front. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the state where the front panel of washing machine 1 concerning Example 1 of the present invention was removed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the piping path|route of the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of a laundry treatment liquid injection device 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side of a discharge passage 74; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the valve body 73b side; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 8; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 8; 9 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. 8; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing operations of an electromagnetic valve 20c and a switching valve 73 when the washing machine 1 is normal. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing operations of a solenoid valve 20c and a switching valve when the washing machine 1 has an abnormality. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the piping flow path of the washing machine 1 which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each figure is only shown roughly to such an extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples only. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about a common component and a similar component, and those overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

[Washing machine external configuration]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the construction of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above.

Here, it is assumed that the washing machine 1 is a washing/drying machine having a function of drying objects (cloths) to be washed. However, the washing machine 1 may not have a drying function. Also, here, the washing machine 1 is described as being a vertical washing machine in which a vertical water tank is arranged inside the housing. However, the washing machine 1 may be a drum type washing machine.

In addition, the first input portion 31 (input port) described later will be described as a manual input portion for manually inputting the washing treatment liquid into the water tank 21 (washing and dehydrating tank) described later by the user. Further, the second input part 32 (input port) described later is described as an automatic input part for inputting the washing treatment liquid into the washing treatment liquid input device 30 described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes an upper surface cover 12, an outer lid 13, and a tank storage lid 15 which can be opened and closed on the upper surface of the housing 11. Moreover, in Example 1, the washing machine 1 includes a removable front panel 16 on the front surface of the housing 11 . The top cover 12 is arranged on the rear top surface of the housing 11 . The outer lid 13 is arranged on the central upper surface of the housing 11 . The tank storage lid 15 is arranged on the upper front surface of the housing 11 . An operation panel 14 for operating the washing machine 1 is provided on the upper surface of the outer lid 13 . The washing machine 1 controls the water supply unit 20, the driving device 23, the drain valve 65, the discharge control section 70, the drying unit 81, the fan 82, etc. via a control device (not shown) in accordance with input instructions from the operation panel 14. . The control device stores a control program for controlling each device, and the central processing unit executes the control program to control each device.

2 and 3 show the state in which the outer lid 13 and the tank storage lid 15 are opened, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the washing machine 1 seen from the front, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the washing machine 1 seen obliquely from above.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 11a inside the housing 11 when the outer cover 13 is opened. Inside the opening 11a, a water tank 21 is arranged which functions as a washing and dehydrating tank into which objects to be washed (cloths) are thrown. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, around the water tank 21, a first input part 31 is arranged to be used when inputting the washing processing liquid for one time into the water tank 21 (washing and dewatering tank). The first input unit 31 functions as a manual input unit for the user to manually input a liquid detergent, softener (finishing agent), or other liquid laundry treatment liquid into the tub 21 (washing and dewatering tub). In the illustrated example, the first input section 31 (manual input section) is arranged in the upper left front portion of the housing 11 and outside the water tub 21 (washing and dewatering tub).

In addition, when the tank storage lid 15 of the washing machine 1 is opened, the tank 42 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 is arranged inside the housing 11 . The washing processing liquid injection device 30 is a device for measuring the washing processing liquid contained in the tank 42 and automatically feeding an appropriate amount of the washing processing liquid into the water tank 21 (washing and dewatering tank). The washing treatment liquid injection device 30 includes a tank 42 that stores the washing treatment liquid for a plurality of times, and a conveying pump 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that conveys the washing treatment liquid. The conveying pump 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) functions as conveying means for measuring the amount of the laundry processing liquid contained in the tank 42 and conveying the washing processing liquid from the inside of the tank 42 to the outside.

The tank 42 is arranged in the front upper part of the housing 11 and in front of the first input section 31 (manual input section). In the illustrated example, two tanks, a detergent tank 42a (first tank) and a softener tank 42b (second tank), are arranged. As a result, the washing machine 1 can automatically put the detergent (first washing liquid) and the softener (second washing liquid) into the tub 21 . The tank 42 is provided with a second input portion 32 that is used when storing the laundry treatment liquid in the tank 42 . The second input unit 32 functions as an automatic input unit for automatically inputting the laundry processing liquid into the water tub 21 (washing and dewatering tub) by the laundry processing liquid loading device 30 . The second input portion 32 is sealed with an input port cover 43a. For example, the detergent tank 42a is provided with a second input portion 32a for inputting detergent, and is sealed with an input port cover 43a. Further, the softener tank 42b is provided with a second inlet 32b for introducing softener, which is sealed with an inlet cover 43b.

