WO2023199715A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

This washing machine can be loaded with a water-soluble solid agent and comprises a washing tank that is rotatably provided inside a housing, a solid agent case that accommodates the solid agent, and a water supply path that supplies water to the solid agent case. The solid agent case has an accommodation space and a drainage space. The accommodation space includes a solid agent accommodation space that accommodates the solid agent, and the drainage space has a first drainage part that is separated from the accommodation space, includes a space that communicates with the accommodation space, and drains the water supplied to the solid agent case.

Description

washing machine

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that uses tablets to neutralize free chlorine in tap water.

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating drum, a detergent case that allows detergent to flow into the rotating drum, and a tablet case that is provided in the detergent case and stores tablets for neutralizing free chlorine in tap water. Equipped with. A hole is formed in the tablet case, and water in the tablet case is drained through the hole.

For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a washing machine that processes laundry using silver crystal as a disinfectant.

The washing machine described in Patent Document 2 includes a silver crystal unit containing silver crystal and a water injection device that supplies water to the silver crystal unit. By supplying water to the silver crystal unit, the water comes into contact with the silver crystal, becomes silver ion water, and is poured into the washing tub. Silver ion water has a sterilizing effect on laundry.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-272294 JP2021-122527A

There is still room for improvement in washing machines.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved washing machine.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a housing, and a solid agent case that accommodates the solid agent. and a water supply path for supplying water to the solid agent case, the solid agent case is separated from and communicates with the housing space and the housing space having the solid agent storage space for accommodating the solid agent. and a drainage space in which a first drainage section for draining water supplied to the solid agent case is formed.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble, single-use solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a housing and a washing machine that houses the solid agent. a solid drug case having a housing space for water to flow out, and a water supply section having a discharge opening for causing water to flow out and supplying water into the solid drug case through the discharge opening, the water supply section defining a housing space. Pour water toward the inner wall.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be able to load a water-soluble, single-use solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a housing and a detergent. Controlling a detergent case, a solid agent case accommodating a solid agent, a first water supply valve for supplying water to the detergent case, a second water supply valve for supplying water to the solid agent case, a first water supply valve and a second water supply valve, a control unit that executes the first step; the first step includes a preliminary water supply step in which water is supplied to the solid agent by the second water supply valve; and after the preliminary water supply step, the water supply by the second water supply valve is stopped; and a main water supply step in which water is supplied by a second water supply valve to the solid agent that has been subjected to the preliminary water supply step after the standby step, and the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is equal to the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step. Less than quantity.

According to the present disclosure, an improved washing machine can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the manual input unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the manual input unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the manual input unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tablet case. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tablet case in the open state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the manual input unit. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the manual input unit. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the tablet. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the tablet. FIG. 13 is a top view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the water supply section. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the water supply nozzle. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the water supply nozzle. FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the laundry agent supply unit. FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of the tablet case of FIG. 16A. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the laundry agent supply unit. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a tablet case according to modification 1. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a tablet case according to modification example 2. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the manual input unit. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the manual input unit. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the manual input unit. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the input port member. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the input port member. FIG. 28A is a perspective view of the tablet case. FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the tablet case. FIG. 28C is a top view of the tablet case. FIG. 28D is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case. FIG. 29 is a top view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the washing agent supply unit. FIG. 31A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tablet case. FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the laundry agent supply unit. FIG. 31C is a sequence diagram of the sterilization course.

(Findings, etc. that formed the basis of this disclosure)
At the time the inventors came up with the present disclosure, a water-soluble solid agent containing sodium dichloroisocyanurate was known as a disinfectant technology for bath cleaning. The inventors took a cue from the technology of disinfectants for bath cleaning and came up with the idea of a washing machine that dispenses a single-use water-soluble solid agent to impart solid agent components to laundry.

The inventors discovered that when a solid agent case containing a solid agent is configured compactly, it is difficult to prevent water from overflowing from the solid agent case and dissolve the solid agent without leaving any undissolved residue. Furthermore, when the portion of the solid agent case that accommodates the solid agent is constructed to be larger than the size of the solid agent, the inventors have discovered that it is difficult to completely dissolve the fragments of the solid agent that have been reduced in size by being dissolved in water. In order to solve these problems, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been constructed.

In addition, the inventors discovered that when water is poured directly onto a solid agent from above, the portion of the solid agent that is hit by the water is scraped to form a groove, and the solid agent is affected by the rebound of the jet generated in the formed groove. It was discovered that there was a problem in that there was a risk that debris would be scattered and remain in the surrounding area. For example, if pieces of the solid agent remain in the case in which the solid agent is stored, there is a risk that the user may mistakenly believe that the sterilization operation is not being performed normally. Further, if the case is made of resin or the like, if pieces of the solid agent remain in the case, there is a risk that the resin of the case will be damaged. In order to solve these problems, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been constructed.

(Embodiment 1)
A washing machine 51 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. The washing machine 51 according to the first embodiment is a washing machine with a drying function.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine 51 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 51 includes a housing 2, a water tank 3, a washing tub 4, a washing agent supply unit 55, a drying device 58, and a control section C.

<Housing>
The housing 2 is a member that forms the appearance of the washing machine 51. An opening 20 and a door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 20 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.

<Aquarium>
The water tank 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a generally cylindrical member with one end closed so as to store washing water. The water tank 3 may also be referred to as an outer tank.

<Washing tub>
The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably provided inside the water tub 3 and accommodates laundry such as clothes. A large number of through holes (not shown) communicating with the water tank 3 are formed in the washing tub 4 . The through hole allows washing water and detergent to move between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4. The washing tub 4 may also be called a drum or an inner tub.

<Washing agent supply unit>
The laundry agent supply unit 55 is a unit that supplies laundry processing agents such as liquid agents, powder detergents, and solid agents to the washing tub 4 . Supplying the laundry treatment agent means discharging it downward toward the washing tub 4. The liquid agent is a liquid agent used for washing laundry such as clothes. The liquid may include detergent, fabric softener, and neutral detergent.

The laundry agent supply unit 55 includes a manual input unit 56 and an automatic input unit 7.

<Drying device>
The drying device 58 is a mechanism that circulates drying air through the washing tub 4 . In order to form a closed air circulation path between the drying device 58 and the washing tub 4, the washing machine 51 has a lid 52 that covers the open tops of the washing tub 4 and the water tub 3. The lid 52 may seal the open upper portions of the washing tub 4 and water tub 3.

<Control unit>
The control unit C is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 51. The control unit C includes, for example, a memory (not shown) storing a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and functions as these elements when the processor executes the program. You may.

Next, the configuration of the washing agent supply unit 55 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the washing agent supply unit 55.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing agent supply unit 55 includes a unit case 100, a lid 100a, a manual dosing unit 56, an automatic dosing unit 7, a water supply member 10, and a channel member 101 (FIG. 3). Be prepared.

As shown in FIG. 3, the unit case 100 is a member that houses the manual input unit 56, the automatic input unit 7, and the flow path member 101. The upper part of the unit case 100 is open and covered with a lid 100a.

The manual loading unit 56 is a mechanism that allows the user to manually load one load of washing agents such as liquid, powdered detergent, and solid agents each time the washing machine 51 is operated. The amount of washing agent put into the manual feeding unit 56 is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the same amount.

A single load of laundry detergent to be loaded into the manual loading unit 56 is stored in a plurality of cases 110, 111, 112, and 113 formed by the manual loading unit 56. In the first embodiment, cases 110, 111, 112, and 113 each contain a single dose of fabric softener, liquid bleach, powdered detergent, and water-soluble solids (eg, tablets). Case 111 may contain detergent instead of liquid bleach.

The automatic dosing unit 7 is a mechanism that automatically puts a predetermined amount of liquid into the washing tub 4 from a tank that stores the liquid. The automatic loading unit 7 supplies an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid to the washing tub 4, depending on the amount and type of laundry, for example. The automatic dosing unit 7 includes two tanks 70 and 71 arranged in the width direction K (horizontal direction) and accommodating a liquid agent, and a pump (not shown) that sucks and discharges the liquid agent. In the first embodiment, tank 70 contains detergent and tank 71 contains softener.

The water supply member 10 is a mechanism that supplies water to the washing agent supply unit 55 via the channel member 101. The water supply member 10 includes a plurality of water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c (only the water supply valve 10a is shown), and the destination of water supply can be changed by opening and closing the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c. Specifically, when the water supply valve 10a is opened, water is supplied to the cases 111 and 112, and when the water supply valve 10b is opened, water is supplied to the cases 110 and 113, and the water supply valve 10c is opened. Then, water is supplied to the automatic dosing unit 7. The water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c are, for example, electromagnetic valves.

The flow path member 101 is a member that guides water supplied from the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c to a supply destination. The flow path member 101 is connected to the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c, and is provided above the cases 110, 111, 112, and 113. More specifically, the flow path member 101 forms a plurality of independent paths that communicate from the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c to the supply destination.

The water supplied to the cases 110, 111, 112, and 113 of the manual input unit 56 flows into the washing tub 4 together with the stored detergent.

Next, the configuration of the manual input unit 56 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the manual input unit 56. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the case 113 and the channel members 115 and 116 are removed from the manual input unit 56. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the manual input unit 56.

As shown in FIG. 3, the manual input unit 56 includes a main body 114. The main body portion 114 is a member held in the unit case 100 so as to be able to be pulled out in the front-rear direction L.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body portion 114 accommodates channel members 115 and 116 and a case 113 (hereinafter referred to as tablet case 113). The flow path members 115 and 116 and the tablet case 113 are removably housed in the main body 114.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main body portion 114 forms cases 110, 111, and 112. As mentioned above, case 110 (hereinafter referred to as fabric softener case 110) houses the softener, case 111 (hereinafter referred to as bleach case 111) houses liquid bleach, and case 112 (hereinafter referred to as powder detergent case 112) contains powdered detergent.

In the main body portion 114, the softener case 110 and the bleach case 111 are arranged side by side in the width direction K. The powder detergent case 112 has an input space 117 formed on the front side L1 of the cases 110 and 111, and a flow path 118 extending between the softener case 110 and the bleach case 111. The flow path 118 communicates with the input space 117. The channel 118 extends from the connection position with the input space 117 toward the rear side L2 to the outlet 125 (FIG. 11A), and has an outlet (not shown) communicating with the washing tub 4 at the lower end. The flow path 118 is defined by the outer wall of the softener case 110, the outer wall of the bleach case 111, and the bottom surface of the main body portion 114 (the inclined surface 118b shown in FIG. 6).

The upper portions of the cases 110 and 111 form input ports 110a and 111a, and the upper portion of the input space 117 forms an input port 117a.

The upper part of the flow path 118 is also open, and the tablet case 113 is arranged above the flow path 118. That is, tablet case 113 is placed between cases 110 and 111.

The upper part of the tablet case 113 forms an input port 113a, into which the tablet J (FIG. 4) is inserted. When the tablet case 113 is placed in the main body 114, the input port 113a is located between the input ports 110a and 111a that are aligned in the width direction K.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bleach case 111 has a storage space 78 that accommodates liquid bleach and a liquid discharge channel 74. The liquid discharge channel 74 has a U-shape that extends upward from the suction port 74a, is folded back at the upper part of the bleach case 111, and is connected to the bottom surface 78a of the storage space 78. The liquid agent discharge channel 74 sucks up the softener from the suction port 74a and discharges it from the discharge opening 74b formed in the bottom surface 78a of the accommodation space 78.

Returning to FIG. 5, the softener case 110 has a storage space 77 that accommodates the softener and a liquid discharge flow path 73. The liquid agent discharge channel 73 has a U-shape similarly to the liquid agent discharge channel 74.

The channel members 115 and 116 are arranged to cover the liquid agent discharge channels 73 and 74 of the cases 110 and 111, respectively. When the channel members 115, 116 cover the liquid agent discharge channels 73, 74, a channel is formed between the channel members 115, 116 and the liquid agent discharge channels 73, 74. With such a structure, when the liquid level in the cases 110, 111 exceeds a predetermined height, water and liquid can flow out from the cases 110, 111 beyond the apex of the liquid discharge channels 73, 74. . That is, until the water level exceeds a predetermined level by opening the water supply valve 10a or 10b and supplying water to the case 110 or 111, the detergent or fabric softener will not flow out from the case 110 or 111 and the case will be closed. 110, 111. Further, even after the water supply valve 10a is closed and the water supply is stopped, the liquid and water in the bleach case 111 are discharged from the discharge opening 74b due to the siphon phenomenon in the flow path between the flow path member 116 and the liquid discharge flow path 74. be done. Therefore, water remaining in the bleach case 111 can be prevented. The same applies to the inside of the softener case 110.

The tablet case 113 is a member that accommodates a water-soluble solid agent used in one sterilization washing cycle. Solid dosage forms are solid or hollow solids. For example, a solid dosage form is a solid material formed from compacted powder. A solid agent may also be referred to as a solid processing agent. In Embodiment 1, Tablet J will be described as an example of a solid drug.

Here, Tablet J contains a component that exhibits sterilization performance. Tablet J contains a water-soluble component and has a certain shape before water is added, but when exposed to water, it breaks down into small pieces and dissolves in water.

In Embodiment 1, Tablet J contains sodium dichloroisocyanurate as a sterilization component. Regarding the constituent materials of Tablet J, Tablet J may contain other hypochlorous acid generating components. Tablet J may further contain a component that reacts with water and effervesces.

Regarding the shape of the tablet J, the tablet J may have a shape that allows it to move to a predetermined position in the tablet case 113, for example, has an outer peripheral shape or contour that allows it to roll and move. In Embodiment 1, the tablet J has a disk shape (FIGS. 12A and 12B) in which the diameter D0 is larger than the thickness T0.

The tablets J put into the tablet case 113 may be specific tablets J that are expected to be used by the manufacturer of the washing machine 51. For example, tablet J is one or more types of tablet J specified. Further, for example, the type of tablet J is selected from a catalog or list stored in the control unit C.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tablet case 113 is fixed by being caught on the side walls of the cases 110 and 111 that define the flow path 118. Specifically, the tablet case 113 has a hook portion 122 that protrudes in the width direction K and is hooked onto the upper part of the side wall of the cases 110 and 111.

Next, the tablet case 113 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tablet case 113. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tablet case 113 in the open state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case 113 along the width direction K. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case 113 along the front-back direction L. FIG. FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the tablet case 113 in the drainage space R12 along the width direction K. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the manual input unit 56 along the front-back direction L. FIG. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the manual input unit 56 along the width direction K.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tablet case 113 is a member that can be opened and closed, and has a first side wall 140 and a second side wall 142. The first side wall 140 and the second side wall 142 are connected to each other by the rotation axis X. The posture of the tablet case 113 is between a posture in which the first side wall 140 and the second side wall 142 face each other (FIG. 7) and a posture in which the first side wall 140 and the second side wall 142 are along each other (FIG. 8). It can be changed with . Specifically, the second side wall 142 is rotatable around the rotation axis X along the peripheral wall 141 (see arrow G). By rotating the second side wall 142 to release the opposing state, the inner wall of the tablet case 113 can be easily accessed, and the inner wall of the tablet case 113 can be easily cleaned and maintained.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first side wall 140 forms a mesh 132a penetrating in the thickness direction (width direction K), and the second side wall 142 forms a mesh 132c penetrating in the thickness direction (width direction K). The melted tablets J flow out from the meshes 132a and 132c together with water and are supplied to the washing tub 4.

The first side wall 140 further forms a mesh 132b on the front side L1 of the mesh 132a.

The first side wall 140 is provided with a peripheral wall 141 and a narrowed portion 137. The second side wall 142 is provided with a narrowed portion 137, a holding portion 138, and a water removal portion 181.

The peripheral wall 141 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the first side wall 140 and forms a front surface 139 of the tablet case 113 and a bottom wall portion 136 extending in the front-rear direction L (horizontally). The bottom wall portion 136 below the input port 113a forms a water supply position K2 that supports the input tablet J.

Here, the water supply position K2 is the position of the bottom wall portion 136 where the tablet J is placed when water is supplied. Therefore, the water supply position K2 is larger than the outer shape of the tablet J. Specifically, the dimension of the water supply position K2 in the front-rear direction L (corresponding to the dimension D4 of the storage space R11 described later) is larger than the diameter D0 of the tablet J (FIG. 10A). The water supply position K2 may be a position that is assumed to be reached after the tablet J is inserted. The water supply position K2 is a region having a vertically elongated shape long in the front-rear direction L when viewed from above. Water supply nozzles 12 and 13 of the channel member 101 are formed above the water supply position K2. The water supply position K2 may be provided directly below the water supply nozzles 12 and 13.

