washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine includes a detergent canister containing detergent and a main body housing on which the detergent canister is detachably mounted. The detergent canister has: a discharge section for discharging the contained detergent; a swing arm that is swingably mounted; and a receiving dish section located at the end of the swing arm. Regarding the swing arm, when the detergent canister is removed from the main body housing, the receiving dish section swings in a covering direction, covering the area below the discharge section; when the detergent canister is installed back into the main body housing, it swings in an opening direction, opposite to the covering direction, and the receiving dish section separates from the area below the discharge section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine having a detergent dispensing section for dispensing detergent. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, washing machines that automatically dispense detergent into the washing tub have become increasingly popular. Among such washing machines, there are models with removable detergent dispensers that pre-fill the detergent tank and automatically dispense it during washing without inconveniencing the user (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-58881 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-506959). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The washing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-58881 has a housing, a water tank, and a washing liquid supply unit for supplying washing liquid to the water tank. The washing liquid supply unit has a tank that holds the washing liquid inside, and the housing has a cover provided on top of the tank. The tank can be removed by opening the cover and looking upwards.

[0004] The washing machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-506959 has an automatic additive dispensing device and an additive box (equivalent to a can) containing liquid additives. The additive box is a sealed can-type structure and is installed in an opening on the casing of the washing machine in a pull-out manner.

[0005] In the case of a washing machine with a removable tank as described above, a connection part for spraying detergent needs to be provided in the tank, but sometimes liquid dripping occurs, such as detergent dripping from the connection part.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a washing machine that prevents liquid from dripping when the detergent can be removed from the housing.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine having a detergent dispensing section for dispensing detergent. The washing machine is characterized by comprising: a detergent tank for containing detergent; and a main body housing on which the detergent tank is detachably mounted. The detergent tank has: a discharge section for discharging the contained detergent; a swing arm for swinging freely; and a receiving dish at the end of the swing arm. When the detergent tank is removed from the main body housing, the receiving dish swings in a covering direction to cover the area below the discharge section; when the detergent tank is installed back into the main body housing, it swings in an opening direction opposite to the covering direction, and the receiving dish separates from the area below the discharge section.

[0008] The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention may also be configured to have: a force-applying member disposed on the detergent tank, which applies force to the swing arm in the covering direction; and a guide portion disposed on the main body housing, which abuts against the swing arm, wherein when the detergent tank is installed on the main body housing, the swing arm is guided by the guide portion to swing in the opening direction.

[0009] The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention may also be configured such that a can-holding portion protruding downwards compared to the surrounding area is provided on the bottom surface of the detergent can, and when the detergent can is removed from the main body housing, the receiving dish portion and the can-holding portion abut against the holding surface.

[0010] In a washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the detergent container may be configured to be rectangular in shape when viewed from above, with the container holding portion located at one end along the long side of the detergent container and the receiving dish portion located at the other end along the long side.

[0011] In a washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the receiving dish may also be configured such that a liquid receiving portion protrudes upwards from the end on the covering direction side.

[0012] In a washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the detergent tank may be configured to be rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and the swing arm may be configured to rotate around an arm shaft supported by an axle, the arm shaft being arranged along the short side of the detergent tank.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the detergent can is removed from the main body housing, the receiving dish catches the detergent dripping from the detergent can, thus preventing liquid from dripping. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a schematic top view of the washing machine.

[0016] Figure 3 It indicates that it is open. Figure 2 A schematic top view showing the state of the washing machine's tank compartment cover.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an enlarged top view showing the area near the can housing of the main body shell.

[0018] Figure 5 It is further magnified and shown Figure 4 An enlarged stereoscopic view of the area near the first containment section.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the detergent dispenser.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the detergent dispenser in its open state.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a bottom view showing the detergent dispenser in its open state.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the detergent container in its covered state.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the detergent dispenser with the container covered.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view showing the swing arm.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the receiving dish section.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the section near the guide section of the tank housing. Detailed Implementation

[0027] (First Implementation)

[0028] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a schematic top view of the washing machine. Figure 3 It indicates that it is open. Figure 2 A schematic top view showing the state of the washing machine's tank compartment cover.

[0030] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body shell 10 formed of metal or synthetic resin. The main body shell 10 is rectangular in shape, and its upper surface is provided with a laundry inlet 10a for inserting laundry. The laundry inlet 10a is covered by a top cover 11 that is rotatably supported, and the laundry inlet 10a is exposed by opening the top cover 11.