The second input section 32 is an input section (automatic input section) for inputting the laundry processing liquid contained in the tank 42 of the laundry processing liquid input device 30 . As described above, the tank 42 is arranged in the front upper portion of the housing 11 and in front of the first loading section 31 (manual loading section). Therefore, like the tank 42, the second input section 32 (automatic input section) is also arranged in the front upper part of the housing 11 and in front of the first input section 31 (manual input section). .

[Internal configuration of washing machine]
Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the washing machine 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front panel of washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is removed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 has an outer tub 22 inside the housing 11, and further has a water tub 21 (washing and drying tub) inside.

The outer tank 22 includes an outer tank cover 22a provided on the upper surface, a lid member 22b for sealing an opening provided in the outer tank cover 22a, and a drop portion provided so as to be lower than other parts. 22c and .

The water tub 21 (washing and dewatering tub) has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. The water tank 21 has a copper plate 21a forming a cylindrical body portion, a rotor blade 21b rotating at the bottom of the water tank 21, and a balance ring 21c for maintaining the balance of the water tank 21. A plurality of through holes 21aa are formed in the copper plate 21a for water and ventilation. The balance ring 21c serves as a fluid balancer in which fluid is sealed.

The washing machine 1 includes a driving device 23 for rotationally driving the water tank 21 and the rotor blades 21b, and a rotation detecting device 24 and a motor current detecting device 25 for detecting the operation of the driving device 23. The drive device 23 includes a motor 23a that rotates the water tank 21 and the rotor blades 21b, a clutch mechanism 23b that regulates the rotational direction and speed of the water tank 21 and the rotor blades 21b, a rotating shaft 23c that is connected to the rotor blades 21b, have. The rotating shaft 23c is arranged at the center of the water tank 21 when viewed from above.

Further, the washing machine 1 has a water supply unit 20 as water supply means for supplying water to the water tank 21 and a drying unit 81 (heater) for heating air to obtain dry air. , a fan 82 for circulating dry air, an air duct 83, and a drying duct 91.

The air duct 83 is arranged between the fan 82 and the blowout nozzle 84, and the drying unit 81 (heater) is arranged in the middle. The air duct 83 is connected to the blowout nozzle 84 with a corrugated tube 83a. The blowing nozzle 84 blows out the drying air sent by the fan 82 and heated by the drying unit 81 to the inside of the outer tub 22 . The drying duct 91 is arranged between the outer tub 22 and the fan 82 . The drying duct 91 is connected to the drop-in portion 22c of the outer tub 22 via a corrugated tube 91a.

In such a configuration, the washing machine 1 supplies water from the water supply unit 20 (water supply means) to the outer tub 22 so that the water tub 21 (washing and dewatering tub) is immersed in water during the washing process and the rinsing process, for example. supply. Further, for example, the washing machine 1 rotates the fan 82 to send air to the air duct 83 during the drying process, heats the air in the drying unit 81 to obtain dry air, and distributes the dry air to the outer tub 22 and the water tank. 21 inside. Thereby, the washing machine 1 dries the object to be washed (cloths) housed inside the water tub 21 . Then, the washing machine 1 sends the air that has passed through the outer tub 22 and the water tub 21 from the drying duct 91 to the air duct 83 by the fan 82, and repeats the same operation.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection hose 51a, an injection hose 52a, and a washing hose 61a. The water injection hose 51 a is a hose that allows water to flow from the water supply unit 20 to the outer tank 22 . The input hose 52a is a hose that allows water to flow from the first input portion 31 (manual input portion) to the outer tub 22 . The water injection hose 51a constitutes part of a water injection flow path 51 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. The input hose 52a constitutes a part of an input channel 52 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later.

The washing machine 1 also includes a drain channel 63 for discharging water and a drain valve 65 for opening and closing the drain channel 63 .

Furthermore, the washing machine 1 has a case 41 that houses a tank 42 in the upper front portion of the housing 11 . The tank 42 has such a structure that it can be freely removed from and attached to the case 41 by vertically moving it. The case 41 preferably has a structure that accommodates at least two or more tanks 42, a detergent tank 42a and a softener tank 42b, so that detergent and softener can be automatically put into the water tank 21. I hope you are.

As shown in FIG. 5, the case 41 has a horizontally long rectangular shape in a front view and a vertically long rectangular shape in a side view. Therefore, the case 41 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose overall shape is thin in the depth direction. The case 41 is arranged to extend vertically along the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 (see FIG. 4). A conveying pump 46 is arranged below the case 41 .

Either one or both of the case 41 and the tank 42 preferably have a vibration damping member 45 (see FIG. 4) that functions as a suppressing means for suppressing vibration of the laundry treatment liquid contained in the tank 42 between the case 41 and the tank 21. should have As a result, the washing machine 1 can prevent the washing liquid contained in the tank 42 from shaking and jumping due to vibrations propagated from the driving device 23 and the like.