In the peripheral wall 141, the front surface 139 and the bottom wall portion 136 are smoothly connected. The corner between the front surface 139 and the bottom wall 136 has a curvature. Therefore, compared to the case where the corner has a small curvature, the corner is less likely to be clogged with fragments of the tablet J, and it is possible to suppress the undissolved portion of the tablet J.

The narrowed portion 137 is a wall portion that protrudes in the width direction K from the inner wall of the side walls 140 and 142 toward the opposing side wall. The narrowed portion 137 prevents the tablet J and large fragments generated from the tablet J from flowing into the back of the tablet case 113 away from the water supply position K2. Large debris refers to debris that is large enough to not pass through the meshes 132a, 132c and block the meshes 132a, 132c. With such a structure, it is possible to prevent large debris from adhering to the meshes 132a, 132c, and maintain the drainage performance of the meshes 132a, 132c.

As shown in FIG. 9, the narrowed portion 137 provided on the first side wall 140 and the narrowed portion 137 provided on the second side wall 142 have an interval R4 along the width direction K. The interval R4 becomes smaller toward the bottom wall portion 136. Therefore, the structure of the narrowed portion 137 can more reliably restrict the passage of large and heavy fragments of the tablet J.

The holding portion 138 further protrudes in the width direction K from the narrowing portion 137. The holding portion 138 connects the narrowed portion 137 provided on the first side wall 140 and the narrowed portion 137 provided on the second side wall 142. Therefore, even if the tablet J becomes thinner than the interval R4, it is possible to prevent the tablet J from leaving the water supply position K2.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the holding portion 138 and the narrowing portion 137 have the function of accommodating the tablet J at the water supply position K2. The holding part 138 and the narrowing part 137 accommodate the tablet J in a certain space by regulating the movement of the tablet J. The holding part 138 and the narrowing part 137 have a function of separating a storage space R11 in which the tablet J is stored and a drainage space R12 into which the tablet J is restricted from entering.

The holding portion 138 is spaced upward from the bottom wall portion 136, and a distance R3 is provided between the holding portion 138 and the bottom wall portion 136. Therefore, the housing space R11 and the drainage space R12 also communicate through the space R3 below the holding portion 138. By providing the interval R3, water supplied to the water supply position K2 can flow into the drainage space R12 when the water level is low. While restricting the tablet J from entering the drainage space R12, the flow of water into the drainage space R12 is promoted, and the water is drained through the meshes 132a and 132c.

The accommodation space R11 and the drainage space R12 communicate with each other also above the holding part 138. Therefore, when the water level becomes high, the inflow of water into the drainage space R12 is further promoted while regulating the entry of the tablets J into the drainage space R12, and more water is drained through the meshes 132a and 132c. .

The water flowing into the drainage space R12 contains the dissolved tablets J. Then, the storage space R11 is a space for storing and melting the tablets J, and the drainage space R12 is a space for discharging the tablets J melted in the storage space R11 from the meshes 132a and 132c.

Here, focusing on the fact that the space where drainage is mainly performed is the drainage space R12, the drainage space R12 is a space in which the meshes 132a and 132c are formed. On the other hand, the accommodation space R11 is a space in which the mesh 132b is formed.

The meshes 132a and 132c are formed on substantially the entire surface of the side walls 140 and 142 in the drainage space R12. The area of the mesh 132a may be 60% or more and 90% or less of the area of the first side wall 140 in the drainage space R12, and the area of the mesh 132c may be 60% or more and 90% or more of the area of the second side wall 142 in the drainage space R12. % or less. The side walls 140 and 142 have a reinforcing portion 144 that maintains the strength of the tablet case 113 along with the meshes 132a and 132c.

The mesh 132b is formed only on a part of the first side wall 140 in the accommodation space R11. For example, the mesh 132b is formed only on the lower part of the first side wall 140. The area of the mesh 132b may be 10% or more and 50% or less of the area of the first side wall 140 in the accommodation space R11. Furthermore, the area of mesh 132b is smaller than the area of mesh 132a or mesh 132c. For example, the area of mesh 132b is 25% or less of the area of mesh 132a or mesh 132c. The opening area of mesh 132b may be smaller than the opening area of mesh 132a or mesh 132c.

The height of the apex of the mesh 132b from the bottom wall portion 136 toward the inlet 113a is lower than the apex of the mesh 132a or the mesh 132c. The height of the top of the mesh 132b may be less than half the diameter D0 of the tablet J.

In the accommodation space R11, since the mesh 132b is formed only on the first side wall 140, water tends to accumulate in the accommodation space R11. Such a structure makes it easier for the tablet J to dissolve. On the other hand, in the drainage space R12, meshes 132a and 132c are formed on the side walls 140 and 142, respectively. With this structure, water can be drained from the side walls 140 and 142 on both sides, and water can be prevented from overflowing from the input port 113a of the tablet case 113. Further, by securing a drainage path through the drainage space R12, residual water can be suppressed in the accommodation space R11.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the meshes 132a and 132c of the side walls 140 and 142 on both sides are provided at an angle with respect to the vertical. The meshes 132a and 132c of the side walls 140 and 142 form a V-shaped cross section, and the distance R5 (see FIG. 9) between the mesh 132a of the first side wall 140 and the mesh 132c of the second side wall 142 becomes narrower toward the bottom. . With such a structure, in addition to the narrowing part 137, the meshes 132a and 132c themselves also function as a narrowing part, and prevent the tablet J from entering the drainage space R12. The angle of inclination of the meshes 132a, 132c may be equal to the angle of inclination of the narrowed portion 137.

On the outside of the tablet case 113, the mesh 132a faces the outer wall 110c of the softener case 110, and the mesh 132c faces the outer wall 111c of the bleach case 111. A gap R4 is formed in the width direction K between the mesh 132a and the outer wall 110c, and a gap R6 is formed in the width direction K between the mesh 132c and the outer wall 111c. Water drains from the tablet case 113 through gaps R4, R6. Due to the inclination of the meshes 132a and 132c, the distances R4 and R6 increase downward. Therefore, the drainage performance of the meshes 132a and 132c can be ensured even in the lower part of the tablet case 113 where many tablet J fragments accumulate.

The mesh 132b is provided vertically and contacts the outer wall 110c of the softener case 110 (FIG. 17A). Mesh 132b is spaced from outer wall 111c of bleach case 111.

The difference between the accommodation space R11 and the drainage space R12 will be explained from another perspective. As shown in FIG. 10A, paying attention to the fact that the space into which the tablet J is inserted is the accommodation space R11, the space formed directly below the input port 113a is the storage space R11, and The space that is shifted is the drainage space R12. A part of the drainage space R12 faces the input port 113a.

The input port 113a is formed to extend in the front-rear direction L from the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113. The input port 113a may have a vertically elongated shape when viewed from above, that is, the width D2 (FIG. 9) of the input port 113a may be smaller than the length D3 of the input port 113a in the front-rear direction L. Therefore, the accommodation space R11 may also have a vertically elongated shape when viewed from above.

The dimension D4 of the accommodation space R11 in the front-rear direction L is smaller than the dimension D3 of the input port 113a in the front-rear direction L, or is substantially equal to the dimension D3. The dimension D4 of the accommodation space R11 in the front-rear direction L may be 0.7 times or more and 1.2 times or less the dimension D3.

The dimension D6 of the drainage space R12 in the front-rear direction L is larger than the dimension D4 of the accommodation space R11 in the front-rear direction L. For example, the dimension D6 is 1 to 3 times the dimension D4. In addition, the volume of the drainage space R12 may be larger than the volume of the accommodation space R11.

The dimension D4 of the accommodation space R11 in the front-back direction L is approximately equal to the dimension D5 of the tablet case 113 in the vertical direction. Dimension D5 is the distance in the vertical direction from the bottom wall portion 136 to the input port 113a. With such a structure, space saving of the tablet case 113 can be realized.

Returning to FIG. 7, the first side wall 140 has a hook portion 122 that is hooked on the edge of the input port 110a of the case 110, and the second side wall 142 has a hook portion 122 that is hooked on the edge of the input port 111a of the case 111. . By hooking the hook portion 122 onto the cases 110 and 111, the tablet case 113 is supported by the main body portion 114 (FIG. 6). The hook portion 122 has a regulating portion 123 that further projects in the width direction K with respect to the hook portion 122 . The regulating portion 123 partially covers the input ports 110a and 111a of the cases 110 and 111 (FIG. 6). The regulating portion 123 forms an edge 124 facing in the front-rear direction L so as to suppress the tablet J mistakenly placed into the case 110 from moving toward the rear side L2.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the tablet case 113 is placed on the main body part 114 by hooking the hook part 122 onto the cases 110 and 111, the tablet case 113 is placed above the bottom surface of the channel 118. The flow path 118 is a flow path for discharging the powder detergent and tablets J from the discharge port 125 and supplying them to the washing tub 4, that is, it is a non-liquid supply flow path. When the tablet case 113 is housed in the main body 114, the accommodation space R11 is arranged on the front side L1 of the drainage space R12, that is, at a position closer to the input space 117 than the drainage space R12.

The bottom surface of the flow path 118 is constituted by an inclined surface 118b that is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal toward the rear side L2. In the first embodiment, the inclined surface 118b is inclined downward toward the rear side L2 with respect to the bottom wall portion 136 that extends horizontally in a straight line. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 118b may be constant or may change in the middle of the inclined surface 118b.

The bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113 is disposed over the entire surface with a distance D1 above the inclined surface 118b. The distance D1 is the vertical distance (vertical distance) between the bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113 and the inclined surface 118b. Since the inclined surface 118b is inclined with respect to the bottom wall portion 136, the distance D1 gradually increases toward the rear side L2. In other words, the bottom wall portion 136 and the inclined surface 118b are separated from each other as the vehicle moves toward the rear side L2.

Here, the bottom wall portion 136 does not include a corner portion with curvature that constitutes the lower end of the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113.

The distance D1 is minimum at the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113 located near the connecting portion P between the input space 117 and the flow path 118. Considering that the water flows from the input space 117 to the channel 118, the distance D1 is the smallest at the inlet of the channel 118 located at the connection part P. The connecting portion P is a portion where the input space 117 and the flow path 118 are connected to each other, and is, for example, a portion where the cross-sectional area of the flow path is narrower than that of the input space 117. Downstream from the connecting portion P, the cross-sectional area of the flow path may be approximately constant up to the discharge port 125.

When water is supplied to the input space 117, the water level S1 rises (see arrow V1). When the amount of water supplied is large, the liquid level S1 becomes higher than the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113.

A water removal section 181 is provided on the front side L1 of the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113. The water removal section 181 is a plate-shaped member that faces the flow from the input space 117 toward the channel 118 . Therefore, the water removal section 181 can prevent water from directly hitting the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113 and from flowing into the tablet case 113.

The water removal part 181 is inclined with respect to the vertical. The water removal part 181 is inclined so that the lower end 181a of the water removal part 181 is pushed out from the front surface 139 toward the front side L1. By separating the lower end 181a of the water removing portion 181 from the front surface 139, water can be kept away from the bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113. Therefore, it becomes difficult for water to flow into the tablet case 113 through the mesh 132b formed near the bottom wall portion 136.

The lower end 181a of the water removal part 181 is located at a lower height than the front surface 139. In the first embodiment, the lower end 181a of the water removal part 181 is located at a lower height than the bottom wall part 136. Moreover, the height dimension between the water removal part 181 and the inclined surface 118b is smaller than the height dimension between the bottom wall part 136 and the inclined surface 118b. Therefore, when water hits the water removal part 181, the height of the water level S1 downstream of the water removal part 181 is limited to a height lower than the lower end 181a. Such a structure can further prevent water from hitting the tablet case 113 and flowing into it.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the water removal part 181 covers the front surface 139 (FIG. 11A) of the tablet case 113. The width W1 of the water removal portion 181 is larger than the width W2 of the inlet of the flow path 118 located at the connection portion P. Such a structure can prevent water in the input space 117 from going around from both sides of the water removal part 181 and flowing into the tablet case 113.

The tablet case 113 has a regulating portion 121 that protrudes downward near the connecting portion P (FIG. 11A) between the input space 117 and the channel 118. The regulating portion 121 extends to intersect with the direction from the input space 117 toward the channel 118 so as to prevent tablets J that have been erroneously inserted into the input space 117 from entering the channel 118 . In other words, the regulating portion 121 has a function of reducing the opening area of the inlet of the flow path 118. In the first embodiment, the distance from the lower end of the regulating portion 121 to the inclined surface 118b of the flow path 118 is smaller than the diameter D0 of the tablet J.

The width W3 of the regulating portion 121 is smaller than the width W2 of the flow path 118. With such a configuration, it is possible to restrict entry of the tablet J into the flow path 118 and to suppress excessive restriction of the inflow of water into the flow path 118.

It may be indicated in the water removal part 181 that the input port 113a is an opening for inputting the tablet J. For example, "tablet insertion" may be printed on the water removal section 181.

The side walls 140 and 142 each have grip portions 113b that protrude upward from both sides of the input port 113a. When removing the tablet case 113 from the main body portion 114, the user can lift the tablet case 113 by grasping the grip portion 113b. In the first embodiment, a linearly extending convex portion 113c is formed on the side surface of the grip portion 113b so that the user can easily recognize that the grip portion 113b is a grippable member. The grip portion 113b may have a different pattern from the convex portion 113c.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the tablet J has a disk shape, and has a diameter D0 and a thickness T0. FIG. 12A shows a posture in which the tablet J is placed vertically with the thickness direction perpendicular to the feeding direction A2. FIG. 12B shows a posture in which the tablet J is placed horizontally with the thickness direction parallel to the feeding direction A2.

The vertical posture is a posture in which the vertical dimension is larger than the widthwise dimension (for example, thickness direction) of the tablet J in the horizontal section. In order to accommodate vertically placed tablets J in the accommodation space R11, the vertical dimension D5 (FIG. 10A) of the tablet case 113 is larger than the width D2 (FIG. 9) in the width direction K, and The dimension D4 (FIG. 10A) of L is also larger than the width D2 in the width direction K. Since the dimension D4 in the longitudinal direction L of the storage space R11 is approximately equal to the dimension D5 in the vertical direction of the tablet case 113, the tablets J placed vertically can be stored in the storage space R11 while effectively utilizing the space. Furthermore, the vertically placed posture is a posture in which the movable contour is in contact with the mounting surface. In the first embodiment, the tablet J moves along the outer periphery, and the posture in which the outer periphery of the tablet J is in contact with the placement surface is the vertical posture.

In the first embodiment, the width D2 of the input port 113a is smaller than the diameter D0 of the tablet J and larger than the thickness T0 of the tablet J. The length D3 of the input port 113a is larger than the diameter D0 of the tablet J. Therefore, the tablet J passes through the inlet 113a in a vertical position. In other words, when the tablet J is placed horizontally, it becomes difficult for the tablet J to pass through the inlet 113a.

Returning to FIG. 10A, the meshes 132a, 132b, and 132c are composed of ribs 82a and 82b extending in two intersecting directions. In the first embodiment, the meshes 132a, 132b, and 132c are configured by a plurality of ribs 82a extending in the horizontal direction (front-back direction L) and a plurality of ribs 82b extending in the vertical direction.

In the meshes 132a, 132b, and 132c, ribs 82a (FIG. 8) extending in the horizontal direction form the inner wall of the tablet case 113, and ribs 82b (FIG. 7) extending in the vertical direction form the outer wall of the tablet case 113.

Here, the water supply to the tablet J will be explained.

When a vertically placed tablet J is inserted into the input port 113a, the tablet J falls downward and reaches the water supply position K2, and is held at the water supply position K2 by the holding part 138. Tablet J is dissolved by water supplied from water supply nozzles 12, 13 (FIG. 8).

FIG. 13 is a top view of the washing agent supply unit 55 with the lid 100a removed. As shown in FIG. 13, the water supply valves 10a and 10b (FIG. 3) of the water supply member 10 are connected to paths F1 and F2 of the flow path member 101, respectively. Paths F1, F2 are formed independently of each other. The path F1 connected to the water supply valve 10a forms a flow path for supplying water to the bleach case 111 and the powder detergent case 112. Path F2 connected to water supply valve 10b forms a flow path for supplying water to softener case 110 and tablet case 113. By supplying water to a plurality of cases through one route, the number of water supply valves in the water supply member 10 can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.