[0031] The main body shell 10 houses a washing tank 12 and a water tank 13. The washing tank 12 and the water tank 13 are cup-shaped with bottoms and open at the top, and are perpendicular to the central axis. They are coaxially arranged with the water tank 13 on the outside and the washing tank 103 on the inside.

[0032] An agitator 14 is rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the washing tub 12. Additionally, a drive unit 20, comprising a braking mechanism 21 and a drive motor 22, is mounted on the underside of the tub 13. The drive unit 20 connects the washing tub 12 and the agitator 14, and by switching the clutch, it can select the object to be rotated. Depending on the process, it can rotate only the agitator 14, or both the washing tub 12 and the agitator 14.

[0033] The washing machine 1 includes a water supply unit 30 that supplies water to the washing tub 12. The water supply unit 30 is connected to a tap water pipe via a water supply pipe 31. Additionally, the water supply unit 30 is connected to a detergent dispensing unit 32 that dispenses detergent (and finishing agent) into the washing tub 12. In the detergent dispensing unit 32, detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 50, mixed with the water supplied from the water supply unit 30, and then added to the washing tub 12. Furthermore, the detergent dispensing unit 32 includes a metering unit that measures at least the amount of finishing agent dispensed, as indicated by the control unit. Moreover, the water supply unit 30 and the detergent dispensing unit 32 are connected via a valve, and the timing of dispensing detergent and finishing agent can be adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0034] The sink 13 is connected to a drain pipe 40, and a drain valve 41 is provided in the drain pipe 40. Water can be supplied by closing the drain valve 41 to accumulate in the sink 12, and the water in the sink 12 can be drained by opening the drain valve 41.

[0035] The washing machine 1 has a can receiving cover 15 on the rear part of the upper surface of the main body housing 10. The can receiving cover 15 covers the can receiving section 60 (see reference). Figure 4 Above the detergent container 50, the detergent container 50 housed in the container housing 60 is exposed by opening it. In this embodiment, two detergent containers 50 are configured to be housed, with a first container 50a and a second container 50b arranged laterally. The first container 50a and the second container 50b house detergent that is automatically dispensed into the washing tub 12 and are detachable from the main housing 10.

[0036] In the washing machine 1, in addition to the detergent dispenser 50, a manual dispensing unit is also provided as a part for storing detergent. During washing, the user dispenses a single amount of detergent into the manual dispensing unit, causing water supplied from the water supply unit 30 to be dispensed into the washing tub 12 via the manual dispensing unit. In this embodiment, the water supply unit 30 has both a path for supplying water to the washing tub 12 via the detergent dispensing unit 32 and a path for supplying water to the washing tub 12 via the manual dispensing unit. However, it is not limited to this; the path may also supply water to the washing tub 12 via both the detergent dispensing unit 32 and the manual dispensing unit.

[0037] Additionally, a water supply connection 33 is provided on the rear of the upper surface of the main housing 10, further rearward than the tank housing 60, for connecting the water supply pipe 31 to a tap water pipe. By connecting the tap water pipe to the water supply connection 33, water can be supplied to the water supply pipe 31. Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, an auxiliary connection for supplying water from sources other than the tap water pipe may also be provided. The auxiliary connection may, for example, be connected to a hose with a pump to draw in residual hot water from the bathtub. The auxiliary connection may also be positioned similarly to the water supply connection 33, further rearward than the tank housing 60.

[0038] Figure 4 This is an enlarged top view showing the area near the can housing of the main body shell. Figure 5 It is further magnified and shown Figure 4 An enlarged stereoscopic view of the area near the first containment section.

[0039] Figure 4 This shows a component that has been extracted from the rear upper surface of the main body tank 10, occupying a portion near the tank housing 60. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the middle, it is set to the state where the can housing cover 15, detergent can 50, etc. have been removed.

[0040] The main body housing 10 has a first receiving portion 60a and a second receiving portion 60b that are recessed downwards as canister receiving portions 60. In the washing machine 1, the first receiving portion 60a houses the first canister 50a, and the second receiving portion 60b houses the second canister 50b. The main difference between the second receiving portion 60b and the first canister 50a is that they are approximately linearly symmetrical in shape, but their functions are not significantly different. That is, the parts provided in the first receiving portion 60a and the first canister 50a are also provided in the second receiving portion 60b and the second canister 50b in approximately the same way. Therefore, the description of the second receiving portion 60b and the second canister 50b will be omitted below by describing the first receiving portion 60a and the first canister 50a in detail.