The case 41 is attached to the front upper portion of the housing 11 and arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the front panel 16 and the housing 11 . Therefore, the washing machine 1 can suppress shaking of the laundry processing liquid contained in the tank 42 even without the damping member 45 (see FIG. 4). However, the washing machine 1 can more efficiently suppress the shaking of the laundry processing liquid contained in the tank 42 by providing the damping member 45 (see FIG. 4).

In such a configuration, the second input portion 32 and the tank 42 of the laundry treatment liquid input device 30 are arranged forward of the center of the water tank 21 (for example, the portion connected by the rotating shaft 23c (see FIG. 4)). there is Also, the drying unit 81 (heater) is arranged behind the center of the water tank 21 so as to be separated from the second input portion 32 and the tank 42 .

[Piping flow path configuration]
The configuration of the piping path of the washing machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a piping route of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 includes a water injection flow path 51, an input flow path 52, and a washing flow path 53 as piping paths used when washing objects (cloths). .

The water supply unit 20 is provided with a plurality of

electromagnetic valves

20a, 20b, and 20c that are connected to the water injection channel 51, the input channel 52, and the cleaning channel 53, respectively.

The water injection channel 51 connects the water supply unit 20 and the water injection hose 51a, and supplies water to the water tank 21 (outer tank 22).

The input channel 52 connects the water supply unit 20 and the first input portion 31, and connects the first input portion 31 and the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), and inputs the washing treatment liquid and water from the first input portion 31 to the water tank 21. .

The washing channel 53 connects the water supply unit 20 and the discharge control section 70 of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 , and charges the washing treatment liquid and water from the discharge control section 70 into the water tub 21 .

Also, the washing machine 1 is provided with a drainage channel 63 . The drain channel 63 is composed of a drain pipe 63c connecting a drain valve 65 provided in the outer tank 22 and a drain port 66. As shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the configuration of the laundry treatment liquid injection device 30 will be described. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the laundry treatment liquid injection device 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The washing processing liquid injection device 30 is composed of a case 41 and a discharge control section 70 .
The case 41 accommodates a detergent tank 42a and a softener tank 42b.

A detergent discharge portion 71a (first washing liquid discharge portion) is provided below the detergent tank 42a, and a softener discharge portion 71b (second washing treatment liquid discharge portion) is provided below the softener tank 42b. It is

Downstream (below) of the detergent tank 42a and the softener tank 42b, a discharge controller 70 for controlling the discharge of the fluid (detergent, softener, washing water) is provided.

[Configuration of Ejection Control Unit 70]
The configuration of the ejection control unit 70 will be described below. In Example 1, the detergent tank 42a, the softener tank 42b, and the discharge control unit 70 are arranged in front of the water tank. The discharge control unit 70 includes a detergent supply channel 72a (first channel), a softener supply channel 72b (second channel), a cleaning channel 53 (third channel), a switching valve 73, and a discharge channel 74. , stepping motor 75 (first drive unit), transfer pump 46 , first check valve 76 , discharge port 77 , and second check valve 78 .

The detergent discharge portion 71a is provided with a detergent supply channel 72a (first channel) through which detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 42a, and the softener discharge portion 71b is supplied with the softener from the softener tank 42b. A softening agent supply channel 72b (second channel) is provided. The detergent supply channel 72a (first channel) and the softener supply channel 72b (second channel) are connected to a switching valve 73 (switching portion) that switches the channels. Further, the switching valve 73 is connected to a washing flow path 53 (third flow path) to which washing water is supplied from the solenoid valve 20c and a discharge flow path 74 communicating with the carrier pump 46 .

The switching valve 73 of the first embodiment switches to select any one of the fluids of the detergent from the detergent tank 42a, the softener from the softener tank 42b, and the wash water from the electromagnetic valve 20c. It functions as a four-way valve discharging from 74. The switching valve 73 may be a three-way valve that switches between the detergent from the detergent tank 42 a and the softener from the softener tank 42 b and discharges the detergent from the discharge passage 74 .

A stepping motor 75 as a first drive unit is connected to the switching valve 73, and the stepping motor 75 rotates the valve body to change the stop position, thereby switching the flow path.

A conveying pump 46 is provided on the downstream side of the switching valve 73 . The transport pump 46 is composed of a cylinder 46b that stores detergent/softener, a piston 46a that moves within the cylinder 46b, and a pump motor 46c that drives the piston 46a. The piston 46a and the cylinder 46b constitute a pump that introduces fluid into the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), and this pump is driven by a pump motor 46c (second driving section).