The path F2 may supply water to the powder detergent case 112 in addition to the softener case 110 and the tablet case 113.

The path F2 forms an opening 14 facing the tablet case 113, a plurality of openings 15 facing the softener case 110, and an opening 16 facing the powder detergent case 112. When the water supply valve 10a is opened and communicated with the path F2 (see arrow B), water flows into the tablet case 113 through the opening 14 and into the softener case 110 through the opening 15. On the other hand, the water that has passed through the openings 14 and 15 then flows into the powder detergent case 112 through the opening 16.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the washing agent supply unit 55. As shown in FIG. 14, a water supply nozzle 12 and a water supply nozzle 13 that extend downward from different openings 14 are provided at the water supply position K2 and above the input port 113a. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 form a flow path therein, and water is discharged into the tablet case 113 through the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. Therefore, water is supplied to the tablet case 113 through the inlet 113a.

In such a structure, the input port 113a is used not only for inputting tablets J but also for supplying water. The opening area of the upper part of the tablet case 113 can be reduced.

The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are provided above the water supply position K2 in line with the front-rear direction L. More specifically, the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are provided at positions facing the water supply position K2.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. 15, the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 have similar shapes, and discharge openings 24 and 25 for discharging water are formed at their lower ends. The discharge openings 24 and 25 are inclined in a direction shifted from directly below. The discharge opening 24 is inclined in the opposite direction to the discharge opening 25. Therefore, water is discharged from each of the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 in oppositely inclined directions.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the water supply nozzle 12. FIG. 16B is a sectional view of the water supply nozzle 13.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the internal flow path 26 of the water supply nozzle 12 has a straight flow path 26a and an end flow path 26b. The straight channel 26a extends downward from the opening 14. The end flow path 26b extends from the lower end of the straight flow path 26a to the discharge opening 24 at an angle with respect to the vertical direction. That is, the central axis C1 of the end flow path 26b is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

In the first embodiment, the cross section of the end flow path 26b becomes narrower from upstream toward the discharge opening 24, and the cross section of the end flow path 26b is formed in a tapered shape. Therefore, the water passing through the end channel 26b flows so as to gather around the central axis C1, and is likely to be discharged from the discharge opening 24 in the direction along the central axis C1 (diagonally downward).

As shown in FIG. 16B, the internal flow path 27 of the water supply nozzle 13, like the internal flow path 26 of the water supply nozzle 12, has a straight flow path 27a and an end flow path 27b. The end passage 27b of the water supply nozzle 13 is inclined in the opposite direction to the end passage 26b of the water supply nozzle 12. Therefore, the central axis C2 of the end flow path 27b is inclined in the opposite direction to the central axis C1. With such a structure, the water discharged from the discharge opening 25 is discharged to the opposite side to the water discharged from the discharge opening 24. This allows the tablet J to be wetted more uniformly from both sides. The inclination angles of the end flow path 26b and the end flow path 27b may be the same.

FIG. 17A is a sectional view of the manual input unit 56 along the width direction K passing through the accommodation space R11. FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of the tablet case 113 of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17C is a sectional view of the manual input unit 56 along the width direction K passing through the drainage space R12.

As shown in FIG. 17A, water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 hits the side surface of the tablet J.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 collides with the side walls 140 and 142 along arrows B1 and B2, respectively, and then flows downward along the wall surface. As the water impinges on the side walls 140, 142, the flow velocity of the water can be reduced. Since the water once collides with the side walls 140 and 142 and then indirectly hits the side of the tablet J, the flow velocity and force of the water hitting the tablet J is reduced compared to when the water hits the tablet J directly from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. can. With such a water supply method, it is possible to suppress fragments of tablet J from scattering due to water supply. The tablets J are dissolved by the water supply, and the water containing the dissolved tablets J is discharged from the mesh 132b or flows into the drainage space R12 (FIG. 17C).

As shown in FIG. 14, the water discharged from the mesh 132b flows into the flow path 118 and flows toward the rear side L2 along the slope 118b. As shown in FIG. 17A, a distance D11 is formed between the bottom wall portion 136 and the inclined surface 118b in the accommodation space R11.

At the same time water is supplied to the tablet case 113, water is supplied to the softener case 110. Therefore, the liquid level in the accommodation space 77 rises.

As shown in FIG. 17B, since the tablet case 113 is removably provided, a small gap is formed between the softener case 110 and the hook portion 122 of the tablet case 113. Therefore, when the liquid level rises, water may flow from the softener case 110 under the hook portion 122 into the flow path 118 and the tablet case 113 due to capillary action.

As shown in FIG. 17A, a notch 145 that functions as an overflow structure is provided in the upper part of the back surface 110d of the softener case 110. The cutout portion 145 is a structure for draining water out of the softener case 110 before the liquid level reaches the top of the softener case 110. Specifically, the notch portion 145 is a recessed portion in which a portion of the upper edge of the back surface 110d is recessed downward. With such a structure, even when the liquid level in the accommodation space 77 rises, water is discharged to the outside of the softener case 110 from the cutout portion 145 before flowing into the flow path 118. Therefore, water can be prevented from flowing into the tablet case 113 from the softener case 110. In place of or in addition to the back surface 110d, a cutout portion 145 may be provided on the side surface remote from the tablet case 113.

At the same time water is supplied to the tablet case 113, water is also supplied to the powder detergent case 112. Therefore, the liquid level in the flow path 118 rises.

Returning to FIG. 14, when water is supplied to the powder detergent case 112, the water flows into the input space 117, and from the input space 117 into the flow path 118. Therefore, even when the liquid level S1 in the input space 117 rises, water attempting to flow into the channel 118 hits the water removal section 181 and flows into the channel 118 from below the water removal section 181. Due to the arrangement of the water removal section 181, the height of the liquid level S1 in the flow path 118 is limited to be lower than the height of the lower end 181a of the water removal section 181.

Water is also supplied to the bleach case 111 at a timing different from the timing at which water is supplied to the tablets J. Therefore, the liquid level in the accommodation space 78 rises.

As shown in FIG. 17A, a notch 146 is provided in the upper part of the back surface 111d of the bleach case 111, similar to the fabric softener case 110. Water can be prevented from flowing into the tablet case 113 from the bleach case 111. Furthermore, the mesh 132b is formed only on the second side wall 142 facing the bleach case 111 and the first side wall 140 on the opposite side. It is difficult for water to pass through the second side wall 142 in the accommodation space R11 and enter the tablet case 113. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the storage space R11 from the bleach case 111 and coming into contact with the tablets J, and it is possible to further prevent the tablets J from starting to melt at a timing when water is not scheduled to be supplied to the tablets J.

As shown in FIG. 17C, water that has flowed into the drainage space R12 from the accommodation space R11 is discharged from the meshes 132a and 132c and flows into the flow path 118. A gap D12 is formed between the bottom wall portion 136 and the inclined surface 118b in the drainage space R12, and the gap D12 is larger than the gap D11 (FIG. 17A). In other words, the bottom wall portion 136 in the drainage space R12 is further away from the liquid level S1 (FIG. 14) flowing through the flow path 118 than the bottom wall portion 136 in the accommodation space R11. Therefore, even when the meshes 132a and 132c are formed over a wide area of the side walls 140 and 142, backflow of water from the flow path 118 to the tablet case 113 can be suppressed.

Returning to FIG. 6, the channel members 115 and 116 form regulating portions 119 and 120 that regulate the entry of the tablet J, respectively. The flow path member 116 has a regulating portion 120 that protrudes in the front-rear direction L between the input port 111a and the inner bottom surface 111b of the case 111. The regulating portion 120 extends to intersect with the falling direction of the tablet J so as to prevent the tablet J put into the case 111 from reaching the inner bottom surface 111b of the case 111. The regulating portion 120 is provided upstream of the entrance of the liquid agent discharge channel 74 . Similarly, the flow path member 115 has a regulating portion 119 that protrudes in the front-rear direction L.

[summary]
The features of the present disclosure will be described by summarizing the above description.

The washing machine 51 according to the first embodiment has a tablet case 113 for manually loading the sterilizing tablets J.

Since the tablet J is a solid processing agent, it is required to dissolve the tablet J in order to supply it to the washing tub 4. On the other hand, if water flows into the tablet case 113 at an undesired timing, the tablets J are dissolved and supplied to the washing tub 4 at that timing. As a result, there is a possibility that the tablet J may adhere to clothing and cause damage to the clothing. Therefore, in order to dissolve the tablet J at an appropriate timing, it is required to suppress water from flowing into the tablet case 113 at times other than the appropriate timing.

In the present disclosure, a distance D1 is provided between the tablet case 113 and the flow path 118. Furthermore, the distance D12 between the drainage space R12 in which the meshes 132a and 132c are formed and the slope 118b is larger than the distance D11 between the tablet J storage space R11 and the slope 118b. By separating the meshes 132a and 132c into which water can flow from the outside from the liquid surface of the water flowing through the channel 118, it is possible to suppress the flow of water through the meshes 132a and 132c.

A water removal section 181 is provided on the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113, where the distance from the inclined surface 118b is the smallest and the risk of water inflow is high. In such a structure, water can be prevented from directly hitting the front surface 139, and water can be prevented from flowing into the tablet case 113 through the mesh 132b formed near the front surface 139. Furthermore, the water removal section 181 can suppress the height of the liquid level S1 downstream of the water removal section 181 to be equal to or lower than the lower end 181a of the water removal section 181. Since the lower end 181a is located at a lower position than the bottom wall 136, the liquid level S1 is separated from the bottom wall 136, making it difficult for water to flow into the tablet case 113.

Furthermore, when water is supplied to the tablet case 113 to dissolve the tablets J, if the water supply flow rate is large, the liquid level within the tablet case 113 will rise. When the liquid level rises significantly, water flows out from the inlet 113a, and there is a risk that fragments of the tablets J may overflow from the inlet 113a along with the flow of water. Therefore, in the present disclosure, it is required to promote drainage through the meshes 132a and 132c so as to suppress the liquid level in the tablet case 113 from rising to the input port 113a.

The tablet case 113 is divided by a narrowing portion 137 into an accommodation space R11 that accommodates the tablets J and a drainage space R12 that restricts entry of the tablets J. Since the tablet J is prevented from entering the drainage space R12, it is possible to prevent the tablet J or fragments of the tablet J from adhering to the meshes 132a and 132c and blocking the openings. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the drainage properties of the meshes 132a and 132c of the drainage space R12 and to secure a drainage path. In addition, by providing the intervals R4 and R6 between the meshes 132a and 132c and the outer walls 110c and 111c of the cases 110 and 111, water can pass through the meshes 132a and 132c and fall downward into the channel 118. can.

[Effect 1]
According to the washing machine 51 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

As described above, the washing machine 51 of this embodiment is a washing machine configured to be able to load water-soluble tablets J (solid preparation). The washing machine 51 includes a washing tub 4 rotatably provided in the housing 2, a tablet case 113 (solid drug case) that stores tablets J, and a path F2 (water supply path) that supplies water to the tablet case 113. and. The tablet case 113 has a housing space R11 and a drainage space R12. The accommodation space R11 accommodates the tablet J. The drainage space R12 has a space that is separated from the storage space R11 and communicates with the storage space R11, and has meshes 132a and 132c (first drainage section) that drain water supplied to the tablet case 113. Ru.

With such a configuration, the accommodation space R11 that accommodates the tablets J and the drainage space R12 where drainage is performed can be separated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fragments of the tablet J from blocking the meshes 132a and 132c, and the drainage performance of the tablet case 113 can be improved. By improving drainage performance, the tablets J can be efficiently dissolved and efficiently supplied to the washing tub 4. Further, compared to a configuration in which the volume of the tablet case 113 is increased by increasing the area of the mesh, drainage performance can be ensured with a compact configuration.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 is provided between the housing space R11 and the drain space R12, and includes a narrowing portion 137 and a holding portion 138 (regulating portion) that restrict the entry of the tablet J into the drain space R12. has been established.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be held in the storage space R11.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 has a narrowed portion 137 that is narrower than the accommodation space R11 as a restricting portion.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be held in the storage space R11 by the narrowed portion 137.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the narrow portion 137 has a shape in which the interval R5 (width of the opening) becomes narrower toward the bottom.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be more reliably held in the accommodation space R11 at the narrowed portion 137. Even when the tablet J having an elongated shape is placed vertically, it can be held in the accommodation space R11.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 has a holding part 138 (as a regulating part) extending from the second side wall 142 (one side) of the tablet case 113 toward the first side wall 140 (the other side). extension part).

With such a configuration, even if the tablet J melts and becomes thinner, the tablet J can be held in the storage space R11 more reliably.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, cases 110 and 111 (first members) having outer walls 110c and 111c (first wall portions) facing meshes 132a and 132c are arranged outside the tablet case. . Spacings R4 and R6 between the meshes 132a and 132c and the outer walls 110c and 111c increase downward.

With such a configuration, drainage performance can be improved even in the lower portions of the meshes 132a and 132c, where many fragments of the tablet J are located and are likely to become clogged. When the inclination angle of the meshes 132a, 132c is large, the opening area of the meshes 132a, 132c viewed from below can be increased. When the inclination angle of the meshes 132a, 132c is equal to or greater than the angle of the narrowing portion 137, the meshes 132a, 132c themselves function as the narrowing portion.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the storage space R11 and the drainage space R12 are connected in the front-rear direction L (lateral direction).

With such a configuration, the vertical dimension of the tablet case 113 can be reduced. Therefore, the space of the tablet case 113 can be saved.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the area of the meshes 132a and 132c is 70% or more of the total area of the side walls 140 and 142 of the drainage space R12, respectively.

With such a configuration, the drainage performance of the tablet case 113 is further improved. Furthermore, if the meshes 132a and 132c are also formed on the upper portions of the side walls 140 and 142 of the drainage space R12, even when the liquid level rises, water can be efficiently drained through the meshes 132a and 132c.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 is provided with a slot 113a (tablet slot) at the top.

With such a configuration, compared to a configuration in which the input port 113a is provided in the middle of the tablet case 113, fragments of the tablet J partially dissolved with water do not pass through the meshes 132a and 132c and enter the input port 113a. It is possible to suppress overflow.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the path F2 supplies water to the accommodation space R11 through the input port 113a.

With such a configuration, the input port 113a can be shared as a water supply port. Therefore, the opening area provided in the tablet case 113 can be minimized, and the outflow of tablet J fragments from the tablet case 113 to the outside can be suppressed.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the input port 113a is provided above the storage space R11 and has a vertically elongated shape. The vertical dimension D5 of the accommodation space R11 is approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension D3 of the input port 113a.

With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the vertical dimension of the accommodation space R11 while ensuring a space for accommodating the disk-shaped tablet J. Therefore, the space of the tablet case 113 can be saved.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, a mesh 132b (second drainage section) is formed in the accommodation space R11.

With such a configuration, water can also be drained from the storage space R11, and the drainage performance of the tablet case 113 can be further improved.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the area of the mesh 132b is smaller than the area of the meshes 132a and 132c.

With such a configuration, the tablets J can be efficiently dissolved by retaining a certain amount of water while appropriately draining water in the accommodation space R11.

[Effect 2]
The washing machine 51 of this embodiment is a washing machine configured to be able to load water-soluble tablets J (solid preparation). The washing machine 51 includes a washing tub 4, a tablet case 113 (solid agent case), a powder detergent case 112 (first washing agent case), a path F2 (first water supply path), and a path F1 (second water supply path). ) and. The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided within the housing 2. Tablet case 113 accommodates tablets J. The powder detergent case 112 includes an input space 117 that is adjacent to the tablet case 113 and into which the powder detergent (first washing agent) is input, and a channel 118 that is located below the tablet case 113 and communicates with the input space 117. and a discharge port 125 provided downstream of the flow path 118. Path F2 (first water supply path) supplies water to the tablet case 113. Path F1 (second water supply path) supplies water to input space 117. The powder detergent case 112 has an inclined surface 118b that is spaced downward from the tablet case 113 by a distance D1 between the input space 117 and the outlet 125 and slopes downward in a direction away from the input space 117.