[0041] As described above, the detergent can 50 is mounted on the receiving bottom surface 61 of the can receiving section 60 and is installed on the main body housing 10. A can discharge section 51e for discharging the detergent contained inside is provided on the bottom surface of the detergent can 50 (see below). Figure 8 It connects to the main inlet 62 located in the tank receiving section 60. Although in Figure 4 (Omitted in the text) Check valves are provided at the main body inlet 62 and the can discharge section 51e to prevent backflow of detergent supplied from the detergent can 50 to the detergent dispensing section 32. Furthermore, the main body inlet 62 is configured to apply pressure to press the can discharge section 51e to prevent it from detaching due to undesirable weak force or creating gaps that could lead to detergent leakage.

[0042] The receiving bottom surface 61 has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the detergent tank 50, and in this embodiment, it is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The short side of the receiving bottom surface 61 runs along the direction opposite to the front and rear of the washing machine 1 (in... Figure 4 In the middle (vertical direction), the long side of the receiving bottom surface 61 is along the opposite direction of the left and right sides of the washing machine 1 (in the direction of vertical direction). Figure 4 (In the middle, in the left-right direction). The first containment section 60a and the second containment section 60b are arranged along their long sides.

[0043] A handle receiving portion 63 is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the can receiving portion 60, at a position higher than the receiving bottom surface 61. The handle receiving portion 63 houses a handle 54 (see below) that is mounted on the detergent can 50. Figure 6 ).

[0044] A guide portion 64, protruding upwards from the base surface 61, is provided on the side along its long side near a corner. The guide portion 64 has an inclined surface whose apex is higher than the base surface 61 and decreases in elevation with increasing angle. The relationship between the guide portion 64 and the detergent dispenser 50 will be described later. Figure 13 Please provide an explanation.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the detergent dispenser. Figure 7 This is a side view showing the detergent dispenser in its open state. Figure 8 This is a bottom view showing the detergent dispenser in its open state. Furthermore, Figures 6 to 8 The first can 50a is shown as one of the detergent cans 50.

[0046] The detergent can 50 consists of a can body 51, a can lid 52, a handle 54, and a small window cover 53.

[0047] The can body 51 is a roughly rectangular container with an overall open top surface. When viewed from above, it is roughly rectangular in shape with rounded corners. On the bottom surface of the can body 51, a can discharge section 51e is provided near the end along the long side. The can discharge section 51e is located at a position that overlaps with the main body inlet 62.

[0048] The lid 52 is shaped to correspond to the can body 51 and covers the upper surface of the can body 51 by being mounted on it. A gasket is sandwiched between the lid 52 and the can body 51 to seal any gaps. There are no particular limitations on the gasket; it can be installed either to cover the outer periphery of the lid 52 or along the upper end of the can body 51.

[0049] A small window is provided in the can lid 52 with a partial opening, and a small window cover 53 covers the small window from above. The small window cover 53 is configured to be openable, closable and detachable relative to the can lid 52, and the user can refill the detergent by opening (or removing) the small window cover 53.

[0050] Handle shafts 51a are provided on two opposite sides along the long side of the can body 51. The handle 54 is configured such that one end is locked onto the handle shaft 51a on one side, and the other end is locked onto the handle shaft 51a on the other side, and rotates around the locked portion. By rotating, the portion of the handle 54 extending from one end to the other (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a grip) can move between the top and side of the detergent can 50. When the detergent can 50 is housed in the can housing portion 60, if the handle is moved to one side of the detergent can 50, the handle 54 is housed in the handle housing portion 63.

[0051] The bottom surface of the can body 51 has a can mounting portion 51c that protrudes downwards from the surrounding area. The can mounting portion 51c is designed to directly abut against the detergent can 50 when it is removed from the main body housing 10 and placed on a surface other than the can receiving portion 60 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the mounting surface 100). The can mounting portion 51c is located at one end along its long side. Figure 7 (The middle is the left end). Regarding the state of placing the detergent can 50 on the mounting surface 100, please refer to the following description. Figure 9 Please provide an explanation.

[0052] A swing arm 55 is also installed on the can body 51. Corresponding to the swing arm 55, arm shafts 51b are respectively provided on opposite sides of the can body 51 in the short-side direction. One end of the swing arm 55 is supported on the arm shaft 51b, and the other end is provided with a receiving dish portion 56. That is, the two swing arms 55 extending along the two sides of the can body 51 are connected via the receiving dish portion 56 provided at the front end. The swing arm 55 moves the receiving dish portion 56 by rotating the arm shaft 51b as a fulcrum.