A first check valve 76 is provided between the discharge passage 74 and the cylinder 46b, and a second check valve 78 is provided between the discharge port 77 of the discharge control section 70 and the cylinder 46b. there is

The detergent tank 42a and the softener tank 42b are arranged side by side, and the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are arranged in the arrangement direction of the detergent tank 42a and the softener tank 42b. Also, the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the position of the detergent discharge portion 71a or the softener discharge portion 71b. In other words, the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively arranged so as to sandwich the downward extension line of the detergent discharge portion 71a or the softener discharge portion 71b.

Since the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively large components, if they are moved to one side of the tank, it is necessary to secure a space for mounting them, and the size of the washing machine 1 increases. In addition, since the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively heavy, if they are moved to one side of the tank, the heavy objects of the washing treatment liquid charging device 30 will be eccentric, and the washing machine 1 will be operated. There is a possibility that the vibrations of the washing machine 1 will be concentrated on the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c, which are heavy objects, and the vibrations of the washing machine 1 will further increase. If the vibration increases, the fluid may leak from the connection portion of the portion that carries the fluid such as water.

On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, the stepping motor 75 and the pump motor 46c are relatively arranged so as to sandwich the downward extension line of the detergent discharge portion 71a or the softener discharge portion 71b, so that the weight balance is stable. Vibration can be reduced. As a result, fluid leakage or the like can be suppressed.

[Configuration of switching valve 73]
Next, the configuration of the switching valve 73 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to Example 1 of the present invention, viewed from the discharge flow path 74 side. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the switching valve 73 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the valve body 73b side. 10A and 10B are sectional views taken along line XX of FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 8. FIG.

The switching valve 73 includes a cylindrical switching valve main body 73a and a valve body 73b rotatably arranged in the switching valve main body 73a.

A detergent supply channel 72a (first channel), a softener supply channel 72b (second channel), and a cleaning channel 53 (third channel) are provided on the outer periphery of the switching valve main body 73a. ing. Further, a discharge passage 74 is provided in the cylindrical bottom portion of the switching valve main body 73a.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the valve body 73b is formed with a valve body flow path 79 having an L-shaped cross section. The valve body 73b rotates within the switching valve main body 73a to switch the channels (the detergent supply channel 72a, the softener supply channel 72b, and the cleaning channel 53) to communicate with the discharge channel 74. works. In the case of FIG. 10A, the softener supply channel 72b and the discharge channel 74 are in communication. Further, in the case of FIG. 10B, the cleaning channel 53 and the discharge channel 74 are in communication.

Next, the switching state of each channel will be described using FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11. FIG.

When the valve body 73b is at the position shown in FIG. 11(a), the detergent supply channel 72a, the softener supply channel 72b, and the cleaning channel 53 are blocked by the outer periphery of the valve body 73b. In FIG. 11(a), it is "fully closed". Note that the discharge channel 74 is always "open".

When the valve body 73b is at the position shown in FIG. 11(b), the valve body channel 79 and the washing channel 53 are communicated with each other to be "open", and the detergent supply channel 72a and the softener supply channel 72b are "closed". It has become. In FIG. 11B, the cleaning water flowing through the cleaning channel 53 passes through the valve body channel 79 of the valve body 73b and is discharged to the discharge channel 74. In FIG.

When the valve body 73b is at the position shown in FIG. 11(c), the valve body channel 79 and the detergent supply channel 72a are communicated with each other to be "open", and the cleaning channel 53 and the softener supply channel 72b are "closed". It has become. In FIG. 11(c), the detergent flowing through the detergent supply channel 72a passes through the valve body channel 79 of the valve body 73b and is discharged to the discharge channel 74. In FIG.

When the valve body 73b is at the position shown in FIG. 11(d), the valve body channel 79 and the softener supply channel 72b are communicated with each other to be "open", and the cleaning channel 53 and the detergent supply channel 72a are "closed". It has become. In FIG. 11D, the softener flowing through the softener supply channel 72b passes through the valve body channel 79 of the valve body 73b and is discharged to the discharge channel 74. In FIG.

The switching valve 73 rotates the valve body 73b to change the stop position as described above, thereby switching each channel (the detergent supply channel 72a, the softener supply channel 72b, and the cleaning channel 53). That is, the switching valve 73 switches between the three channels (the detergent supply channel 72a, the softener supply channel 72b, and the cleaning channel 53) to switch one channel (the discharge channel 74) to one fluid (detergent, softener or washing water) is discharged to the discharge channel 74 .

In addition, the stepping motor 75 that drives the switching valve 73 switches the flow path, and the valve element flow path 79 and the softener supply flow path 72b are kept in communication during the communication time between the valve element flow path 79 and the detergent supply flow path 72a. By changing the communication time, the amount of detergent supplied from the detergent tank 42a and the amount of softener supplied from the softener tank 42b can be controlled.