With such a configuration, when water flows on the inclined surface 118b, the liquid level S1 moves away from the tablet case 113 as it progresses downstream in the flow path 118. Therefore, water hits the tablet case 113 and becomes difficult to flow into the inside of the tablet case 113.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the distance D1 is minimum at the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113 (the surface of the solid drug case adjacent to the loading space 117).

With this configuration, water hits a portion of the tablet case 113 remote from the front surface 139 and becomes difficult to flow into the inside of the tablet case 113.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the inclined surface 118b is inclined downward with respect to the bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113.

With this configuration, the water surface moves away from the bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113 as it progresses downstream in the flow path 118. Therefore, water hits the bottom wall portion 136 and becomes difficult to flow into the tablet case 113.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 136 of the tablet case 113 extends horizontally.

With such a configuration, if the tablet case 113 has a structure that can be opened and closed, the tablet case 113 can be easily manufactured.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, a water removal section 181 is provided upstream of the tablet case 113. The height dimension between the water removal part 181 and the inclined surface 118b is smaller than the height dimension between the bottom wall part 136 of the tablet case 113 and the inclined surface 118b.

With such a configuration, it is possible to further suppress water from flowing into the inside of the tablet case 113 through the mesh 132b near the front surface 139.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113 is located at the connecting portion P between the input space 117 and the flow path 118. The width W1 of the water removal part 181 is larger than the width W2 of the inlet of the flow path 118.

With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress water from flowing into the tablet case 113 from the side of the water removal part 181.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, meshes 132a and 132c (drainage portions) are formed on the side walls 140 and 142 of the tablet case 113.

With such a configuration, the inflow of water into the tablet case 113 can be suppressed compared to the case where the meshes 132a and 132c are formed on the bottom wall portion 136 or the front surface 139 of the tablet case 113.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 has an accommodation space R11 having a water supply position K2 that accommodates the tablets J, and a drainage space R12 that drains water supplied to the tablet case 113. The accommodation space R11 is arranged at a position closer to the input space 117 than the drainage space R12. Mesh 132a, 132c (drainage portion) is formed on side walls 140, 142 of drainage space R12.

With such a configuration, the backflow of water to the drainage space R12 through the meshes 132a and 132c can be suppressed compared to the case where the drainage space R12 is arranged on the front side L1 of the accommodation space R11.

The washing machine 51 of the present embodiment includes a fabric softener case 110 (second washing agent case) that contains a fabric softener (second washing agent), and a bleach case 111 that contains liquid bleach (third washing agent). (a third washing agent case). Tablet case 113 is arranged between softener case 110 and bleach case 111. Path F2 supplies water to tablet case 113 and softener case 110. Path F1 supplies water to powder detergent case 112 and bleach case 111. A mesh 132b (drainage portion) is formed on the first side wall 140 of the accommodation space R11 adjacent to the softener case 110.

With this configuration, the softener case 110 and the tablet case 113 share the path F2. The bleach case 111 is supplied with water by a different path F1. Therefore, water can be supplied to the tablet case 113 and the bleach case 111 at different timings. Since the first side wall 140 on which the mesh 132b is formed is apart from the bleach case 111, water is prevented from passing through the mesh 132b from the bleach case 111 when the water supply to the tablet case 113 is stopped. can.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the softener case 110 and the bleach case 111 have input ports 110a and 111a (openings) at the top into which the washing agent is input. The tablet case 113 has a hook portion 122 that protrudes laterally from the top and hooks onto the edge of the inlet 110a of the softener case 110 and the edge of the inlet 111a of the bleach case 111.

With such a configuration, the tablet case 113 can be stably arranged by providing the hook portion 122 that is hooked on the input ports 110a and 111a. Further, since the hook portion 122 partially covers the input ports 110a and 111a, it is possible to suppress water from flowing into the tablet case 113 from the softener case 110 or the bleach case 111.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the softener case 110 has a back surface 110d (wall portion) that forms a storage space 77 (washing agent storage space) that stores the softener. At the upper part of the back surface 110d away from the flow path 118, there is a notch 145 having a concave shape recessed downward.

With such a configuration, when the liquid level of the softener case 110 rises, water can overflow and be discharged outside the softener case 110 by the notch 145. By suppressing the rise in the liquid level of the softener case 110, it is possible to suppress water from flowing into the tablet case 113 from the softener case 110.

[Effect 3]
According to the washing machine 51 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

As described above, the washing machine 51 of this embodiment includes the washing tub 4 rotatably provided within the housing 2 and the washing agent supply unit 55 that supplies washing agent to the washing tub 4. The washing agent supply unit 55 includes a detergent case 111 (first washing agent case) and a tablet case 113 (solid agent case). The detergent case 111 is provided with an input port 111a (first laundry agent input port) into which detergent (first washing agent) is input, and stores the detergent and supplies it to the washing tub 4. The tablet case 113 is provided with an input port 113a (solid agent input port) into which a water-soluble tablet J (solid agent) is input, and stores the tablet J and supplies it to the washing tub 4. The detergent case 111 is provided with an accommodation space (laundry agent accommodation space) for accommodating detergent, and a regulating section 120 for regulating passage of the tablets J.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the tablet J from being erroneously inserted into the input port 111a. Even if a tablet J is accidentally thrown into the detergent case 111, the passage of the tablet J is restricted, so that it becomes easy to take out the tablet J from the detergent case 111 and reinsert it into the correct place. By re-inserting, the tablet J reaches the water supply position K2 and can receive water supply at an appropriate timing.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the regulating portion 120 protrudes in the front-rear direction L (lateral direction) between the input port 111a and the inner bottom surface 111b of the case 111.

With such a configuration, the tablet J accidentally put into the case 111 hits the regulating part 120 and becomes difficult to reach the inner bottom surface 111b of the detergent case 111. Moreover, the input port 113a is not located near the end of the manual input unit 56, but is located between the input port 111a and the input port 110a. Therefore, even if the tablet J is accidentally dropped from the hand, the tablet J can be prevented from falling directly into the washing tub 4. Since regulating portions 119 and 120 are provided on the left and right sides of the input port 113a, even if a tablet J is accidentally dropped from the hand to the left or right of the input port 113a, it will be caught in either the right or left regulating portions 119 and 120. Therefore, incorrect insertion of tablets J can be suppressed. Even if the tablet J is mistakenly inserted, the tablet J will stop at a position closer to the input ports 110a, 111a than the bottom of the cases 110, 111, making it easier to take out the tablet J.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the washing agent supply unit 55 has a liquid agent discharge channel 74 (discharge section) that discharges detergent and water from the storage space. The regulating portion 120 is provided at the entrance of the liquid agent discharge channel 74 .

With such a configuration, even if the tablet J is accidentally dropped into the inlet 111a, the tablet J can be prevented from reaching the liquid medicine discharge channel 74.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 113 connects a first side wall 140, a second side wall 142 opposite to the first side wall 140, and connects the first side wall 140 and the second side wall 142 in an openable/closable manner. It has a rotation axis X (connection part).

With such a configuration, by rotating the tablet case 113 around the rotation axis X, the opposing state of the side walls 140 and 142 can be released. Therefore, the inner wall of the tablet case 113 can be easily accessed, and the tablet case 113 can be easily cleaned and maintained, and fragments of the tablet J attached to the inner wall can be washed away.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the first side wall 140 and the second side wall 142 have meshes 132a and 132c (drainage portions) formed to allow water to pass therethrough.

With such a configuration, the drainage performance of the tablet case 113 can be further improved by providing the meshes 132a, 132c on the side walls 140, 142. Therefore, even when the volume of the tablet case 113 is small, it is possible to suppress the rise in the water level in the tablet case 113 and prevent fragments of the tablet J from adhering to the upper part of the tablet case 113 and remaining undissolved.

In the washing machine 51 of the present embodiment, the first side wall 140 has a hook portion 122 (first hook portion) that protrudes outward from the water supply position K2 (tablet storage space), and the second side wall 142 has a hook portion 122 (first hook portion) that protrudes outward from the water supply position K2 (tablet storage space). It has a hook portion 122 (second hook portion) that protrudes outward from K2.

With this configuration, the tablet case 113 can be stably held in the manual input unit 56 by providing the hook portions 122 on the side walls 140 and 142 on both sides.

Although an example has been described in which the accommodation space R11 and the drainage space R12 are lined up in the front-rear direction L in the tablet case 113, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Modifications 1 and 2 to be described later, the accommodation space R11 and the drainage space R12 may be aligned in the vertical direction.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a tablet case 213 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 18, Modification 1 differs from tablet case 113 of Embodiment 1 in that accommodation space R11 and drainage space R12 are arranged in order from the top. Even in such a structure, it is possible to improve the drainage performance of the mesh 232a formed in the drainage space R12 by separating the accommodation space R11 that accommodates the tablets J from the drainage space R12 where drainage is mainly performed. Furthermore, since the water supplied from the input port 213a falls into the drainage space R12 without remaining in the accommodation space R11, the drainage efficiency in the mesh 232a is improved.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a tablet case 313 according to modification 2. As shown in FIG. 19, the second modification differs from the tablet case 113 of the first embodiment in that the drainage space R12 and the storage space R11 are arranged in order from the top. Even in such a structure, it is possible to improve the drainage performance of the mesh 332a formed in the drainage space R12 by separating the accommodation space R11 that accommodates the tablets J from the drainage space R12 where drainage is mainly performed. Furthermore, since the tablet J remains in the drainage space R12 due to gravity, it is possible to restrict the tablet J from entering the drainage space R12 even when the narrowing part 137 and the holding part 138 are not provided. With such a structure, the structure of the tablet case 313 can be further simplified.

(Embodiment 2)
A washing machine 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the washing agent supply unit. Further, the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment is a washing machine that independently has a washing function.

As shown in FIG. 21, the washing agent supply unit 5 includes a unit case 50, a lid 50a, a manual dosing unit 6, an automatic dosing unit 7, a water supply member 10, and a channel member 11 (FIG. 22). Be prepared.

As shown in FIG. 22, the unit case 50 is a member that accommodates the manual input unit 6, the automatic input unit 7, and the flow path member 11. The upper part of the unit case 50 is open and covered with a lid 50a.

The manual loading unit 6 is a mechanism that allows the user to manually load a single dose of laundry detergent such as liquid, powdered detergent, or solid detergent each time the washing machine 1 is operated. The amount of washing agent added to the manual injection unit 6 flows into the washing tub 4 in the amount added.

One load of laundry detergent to be added to the manual injection unit 6 is stored in a plurality of cases 60, 61, 62, and 63 formed by the manual injection unit 6. In the second embodiment, each case 60, 61, 62, 63 contains a single dose of detergent, fabric softener, powdered detergent, and water-soluble solid agent (eg, tablet).

The automatic dosing unit 7 is a mechanism that automatically puts a predetermined amount of liquid into the washing tub 4 from a tank that stores the liquid. The automatic feeding unit 7 feeds an appropriate amount of liquid of an appropriate type into the washing tub 4 depending on the amount and type of laundry, for example. The automatic dosing unit 7 includes two tanks 70 and 71 arranged in the width direction K (for example, horizontally) and accommodating a liquid agent, and a pump (not shown) that sucks and discharges the liquid agent. In the first embodiment, tank 70 contains detergent and tank 71 contains softener.

The water supply member 10 is a mechanism that supplies water to the washing agent supply unit 5 via the channel member 11. The water supply member 10 includes a plurality of water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c, and the destination of water supply can be changed by opening and closing the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c. Specifically, when the water supply valve 10a is opened, water is supplied to the cases 60 and 62, and when the water supply valve 10b is opened, water is supplied to the cases 61 and 63, and the water supply valve 10c is opened. Then, water is supplied to the automatic dosing unit 7. The water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c are, for example, electromagnetic valves.

The flow path member 11 is a member that guides water supplied from the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c to a supply destination. The flow path member 11 is provided above the cases 60, 61, 62, and 63, and is connected to the water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c. More specifically, the flow path member 11 forms a plurality of independent paths communicating from the water supply valves 10a, 10b, 10c to the supply destination.

The water supplied to the cases 60, 61, 62, and 63 of the manual input unit 6 flows into the washing tub 4 together with the stored detergent.

Next, the configuration of the manual input unit 6 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the manual input unit 6. FIG. 24 is a sectional view showing a state in which the case 63 and the input port members 65 and 66 are removed from the manual input unit 6. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case 63 and the input port members 65 and 66 are removed from the manual input unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 22, the manual input unit 6 includes a main body 64. The main body portion 64 is a member held in the unit case 50 so as to be able to be pulled out in the front-rear direction L.

As shown in FIG. 23, the main body portion 64 accommodates inlet members 65 and 66 and a case 63 (hereinafter referred to as tablet case 63). Inlet members 65, 66 and tablet case 63 are removably housed in main body 64.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the main body portion 64 is provided with cases 60, 61, and 62 arranged side by side in the width direction K in which washing agent is stored. As mentioned above, the case 60 (hereinafter referred to as detergent case 60) stores detergent, the case 61 (hereinafter referred to as softener case 61) stores softener, and the case 62 (hereinafter referred to as powder detergent case 62) stores detergent powder. to accommodate. In the main body portion 64, the detergent case 60 and the powder detergent case 62 are adjacent to each other. On the other hand, a space 67 is provided between the detergent case 60 and the softener case 61, and a tablet case 63 is arranged in the space 67.

As shown in FIG. 24, the softener case 61 has a storage space 78 that accommodates the softener and a liquid discharge channel 74. The liquid discharge channel 74 has a U-shape that extends upward from the suction port 74a, is folded back at the top of the softener case 61, and is connected to the bottom surface 78a of the storage space 78. The liquid agent discharge channel 74 sucks up the softener from the suction port 74a and discharges it from the opening 61a formed in the bottom surface 78a of the accommodation space 78.

The detergent case 60 has a storage space 77 for storing detergent and a liquid discharge channel 73. The liquid agent discharge channel 73 has a U-shape similarly to the liquid agent discharge channel 74.

The input port member 65 is arranged in the storage space 77 and forms an input port 65a provided for inputting detergent. The input port member 66 is arranged in the storage space 78 and forms an input port 66a provided for inputting the softener.

More specifically, the inlet member 65 is arranged to cover the liquid discharge passage 73 of the detergent case 60, and the input member 66 is arranged to cover the liquid discharge passage 74 of the softener case 61. . When the inlet members 65, 66 cover the liquid agent discharge channels 73, 74, a flow path is formed between the inlet members 65, 66 and the liquid agent discharge channels 73, 74. With such a structure, when the liquid level in the cases 60, 61 exceeds a predetermined height, water and liquid agent can exceed the tops of the liquid agent discharge channels 73, 74. That is, until the water level exceeds a predetermined level by opening the water supply valve 10a or 10b and supplying water to the case 60 or 61, the detergent or softener will not flow out from the cases 60, 61 and the case will be closed. 60, 61. Furthermore, even after the water supply is stopped by closing the water supply valve 10a or 10b, a siphon phenomenon occurs in the flow path between the inlet members 65, 66 and the liquid discharge flow paths 73, 74. The liquid agent and water are discharged from the opening 60a or the opening 61a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from remaining in the case 60 or the case 61.

On the other hand, the powder detergent case 62 is not provided with a member forming an inlet, and is open upward over the entire top surface.

The tablet case 63 is a member that accommodates a water-soluble solid agent used in one sterilization washing course. When the solid agent is exposed to water, the solid agent is dissolved and the dissolved solid agent is supplied to the washing tub 4. Solid dosage forms are solid or hollow solids. For example, a solid dosage form is a solid material formed from compacted powder. A solid agent may also be referred to as a solid processing agent. In Embodiment 2, Tablet J will be described as an example of a solid drug.

The tablet case 63 forms an input port 63a for inputting the tablet J on the front side L1. When the tablet case 63 is placed in the main body 64, the input port 63a is located between the input ports 65a and 66a that are aligned in the width direction K.

The tablet case 63 is fixed by being caught on the wall of the main body 64 that defines the space 67. Specifically, the tablet case 63 has a hook portion 80a protruding toward the outside of the tablet case 63, a hook portion 81a, and a grip portion 81b. The grip portion 81b is caught on the main body portion 64.

As shown in FIG. 25, openings 60a, 61a, 62a, and 67a are provided in the bottom surface 64a of the main body portion 64 at positions corresponding to the cases 60, 61, and 62 and the spaces 67, respectively. When water is supplied from the water supply member 10 to each case 60, 61, 62, 63, the stored liquid agent flows out toward the washing tub 4 from each opening 60a, 61a, 62a, 67a together with the water.

