Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine is provided that, without affecting the overall size of the washing machine, increases the volume of the automatic dispensing detergent tank while considering user convenience during manual dispensing. The washing machine includes: a detergent dispenser that receives and stores the detergent dispensed by the user for a single wash cycle, for supplying water to the water tank; an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent into the water tank; a detergent tank, forming part of the automatic dispensing device, capable of storing the amount of detergent for multiple wash cycles; and a receiving section that can selectively accommodate either the detergent dispenser or the detergent tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, to improve user convenience, washing machines equipped with automatic detergent dispensing devices have been developed. These devices pre-store multiple amounts of detergent in a dispensing tank and automatically dispense the necessary amount during each wash cycle. In this case, increasing the tank capacity is more convenient for users to reduce the frequency of refilling the detergent. However, increasing the tank capacity also tends to increase the overall size of the washing machine. Alternatively, such washing machines sometimes have a dispensing unit for manually adding the necessary amount of detergent during each wash cycle, allowing users to select the detergent according to preference and type of clothing. If the dispensing unit is too small, it becomes difficult for users to dispense the detergent.

[0003] On the other hand, due to recent housing conditions, there is a desire to miniaturize washing machines so that they can be installed even in limited spaces. Moreover, in order to miniaturize the washing machine, it is necessary to miniaturize at least one or both of the automatic dispensing tank and the manual dispensing unit.

[0004] Existing technical documents:

[0005] Patent documents:

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-011618 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, a washing machine is provided that does not affect the overall size of the washing machine, while increasing the volume of the automatic dispensing tank and taking into account the user's convenience when dispensing manually.

[0008] The washing machine of the embodiment includes: a water tank; a treatment agent container that receives and stores a single-use treatment agent added by a user for supplying the water tank; an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of treatment agent into the water tank; a treatment agent tank, which is part of the automatic dispensing device and is capable of storing multiple-use amounts of the treatment agent; and a receiving section capable of selectively receiving either the treatment agent container or the treatment agent tank. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, showing the case where the treatment agent tank is housed in the housing section, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, showing the case where the treatment agent container is housed in the housing section, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a top view of the feeding mechanism schematically showing the case where the treatment agent box is housed in the receiving section after the receiving section cover of the washing machine in the first embodiment has been removed.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a side view of the feeding mechanism schematically showing the case where the treatment agent tank is housed in the receiving section after the receiving section cover of the washing machine in the first embodiment has been removed.

[0016] Figure 8 It refers to the rear edge of the washing machine disassembly and receiving section cover in the first embodiment. Figure 7 The x8-x8 line schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection mechanism in which the treatment agent tank is housed in the containment section.

[0017] Figure 9 This refers to the washing machine in the first embodiment. Figure 6 The x9-x9 line shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the containment section when the treatment agent container is contained.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the treatment agent tank in the washing machine of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the treatment tank in the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 The diagram shows the control unit's control over the opening and closing of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve during the process of dissolving the treatment agent in water from an external water source in the washing machine of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 The diagram shows the control unit's control over the opening and closing of the first and second water supply valves during the process of dissolving the treatment agent in water from an external water source in the washing machine of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the housing section in the washing machine of the third embodiment, where a treatment agent cartridge is housed (equivalent to...). Figure 9 (Image).

[0024] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control operations related to the input of a treatment agent performed by a control device for a washing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control operations related to the input of a treatment agent performed by a control device for a washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the housing section in the case of housing the treatment agent cartridge in the washing machine of the fifth embodiment (equivalent to...). Figure 9 (Image).

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 10…washing machine, 12…water tank, 14…control device, 17…operation panel (operation unit), 22…first water supply path, 221…upstream section, 222…downstream section, 23…second water supply path, 25…first water supply valve, 26…second water supply valve, 27…merging section, 28…merging section connection port, 30…injection mechanism, 31…receiving section, 311…front wall section (wall section), 312…side wall section (wall section), 313…rear wall section (Wall section), 314…Bottom, 315…Upper layer (bottom), 316…Lower layer (bottom), 317…Layer wall section (wall section), 32…Automatic dispensing device, 34…Water inlet, 35…Drain outlet of receiving section, 40…Treatment agent tank, 416…Tank opening, 50…Treatment agent box body, 54…Box body opening, 60…Sensing section, 61…Sensed section, 70…Treatment agent box body, 70a, 70b…Treatment agent box body, 74…Box body opening Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Several embodiments of a washing machine will be described. Each embodiment and its variations can be applied to... Figure 1 This refers to either a horizontal or oblique axis type drum washing machine, or a vertical axis type washing machine (not shown). Furthermore, in each embodiment, substantially identical elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted.