When switching from the position shown in FIG. 11(c) where the detergent is discharged to the position shown in FIG. 11(b) where the wash water is discharged, the rotation direction of the valve body 73b changes from FIG. 11(c)→FIG. 11(a)→FIG. There is a route of (b) and a route of FIG. 11(c)→FIG. 11(d)→FIG. 11(b).

When the route of FIG. 11(c)→FIG. 11(d)→FIG. 11(b) is selected, the valve body 73b passes through FIG. There is a possibility that the softener leaks out at the place where the flow path 79 and the softener supply flow path 72b are aligned. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when switching the valve body 73b from the position of FIG. 11(c) where the detergent is discharged, the route of FIG. 11(c)→FIG. 11(a)→FIG. 11(b) is selected. ing.

Similarly, when switching from the position shown in FIG. 11D where the softener is discharged to the position shown in FIG. Therefore, the route of FIG. 11(d)→FIG. 11(b)→FIG. 11(a) is selected.

[Operation of Conveying Pump 46]
Next, the operation of the transfer pump 46 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. When the detergent or softener is supplied to the discharge passage 74, the transport pump 46 operates the pump motor 46c to draw the piston 46a toward the pump motor 46c side. When the piston 46a is drawn toward the pump motor 46c, the inside of the cylinder 46b becomes negative pressure, the first check valve 76 opens, and the detergent or softener is sucked into the cylinder 46b from the discharge passage 74. At this time, the second check valve 78 remains closed. When the motion of the piston 46a is stopped, the first check valve 76 is closed. Then, when the pump motor 46c is operated again and the pump motor 46c pushes the piston 46a, the pressure inside the cylinder 46b increases, the second check valve 78 opens, and the detergent or softener inside the piston 46a is discharged through the discharge port 77. is supplied to the water tank 21 (outer tank 22).

By repeating the action of sucking and pushing out the detergent or softener by the piston 46a several times, detergent or softener matching the amount of water in the water tank 21 (outer tub 22) is automatically introduced into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22). .

After the detergent or softener is discharged, the detergent or softener adheres to the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46b. If the detergent or softener is left on the surface after washing, the detergent or softener dries and solidifies, possibly causing the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46b to adhere and become inoperable.

Therefore, in Embodiment 1, a cleaning process is provided for cleaning the switching valve 73, the piston 46a, and the cylinder 46b. A washing process is performed after detergent or a softening agent is thrown into water tub 21 (outer tub 22). After the detergent or softener is pushed out by the piston 46a, the valve body 73b is switched to the position shown in FIG. 11(b). When the solenoid valve 20 c is further opened, the washing water passes through the washing flow path 53 and is discharged from the discharge flow path 74 together with the detergent or softener attached to the switching valve 73 . Since the water pressure is applied to the wash water discharged from the discharge passage 74, the wash water opens the first check valve 76 and flows into the cylinder 46b. The wash water flowing into the cylinder 46b pushes away the detergent or softener attached to the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b, opens the second check valve 78, and is discharged from the discharge port 77 into the water tank 21 (outer tank 22).

In this way, the switching valve 73, piston 46a, and cylinder 46b are washed. When supplying washing water to the cylinder 46b, it is preferable to draw the piston 46a toward the pump motor 46c side. By moving the piston 46a toward the pump motor 46c side, the cleaning range in the cylinder 46b can be expanded. After the cleaning of the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b is completed, it is preferable to drive the pump motor 46c to push out the piston 46a in order to remove the cleaning water accumulated in the cylinder 46b. Then, in preparation for the next operation, the conveying pump 46 is put in a state in which the piston 46a is pushed out, and is positioned on the opposite side of the pump motor.

When opening the solenoid valve 20c, it is preferable to open the solenoid valve 20c after the valve body 73b is set to the position (FIG. 11(b)) where the valve body flow path 79 and the cleaning flow path 53 communicate. If the solenoid valve 20c is opened before the valve element 73b reaches a position where the valve element flow path 79 and the washing flow path 53 are communicated with each other, the tap water pressure is applied to the switching valve 73, which may damage the switching valve 73 or cause water leakage. may occur. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the solenoid valve 20c is opened after the valve body 73b is brought to the position (FIG. 11(b)) where the valve body flow path 79 and the cleaning flow path 53 communicate with each other. By operating the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve 73 in this manner, damage to the switching valve 73 and water leakage can be suppressed.

[Operations of solenoid valve 20c and switching valve when washing machine 1 is normal]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, operations of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 is normal will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing operations of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve 73 when the washing machine 1 is normal.