26 and 27 are perspective views of the input port member 65. Although only the input port member 65 will be illustrated and explained below, the input port member 66 also has a similar structure. The input port member 66 has a guide portion 168 (FIG. 23) similarly to the guide portion 68 of the input port member 65.

As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the input port member 65 includes a guide portion 68, a guide portion 69, and an engaging portion 75. The guide portion 68 is a wall portion that defines the range of the input port 65a, and guides the liquid from around the input port 65a to the input port 65a. The guide portion 69 is a channel member extending downward from the input port 65a, and guides the liquid agent from the input port 65a into the interior of the input port member 65 (case 60). The engaging portion 75 is a channel member that covers the liquid agent discharge channel 73.

As shown in FIG. 26, when a user accidentally inserts a tablet J into the input port 65a, the guide portion 68 is arranged in a direction that intersects with the traveling direction (arrow A1) of the tablet J that is about to pass through the input port 65a. Extends to. In the second embodiment, the guide portion 68 extends in the lateral direction with respect to the tablet J that is inserted in the vertical direction.

The opening size of the input port 65a defined in the guide portion 68 is smaller than the external size of the tablet J. The opening size is the maximum dimension across the input port 65a. More specifically, the diagonal length D21 of the input port 65a is smaller than the diameter D0 of the tablet J. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the tablet J, it becomes difficult for the tablet J to pass through the inlet 65a. In the second embodiment, the input port 65a has a substantially rectangular or rounded rectangular shape. Therefore, if the tablet J is a disc, even if the dimensional difference between the length D21 and the diameter D0 is small, the tablet J will be difficult to fit into the slot 65a, and the tablet J will be easily collected from the vicinity of the slot member 65. Become.

The guide portion 68 that defines the input port 65a through which the tablet J is difficult to pass functions as a regulating portion. In this specification, the regulating section is a member that prevents the tablets J from accidentally reaching the washing tub 4. The restriction part has a structure that prevents the tablet J from entering when the tablet J inserted into the wrong case (that is, a case other than the tablet case 63) attempts to advance to the back of the case, for example, the storage space 77. . The restricting portion may be a narrowing of the passage, a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the direction in which the tablet J is traveling, a mesh, or the like. On the other hand, the regulating portion is configured so as to be unlikely to obstruct passage of the liquid agent normally introduced into the case.

As shown in FIG. 27, the guide section 69 guides the liquid agent introduced from the input port 65a to the detergent case 60. One side of the guide portion 69 is open, and the injected liquid agent is guided along the arrow A1. The guide portion 69 has a flat surface 69a at a position facing the input port 65a. Even if a portion of the tablet J is dissolved and becomes smaller and passes through the inlet 65a, the flat surface 69a receives the tablet J, thereby preventing the tablet J from reaching the bottom of the accommodation space 77 and becoming difficult to take out. can.

28A and 28B are perspective views of the tablet case 63. FIG. 28C is a plan view of the tablet case 63. FIG. 28D is a cross-sectional view of the tablet case 63 taken along line AA in FIG. 28C.

In Embodiment 2, the tablet case 63 has one side open structure including one side wall 80 and an open side surface on the opposite side.

As shown in FIG. 28A, on one surface of the side wall 80, a peripheral wall 81, a protrusion 87, a protrusion 88, a protrusion 83a, and a protrusion 83b protrude in the width direction K (lateral direction). It is set up to do so. The peripheral wall 81 protrudes from the outer periphery of the side wall 80 and forms the front surface, bottom surface, and back surface of the tablet case 63. The protrusions 87 and 88 are provided inside the peripheral wall 81. The protrusions 83a and 83b are provided at the upper part of the side wall 80.

As shown in FIG. 28B, a hook portion 80a is provided on the other surface of the side wall 80. The hook portion 80a protrudes in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall 81 (outside of the tablet case 63). By hooking the hook portion 80a onto the detergent case 60, the tablet case 63 is supported by the main body portion 64 (FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 28A, the top of the tablet case 63 and the surface facing the side wall 80 are open. In the second embodiment, the outer wall 89 (FIG. 28D) of the softener case 61 functions as the other side wall of the tablet case 63.

The side wall 80 has a mesh 82 that penetrates in the thickness direction (width direction K) of the side wall 80. The melted tablets J flow out from the mesh 82 together with water and are supplied to the washing tub 4.

The peripheral wall 81 has an inclined surface 84 arranged in the front-rear direction L, a vertical wall portion 85, and a bottom wall portion 86. The inclined surface 84 is a wall section below the input port 63a that is inclined downward toward the rear side L2 with respect to the horizontal direction. The inclined surface 84 guides the tablet J inserted into the input port 63a to the water supply position K1 on the rear side L2 along the direction of gravity. The vertical wall portion 85 is a wall portion extending downward from the lower end of the inclined surface 84 and forms a step between the inclined surface 84 and the bottom wall portion 86. The bottom wall portion 86 is a wall portion extending in the front-rear direction L from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85 . The bottom wall portion 86 defines a water supply position K1 at a position on the rear side L2 away from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85.

Here, the water supply position K1 is the position of the bottom wall portion 86 where the tablet J is placed during water supply. The water supply position K1 is a position that is assumed to be reached after the tablet J is inserted.

The water supply position K1, together with the peripheral wall 81 and the protrusion 88, forms an accommodation space K10 that accommodates the tablets. The storage space K10 is an area where the tablet J is present when the tablet J is stored in the tablet case 63. The accommodation space K10 may be larger than the outer shape of the tablet J. In other words, the dimensions of the accommodation space K10 are defined so that the tablet J is contained in the accommodation space K10. In the second embodiment, the dimension D24 of the accommodation space K10 in the front-rear direction L is larger than the diameter D0 of the tablet J (FIGS. 12A and 12B). The accommodation space K10 has a vertically elongated shape that is long in the front-rear direction L when viewed from above in the vertical direction. In the second embodiment, the lateral direction of the accommodation space K10 is horizontal (width direction K). Specifically, the dimension D24 of the accommodation space K10 in the front-rear direction L is larger than the dimension D26 of the accommodation space K10 in the width direction K.

Water supply nozzles 12 and 13 of the flow path member 11 are formed in the upper part of the accommodation space K10. The accommodation space K10 may be provided directly below the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. A dimension D27 in the vertical direction of the accommodation space K10 is larger than a dimension D26 in the width direction K of the accommodation space K10. In the second embodiment, the vertical dimension D27 of the accommodation space K10 is equal to the dimension D24 of the accommodation space K10 in the front-rear direction L. The dimension D27 in the vertical direction may be larger than the dimension D24 in the longitudinal direction L.

Furthermore, a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions 92 are formed on the peripheral wall 81 around the accommodation space K10 so as to protrude in the width direction K and come into contact with the softener case 61. In the first embodiment, four protrusions 92 are formed and have a spherical shape. The four protrusions 92 are arranged so as to surround the accommodation space K10.

The end portion of the front side L1 of the peripheral wall 81 forms a hook portion 81a that is bent with respect to the front surface and protrudes toward the front side L1. An end portion of the rear side L2 of the peripheral wall 81 forms a grip portion 81b that is bent with respect to the back surface and protrudes toward the rear side L2.

The hook portion 81a and the grip portion 81b are hooked on the wall portion that defines the space 67 (FIG. 24). Furthermore, when removing the tablet case 63 from the main body part 64, the user can lift the tablet case 63 by grasping the grip part 81b. A pattern may be attached to the grip part 81b so that the user can easily recognize that the grip part 81b is a grippable member. In the first embodiment, a linearly extending convex portion 81c is formed on the upper surface of the grip portion 81b.

As shown in FIG. 28C, the protrusion 87 is provided between the lower end of the inclined surface 84 and the water supply position K1, with a gap R21 in the front-rear direction L from the lower end of the inclined surface 84. The protrusion 87 is a member for guiding the tablet J from the inclined surface 84 to the water supply position K1. Therefore, the width D25 of the gap R21 between the protrusion 87 and the inclined surface 84 is smaller than the diameter D0 of the tablet J. The protruding portion 87 may be inclined downward toward the rear side L2. The protrusion 87 may be formed along the slope 84 , for example, along an extension of the slope 84 .

The protrusion 87 is separated from the peripheral wall 81. A space R22 is formed below the protrusion 87 and between it and the peripheral wall 81.

The protrusion 88 is provided between the protrusion 87 and the water supply position K1 at a position spaced apart from the lower end of the protrusion 87. The protruding portion 88 functions as a holding portion that holds the tablet J in the storage space K10. Therefore, the protrusion 88 is provided at a height below the diameter D0 of the tablet J from the bottom wall 86. The protrusion 88 may extend in the vertical direction. Such a structure makes it easier to stably hold the tablet J in the storage space K10 compared to the case where the protrusion 88 extends in the front-rear direction L.

The protrusion 88 is apart from the peripheral wall 81 and is provided at a position with a gap R23 above the bottom wall 86. Therefore, the space R22 below the protrusion 87 and the accommodation space K10 communicate with each other through the gap R23 below the protrusion 88. By providing the gap R23, water supplied to the accommodation space K10 flows into the space R22 and is drained through the mesh 82 provided in the space R22. Therefore, a rise in the water level in the tablet case 63 can be suppressed. Furthermore, a gap R21 is formed between the inclined surface 84 and the protrusion 87. Even if the water level rises and water runs onto the protrusion 87, the water can be dropped into the space R22 through the gap R21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the water from pushing the fragments of the tablet J up onto the inclined surface 84. Compared to the case where the slope 84 and the projection 87 are continuous, the area of the slope 84 and the projection 87 can be made smaller, and fragments of the tablet J remain on the slope 84 or the projection 87. can be suppressed.

In the peripheral wall 81, the inclined surface 84, the vertical wall portion 85, and the bottom wall portion 86 are smoothly connected. The corner between the vertical wall portion 85 and the bottom wall portion 86 has a curvature. Therefore, compared to the case where the corner has a small curvature, the corner is less likely to be clogged with fragments of the tablet J, and it is possible to suppress the undissolved portion of the tablet J.

As shown in FIG. 28D, the peripheral wall 81 protrudes from the side wall 80 toward the outer wall 89 of the softener case 61. Therefore, the outer wall 89 forms the other side wall of the tablet case 63. Side wall 80 and outer wall 89 face each other. On the other hand, when the tablet case 63 is removed from the main body 64, the outer wall 89 remains on the main body 64, so the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 is automatically released. By releasing the opposing state, the inner wall of the tablet case 63 becomes easier to access, and the inner wall of the tablet case 63 can be easily cleaned and maintained.

The dimension of the peripheral wall 81 in the width direction K is smaller than the dimension of the side wall 80 in the front-rear direction L. That is, the width direction K in which the peripheral wall 81 projects is the transverse direction of the tablet case 63, and the depth from the side wall opening facing the side wall 80 to the inner wall surface of the side wall 80 is shallow. Such a structure makes the inner wall surface of the side wall 80 more accessible and easier to clean. The mesh 82 is provided on the inner wall surface of the side wall 80, facing the side wall opening. Therefore, the mesh 82 can be easily accessed through the side wall openings, making cleaning and other maintenance easier.

The protrusions 83a and 83b correspond to the upper part of the outer wall 89. The protrusions 83a and 83b push back the outer wall 89 even if the outer wall 89 bulges outward when the main body 64 is molded. In other words, the protrusions 83a and 83b have a function of correcting the shape of the softener case 61. With such a structure, a space inside the tablet case 63 can be secured. By forming the protrusions 83a and 83b near the center of the tablet case 63, the deflection of the softener case 61 can be corrected over a wider range compared to the case where the protrusions 83a and 83b are provided at the ends of the tablet case 63 in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, when the softener case 61 is molded with resin, it is long in the front-rear direction L and therefore tends to swell in the width direction K. However, by providing the protrusions 83a and 83b, the parts molded with resin More suitable for use.

The protrusion 92 also hits the outer wall 89. Therefore, a gap R24 is formed between the peripheral wall 81 and the outer wall 89 of the softener case 61. With this structure, water is drained from between the peripheral wall 81 and the outer wall 89. By providing the gap R24 in the peripheral wall 81, it becomes possible to provide a drainage path other than the mesh 82 and to perform drainage even when the mesh 82 is clogged. Further, by providing the gap R24 in the peripheral wall 81, the tablet case 63 can be manufactured more easily than in the case where a gap is provided in the bottom wall portion 86. The dimension D28 of the gap R24 in the width direction K may be smaller than the opening size of the mesh 82. With such a structure, even when water passes through the gap R24, the function of the mesh 82 as a filter is not impaired.

Since the protrusion 92 has a spherical shape, the contact area with the softener case 61 can be reduced, and the friction between the tablet case 63 and the softener case 61 can be reduced. Therefore, the tablet case 63 can be easily removed.

When the protrusion 83a hits the outer wall 89, the protrusion 83a divides the opening at the top of the tablet case 63 into an input port 63a on the front side L1 and an opening 63b on the rear side L2, as shown in FIG. 28A. The opening 63b is located above the accommodation space K10. The input port 63a is an opening for inputting the tablet J, and the opening 63b is an opening for pouring water into the tablet J from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. In addition, the opening 63b is also an opening for checking whether the tablet J is inserted.

Returning to FIG. 22, when the main body portion 64 is pulled out from the unit case 50, the input port 63a is exposed over the entire surface. The input port 63a may have a vertically elongated shape, that is, the width D2 of the input port 63a may be smaller than the length D3 of the input port 63a in the front-rear direction L. On the other hand, when the main body portion 64 is pulled out from the unit case 50, a portion of the opening 63b is exposed. The user can see the inside of the tablet case 63 through the opening 63b and check whether the tablet J has already been inserted. The opening size of the exposed opening 63b may be smaller than the external size of the tablet J.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the mesh 82 may be composed of ribs 82a and 82b extending in two intersecting directions. In the second embodiment, the mesh 82 includes a plurality of ribs 82a (FIG. 28A) extending in the lateral direction (front-back direction L) and a plurality of ribs 82b (FIG. 28B) extending in the vertical direction.

In the mesh 82, ribs 82a extending in the horizontal direction form the inner wall of the tablet case 63, and ribs 82b extending in the vertical direction form the outer wall of the tablet case 63. Since the supplied water first hits the ribs 82a extending in the horizontal direction, it becomes difficult for the water to flow downward, and more water is discharged to the outside of the tablet case 63 through the mesh 82. Therefore, the water level within the tablet case 63 can be maintained low. It is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the tablet case 63 and water containing fragments of the tablets J from overflowing from openings such as the input port 63a at the top of the tablet case 63. Furthermore, the low water level can prevent fragments of the tablets J from drifting ashore to the upper part of the tablet case 63 and remaining in the tablet case 63 without being dissolved.

In order to accommodate vertically placed tablets J in the accommodation space K10, the vertical dimension D27 of the accommodation space K10 is larger than the width direction K dimension D26, and the longitudinal dimension D24 of the accommodation space K10 is also larger than the width direction dimension D26. K is larger than dimension D26 (FIG. 28A). In order to store the vertically placed tablets J in the storage space K10 by effectively utilizing the space, the dimension D24 in the front-rear direction L of the storage space K10 is approximately the same as the diameter D0 of the tablet J, and the dimension D26 in the width direction K. is approximately the same as the thickness T0 of the tablet J. Furthermore, the vertically placed posture is a posture in which the movable contour is in contact with the mounting surface. In the embodiment, the tablet J moves along the outer periphery, and the posture in which the outer periphery of the tablet J is in contact with the mounting surface is the vertical posture.

In the second embodiment, the width D2 of the input port 63a is smaller than the diameter D0 of the tablet J and larger than the thickness T0 of the tablet J. The length D3 of the input port 63a is larger than the diameter D0 of the tablet J. Therefore, the tablet J passes through the inlet 63a in a vertical position. In other words, when the tablet J is placed horizontally, it becomes difficult for the tablet J to pass through the inlet 63a.

In order to input and store vertically placed tablets J into the tablet case 63 while effectively utilizing the space in the width direction K, the width D2 of the input port 63a should be approximately the same as the thickness T0 of the tablets J. be. That is, the width D2 of the input port 63a and the dimension D26 in the width direction K of the accommodation space K10 (FIG. 28A) are substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 28C, when a vertically placed tablet J is inserted into the input port 63a, the tablet J rolls on the inclined surface 84 and the protrusion 87 and reaches the water supply position K1. Therefore, due to the arrangement of the protrusion 88, the tablet J is retained in the accommodation space K10.