[0053] A swing limiting part 51d is provided on the side of the tank body 51 to catch the rotating swing arm 55. When the swing arm 55 touches the swing limiting part 51d, the rotation of the swing arm 55 stops. A force applying member 57 is installed on the arm shaft 51b to apply force to the swing arm 55. The force applying member 57 applies force to the swing arm 55 in the direction of the swing arm 55 toward the swing limiting part 51d. Figure 9 A force is applied in the coverage direction R2. Furthermore, regarding the swing state of the swing arm 55 swinging in the coverage direction R2, reference will be made to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Please provide an explanation.

[0054] When the detergent can 50 is housed in the can housing 60, the swing arm 55 is pushed by the guide 64 in a direction away from the swing limit 51d. Figure 7 The swing arm 55 swings in the open direction R1. When the swing arm 55 swings in the open direction R1, the receiving dish 56 moves away from below the can discharge section 51e. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows the open state with the swing arm 55 swinging in the open direction R1, and the receiving dish 56 located near the corner between the bottom and side surfaces of the can body 51. Due to the movement of the receiving dish 56, the can discharge section 51e is exposed and can be connected to the body inlet 62.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the detergent container in its covered state. Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the detergent dispenser with the container covered.

[0056] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It shows relative to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The swing arm 55 swings in the covering direction R2, and the handle 54 is moved above the detergent can 50. When removing the detergent can 50 from the can housing 60, if the handle 54 is moved above the detergent can 50, the user can hold the handle 54 and suspend the detergent can 50 for easy handling. At this time, when the detergent can 50 is lifted, the swing arm 55 separates from the guide 64 and swings in the covering direction R2 using the force received from the force application member 57. Then, with the swing arm 55 held by the swing limiting part 51d, the receiving dish 56 is located directly below the can discharge part 51e. In this way, when the detergent can 50 is removed from the main housing 10, the receiving dish 56 catches the detergent dripping from the detergent can 50, preventing liquid from dripping. In addition, the receiving dish 56 can be configured to be located below the can discharge part 51e in the covered state, or a gap can be provided between it and the can discharge part 51e. In this embodiment, a gap of approximately 1 cm is provided above the receiving dish portion 56, allowing the user to insert a finger to clean the receiving dish portion 56. Alternatively, the can discharge portion 51e may be configured to extend to one side from the side of the can body 51. In this case, the receiving dish portion 56 may also be configured to be located below the can discharge portion 51e when covered.

[0057] When the detergent can 50 is placed on the mounting surface 100, the receiving dish portion 56, together with the can mounting portion 51c described above, abuts against the mounting surface 100. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the receiving dish portion 56 is provided on the end side opposite to the can-holding portion 51c in the long side direction. Figure 9(The middle part is the right end). In this way, by supporting the detergent can 50 for loading and unloading at both the receiving dish portion 56 and the can mounting portion 51c, it can be placed stably on the mounting surface 100. In addition, by arranging the parts supporting the detergent can 50 as separately as possible, the stability during placement can be improved.

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, the arm shaft 51b is along the short side of the detergent tank 50 (in Figure 10 (The middle is arranged in the vertical direction). Therefore, the swing arm 55 rotates around the axis of the arm shaft 51b along the short side direction. In the short side direction where the width of the detergent tank 50 is narrower, the length from the side of the detergent tank 50 to the tank discharge part 51e is shorter, which allows the receiving dish part 56 to be smaller and enables efficient arrangement of each part.

[0059] The swing limiting part 51d catches the swing arm 55 in a state where it is rotated slightly inward than vertical. Figure 9 In the diagram, a vertical line SL extending from arm axis 51b toward mounting surface 100 is shown as a single-dotted line. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 9 As shown, the swing arm 55 is located at its lower end closer to the can loading part 51c than the vertical line SL.

[0060] When the detergent can 50 is covered, it is suddenly impacted. Due to this impact, the swing arm 55 swings and loses its balance, raising concerns that the detergent can 50 may tip over. In contrast, in this embodiment, the swing arm 55 rotates slightly inward more than vertically and then stops. For example, the impact of pressing down on the detergent can 50 from above becomes a force that causes the swing arm 55 to rotate further inward. As a result, since the swing arm 55 is stopped by the swing limiting part 51d, the tipping of the detergent can 50 can be prevented.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view showing the swing arm. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the receiving dish section.