When operating the washing machine 1, the power is turned on after the clothes are put into the water tank 21 (outer tank 22). When the power is turned on, the electromagnetic valve 20c is "closed", and the switching valve 73 is also in the position shown in FIG.

When the power is turned on and the start button is pressed, the rotor 21b is driven and the amount of laundry is sensed. After the sensing is completed, the amount of water and the amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of water are determined. After that, the electromagnetic valve 20a is energized to be "opened", and water is supplied to the water tank 21 (outer tank 22). On the other hand, the solenoid valve 20c connected to the washing channel 53 is "closed".　

Next, when the amount of detergent is determined, the switching valve 73 is set to the position shown in FIG. ) with detergent.

Next, after the switching valve 73 is set to the position shown in FIG. 11(b), the electromagnetic valve 20c is set to "open" to supply washing water to the transfer pump 46 so that the detergent adhering to the piston 46a and cylinder 46b of the transfer pump 46 is removed. to wash. After a predetermined time has passed, the solenoid valve 20c is closed.

Next, when the washing machine 1 shifts to the rinsing process, the switching valve 73 is set to the position shown in FIG. A softening agent is put into (outer tub 22). After that, the switching valve 73 is set to the position shown in FIG. 11(b), and the softener adhering to the piston 46a and the cylinder 46b of the transfer pump 46 is washed. After a predetermined time has passed, the solenoid valve 20c is closed.

When all the washing processes are completed, the power of the washing machine 1 is turned off. When the power is turned off, the solenoid valve 20c is "closed", and the switching valve 73 is also in the position shown in FIG.

When the washing machine 1 is operating normally, the switching valve 73 is "fully closed" so as to close all flow paths when the power is turned on and off.

[Operation of electromagnetic valve 20c and switching valve when washing machine 1 malfunctions]
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, operations of the solenoid valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 malfunctions will be described. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the operation of the electromagnetic valve 20c and the switching valve when the washing machine 1 malfunctions.

When the power is turned on, the water that has flowed through the cleaning flow path 53 flows into the switching valve 73 when the electromagnetic valve 20c becomes "open" due to some kind of abnormality occurring in the electromagnetic valve 20c. At this time, if the valve body 73b "closes" the washing channel 53, the tap water pressure is applied to the switching valve 73, which may damage the switching valve 73 or cause water to leak. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the switching valve 73 is operated when the power is turned on to prepare for the case where the electromagnetic valve 20c becomes "open" due to an abnormality occurring in the solenoid valve 20c when the power is turned on. , and the cleaning channel 53 is set to be "open". At this time, the detergent supply channel 72a and the softener supply channel 72b are "closed". In the first embodiment, even if the cleaning water flows into the switching valve 73 due to an abnormality in the electromagnetic valve 20c, the cleaning flow path 53 is "opened", so that the cleaning water flows through the discharge flow path 74 and the first reverse flow path. Since the water passes through the stop valve 76 and the second check valve 78 and flows from the discharge port 77 to the water tank 21 (outer tank 22), breakage of the switching valve 73 and water leakage can be suppressed. When some kind of abnormality occurs in the electromagnetic valve 20c, the operation panel 14 displays the fact that the malfunction has occurred, or an alarm sound is generated to notify the user.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the power is turned off, the switching valve 73 is operated when the power is turned off to prepare for the case where the electromagnetic valve 20c becomes "open" due to some abnormality occurring in the electromagnetic valve 20c. ), and the cleaning channel 53 is “open”. When an abnormality occurs in the solenoid valve 20c when the power is turned off, the malfunction is displayed on the operation panel 14 for a predetermined period of time, or an alarm sound is generated to notify the user. After a predetermined period of time has passed, the display on the operation panel 14 and the warning sound stop, but the water continues to flow even after the washing machine 1 has stopped, so that the user can understand that the washing machine 1 is out of order. can grasp.

According to the first embodiment, when a failure occurs in the electromagnetic valve 20c when the power is turned on or off, the cleaning flow path 53 is opened, so damage to the switching valve 73, water leakage, etc. can be suppressed.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a piping channel of washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same reference numerals are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In Example 2, a plurality of detergent tanks and softener tanks are provided, and a plurality of flow paths connected to these tanks are also provided. Further, the switching valve 73V is a hexagonal valve.

In FIG. 14, the detergent tank 42a is composed of a first detergent tank 42a1 containing the first detergent and a second detergent tank 42a2 containing the second detergent. The softening agent tank 42b includes a first softening agent tank 42b1 that stores a first softening agent and a second softening agent tank 42b2 that stores a second softening agent.