[0030] (First Implementation)

[0031] Reference Figures 1-12 The first embodiment will be described. For example... Figures 1-2 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes an outer casing 11, a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a control device 14, a rotating drum motor 15, a drainage mechanism 16, an operation panel 17, a water supply mechanism 20, and an dispensing mechanism 30. The dispensing mechanism 30 comprises a receiving section 31, an automatic dispensing device 32, and a detergent dispenser 50, which will be described in detail later. The automatic dispensing device 32, which automatically dispenses the detergent, comprises a detergent tank 40 capable of storing the amount of detergent needed for multiple wash cycles. The detergent dispenser 50 receives and stores the detergent when the user manually dispenses it. The receiving section 31 can selectively house either the detergent tank 40 or the detergent dispenser 50.

[0032] In addition, Figure 1 In this design, the side facing down (vertically lower) of the washing machine 10 is designated as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite to the side facing down (vertically upper) is designated as the upper side of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is a horizontal axis type drum washing machine with the rotating shaft of the drum 13 facing horizontally or an inclined axis type drum washing machine with the rotating shaft of the drum 13 tilting downwards towards the rear.

[0033] The washing machine 10 may have a heat pump or heater-type drying function, or it may not have this function. The water tank 12 is disposed inside the outer casing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotating drum 13 is rotatably disposed inside the water tank 12. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotating drum 13 function as a washing tub for holding laundry.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the control device 14 is primarily configured as a microcomputer with a storage area 142 including a CPU 141, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and performs overall control of the washing machine 10. In this embodiment, the control device 14 controls the driving of the drum motor 15, the drainage mechanism 16, the control panel 17, the water supply mechanism 20, and the automatic dispensing device 32. The drum motor 15 is located on the outside of the water tank 12 and connected to the drum 13. Furthermore, the drum motor 15 is electrically connected to the control device 14 and is driven by control signals from the control device 14 to rotate the drum 13.

[0035] Figure 2The drainage mechanism 16 shown has the function of discharging water stored in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 16 has a drainage path 161 and a drain valve 162. The drainage path 161 is, for example, constructed of a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to the drain valve 162, and the other end is led out to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain valve 162 is, for example, constructed of a liquid-operated on / off valve that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The drain valve 162 is located between the drain outlet 121 provided at the bottom of the water tank 12 and the drainage path 161. The drain valve 162 is electrically connected to the control device 14, and opens and closes the drainage path 161 based on a control signal from the control device 14.

[0036] The control panel 17 is located on the front part of the upper surface of the outer casing 11 and is electrically connected to the control device 14. Although not shown in detail, the control panel 17 includes a power switch, a start button, and various operation buttons for setting the cleaning program. During cleaning, the user can use the control panel 17 to select whether to use treatment agent automatically dispensed by the automatic dispensing device 32 or to use a single-use amount of treatment agent manually dispensed using the treatment agent dispenser 50. In this embodiment, the treatment agent includes detergent, fabric softener, etc.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the water supply mechanism 20 is, for example, located inside the outer casing 11, on the upper left side of the water tank 12. The water supply mechanism 20 receives water from an external water source, such as tap water, and supplies water to the water tank 12. The water supply mechanism 20 is, for example, located inside the outer casing 11, on the upper left side. Figure 2 As shown, it includes a water inlet 21, a first water supply path 22, a second water supply path 23, a supply section 24, a first water supply valve 25, a second water supply valve 26, and a confluence section 27. The water inlet 21 is located on the upper part of the outer casing 11, protruding to the left and inward. The water inlet 21 is connected, for example, to an external water source such as a tap via a flexible hose.

[0038] Figure 2 , Figures 6-8 The water supply paths 22 and 23 shown are paths connecting the water inlet 21 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The first water supply path 22 connects the water inlet 21, the receiving section 31, the treatment agent container 50, the water tank 12, and the rotating tank 13. That is, the first water supply path 22 has the function of supplying the treatment agent manually added by the user to the treatment agent container 50 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 when the treatment agent container 50 is received in the receiving section 31.

[0039] The second water supply path 23 connects the water inlet 21, the water supply valve 25, the supply unit 24, the water tank 12, and the rotating tank 13. The second water supply path 23 has the function of supplying the treatment agent discharged to the supply unit 24 via the automatic dispensing device 32 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. That is, the second water supply path 23 connects an external water source to the water tank 12, and when the treatment agent tank 40 is housed in the housing 31, the treatment agent discharged from the automatic dispensing device 32 is supplied to the water tank 12 from outside the housing 31.