[0062] Figure 11 The swing arm 55 is shown removed from the detergent tank 50. Figure 12 It shows along Figure 11 The state of the cross section with a single-dotted line as viewed from the direction of arrow A.

[0063] The receiving dish portion 56 has a main surface portion 56a that abuts against the mounting surface 100 in the covered state, and an end portion (in the covered direction R2 side) Figure 12 The liquid receiving portion 56b (located at the left end) protrudes upwards from the main surface portion 56a. Furthermore, not limited to this, the receiving portion 56 may also be configured with the end facing the opening direction R1 (…). Figure 12The shape (right end) protrudes upwards from the main surface portion 56a. That is, by providing a high portion around the main surface portion 56a, a container-like shape is formed, allowing small amounts of detergent to accumulate in the receiving dish portion 56 and preventing dripping. Furthermore, by receiving the detergent accumulated in the receiving dish portion 56 by the liquid receiving portion 56b, dripping of detergent from the receiving dish portion 56 can be prevented when the detergent dispenser 50 is installed. The liquid receiving portion 56b can be, for example, a rib-like protrusion, or a surface narrower than the main surface portion 56a. When the liquid receiving portion 56b is a surface, the range of motion of the swing arm 55 can be set so that in the open state, it is in a horizontal state, or in a state that is lower than the main surface portion 56a.

[0064] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the section near the guide section of the tank housing.

[0065] Figure 13 A schematic cross-section of the can receiving portion 60, following the outline of the detergent can 50 via the guide portion 64, is shown. Hereinafter, for illustrative purposes, the end side of the detergent can 50 (in...) Figure 13 The middle (left side) is referred to as the end side, which is the central side of the detergent can 50 (in the middle). Figure 13 The middle (right side) is abbreviated as central side. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the guide portion 64 has a apex near the direct below of the arm shaft 51b, and is positioned such that it faces one side along the short side of the receiving bottom surface 61. Figure 13 The guide portion 64 is a sloping surface that slopes downwards from the left end of the bottom surface 61. That is, the central part of the guide portion 64 is higher, and the end part is lower.

[0066] When the detergent can 50 is housed in the can housing 60, firstly, the front end (lower end) of the swing arm 55 abuts near the apex of the guide 64. Then, if the detergent can 50 is lowered further, the front end of the swing arm 55 is pushed to the end side along the inclination of the guide 64. When the detergent can 50 is lowered into the can housing 60, the swing arm 55 is guided by the guide 64 to swing in the opening direction R1 and moves to the position of the can housing 60. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the same position. Thus, by providing the force-applying component 57 and the guide 64, the swing arm 55 swings in response to the loading and unloading of the detergent tank 50, enabling the receiving dish 56 to be moved to a position suitable for preventing liquid dripping and adding detergent.

[0067] Furthermore, all aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is defined by the claims. Moreover, all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a detergent dispensing unit for dispensing detergent, characterized in that it includes: Detergent container, which contains detergent; and The main body casing is equipped with the detergent tank, which can be easily installed and removed. The detergent container has: The can discharge section discharges the detergent it contains; A swing arm, which is mounted to swing freely; and A receiving dish is located at the end of the swing arm. Regarding the swing arm, when the detergent can is removed from the main housing, the receiving dish swings in a covering direction to cover the area below the can discharge section. When the detergent can is installed into the main housing, it swings in an opening direction opposite to the covering direction, and the receiving dish moves away from the area below the can discharge section.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A force-applying component, disposed in the detergent tank, applies force to the swing arm in the covering direction; and The guide section is located on the main body housing and abuts against the swing arm. When the detergent can is installed on the main housing, the swing arm is guided by the guide to swing in the opening direction.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A can holder that protrudes downwards from its surroundings is located on the bottom surface of the detergent can. When the detergent can is removed from the main housing, the receiving dish and the can placement part abut against the placement surface.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detergent container is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The can-holding portion is located at one end along the long side of the detergent can. The receiving dish is located at the other end along the long side.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving dish portion has: The main surface portion, in its covered state where it covers the discharge portion of the can, abuts against the mounting surface; and The liquid receiving part, in the covered state, is located at the end of the receiving dish on the covered direction side, protruding upwards further than the main surface part.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The detergent container is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The swing arm is configured to rotate around an arm shaft supported by an axle as a fulcrum. The arm shaft is configured along the short side of the detergent tank.

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