Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine includes a washing machine main body; a washing tub provided on the washing machine main body to wash laundry; at least one tank provided on the washing machine main body to contain a washing treatment liquid; a supply portion to supply the washing treatment liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub; and a pressure adjusting mechanism to suppress a decrease in pressure inside the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-158600 discloses a washing machine that automatically supplies washing liquid from a tank containing detergent, fabric softener and other washing liquids to the washing tank. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, since the washing machine tub described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-158600 is not sealed, the washing liquid inside the tub is frequently in contact with outside air, and the washing liquid may undergo long-term deterioration such as hardening due to oxidation. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is, for example, to provide a washing machine that can inhibit the long-term deterioration of washing liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners.

[0004] One embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing machine body; a washing tub disposed on the washing machine body for washing clothes; at least one tank disposed on the washing machine body for containing washing liquid; a supply unit for supplying the washing liquid stored in the tank to the washing tub; and a pressure regulating mechanism for suppressing the decrease of internal pressure of the tank. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of an example of the internal structure of a washing machine.

[0007] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A diagram of an example of the detergent supply section in a washing machine.

[0008] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a washing liquid supply unit.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the washing liquid supply unit in the first modified example.

[0010] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A graph showing the changes in pressure within the space of the detergent tank.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the washing liquid supply unit in the second modified example.

[0012] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A graph showing the changes in pressure within the space of the detergent tank.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the washing liquid supply unit in the third variation. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0015] (First Implementation)

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to this embodiment. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a longitudinal section of the internal structure of a washer-dryer.

[0017] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 100 has a washing tub 102 inside the washing machine body 101, for example.

[0018] The washing tub 102 includes, for example, a large-diameter bottomed cylinder 120 with an opening 121 at one end, a rotating drum 103 housed within the bottomed cylinder 120, and a drain outlet 122 provided on the bottomed cylinder 120 for draining water from the washing tub 102. Furthermore, the washing tub 102 is elastically supported, for example, by a plurality of support feet 123 (only one shown) provided on the bottom surface of the washing machine body 101, with the opening 121 side facing upwards and maintaining an inclined posture relative to the horizontal plane.

[0019] The rotating drum 103 is, for example, a bottomed cylinder with an opening 130 at one end, slightly smaller in diameter than the washing tub 102. The opening 130 of the rotating drum 103 is connected, for example, substantially concentrically to the opening 121 of the washing tub 102, to the end of the output shaft 140 of the drum motor 104 located at the bottom center of the washing tub 102. Driven by the drum motor 104, the rotating drum 103 rotates inside the washing tub 102 around the output shaft 140. A plurality of small holes 132 are formed throughout the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103, for example, extending from the front. Furthermore, a plurality of guide plates 133 extending axially are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103. Figure 2 Only a portion of the orifice 132 and a baffle 133 are shown in the diagram to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0020] The drain outlet 122 is connected to the drain hose 127 via the drain pipe 124. Washing water and other wastewater from the washing tub 102 are discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 124 and the drain hose 127. Furthermore, a drain valve 126 is provided between the drain pipe 124 and the drain hose 127. The opening and closing of this drain valve 126 controls the water storage and drainage in the washing tub 102.

[0021] The washing machine body 101 includes, for example, a door 110 for loading laundry into the front, an operation panel 115 located at the upper front, a washing liquid supply unit 160 located at the upper part, and a water supply port 150 connected to a water supply source such as a tap water pipe located at the upper rear.

[0022] The control panel 115 includes, for example, an operation section for various operations and a display section for various displays. In the washing machine 100, a series of processes such as washing operation and spin-drying operation are performed by the operation control section corresponding to the operation of the control panel 115.

[0023] The washing liquid supply unit 160, for example, has an openable / closable cover 161. At least one washing liquid tank is provided at the lower part of the cover 161. Figure 1 In this example, the detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163 are provided as washing liquid tanks. The detergent tank 162 has a capacity to hold an amount of liquid detergent for multiple washes. The fabric softener tank 163 has a capacity to hold an amount of liquid fabric softener for multiple washes. Furthermore, the detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163 are detachably mounted on the washing machine body 101. Details of the washing liquid supply unit 160 will be described later.