A first detergent discharge portion 71a1 is formed at the bottom of the first detergent tank 42a1, and a second detergent discharge portion 71a2 is formed at the bottom of the second detergent tank 42a2. A first softener discharge portion 71b1 is formed at the bottom of the first softener tank 42b1, and a second softener discharge portion 71b2 is formed at the bottom of the second softener tank 42b2.

The first detergent discharge portion 71a1 is provided with a first detergent supply passage 72a1 through which the first detergent is supplied from the first detergent tank 42a1, and the second detergent discharge portion 71a2 is provided with a first detergent supply passage 72a1 for supplying the first detergent from the second detergent tank 42a2. A second detergent supply channel 72a2 through which the second detergent is supplied is provided. The first softener discharge portion 71b1 is provided with a first softener supply passage 72b1 through which the first softener is supplied from the first softener tank 42b1, and the second softener discharge portion 71b2 is provided with a second softener. A second softener supply channel 72b2 is provided to which the second softener is supplied from the agent tank 42b2.

The first detergent supply channel 72a1, the second detergent supply channel 72a2, the first softener supply channel 72b1, and the second softener supply channel 72b2 are connected to a channel switching valve 73V (switching portion). there is Further, the switching valve 73 is connected to the cleaning flow path 53 to which the cleaning water is supplied from the solenoid valve 20 c and the discharge flow path 74 communicating with the carrier pump 46 .

The switching valve 73V of the second embodiment is configured so that the detergent from the first detergent supply channel 72a1 and the second detergent supply channel 72a2, the softener from the first softener supply channel 72b1 and the second softener supply channel 72b2, It functions as a hexagonal valve that switches the washing water from the solenoid valve 20 c and discharges it from the discharge flow path 74 .

When the first detergent tank 42a1 and the second detergent tank 42a2 are provided, different types of detergent are put into each detergent tank. For example, the first detergent tank 42a1 is filled with a liquid detergent used for normal clothes, and the second detergent tank 42a2 is filled with a liquid detergent suitable for hand washing and dry washing. In the second embodiment, the detergent to be put into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) is selected according to the washing course such as the standard course and the fashionable course. When the standard course is selected, the detergent in the first detergent tank 42a1 is introduced, and when the fashionable course is selected, the valve body 73b is adjusted to introduce the detergent in the second detergent tank 42a2. switch.

Also, when the first softener tank 42b1 and the second softener tank 42b2 are provided, different types of softener are put into the respective softener tanks. For example, a fragrant softener is put into the first softener tank 42b1, and an unscented softener is put into the second softener tank 42b2. Then, according to the kind of clothes and preference, the softener put into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) is washed from the operation panel 14. - 特許庁

Regarding the configuration of the switching valve 73V for realizing the second embodiment, for example, it is preferable to add two flow paths to the outer periphery of the switching valve main body 73a.

According to the second embodiment, the type of detergent to be put into the water tub 21 (outer tub 22) can be changed according to the washing course. It is possible to suppress the loss of shape, shrinkage of clothes, and the like.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to select the softening agent to be put into the water tank 21 (outer tub 22) from a plurality of kinds of softening agents, so that the softening agents are properly used according to the kind of clothes and the preference of the user. be able to.

As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, one switching valve is used to switch between a plurality of flow paths, so that the size of the washing machine can be suppressed and an increase in cost can be suppressed. can be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Moreover, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of the embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add another configuration to the configuration of the embodiment. Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of each configuration with another configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Washing machine, 11... Housing, 11a... Opening, 12... Top cover, 13... Outer cover, 14... Operation panel, 15... Tank housing cover, 16... Front panel, 20... Water supply unit, 20a... Solenoid valve 20b...Solenoid valve 20c...Solenoid valve 21...Water tank 21a...Copper plate 21aa...Through hole 21b...Rotor blade 21c...Balance ring 22...Outer tank 22a...Outer tank cover 22b...Lid member, 22c... dropping part 23... driving device 23a... motor 23b... clutch mechanism 23c... rotating shaft 24... rotation detecting device 25... motor current detecting device 30... laundry treatment liquid charging device 31... first charging Part 32... Second input part 32a... Second input part for inputting detergent 32b... Second input part for inputting softener 41... Case 42... Tank 42a... Detergent tank 42a1... First Detergent tank 42a2 Second detergent tank 42b Softener tank 42b1 First softener tank 42b2 Second softener tank

43a Insert lid

43b Insert lid 45 Control Vibrating member 46 Conveying pump 46a Piston 46b Cylinder 46c Pump motor 51 Water injection channel 51a Water injection hose 52 Input channel 52a Input hose 53 Cleaning channel 61a Washing hose 63 Drain flow path 65 Drain valve 66 Drain port 70 Discharge control unit 71a Detergent discharge unit 71a1 First detergent discharge unit 71a2 Second detergent discharge unit 71b Softener discharge section 71b1 First softener discharge section 71b2 Second softener discharge section 72a Detergent supply channel 72a1 First detergent supply channel 72a2 Second detergent supply channel 72b Softener supply channel 72b1 First softener supply channel 72b2 Second softener supply channel 73 Switching valve 73a Switching valve body