[0040] The supply unit 24 is located downstream of the water inlet 21 and the second water supply valve 26 in the second water supply path 23 and upstream of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. It is the part that supplies the treatment agent to the second water supply path 23 by the automatic dispensing device 32. The supply unit 24 is located outside the receiving unit 31.

[0041] Water supply valves 25 and 26 are liquid-use on / off valves that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The first water supply valve 25 is located between the water supply port 21 and the first water supply path 22. The second water supply valve 26 is located between the water supply port 21 and the second water supply path 23. Furthermore, the first water supply valve 25 and the second water supply valve 26 are electrically connected to the control device 14, and open or close the first water supply path 22 or the second water supply path 23 respectively based on control signals from the control device 14.

[0042] The confluence section 27 is the portion where the first water supply path 22 and the second water supply path 23 merge. In the second water supply path 23, the confluence section 27 is located downstream of the water supply valve 26 and the supply section 24, and upstream of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. Additionally, in the first water supply path 22, the confluence section 27 is located downstream of the water supply valve 25 and the treatment agent container 50, and upstream of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. In this embodiment, the confluence section 27 is located inside the receiving section 31 and downstream of the treatment agent container 50. The confluence section 27 has a confluence connection port 28. The confluence connection port 28 forms the inlet of the second water supply path 23 to the confluence section 27.

[0043] In another embodiment, the first water supply path 22 and the second water supply path 23 may be configured to merge outside the receiving section 31. In this case, to avoid contaminating the outer periphery of the treatment agent tank 40, it is preferable that the merging section 27 is located on the downstream side of the receiving section 31. In yet another embodiment, the first water supply path 22 and the second water supply path 23 may also be configured to be independent and not merge until they reach the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13.

[0044] like Figures 1-2 as well as Figures 4-5As shown, the feeding mechanism 30 includes a receiving section 31, an automatic feeding device 32, and a receiving section cover 33. The receiving section 31 is configured as a box-shaped structure with an opening at the top and is located inside the outer casing 11. In this case, the receiving section 31 is located at the upper part of the outer casing 11 and at the left and right ends, specifically the left end. Furthermore, the receiving section 31 is formed such that a portion of the upper part of the outer casing 11 is recessed towards the interior of the washing machine 10.

[0045] The receiving section 31 has a front wall 311, left and right side walls 312, a rear wall 313, and a bottom 314. The front wall 311 forms the inner surface of the front side of the receiving section 31. The left and right side walls 312 form the inner surfaces of the left and right sides of the receiving section 31. The rear wall 313 forms the inner surface of the rear side of the receiving section 31. The front wall 311, the left and right side walls 312, and the rear wall 313 form the walls surrounding the internal space of the receiving section 31.

[0046] The bottom portion 314 forms the lower inner surface of the receiving portion 31. In this case, the bottom portion 314 has an upper portion 315 and a lower portion 316. The upper portion 315 is located inside the bottom portion 314. The lower portion 316 is located at the front of the bottom portion 314. The lower portion 316 has a surface that is lower than that of the upper portion 315. A layer wall portion 317 is provided between the upper portion 315 and the lower portion 316, extending in the vertical direction and connecting the upper portion 315 and the lower portion 316. In this case, the layer wall portion 317, together with the wall portions 311, 312, and 313, constitutes the wall portion of the receiving portion 31.

[0047] The merging section 27 is the portion of the receiving section 31 located below the upper layer 315. That is, the space inside the merging section 27 is surrounded by the layer wall portion 317, the lower layer portion 316, the left and right side wall portions 312, and the front wall portion 311 within the receiving section 31. The layer wall portion 317, the lower layer portion 316, the left and right side wall portions 312, and the front wall portion 311 form the wall portion of the merging section 27. In this case, the merging section connection port 28 is formed by penetrating a portion of the wall portion of the merging section 27 from the inside out. In this embodiment, the merging section connection port 28 is as follows... Figure 2 It is formed by penetrating a portion of the wall layer 317 as shown.

[0048] like Figures 6-9As shown, the receiving section 31 also has multiple, in this case, two water inlets 34, a receiving section drain outlet 35, and a receiving section connection outlet 36. The water inlets 34 are provided extending from the inside of the receiving section 31 towards the outside, penetrating a portion of the upper end of the walls 311, 312, and 313 of the receiving section 31. The water inlets 34 are, for example, located on the front wall 311 or the left and right side walls 312. In this embodiment, the water inlets 34 are located at the upper end of the front wall 311. The water inlets 34 form part of the first water supply path 22, functioning as an inlet for water to enter the receiving section 31. More specifically, the water inlets 34 function as an inlet for water to be supplied to the treatment agent container 50 from an external water source to dissolve the treatment agent stored inside the treatment agent container 50 and to allow it to flow to the water tank 12 for supply.