[0024] Water source connection 150 is connected to the washing tub 102, for example, via water supply valve 151 and main water supply pipe 152. Water supply valve 151 is, for example, a multi-port solenoid valve with multiple water supply outlets. Water supplied from the water source via water source connection 150 is switched at the water supply outlet by water supply valve 151, for example, and together with laundry treatment liquid supplied from detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163, is supplied to the washing tub 102 via main water supply pipe 152.

[0025] On the front of the washing machine body 101 ( Figure 2 The left side of the washing tub 102 (rotating drum 103) may have a door 110 that can be freely opened and closed. Furthermore, when the door 110 is open, an inlet 111 for placing laundry is provided on the washing tub 102. When the door 110 is closed, it closes the opening 121 of the washing tub 102.

[0026] The washing operation of the washing machine 100 is achieved by supplying washing water into the washing tub 102 (rotating drum 103) containing laundry, driving the drum motor 104 to tumble the rotating drum 103. Laundry items inside the rotating drum 103 are immersed in the washing water through small holes 132, and are repeatedly lifted and lowered by the guide plate 133, being washed by striking the inner wall of the rotating drum 103 upon falling. Furthermore, although the washing operation of the washing machine 100 has been described, it may also include a heater, a fan, etc., functioning as a dryer to dry the laundry in the washing tub.

[0027] Next, the details of the washing liquid supply unit 160 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating, conceptually, an example of a washing liquid supply unit 160 in a washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0028] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the washing liquid supply unit 160 includes a detergent tank 162, a fabric softener tank 163, a pump 301, and a valve 302. Detergent in the detergent tank 162 and fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 163 are supplied to the washing tank 102 via the pump 301. For example, the pump 301 draws detergent from the detergent tank 162 or fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 163 and supplies it to the washing tank 102. Preferably, the pump 301 is configured to draw a predetermined amount of washing liquid from each tank. For example, the amount of washing liquid can be adjusted by the driving time of the pump 301.

[0029] The type of washing liquid supplied to the washing tank 102 is switched by valve 302. In this embodiment, valve 302 is used as an example of a valve for switching the type of washing liquid, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure valves corresponding to each tank, and switch the washing liquid by opening and closing these valves.

[0030] Furthermore, the washing solution supplied to the washing tank 102 is configured, for example, to mix with water supplied from a water source via water source connection 150 and water supply valve 151 along the path from pump 301 to washing tank 102. Thus, the washing solution is supplied to washing tank 102 in a diluted state. Additionally, although in this embodiment water is supplied downstream of pump 301 via water source connection 150, it is not limited to this; for example, it could also be configured to supply water upstream of pump 301 or upstream of valve 302. In this case, pump 301 and valve 302 can be flushed with water.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of a tank containing a detergent tank 162 and a fabric softener tank 163 is given, but it is not limited to this, and there may be one or more tanks. For example, multiple types of detergent and / or fabric softener can be contained in different tanks, so that the type of detergent and fabric softener can be selected according to the user's preference.

[0032] In addition, the operation of pump 301, valve 302 and water supply valve 151, etc., is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0033] Next, the detergent dispenser 162 will be described in more detail. As the fabric softener dispenser 163 has the same structure as the detergent dispenser 162, its description will be omitted.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a washing liquid supply unit. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, the detergent tank 162 in the detergent supply section has, for example, a main body (frame) 401 with an upper opening and a cover 402 for closing the opening. For example, a sealing rubber (sealing part) 403 is provided around the entire periphery of the portion of the cover 402 that contacts the main body 401, and the interior of the main body 401 (the interior of the detergent tank 162) is sealed. In other words, for example, the detergent tank 162 includes a main body (frame) 401 with an opening, a cover 402 that blocks the opening, and a sealing rubber (sealing part) 403 that brings the main body (frame) 401 and the cover 402 into close contact. Detergent 404 is contained in the main body 401, and a space 405 is formed above the contained detergent 404. For example, this detergent 404 is the substance supplied to the main body 401 by the user when the cover 402 is opened. Alternatively, ribs may be provided on the inner wall of the main body 401, the ribs representing the maximum amount of detergent supplied to the main body 401 by the user.