When the tablet J is placed in the storage space K10, the tablet J is dissolved by water supplied from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 (FIG. 30).

Here, the water supply to the tablet J will be explained.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the washing agent supply unit 5 with the lid 50a removed. As shown in FIG. 29, the three water supply valves 10a, 10b, and 10c (FIG. 22) of the water supply member 10 are connected to paths F1, F2, and F3 of the flow path member 11, respectively. Paths F1, F2, F3 are formed independently of each other. The path F1 connected to the water supply valve 10a forms a flow path for supplying water to the detergent case 60 and the powder detergent case 62. Path F2 connected to water supply valve 10b forms a flow path for supplying water to softener case 61 and tablet case 63. The path F3 connected to the water supply valve 10c forms a flow path for supplying water to the automatic dosing unit 7. By supplying water to a plurality of cases through one route, the number of water supply valves in the water supply member 10 can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.

The path F2 forms openings 14 and 15 facing the tablet case 63 and a plurality of openings 16 facing the softener case 61. When the water supply valve 10b is opened and communicated with the path F2, water flows into the tablet case 63 through the openings 14 and 15 (see arrow B). On the other hand, water that has exceeded the openings 14 and 15 then flows into the softener case 61 through the opening 16.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the washing agent supply unit 5. As shown in FIG. 30, a water supply nozzle 12 extending downward from the opening 14 and a water supply nozzle 13 extending downward from the opening 15 are provided at the top of the tablet case 63. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are cylindrical members and form internal channels 26 and 27. Therefore, the water that has flowed into the openings 14 and 15 is discharged into the tablet case 63 through the internal channels 26 and 27.

The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are provided above the water supply position K1 in line with the front-rear direction L. More specifically, the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are provided at positions facing the water supply position K1.

FIG. 31A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tablet case 63 viewed from the front-rear direction L. FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the washing agent supply unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 31A, the respective end channels 26b and 27b (FIGS. 16A and 16B) of the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 extend toward a position shifted from the water supply position K1. Specifically, the end channels 26b and 27b extend toward positions on the side wall 80 surrounding the water supply position K1 and the outer wall 89 of the softener case 61. Therefore, water is discharged obliquely downward from the water supply nozzle 12 toward the side wall 80 of the tablet case 63 (arrow W1). Further, water is discharged diagonally downward from the water supply nozzle 13 toward the outer wall of the fabric softener case 61 on the opposite side (arrow W2).

The water hits point P1 on the side wall 80 and point P2 on the outer wall 89 of the softener case 61, and flows downward along the wall surface. Points P1 and P2 are located above the apex of the tablet J and on the mesh 82 above the accommodation space K10. When the water collides with the side wall 80 at points P1 and P2, the flow velocity of the water can be reduced. After the collision, water flows downward along the wall surface, hits the side of the tablet J, and is absorbed by the tablet J. Since the water once collides with the side wall 80 and then indirectly hits the side surface of the tablet J, the force of the water hitting the tablet J can be reduced compared to when the water hits the tablet J directly from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13.

Further, after the collision, a portion of the water flowing downward passes through the mesh 82 and flows out from the tablet case 63. Therefore, the amount of water reaching the tablet J can be reduced and the force of the water can be further reduced.

Some of the water may bounce off the wall and hit the tablet J.

As shown in FIG. 31B, the height of the outer wall 89 of the softener case 61 is lower than the height of the side wall 80. The tips of the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are higher than the top of the outer wall 89 and lower than the top of the side wall 80.

The flow path member 11 is provided with a protruding portion 11a that protrudes toward the lower hook portion 80a on the outside of the tablet case 63. Therefore, a labyrinth structure is formed by the protrusion 11a and the side wall 80. Such a structure suppresses water from flowing from the detergent case 60 to the tablet case 63 at the timing when water is supplied to the detergent case 60 through the path F1. Similarly, at the timing when water is supplied to the tablet case 63 through the path F2, water is prevented from flowing from the tablet case 63 to the detergent case 60.

Since the softener case 61 is supplied with water at the same timing as the tablet case 63, there is no need to form a labyrinth structure with the upper part of the outer wall 89.

[motion]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31C, the operation of the washing machine 1 when executing the sterilization course will be described. FIG. 31C is a sequence diagram of the sterilization course.

A sterilization course refers to a washing course performed to remove bacteria attached to clothing and towels. One tablet J is used in one sterilization course. After the sterilization course ends, it is assumed that the tablets J do not remain in the tablet case 63 in the same shape as before they were inserted. Therefore, the user inserts a new tablet J into the tablet case 63 before the next sterilization course.

As shown in FIG. 31C, the sterilization course includes a washing step, a first rinsing step, a second rinsing step, and a dehydration step. In the washing process, detergent is supplied to the washing tub 4, and in the rinsing process, other liquids, tablets, etc. are supplied to the washing tub 4. In the first embodiment, the tablets J are supplied to the washing tub 4 in the first rinsing step. If a softener is also supplied, the softener is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the second rinsing step.

First, the user inputs detergent and one tablet J for one sterilization course into the manual input unit 6. The user inserts the tablet J into the input slot 63a. The input port 63a is not located near the end of the manual input unit 6, and the input port 63a is between the input port 65a and the input port 66a. Therefore, even if the tablet J is accidentally dropped from the hand, the tablet J can be prevented from falling directly into the washing tub 4.

Furthermore, by providing the regulating portions (guide portions 68, 168) on the detergent case 60 and the softener case 61 on the left and right sides of the input port 63a, even if the tablet J is accidentally dropped from the hand to the left or right side of the input port 63a, the right and left It gets caught on one of the guide parts 68, 168. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous loading into the detergent case 60 or the softener case 61, and the tablets J can be loaded into the tablet case 63 more reliably. When the tablet J is put into the input port 63a, the tablet J rolls toward the rear side L2 along the inclined surface 84, and is more reliably placed in the water supply position K1 (namely, the accommodation space K10).

On the other hand, the detergent may be automatically dispensed by the automatic dispensing unit 7.

<Washing process>
In the washing process, the control unit C opens the water supply valve 10a and supplies water to the path F1. Water flows into the detergent case 60 through the path F1, and is supplied to the washing tub 4 together with the detergent contained in the detergent case 60. The control unit C stirs the washing tub 4 to wash the laundry.

<First rinsing step>
Subsequently, in the first rinsing step, the control unit C drains the water containing detergent from the washing tub 4 and supplies new water to the washing tub 4 through the path F1. The control unit C supplies water until the water level of the washing tub 4 reaches a first predetermined water level. The first predetermined water level is the water level that is assumed to be necessary for the laundry to be immersed in water. The first predetermined water level may be calculated by the control unit C according to the weight of the laundry obtained in advance. For example, the first predetermined water level is a water level at which the bath ratio is 10 L/kg according to the weight of the laundry calculated by the control unit C.

Next, the control unit C closes the water supply valve 10a, opens the water supply valve 10b, and supplies a small amount of water to the path F2 (hereinafter referred to as a preliminary water supply step). Water flows into the tablet case 63 through path F2 and indirectly hits the tablet J as shown in FIG. 31A. The small amount of water supplied means that while the surface of the tablet J is moistened, the amount of water supplied is insufficient to dissolve the tablet J and cause it to flow out of the tablet case 63.

Here, the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is smaller than the amount of water supplied in the subsequent main water supply step. In the preliminary water supply step, the small amount of water supplied from the water supply valve 10b may be 400 mL or more and 2500 mL or less, preferably 400 mL or more and 1250 mL or less. The flow rate of water supplied by the water supply valve 10b may be 5 L/min or more and 15 L/min or less. Approximately 15% of the water supplied from the water supply valve 10b is distributed to the tablet case 63, and for example, 50 mL or more and 200 mL or less of water flows into the tablet case 63. For example, when water is supplied at 12 L/min for 5 seconds and 1000 mL of water is supplied from the water supply valve 10b, 140 mL of water flows into the tablet case 63. The water supply time may be less than 10 seconds, preferably approximately 5 seconds.

Subsequently, after the preliminary water supply step, the control unit C closes the water supply valve 10b and starts a standby time. The standby time is the time during which the water supply from the water supply valve 10b to the route F2 is stopped. For example, the waiting time is 20 seconds or more.

By providing a standby time, it is possible to secure time for the tablets J moistened in the preliminary water supply step to foam. Further, it is possible to secure time for the pre-supplied water to further permeate into the inside of the tablet J from the surface thereof. The foamed tablet J or the tablet J in which water has penetrated into the inside is easily dissolved in water. By performing the main water supply step on the easily soluble tablet J, the tablet J can be easily dissolved, compared to the case where the main water supply step is suddenly performed.

During the standby time, drainage, water supply using other routes F1 and F3, or stirring of the washing tub 4 may be performed. In the first embodiment, during the standby time, the control unit C supplies water through the path F1 until the water level of the washing tub 4 reaches the second predetermined water level. The second predetermined water level may be higher than the first predetermined water level.

Subsequently, the control unit C opens the water supply valve 10b and supplies water to the path F2 (hereinafter referred to as main water supply step). Water flows into the tablet case 63 through path F2 and indirectly hits the tablet J as shown in FIG. 31A. Since the amount of water supplied is larger than that in the preliminary water supply step, the tablets J are dissolved. The melted tablets J are supplied to the washing tub 4 through the mesh 82 along with water.

The amount of water supplied in the main water supply step may be 30 L of water, or may be supplied for 120 seconds or more, and is, for example, 30 times the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply.

<Second rinsing step>
Subsequently, in the second rinsing step, the control unit C drains the water containing the melted tablets J from the washing tub 4, supplies new water to the washing tub 4 through the path F2, and agitates the washing tub 4. In the first embodiment, a softener is supplied in the second rinsing step. The supply of softener is performed not by the manual dosing unit 6 but by the automatic dosing unit 7. Since the manual feeding softener case 61 shares the path F2 with the tablet case 63, when trying to feed the fabric softener using the manual feeding unit 6, it is difficult to feed the fabric softener and the tablets separately. There is a possibility that it may be mixed with J. If the softener and Tablet J are mixed, it becomes difficult for the tablet to exhibit its ideal effect. On the other hand, when the softener and tablets J can be dispensed separately, the tablets J are supplied to the washing tub 4 in the first rinsing process, and the softener is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the final rinsing process (i.e., the second rinsing process). Can be supplied. Since the laundry can be rinsed in the second rinsing step after the tablets J are supplied in the first rinsing step, adhesion of the tablets J to the laundry can be further suppressed. Since the dehydration process can proceed immediately after supplying the softener to the washing tub 4, the components and fragrance attached to the laundry are maintained, compared to a case where a rinsing process is provided after the supply. Therefore, the control unit C supplies the softener using the automatic dosing unit 7.

<Dehydration process>
Subsequently, in the dewatering step, the water in the washing tub 4 is drained to dehydrate the laundry.

By repeating the above operation, undissolved tablets J may accumulate in the tablet case 63. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the tablet case 63 from the washing machine 1 and clean the tablet case 63.

First, remove the washing agent supply unit 5 from the washing machine 1.

Using the convex portion 81c of the gripping portion 81b as a landmark, the user recognizes the position of the gripping portion 81b, and lifts the tablet case 63 from the main body portion 64 by placing a finger on the gripping portion 81b.

When the tablet case 63 is taken out, the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 is released, and the inner wall of the tablet case 63 is exposed and can be easily accessed by the user. The inner wall of the tablet case 63 is washed by spraying water on it. You may use a tool such as a brush to scrape off any undissolved tablets J adhering to the inner wall. Here, the locations where undissolved tablets J are likely to occur are the mesh 82 around the storage space K10, the bottom wall 86 at the water supply position K1, and the inclined surface 84, protrusion 87, and protrusion 88 that the tablet J comes into contact with. be. If undissolved tablets J remain on the mesh 82, the openings of the mesh 82 may become clogged and the drainage performance of the tablet case 63 may deteriorate. However, in the present disclosure, since the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 is released and the inner wall of the tablet case 63 can be accessed, the mesh 82 can be easily cleaned and the tablet J can be removed.

[summary]
The features of the present disclosure will be described by summarizing the above description.

The washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment has a tablet case for manually loading the sterilizing tablets J, and a detergent case and a softener case for manually loading the liquid.

Since Tablet J is a solid processing agent, there is a greater possibility that it will not dissolve completely in water and remain in the case compared to liquid or powder detergents. When the tablets J remain in the case, the number of tablets J used for sterilizing the laundry decreases, and the sterilizing performance of the tablets J on the laundry decreases. Therefore, it is required to appropriately supply water to the tablets J to dissolve them.

In order to supply water appropriately, it is first necessary to put the tablets J into the tablet case 63 without fail. On the other hand, due to the space saving of the manual feeding unit 6, the cases are adjacent to each other, so there is a risk that the user may accidentally throw the tablets J into the detergent case 60 or the softener case 61. In this case, the tablets J are supplied to the washing tub 4 at the wrong timing, potentially damaging the clothes.

Therefore, since the input ports 65a and 66a of the detergent case 60 and the softener case 61 are smaller than the tablets J, even if the user inserts the tablets into the wrong place, the tablets J will not reach the bottom of the case. can be suppressed. Therefore, the user can easily take out the tablet J from the wrong input location and re-insert it into the correct input slot 63a.

When putting the tablet J into the tablet case 63, the tablet J can pass through the slot 63a in a vertical position, but it is difficult to pass through the slot 63a in a horizontal position. With such a configuration, the tablet J can roll and move within the tablet case 63. Therefore, it is easy to roll the tablet J on the inclined surface 84 and the protrusion 87 and guide it into the storage space K10. In addition, it is held by the protruding portion 88 so as not to roll away from the accommodation space K10. With such a structure, the tablet J can receive an appropriate water supply in the accommodation space K10.

Water can be indirectly applied to the tablets J in the storage space K10 while making it easier to arrange and hold the tablets J in the storage space K10. Specifically, water can be indirectly applied to the tablet J by directing the end channels 26b and 27b of the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 toward the wall surface surrounding the accommodation space K10. Therefore, compared to the case where water hits the tablet J directly, it is possible to suppress fragments from scattering from the tablet J and adhering to the upper part of the tablet case 63. Since it is difficult to wash off the fragments attached to the upper part of the tablet case 63, there is a possibility that the fragments remain in the tablet case 63. Therefore, by indirectly applying water to the tablet J while supplying sufficient water with such a water supply structure, the ratio of one tablet J supplied to the washing tub 4 increases, and the sterilization performance is stabilized. do.

Further, in the water supply sequence, a preliminary water supply step is performed to make the tablets J easily soluble, and then the main water supply step is performed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the tablets J from remaining in the tablet case 63.

Even if undissolved tablets J occur in the tablet case 63, the undissolved tablets can be removed because the tablet case 63, which has an open structure on one side, is easy to clean. By configuring one side wall of the tablet case 63 with the softener case 61, simply by removing the tablet case 63 from the main body 64, the inner wall of the side wall 80 is exposed and the undissolved tablets J accumulated there can be washed away. be able to. Therefore, undissolved tablets J are prevented from clogging the mesh 82 etc. and obstructing the passage of tablets J, and the proportion of one tablet J supplied to the washing tub 4 is further increased, resulting in stable sterilization performance. do. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent the tablets J having sterilization performance from remaining in the tablet case 63 for a long period of time and adversely affecting the tablet case 63.

Due to the one-side open structure, the dimension of the tablet case 63 in the width direction K can be reduced. Therefore, the tablet case 63 can be configured in a limited space, and further, the space of the washing agent supply unit 5 can be saved.

[Effect 1]
According to the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a washing tub 4 rotatably provided within the housing 2 and a washing agent supply unit 5 that supplies washing agent to the washing tub 4. The laundry agent supply unit 5 includes a detergent case 60 (first laundry agent case), a softener case 61 (second laundry agent case), and a tablet case 63 (solid agent case). The detergent case 60 is provided with an input port 65a (first laundry agent input port) into which detergent (first laundry agent) is input, and stores the detergent and supplies it to the washing tub 4. The softener case 61 is provided with an input port 66a (second laundry agent input port) into which a softener (second laundry agent) different from detergent is input, and stores the softener and supplies it to the washing tub 4. The tablet case 63 is provided with an input port 63a (solid agent input port) into which tablets J (solid agent) are input, and stores the tablets J and supplies them to the washing tub 4. The input port 63a is arranged between the input port 65a and the input port 66a.