73b Valve body

73V Switching valve 74 Discharge Flow path 75 Stepping motor 76 First check valve 77 Discharge port 78 Second check valve 79 Valve body flow path 81 Drying unit 82 Fan 83 Blower duct 83a... Corrugated tube, 84... Blow-out nozzle, 91... Drying duct, 91a... Corrugated tube

Claims

a housing;
a water tank provided inside the housing;
a first tank containing a first washing treatment liquid;
a second tank containing a second washing treatment liquid;
a first washing treatment liquid discharge part provided in the first tank;
a second washing treatment liquid discharge part provided in the second tank;
a switching unit that selects and switches between the first washing treatment liquid discharged from the first washing treatment liquid discharge part and the second washing treatment liquid discharged from the second washing treatment liquid discharge part;
a first driving unit that drives the switching unit;
a second driving unit that drives a pump that introduces any fluid selected by the switching unit into the water tank;
The washing machine, wherein the first driving unit and the second driving unit are arranged symmetrically with respect to the position of the first washing liquid discharger or the second washing liquid discharger.
The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine, wherein the first tank, the second tank, the first driving section, and the second driving section are arranged in front of the water tank.
The washing machine according to claim 1,
The washing machine, wherein the first driving section and the second driving section are arranged below the first tank and the second tank.
The washing machine according to claim 3,
The washing machine, wherein the first driving section is arranged below the second tank, and the second driving section is arranged below the first tank.
The washing machine according to claim 1,
The washing machine, wherein the first driving unit and the second driving unit are arranged in a direction in which the first tank and the second tank are arranged.
a water supply unit for supplying water;
a first tank containing a first washing treatment liquid;
a second tank containing a second washing treatment liquid;
a discharge control unit provided downstream of the first tank and the second tank for controlling the discharge of the fluid;
a first channel to which the first washing liquid from the first tank is supplied;
a second flow path to which the second washing liquid from the second tank is supplied;
a third flow path to which water is supplied from the water supply unit;
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control section includes a switching section that switches between three flow paths and discharges one fluid from one flow path.
The washing machine according to claim 6,
A first driving unit that drives the switching unit,
The washing machine, wherein the first drive unit controls the amount of the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid supplied from the first tank or the second tank.
The washing machine according to claim 6,
The washing machine, wherein the switching unit opens the third flow path and closes the first flow path and the second flow path when the power is turned on or off.
The washing machine according to claim 6,
The washing machine, wherein the switching unit closes all of the three flow paths when the power is turned on or off.
The washing machine according to claim 6,
The washing machine, wherein the switching unit includes a valve body, and switches between the three flow paths according to the position of the valve body.
The washing machine according to claim 7,
The switching unit includes a valve body, and the valve body includes a valve body flow path that communicates with the three flow paths,
changing the amount of liquid to be supplied with the first washing treatment liquid by changing the communication time between the first flow path and the valve body flow path,
A washing machine, wherein the amount of the second washing liquid to be supplied is changed by changing the communication time between the second flow path and the valve body flow path.
The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7,
A washing machine comprising a washing step of closing the first flow path and the second flow path and opening the third flow path to allow washing water to flow through the switching portion.
A washing machine according to claim 12,
The first washing treatment liquid or the second washing treatment liquid discharged from the switching unit is put into a washing and dewatering tank,
The washing machine is characterized in that the washing process is performed after the first washing treatment liquid or the second washing treatment liquid is put into the washing and dehydrating tub.
a water supply unit that supplies cleaning water;
a first detergent tank containing a first detergent; a second detergent tank containing a second detergent;
a first softening agent tank containing a first softening agent; a second softening agent tank containing a second softening agent;
a discharge control unit provided downstream of the first detergent tank, the second detergent tank, the first softener tank, and the second softener tank and configured to control fluid discharge;
a first detergent supply channel through which the first detergent is supplied from the first detergent tank;
a second detergent supply channel through which the second detergent is supplied from the second detergent tank;
a first softener supply channel through which the first softener is supplied from the first softener tank;
a second softener supply channel through which the second softener is supplied from the second softener tank;
a washing channel to which the washing water from the water supply unit is supplied;
The discharge control unit switches between the first detergent supply channel, the second detergent supply channel, the first softener supply channel, the second softener supply channel, and the washing channel to select one of them. A washing machine comprising a switching valve that discharges fluid from one flow path.