[0035] Furthermore, the main body 401, for example, has a connecting portion 406 for connecting to the pump 301 via a valve 302 provided on the washing machine main body 101. The connecting portion 406 is connected, for example, to a connecting portion provided on the washing machine main body 101. The connecting portion 406 is provided with a check valve, for example, and when connected to the connecting portion on the washing machine main body 101 side, the connecting portion 406 communicates with the piping 409 leading to the detergent tank 162, the valve 302, and the pump 301. Furthermore, when the connection between the connecting portion 406 and the connecting portion on the washing machine main body 101 side is released, and the detergent tank 162 is removed from the washing machine main body 101, the check valve on the connecting portion 406 closes, thereby preventing detergent 404 from leaking from the detergent tank 162.

[0036] Furthermore, with the connecting part 406 connected to the connecting part on the washing machine body 101 side, opening the valve 302 causes the pump 301 to operate, supplying the detergent 404 contained in the detergent tank 162 to the washing tub 102. The above describes the case where the detergent 404 is supplied to the detergent tank 162 via the pump 301, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the pump 301 is not provided, the detergent tank 162 is positioned above the washing tub 102, and when the valve 302 is opened, the detergent 404 is supplied to the washing tub 102 by its own weight.

[0037] When detergent 404 in detergent tank 162 is supplied to washing tank 102, the pressure in detergent tank 162 decreases (becomes negative pressure) because the amount of detergent 404 decreases while detergent tank 162 is sealed. Therefore, for example, a connecting hole (flow path) 407 and a check valve (pressure regulating mechanism) 408 for opening and closing the connecting hole 407 are formed on the cover 402. The connecting hole 407 communicates with the outside of detergent tank 162 and the space 405 inside detergent tank 162. The check valve 408 is normally closed to seal the inside of detergent tank 162, but opens when the internal pressure of detergent tank 162 is lower than the external pressure.

[0038] Thus, by means of the check valve 408, the detergent tank 162 is normally kept in a closed state, preventing fresh air from flowing into the space 405 above the detergent 404, thereby inhibiting long-term deterioration such as hardening caused by oxidation of the detergent 404. Furthermore, since the check valve 408 only opens when the internal pressure of the detergent tank 162 is low, it can prevent the detergent 404 from being pulled back towards the detergent tank 162 due to the internal pressure of the detergent tank 162, thereby ensuring smooth supply of detergent 404 to the washing tank 102.

[0039] Furthermore, the example given above, which provides a connecting hole 407 and a check valve 408 on the cover 402, is not limited to this. For example, the connecting hole 407 and the check valve 408 can also be provided in the main body 401. In this case, the connecting hole 407 is preferably located above the liquid surface of the detergent 404 contained in the main body 401, for example, near the cover 402. Additionally, depending on the situation, small holes can be made in the cover 402 or the main body 401 to adjust the pressure inside the main body 401. In such small holes, for example, almost no air flows into the space 405 when it is at normal pressure, and air only flows into the space 405 when it is under negative pressure.

[0040] According to this embodiment of the washing machine, since the detergent tub is sealed, it is possible to suppress long-term deterioration such as hardening caused by detergent oxidation. Furthermore, even if the pressure inside the detergent tub decreases and becomes negative due to detergent being supplied, the pressure inside the detergent tub can be roughly adjusted to normal pressure using a check valve provided on the lid; that is, pressure drop inside the detergent tub can be suppressed. Therefore, when supplying detergent from the detergent tub to the washing tub, it is possible to prevent detergent from returning to the detergent tub side due to the aforementioned negative pressure, and detergent can be supplied to the washing tub smoothly.

[0041] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be replaced with structures that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, structures that perform the same function, or structures that can achieve the same purpose. For example, it can also be configured as in the following variations.

[0042] For example, it can also be configured as in the first variant example. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the detergent supply section of the first modified example. In the above embodiment, the detergent tank 162 involved in this modified example is a component after the check valve 408 is changed to the first seal (pressure regulating mechanism) 501.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first seal 501 adjusts the pressure of the space 405 within the detergent tank 162 by means of pressure, such as movement or deformation. More specifically, the first seal 501 is, for example, a hemispherical rubber body. When the pressure in the space 405 is at atmospheric pressure, the first seal 501, for example, closes the connecting hole 407 in the cover 402 by exerting an upward force, thereby sealing the space 405.