With this configuration, by arranging the input port 63a between the input ports 65a and 66a, even if the user accidentally drops the tablet J above the input port 63a, the detergent case 60 or the softener Tablet J gets caught in case 61. Therefore, the tablets J can be prevented from being supplied to the washing tub 4 at a timing not intended by the manufacturer of the washing machine 1.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the washing process, the rinsing process is executed with the tablet case 63 containing the tablets J or with the softener case 61 containing the softener. It's a washing machine. The softener case 61 is configured to be able to supply the contained softener to the washing tub 4 during the rinsing process. The tablet case 63 is provided adjacent to the softener case 61.

With this configuration, the tablets J are supplied from the manual feeding unit 6 instead of the liquid agent (i.e., softener) that is normally supplied in the rinsing process. F2 can be shortened.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 63 has a storage space K10 defined by at least the side wall 80 (wall surface) of the tablet case 63. A dimension D26 (width) of the accommodation space K10 in the width direction K (lateral direction) is approximately the same size as the width D2 of the input port 63a in the width direction.

With such a configuration, it is possible to save space in the width direction K of the tablet case 63. Therefore, the route F2 can be shortened to improve efficiency. Further, since the dimension D26 of the storage space K10 and the width D2 of the input port 63a are approximately the same size, when the tablet J has a disk shape, the tablet J is inserted in a vertical position and the vertical position is maintained. will be accommodated.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the detergent case 60, the tablet case 63, and the softener case 61 are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction K (one direction). The tablet case 63 is provided so that the width direction K is the short direction.

With such a configuration, the tablet case 63 can be provided without unnecessarily increasing the horizontal cross-sectional area of the washing agent supply unit 5.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the input port 63a is a vertically elongated shape that is long in the direction perpendicular to the width direction K.

With this configuration, when the tablet J has a disk shape, it can be smoothly placed in a vertical position.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the washing agent supply unit 5 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the main body of the washing machine 1. The tablet case 63 has a storage space K10 for storing tablets, and an opening 63b (opening) provided at the top of the tablet case 63. The opening 63b exposes the storage space K10 when the washing agent supply unit 5 is pulled out from the main body of the washing machine 1.

With such a configuration, the interior of the accommodation space K10 can be visually checked through the opening 63b when the washing agent supply unit 5 is pulled out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally inserting a plurality of tablets J.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 has an inclined surface 84 (guiding portion) that guides the tablet J from the input port 63a to the storage space K10. The opening 63b is provided above the accommodation space K10.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be more reliably introduced into the accommodation space K10, and the situation can be visually confirmed from the opening 63b.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a washing tub 4 rotatably provided within a housing 2 and a washing agent supply unit 5 that supplies washing agent to the washing tub 4. The washing agent supply unit 5 includes a detergent case 60 (first washing agent case) and a tablet case 63 (solid agent case). The detergent case 60 is provided with an input port 65a (first laundry agent input port) into which detergent (first laundry agent) is input, and stores the detergent and supplies it to the washing tub 4. The tablet case 63 is provided with an input port 63a (solid agent input port) into which a water-soluble tablet J (solid agent) is input, and stores the tablet J and supplies the tablet J to the washing tub 4. The detergent case 60 is provided with an accommodation space 77 (laundry agent accommodation space) for accommodating detergent, and a guide part 68 (restriction part) for regulating the passage of the tablets J.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the tablets J from being erroneously inserted into the input ports 65a and 66a. Further, even if the tablet J is inserted by mistake, the tablet J becomes difficult to pass through the input ports 65a and 66a. Therefore, it becomes easier to take out the tablet J that has been inserted by mistake, and it becomes easier to re-insert the tablet J into the correct place. By re-inserting, the tablet J reaches the storage space K10 and can receive water supply at an appropriate timing.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the opening size D21 (maximum width dimension) of the input port 65a is smaller than the longitudinal dimension D3 of the input port 63a.

With such a configuration, it is possible to restrict the tablet J from passing through the input port 65a.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the guide portion 68 (wall portion) that defines the input port 65a functions as a restriction portion.

With such a configuration, it is possible to easily restrict the passage of the tablet J through the input port 65a by adjusting the opening size D21 of the input port 65a without separately providing a regulating section.

The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an input port 66a (second laundry agent input port) into which a softener (second laundry agent) is input, and a softener that stores the softener and supplies it to the washing tub 4. It further includes a laundry detergent case 61 (second laundry detergent case). The input port 63a is arranged between the detergent case 60 and the softener case 61.

With such a configuration, the space between the detergent case 60 and the softener case 61 can be effectively utilized. Moreover, it becomes difficult to drop the tablets J into the washing tub 4 compared to the case where the inlet 63a is arranged outside the detergent case 60 or the softener case 61.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the inlet 63a is located between the guide portion 68 (wall portion) provided in the detergent case 60 and the guide portion 168 (wall portion) provided in the softener case 61. Placed.

With this configuration, since the input port 63a is disposed between the guide portion 68 and the guide portion 168, tablets J accidentally dropped near the input port 63a are likely to be caught in the guide portions 68, 168. .

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 63 has a storage space K10 in which the tablets J are held and stored. A dimension D26 (width) in the width direction K of the accommodation space K10 is approximately the same size as a width D2 in the width direction K of the input port 63a.

With such a configuration, the width D2 of the input port 63a in the width direction K can be made approximately the same as the thickness T0 of the tablet J, and the tablet J can be loaded and stored in a vertical position. Since the tablet J can only be inserted in a predetermined posture, the user can be guided to carefully insert the tablet J.

[Effect 2]
The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to load water-soluble single-use tablets J (solid dosage forms), and includes a washing tub 4 and a tablet case 63 (solid dosage form). ), and water supply nozzles 12 and 13 (water supply section). The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided within the housing 2. The tablet case 63 has a storage space K10 that stores the tablets J. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 have discharge openings 24 and 25 through which water flows out, and supply water into the tablet case 63 through the discharge openings 24 and 25. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 inject water toward the side wall 80 and outer wall 89 (inner wall surface) that define the accommodation space K10.

With such a configuration, water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 and directly hitting the tablets J can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fragments from scattering from the tablet J, and to prevent water from adhering to locations within the tablet case 63 that are difficult to reach. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fragments of the tablets J from remaining in the tablet case 63 after water is supplied, thereby improving the sterilization performance of the washing machine 1.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the accommodation space K10 is defined by a portion of the side wall 80 and a portion of the outer wall 89. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 inject water toward the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 above the accommodation space K10.

With such a configuration, the tablets J adhering to the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 can be washed away by the water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. Furthermore, with such a configuration, the water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 is applied to the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 before being supplied to the tablet J, thereby reducing the water discharged from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13. You can slow down the momentum.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the dimension D26 (length) of the first side constituting the width direction K (short side direction) in the horizontal cross section of the storage space K10 is the dimension D26 (length) of the first side that is perpendicular to the first side and the vertical direction. The dimension of two sides is D27 (length) or less.

With such a configuration, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the accommodation space K10 in which the tablets J are accommodated can be reduced. Therefore, water injected from the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 is less likely to directly hit the tablet J before hitting the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89. Further, the tablet case 63 can be provided in a space-saving manner.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the dimension D27 of the second side is greater than or equal to the dimension D24 (length) of the third side constituting the longitudinal direction in the horizontal cross section of the accommodation space K10. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 inject water upward from the second side of the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be brought into contact with water in the longitudinal direction (i.e., diametrical direction), so that the tablet J can be efficiently dissolved.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the inner wall surface includes a side wall 80 (first surface) that is the inner surface of the tablet case 63. The side wall 80 is provided with a mesh 82 (drainage section) having a plurality of water holes through which water in the tablet case 63 is drained. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 inject water toward the mesh 82.

With such a configuration, the tablets J adhering to the mesh 82 can be washed away. Moreover, with such a configuration, a portion of the water supplied from the water supply nozzle 12 is discharged from the mesh 82 before hitting the tablet J.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the inner wall surface includes an outer wall 89 (second surface) that is different from the side wall 80. The water supply nozzles 12 and 13 include a water supply nozzle 12 (first water supply section) that injects water toward the mesh 82 and a water supply nozzle 13 (second water supply section) that injects water toward the outer wall 89.

With such a configuration, the tablets J attached to both side walls surrounding the storage space K10 can be washed off. Moreover, compared to the case where the washing machine 1 has only one water supply nozzle, the tablets J can be efficiently dissolved by applying water to the tablets J.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the water supply nozzle 12 and the water supply nozzle 13 are lined up in the front-rear direction L (the longitudinal direction in the horizontal cross section of the accommodation space K10).

With such a configuration, water can be applied to the tablet J efficiently. Even when the space in the width direction K is limited, the two water supply nozzles 12 and 13 can be arranged spatially efficiently, the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 are not bulky, and the tablet case 63 is formed compactly. can.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 is provided with a protrusion 88 (holding part) that holds the tablet J in the storage space K10.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be held in the storage space K10. Therefore, the tablet J can be held in a position where the water hits the tablet J appropriately. In other words, by providing the protrusion 88, the space on the rear side L2 of the protrusion 88 is defined as the accommodation space K10.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the accommodation space K10 is located vertically below the discharge openings 24 and 25.

With such a configuration, the dimension of the tablet case 63 in the width direction K can be reduced compared to the case where the end channels 26b and 27b are arranged at a position apart from the accommodation space K10 in the width direction K. Furthermore, the distance between the end channels 26b, 27b and the tablet J is reduced compared to the case where the end channels 26b, 27b are arranged at a position away from the housing space K10 in the front-rear direction L. Water can easily reach tablet J.

The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a main body part 64 (case storage part) that contains a softener case 61 (first washing agent case) and a tablet case 63, which contain a softener (first washing agent). A path F2 (flow path) is provided above the section 64 and supplies water into the main body section 64. The tablet case 63 is provided adjacent to the softener case 61.

With this configuration, the tablet case 63 and the softener case 61 are placed close to each other, so that the route for supplying water to the tablet case 63 and the route for supplying water to the softener case 61 can be made common. can. Therefore, the member for introducing the washing agent can be integrated into the main body portion 64, thereby improving convenience for the user.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a water supply valve 10b (first water supply valve) that introduces water from the outside. The water supply valve 10b supplies water to the tablet case 63 and the softener case 61.

With such a configuration, the tablet case 63 and the softener case 61 share the water supply valve 10b, thereby simplifying the structure of the water supply member 10. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the washing machine 1 can be reduced.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 has an input port 63a through which the user inserts the tablets J into the tablet case 63. The tablet case 63 has an inclined surface 84 extending diagonally downward toward the storage space K10 below the input port 63a.

With such a configuration, the tablet J can be guided to the water supply position K1 so that the tablet J can receive an appropriate water supply.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 63 includes a vertical wall portion 85 (wall portion) extending downward from the lower end of the inclined surface 84, and a vertical wall portion 85 (wall portion) extending laterally from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85 to form the storage space K10. It has a bottom wall part 86 provided below.

With such a configuration, a step can be formed below the inclined surface 84. By forming the step, the volume of the tablet case 63 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rise in the water level in the tablet case 63 and reduce the possibility that fragments of the tablets J will drift ashore on the inclined surface 84. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tablet J from remaining on the inclined surface 84.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 63 further includes a protrusion 87 that protrudes from the side wall 80 (wall surface) of the tablet case 63 at a position spaced apart from the lower end of the inclined surface 84 by a gap R21. . The protrusion 87 is located between the inclined surface 84 and the accommodation space K10.

With such a configuration, it becomes easier to more reliably guide the tablet J to the storage space K10 while shortening the inclined surface 84. By shortening the inclined surface 84, it is possible to prevent the tablet J from remaining on the inclined surface 84. Since the gap R21 is provided between the inclined surface 84 and the protruding part 87, water can drop down through the gap R21, so that water and fragments of the tablet J are less likely to rise to the inclined surface 84.

The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to load water-soluble, single-use tablets J (solid tablets). The washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 4, a detergent case 60, a tablet case 63 (solid medicine case), a water supply valve 10a (first water supply valve), a water supply valve 10b (second water supply valve), and a control unit C. Equipped with. The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided within the housing 2. The detergent case 60 stores detergent. The tablet case 63 accommodates the tablets J. The water supply valve 10a supplies water to the detergent case 60. The water supply valve 10b supplies water to the tablet case 63. The control unit C controls the water supply valve 10a and the water supply valve 10b to execute a washing process (first process). The washing process includes a preliminary water supply step, a standby step, and a main water supply step. In the preliminary water supply step, water is supplied to the tablets J by the water supply valve 10b. In the standby step, water supply by the water supply valve 10b is stopped after the preliminary water supply step. In the main water supply step, water is supplied by the water supply valve 10b to the tablets J that have undergone the preliminary water supply step after the standby step. The amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is less than the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step.

With this configuration, before the main water supply step for dissolving the tablets J, the tablets J are moistened in the preliminary water supply step and foamed during the standby time, making them easier to dissolve. Therefore, the main water supply step makes it easy to completely dissolve the tablet J. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undissolved tablets J from remaining in the tablet case 63 after the main water supply step.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the washing process includes a washing process in which detergent is added, and at least two rinsing processes. This water supply step is performed in one or more rinse steps before the final rinse step.

With such a configuration, by performing the rinsing step after the main water supply step in which the tablets J are introduced, the tablets J adhering to the laundry can be washed off more reliably. Therefore, discoloration of laundry can be suppressed. In addition, when there are three or more rinsing steps, by performing the rinsing step between the step in which detergent is added and the step in which tablets J are added, detergent remaining in the washing tub 4 after the washing step can be removed. can be suppressed from having an adverse effect on Tablet J.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is less than one tenth of the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the tablets J from dissolving and flowing into the washing tub 4 during the preliminary water supply step.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the preliminary water supply step is performed when the water level in the washing tub 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level.

With such a configuration, even if the tablets J dissolve and flow into the washing tub 4 in the preliminary water supply step, it is possible to prevent the tablets J from adhering to the laundry. Therefore, discoloration of laundry can be suppressed.

[Effect 3]
The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment has a washing tub 4 rotatably provided in a housing 2, and a storage space K10 (solid agent storage space) that stores water-soluble tablets J (solid agent). and a tablet case 63 (solid medicine case) for supplying the tablets J dissolved in water to the washing tub 4. The tablet case 63 is removably provided in the housing 2. In a state where the tablet case 63 is attached to the housing 2, the accommodation space K10 is defined by the opposing side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 (wall surface). When the tablet case 63 is removed from the housing 2, the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 can be released.

With this structure, when the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 is released, the inner surface of the side wall 80 can be easily accessed, and the accumulation of undissolved tablets J can be easily washed away.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the side wall 80 has a mesh 82 (drainage section) formed to allow water to pass through.

With this structure, by releasing the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89, it becomes easier to access the mesh 82 formed on the side wall 80, and the tablets J stuck in the mesh 82 can be easily washed away. .

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 face each other in the width direction K (short direction) of the storage space K10.

With such a structure, the depth from the opening created by canceling the facing state to the inner surface of the side wall 80 is small. Therefore, the user can easily reach the inner surface of the side wall 80 and can easily clean the tablet case 63.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 forms an input port 63a into which the tablets J are input. The width D2 of the input port 63a in the width direction K is approximately the same as the dimension D26 (width) of the accommodation space K10 in the width direction K.

With this structure, when the size of the tablet J to be thrown in is approximately the same as that of the input port 63a, the wide side of the tablet J faces the side wall 80. The side wall 80 has a large area that can come into contact with the tablet J, and undissolved tablets J tend to accumulate there. By releasing the opposing state of the side walls 80, more of the undissolved tablets J can be washed away.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 is arranged so that the lateral direction of the storage space K10 is substantially horizontal.

With such a structure, the tablet case 63 can be made smaller in the horizontal direction while providing a structure that allows easy access to the inner surface of the side wall 80 when the opposing state is released. Therefore, the horizontal space can be used effectively while ensuring ease of cleaning.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tablet case 63 has a hook portion 80a, a hook portion 81a, and a grip portion 81b (hang portion) that protrude outward from the storage space K10.