[0044] On the other hand, when the pressure in space 405 is negative (under negative pressure), the first seal 501 resists the upward force and is attracted downward or deformed by the negative pressure in space 405. As a result, the first seal 501 releases its tight contact with the cover 402 in the connecting hole 407, allowing air from outside the detergent tank 162 to flow into space 405 as indicated by arrow A. Furthermore, when the pressure in space 405 becomes normal pressure, the first seal 501 returns to its normal pressure state, i.e., it remains in tight contact with the cover 402 in the connecting hole 407, closing the connecting hole 407 and sealing space 405.

[0045] In this way, by means of the first seal 501, which has a simpler structure than the check valve 408, the pressure of the space 405 can be regulated. Similarly to the above embodiment, the long-term deterioration of the detergent contained in the detergent tank 162 can be suppressed while the detergent 404 can be smoothly supplied from the detergent tank 162 to the washing tank 102.

[0046] Alternatively, it can be configured as in the second variation. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the detergent supply unit of the second modified example. The detergent tank 162 in the detergent supply unit involved in this modified example is a component that has been modified in the above embodiment by deleting the connecting hole 407 and the check valve 408, and replacing the sealing rubber 403 with the second sealing element (pressure regulating mechanism, sealing part) 701.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second seal 701 adjusts the pressure in the space 405 by deforming under pressure within the detergent tank 162. More specifically, the second seal 701 is, for example, composed of a base 801 and a pull-in portion 802, and is disposed in a groove 803 provided around the entire periphery of the cover 402. The base 801 is fixed to the groove 803 of the cover 402. Furthermore, the pull-in portion 802 is configured to extend from the base 801 toward the body 401 when the body 401 is closed by the cover 402. In addition, the pull-in portion 802 is configured to be thinner in the vertical direction in the direction extending toward the body 401. Furthermore, the second seal 701 is formed of, for example, a rubber-like material, and when the body 401 is closed by the cover 402, the pull-in portion 802 makes tight contact with the body 401 using the elasticity of the second seal 701 itself.

[0048] When the pressure in space 405 is at normal atmospheric pressure, the pull-in portion 802, for example, seals space 405 by the elasticity of the second seal 701 itself, making it tightly contacted with the main body 401. However, because there is a gap between the part where the main body 401 and the cover 402 are in direct contact, air can pass through space 405, making it difficult to seal space 405 without the second seal 701. Furthermore, for example, the pull-in portion 802, like the base 801, can be provided around the entire perimeter of the groove 803, or at least one can be provided on a portion of the base 801 provided in a manner that fills the groove 803.

[0049] On the other hand, when the pressure in space 405 is negative (under negative pressure), the pull-in portion 802 in the second seal 701 resists the aforementioned elastic force and is drawn downward by the negative pressure in space 405. As a result, the tight contact between the pull-in portion 802 and the main body 401 is released, and as shown by arrow B, air from outside the detergent tank 162 flows into space 405. Furthermore, when the pressure in space 405 becomes normal pressure, the pull-in portion 802 in the second seal 701 returns to its normal pressure state, that is, it remains in tight contact with the main body 401, sealing space 405.

[0050] In this way, by using the second seal 701, which has a simpler structure than the check valve 408, the pressure of the space 405 can be regulated, that is, the decrease in pressure of the space 405 can be suppressed. And similarly to the above embodiment, the long-term deterioration of the detergent contained in the detergent tank 162 can be suppressed, while the detergent 404 can be smoothly supplied from the detergent tank 162 to the washing tank 102.

[0051] Furthermore, it can also be configured as in the third variation example. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the washing liquid supply unit of the third modification. In the above embodiment, the detergent tank 162 in the washing liquid supply unit involved in this modification is a component that has had the connecting hole 407 and the check valve 408 removed and is connected from the main body 401 to the check valve (pressure regulating mechanism) 902 provided on the washing machine main body 101.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, in this modified example, the main body 401 of the detergent tub 162 has, for example, a pressure regulating connection 901 for connecting to a check valve 902 provided on the washing machine main body 101. The pressure regulating connection 901 is connected, for example, to a pressure regulating connection provided on the washing machine main body 101 side. The pressure regulating connection 901 is provided with a check valve, which, when connected to the pressure regulating connection on the washing machine main body 101 side, communicates with the piping (flow path) 903 leading from the detergent tub 162 to the check valve 902. Furthermore, when the connection between the pressure regulating connection 901 and the pressure regulating connection on the washing machine main body 101 side is released and the detergent tub 162 is removed from the washing machine main body 101, the check valve of the pressure regulating connection 901 is closed, thus maintaining the seal of the space 405 in the detergent tub 162. The pressure regulating connection 901 is preferably located above the liquid surface of the detergent 404 contained in the main body 401, for example, near the cover 402.