With such a structure, the attachment position of the tablet case 63 on the main body 64 can be maintained by hooking the hook 80a, the hook 81a, and the gripping portion 81b on the main body 64. Further, by pulling the grip portion 81b, the user can easily remove the tablet case 63 from the washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment further includes a softener case 61 (washing agent case) that is arranged adjacent to the tablet case 63 and stores the softener (washing agent) to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The side wall 80 is made up of the tablet case 63 and has a mesh 82 (drainage section) formed to allow water to pass therethrough. The outer wall 89 is composed of a softener case 61.

With such a structure, simply by removing the tablet case 63 from the washing machine 1, the opposing state between the side wall 80 and the outer wall 89 can be released.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tablet case 63 has a peripheral wall 81 facing the softener case 61. The peripheral wall 81 has a projection 92 that projects toward the softener case 61.

With such a structure, the gap R24 can be provided between the peripheral wall 81 and the softener case 61, and the drainage performance of the tablet case 63 can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rise in the water level in the tablet case 63, and it is possible to suppress fragments of the tablets J from drifting ashore to the upper part of the tablet case 63 and remaining undissolved.

In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the path F2 (water supply path) between the softener case 61 and the tablet case 63 is common.

With such a structure, the structure of the route F2 can be simplified. In the washing machine 1 having the path F2, by providing the automatic loading unit 7, the softener can be supplied to the washing tub 4 during the sterilization course.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

Note that although the example in which the washing machines 1 and 51 are vertical washing machines has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the washing machines 1 and 51 may be drum-type washing machines. The washing machines 1 and 51 do not need to have a drying function.

Although an example in which Tablet J is used as the solid agent has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Although an example has been described in which the tablet J contains a component that exhibits sterilization performance, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, Tablet J may contain components having various functionalities such as fragrance.

Although an example has been described in which Tablet J contains sodium dichloroisocyanurate, the present invention is not limited thereto. Tablet J may also contain other dichloroisocyanurates, such as potassium dichloroisocyanurate. Moreover, when putting in tablets of dichloroisocyanurate different from sodium dichloroisocyanurate, the tablets may be put into the washing tub 4 at the same timing as the softener.

Note that although an example including the automatic dosing unit 7 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing agent supply units 5 and 55 may have only the manual dosing units 6 and 56.

Although an example in which detergent is stored in the detergent case 60 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, detergent case 60 may contain bleach.

Although an example has been described in which the tablet J has a disc shape and is placed in the tablet case 63, 113 in a vertical position, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the tablet J may have other shapes, and the input ports 63a, 113a are designed to match the shape of the tablet J. Further, the shapes of the input ports 63a and 113a may be changed so that the tablets J can be input into the tablet cases 63 and 113 in a horizontal position.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the meshes 82, 132a, 132b, and 132c are configured by ribs 82a and 82b extending in two intersecting directions, but the present invention is not limited to this. The meshes 82, 132a, 132b, and 132c may be of any type as long as they form a drainage section or a water passage area having a plurality of water passage holes.

Although an example in which the tablet case 63 has an open structure on one side has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tablet case 63 may have a lid facing the side wall 80, and the lid may be removable with respect to the tablet case 63. On the other hand, according to the one-side open structure of the first embodiment, the tablet case 63 can be manufactured more easily.

Although an example in which the water supply nozzles 12 and 13 have straight portions has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the water supply nozzles 12, 13 may extend obliquely from the openings 14, 15.

Although an example has been described in which the softener cases 61, 110 and the tablet cases 63, 113 share a common route F2, the present invention is not limited to this. The water supply paths for the softener cases 61 and 110 and the water supply paths for the tablet cases 63 and 113 may be provided independently.

Although the sterilization course has been described as an example of a course in which a water-soluble solid agent is dissolved and supplied to the washing tub 4, the course is not limited to this. The course is not limited to a sterilization course, but may also be a course that imparts various functionalities such as fragrance to the laundry.

Note that although an example including two rinsing steps has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, three or more rinsing steps may be included. In this case, the main water supply step is performed in the rinsing step before the rinsing step immediately before the final rinsing step. With such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably wash off the pieces of tablets J adhering to the laundry in the final rinsing step.

The washing machine in the first aspect is a washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a casing, and a solid agent case containing the solid agent. , a water supply path for supplying water to the solid agent case, the solid agent case has a storage space for accommodating the solid agent, and a space that is separated from the storage space and communicates with the storage space; and a drainage space in which a first drainage section is formed to drain water supplied to the agent case.

As the washing machine according to the second aspect, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, the solid agent case is provided with a regulating part between the accommodation space and the drainage space to restrict entry of the solid agent into the drainage space. .

In the washing machine according to the third aspect, the solid agent case has a narrowed part narrower in width than the accommodation space as a restricting part in the washing machine according to the first or second aspect.

In the washing machine according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the narrowed portion has a shape in which the width of the opening becomes narrower toward the bottom.

As the washing machine according to the fifth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the solid agent case has an extension extending from one side of the solid agent case toward the other side as a regulating part. has a department.

As the washing machine according to the sixth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a first member having a first wall portion facing the first drainage portion is arranged on the outside of the solid agent case. The distance between the first drainage section and the first wall section increases downward.

As the washing machine in the seventh aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the storage space and the drainage space are connected in the lateral direction.

As the washing machine according to the eighth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the area of the first drainage part is 70% or more of the area of the side wall of the drainage space, according to claim 1. washing machine.

As a washing machine according to a ninth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the solid agent case is provided with a solid agent inlet at the top.

In the washing machine according to any one of the first to ninth aspects as the washing machine according to the tenth aspect, the water supply path supplies water to the storage space through the solid agent inlet.

As a washing machine according to an eleventh aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the solid agent inlet is provided at the upper part of the storage space, has a vertically elongated shape, and has a vertical dimension of the storage space. is approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the solid agent inlet.

As the washing machine in the twelfth aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a second drainage part is formed in the accommodation space.

As the washing machine according to the thirteenth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the area of the second drainage section is smaller than the area of the first drainage section.

A washing machine according to a fourteenth aspect is a washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble, single-use solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a housing and a solid agent. A solid drug case having a storage space, and a water supply section having a discharge opening for discharging water and supplying water into the solid drug case through the discharge opening. Pour water toward the wall.

In the washing machine according to the fifteenth aspect, in the washing machine according to the fourteenth aspect, the accommodation space is defined by a part of the inner wall surface, and the water supply section injects water toward the inner wall surface above the accommodation space.

In the washing machine according to the 16th aspect, in the washing machine according to the 14th or 15th aspect, the storage space has a first side that constitutes a short direction in a horizontal cross section of the storage space, and a first side that is perpendicular to the first side in a vertical direction. and a second side, and the length of the first side is less than or equal to the length of the second side.

As the washing machine according to the seventeenth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the length of the second side is equal to or longer than the length of the third side constituting the longitudinal direction in the horizontal cross section of the storage space. The water supply unit injects water upward from the second side of the inner wall surface.

In the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, the inner wall surface includes a first surface that is an inner surface of the solid agent case, and the first surface includes a solid agent case. A drainage section having a plurality of water holes for discharging water inside the case is provided, and the water supply section injects water toward the drainage section.

As a washing machine according to a nineteenth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to eighteenth aspects, the inner wall surface includes a second surface different from the first surface, and the water supply section supplies water toward the drainage section. It includes a first water supply section that injects water and a second water supply section that injects water toward the second surface.

In the washing machine according to the 20th aspect, the first water supply section and the second water supply section are arranged in the longitudinal direction in the horizontal cross section of the accommodation space in the washing machine according to any of the 14th to 19th embodiments.

In the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twentieth aspects as the washing machine according to the twenty-first aspect, the solid agent case is provided with a holding part that holds the solid agent in the storage space.

In the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-first aspects as the washing machine according to the twenty-second aspect, the accommodation space is located vertically below the discharge opening.

A washing machine according to a twenty-third aspect is a washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-second aspects, which includes a case housing section housing a first laundry agent case housing a first laundry agent and a solid agent case; The solid agent case was provided adjacent to the first washing agent case.

A washing machine according to a twenty-fourth aspect is a washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-third aspects, wherein the washing machine includes a first water supply valve that introduces water from the outside, and a first laundry case that stores a softener. The first water supply valve supplies water to the solid agent case and the softener case.

As a washing machine according to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, the solid agent case has an inlet for a user to input the solid agent into the solid agent case; The drug case has an inclined surface extending diagonally downward toward the storage space below the input port.

In the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, the solid agent case includes a wall portion extending downward from the lower end of the inclined surface and a wall portion extending laterally from the lower end of the wall portion. , and a bottom wall portion provided below the accommodation space.

In the washing machine according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-sixth aspects as the washing machine according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the solid agent case has a protrusion projecting from the wall surface of the solid agent case at a position spaced from the lower end of the slope. The protruding portion is located between the inclined surface and the receiving space.

A washing machine according to a twenty-eighth aspect is a washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble single-use solid agent, and includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a casing and a detergent containing a detergent. a first water supply valve that supplies water to the detergent case; a second water supply valve that supplies water to the solid medicine case; and a first water supply valve that controls the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve; a control unit that executes one step, the first step includes a preliminary water supply step of supplying water to the solid agent by the second water supply valve, and after the preliminary water supply step, stopping the water supply by the second water supply valve. A standby step, and a main water supply step in which water is supplied by a second water supply valve to the solid agent that has undergone a preliminary water supply step after the standby step, and the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step. Fewer.

As the washing machine according to the twenty-ninth aspect, in the washing machine according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the first step includes a washing step of adding detergent and at least two rinsing steps, and the main water supply step includes a final rinsing step. is carried out in one or more rinsing steps prior to.

As the washing machine in the 30th aspect, in the washing machine in the 28th or 29th aspect, the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is less than one-tenth of the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step.

In the washing machine according to any one of the twenty-eighth to thirtieth aspects, which is the washing machine according to the thirty-first aspect, the preliminary water supply step is performed when the water level in the washing tub is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level.

Although this disclosure has been fully described with reference to preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that such variations and modifications are included insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the invention according to the appended claims.

Since the washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid injection, it can be used as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer/dryer (for example, a drum-type washing machine for home use). ) is useful as

2 Housing 3 Water tank 4 Washing tub 7 Automatic loading unit 10 Water supply member 12 Water supply nozzle 13 Water supply nozzle 51 Washing machine 55 Washing agent supply unit 56 Manual loading unit 81 Water removal section 100 Unit case 101 Channel member 110 Softener case 110c Outside Wall 111 Bleach case (detergent case)
111c Outer wall 112 Powdered detergent case 113 Tablet case 113a Inlet 113b Grip part 114 Main body part 117 Insertion space 118 Channel 118b Inclined surface 121 Regulating part 122 Hook part 132a Mesh 132b Mesh 132c Mesh 136 Bottom wall part 137 Narrowing part 138 Holding Section 139 Front surface 140 First side wall 141 Peripheral wall 142 Second side wall 145 Notch 146 Notch R11 Accommodation space R12 Drainage space

Claims (31)

1. A washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble solid agent,
   A washing tub rotatably provided in the housing,
   a solid agent case containing the solid agent;
   a water supply route that supplies water to the solid agent case;
   Equipped with
   The solid drug case is
   a storage space that stores the solid agent;
   a washing machine, comprising: a drainage space that is separated from the storage space and has a space that communicates with the storage space, and in which a first drainage section that drains water supplied to the solid agent case is formed; .
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the solid agent case is provided with a regulating portion between the accommodation space and the drainage space that restricts entry of the solid agent into the drainage space.
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the solid agent case has a narrowed portion having a width narrower than the accommodation space as the regulating portion.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the narrowed portion has a shape in which the width of the opening becomes narrower toward the bottom.
5. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the solid agent case has an extending portion that extends from one side of the solid agent case toward the other side as the regulating portion.
6. A first member having a first wall portion facing the first drainage portion is disposed on the outside of the solid agent case,
   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first drainage section and the first wall section increases downward.
7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation space and the drainage space are connected laterally.
8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the area of the first drainage section is 70% or more of the area of the side wall of the drainage space.
9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the solid agent case is provided with a solid agent inlet at the top.
10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the water supply path supplies water to the accommodation space through the solid agent inlet.
11. The solid agent inlet is provided at the upper part of the accommodation space and has a vertically elongated shape,
    The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein a vertical dimension of the accommodation space is approximately the same as a longitudinal dimension of the solid agent inlet.
12. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a second drainage section is formed in the accommodation space.
13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the area of the second drainage part is smaller than the area of the first drainage part.
14. A washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble single-use solid agent,
    A washing tub rotatably provided in the housing,
    a solid agent case having a storage space for accommodating the solid agent;
    a water supply unit having a discharge opening through which water flows out, and supplying water into the solid agent case through the discharge opening;
    Equipped with
    In the washing machine, the water supply unit injects water toward an inner wall surface defining the accommodation space.
15. The accommodation space is defined by a part of the inner wall surface,
    The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the water supply unit injects water toward the inner wall surface above the accommodation space.
16. The accommodation space has a first side that constitutes a short direction in a horizontal cross section of the accommodation space, and a second side that is orthogonal to the first side in a vertical direction,
    The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the length of the first side is less than or equal to the length of the second side.
17. The length of the second side is greater than or equal to the length of the third side constituting the longitudinal direction in a horizontal cross section of the accommodation space,
    The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein the water supply unit injects water upwardly from the second side of the inner wall surface.
18. The inner wall surface includes a first surface that is an inner surface of the solid drug case,
    A drainage section having a plurality of water holes for discharging water in the solid agent case is provided on the first surface,
    The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the water supply section injects water toward the drainage section.
19. The inner wall surface includes a second surface different from the first surface,
    The washing machine according to claim 18, wherein the water supply section includes a first water supply section that injects water toward the drainage section and a second water supply section that injects water toward the second surface.
20. The washing machine according to claim 19, wherein the first water supply part and the second water supply part are arranged in a longitudinal direction in a horizontal cross section of the accommodation space.
21. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the solid agent case is provided with a holding part that holds the solid agent in the storage space.
22. The washing machine according to claim 21, wherein the accommodation space is located vertically below the discharge opening.
23. a first laundry agent case that stores a first laundry agent; and a case storage section that stores the solid agent case;
    a flow path provided above the case accommodating section and supplying water into the case accommodating section;
    Equipped with
    The washing machine according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the solid agent case is provided adjacent to the first laundry agent case.
24. Equipped with a first water supply valve that introduces water from the outside,
    The first laundry agent case is a fabric softener case containing a fabric softener,
    The washing machine according to claim 23, wherein the first water supply valve supplies water to the solid agent case and the softener case.
25. The solid drug case has an inlet for a user to input the solid drug into the solid drug case,
    The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the solid agent case has an inclined surface extending diagonally downward toward the storage space below the input port.
26. The solid drug case is
    a wall extending downward from the lower end of the inclined surface;
    The washing machine according to claim 25, further comprising a bottom wall portion extending laterally from a lower end of the wall portion and provided below the storage space.
27. The solid drug case further includes a protrusion projecting from the wall surface of the solid drug case at a position spaced apart from the lower end of the slope,
    The washing machine according to claim 26, wherein the protrusion is located between the inclined surface and the storage space.
28. A washing machine configured to be able to load a water-soluble single-use solid agent,
    A washing tub rotatably provided in the housing,
    a detergent case containing detergent;
    a solid agent case containing the solid agent;
    a first water supply valve that supplies water to the detergent case;
    a second water supply valve that supplies water to the solid agent case;
    a control unit that controls the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve and executes a first step;
    Equipped with
    The first step is
    a preliminary water supply step of supplying water to the solid agent by the second water supply valve;
    After the preliminary water supply step, a standby step of stopping water supply by the second water supply valve;
    After the standby step, a main water supply step of supplying water by the second water supply valve to the solid agent that has undergone the preliminary water supply step,
    A washing machine in which the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is smaller than the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step.
29. The first step includes a washing step of adding detergent and at least two rinsing steps,
    The washing machine according to claim 28, wherein the main water supply step is performed in one or more rinse steps before the final rinse step.
30. The washing machine according to claim 29, wherein the amount of water supplied in the preliminary water supply step is less than one tenth of the amount of water supplied in the main water supply step.
31. The washing machine according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the preliminary water supply step is performed when the water level of the washing tub is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level.

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