[0053] Furthermore, when the pressure regulating connection 901 is connected to the pressure regulating connection on the washing machine body 101 side, the check valve 902, like the check valve 408 described above, opens when the space 405 is under negative pressure and closes when the space 405 is under normal pressure. Alternatively, for example, the first sealing member 501 described above can be used instead of the check valve 902.

[0054] Thus, by providing the check valve 902 on the washing machine body 101 instead of on the detergent tub 162, the structure of the detergent tub 162 can be simplified. This allows for the regulation of the pressure in the space 405, meaning that pressure drop in the space 405 can be suppressed. Similarly, as in the above embodiment, the long-term deterioration of the detergent contained in the detergent tub 162 can be suppressed while ensuring smooth supply of detergent 404 from the detergent tub 162 to the washing tub 102. Furthermore, for example, in the case of multiple tubs, the pressure in each tub can be adjusted by a single check valve 902, for example, by connecting pipes from each tub to the check valve 902. Alternatively, check valves 902 corresponding to each tub can also be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a user opening the cover 402 to supply detergent 404 to the main body 401 was described. However, for example, a dispensing part for supplying detergent 404 to the cover 402 could also be provided. For example, this dispensing part could be an openable cover configured to have a sealing part that, when closed, makes tight contact with the cover 402, thereby sealing the interior of the detergent dispenser 162. This sealing part could be the aforementioned sealing rubber 403, the second sealing member 701, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where detergent supplied from the detergent tank and fabric softener supplied from the fabric softener tank are directly supplied to the washing tank has been described, but this is not a limitation. For example, it may be configured such that after the detergent and fabric softener are stored in a separately provided supply unit, the detergent or fabric softener is supplied to the washing tank simultaneously with water supplied from a water source to that supply unit. Alternatively, the supply unit may be configured separately for detergent and fabric softener. With this structure, the mixing of detergent and fabric softener can be suppressed.

[0057] Alternatively, the system can be configured to have separate paths for adding detergent from the detergent tank to the washing tank and for adding fabric softener from the fabric softener tank to the washing tank, allowing the detergent and fabric softener to be added to the washing tank via different paths. This helps to prevent the mixing of detergent and fabric softener used at different times from each other.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, check valve 408, valve 302, water supply valve 151, and check valve 902 can be used as opening and closing valves that control the opening and closing of solenoid valves, etc. By means of the control unit, each opening and closing valve is opened when the pump 301 is operated, and the opening and closing of each opening and closing valve is controlled according to the operation of the pump 301.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be replaced by structures that are substantially the same as those shown in the above embodiments, structures that perform the same function or achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, have: Washing machine body; A washing tub disposed on the main body of the washing machine for washing laundry; At least one tank disposed on the main body of the washing machine and containing washing liquid; The washing solution contained in the tank is supplied to the supply unit of the washing tank; as well as A pressure regulating mechanism to suppress the decrease in pressure inside the tank. The groove includes: a box having an opening at the top, a cover that plugs the opening, and a sealing part that brings the box and the cover into tight contact. The sealing part is configured to include a sealing element having a pull-in portion that allows communication between the inside of the groove and the outside when there is negative pressure inside the groove, thereby also functioning as the pressure regulating mechanism. The pull-in portion has a shape that thins from the base side located at the center of the cover towards the front end side located on the outer side of the cover, and has a shape that curves the front end side towards the inner side of the groove. The supply unit includes a control valve that controls the supply of the washing liquid from the tank to the washing tank, the tank being disposed above the washing tank. When the control valve is open, the washing liquid is supplied to the washing tank by its own weight.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one slot may be multiple, and each slot is connected to a flow path.

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