[0049] The drain outlet 35 extends from the interior of the housing 31 outwards through a portion of the bottom 314. In this case, the drain outlet 35 may be located, for example, at the front of the bottom 314, i.e., the lower section 316. The drain outlet 35 forms part of the first water supply path 22, functioning as an outlet for water and treatment agent from the housing 31 and the confluence section 27. In this case, the treatment agent cartridge 50 is downstream of the water inlet 34 in the first water supply path 22 and upstream of the drain outlet 35. Alternatively, the bottom 314 may be inclined downwards toward the drain outlet 35.

[0050] The first water supply path 22 comprises a first water supply valve 25, a water inlet 34, a receiving section 31, a treatment agent container 50, a confluence section 27, and a receiving section drain outlet 35. The section from the first water supply valve 25 to the water inlet 34 is referred to as the upstream section 221. The section from the receiving section drain outlet 35 to the water tank 12 is referred to as the downstream section 222. Water or treatment agent exiting from the receiving section drain outlet 35 is supplied to the water tank 12 through the downstream section 222.

[0051] The second water supply path 23 comprises a second water supply valve 26, a supply section 24, a confluence connection port 28, a confluence section 27, and a receiving section drain port 35. In the second water supply path 23, the confluence connection port 28 functions as an inlet to the receiving section 31. That is, water or treatment agent from the supply section 24 enters the confluence section 27, which is part of the receiving section 31, through the confluence connection port 28. Water or treatment agent from the receiving section drain port 35, flowing from the confluence section 27 and the receiving section 31, is supplied to the water tank 12 via the downstream section 222.

[0052] The receiving section connection port 36 extends from the inside of the receiving section 31 outwards through a portion of the walls 311, 312, and 313 of the receiving section 31, which in this case is a portion of the rear wall 313. The receiving section connection port 36 connects the inside of the receiving section 31 to the outside, which in this case is the outside of the receiving section 31 and the inside of the washing machine outer casing 11. As will be described in detail later, when the treatment agent is added to the water tank 12 using the automatic dispensing device 32, the receiving section connection port 36 functions as an outlet for the treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 40 from the receiving section 31.

[0053] The receiving compartment cover 33 is rotatably mounted on the outer casing 11, allowing the opening on the top of the receiving compartment 31 to be opened and closed. The user can open the receiving compartment cover 33 to replenish the treatment agent in the treatment agent container 40 or treatment agent box 50 housed within the receiving compartment 31. Furthermore, when the opening on the top of the receiving compartment 31 is closed, the receiving compartment cover 33 becomes a so-called "co-surface" state, forming the same surface as the top of the outer casing 11 of the washing machine 10.

[0054] In this case, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first water supply path 22 is configured to include a first water supply path 22a for detergent and a first water supply path 22b for fabric softener. Similarly, the first water supply valve 25 is configured to include a first water supply valve 25a for detergent and a first water supply valve 25b for fabric softener. Hereinafter, without distinction, the first water supply path 22a and the first water supply path 22b will be collectively referred to as the first water supply path 22. Likewise, the first water supply valve 25a and the first water supply valve 25b will be collectively referred to as the first water supply valve 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second water supply path 23 is common to both the detergent and fabric softener applications. That is, the washing machine 10 has one second water supply path 23 and one second water supply valve 26 for each application. In another embodiment, the washing machine 10 may, for example, be configured to include multiple second water supply paths 23 and multiple second water supply valves 26 for both detergent and fabric softener applications.

[0055] Reference Figure 6 The structure of the upstream section 221 of the first water supply path 22 will be explained. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the upstream portion 221 extends slightly forward from the water inlet 21 and the first water valve 25 located on the left inner side of the washing machine 10, and then extends to the right, bypassing the receiving portion 31. If it reaches the vicinity of the side wall portion 312 on the right side of the receiving portion 31, the upstream portion 221 extends forward near the side wall portion 312 on the right side of the receiving portion 31. Furthermore, if it reaches the vicinity of the front wall portion 311 of the receiving portion 31, the upstream portion 221 extends outward from the outside of the front wall portion 311 towards the center of the receiving portion 31 in the left-right direction, i.e., to the left in this case. The upstream portion 221 reaching the center of the receiving portion 31 connects to the water inlet 34. Figure 6 The black arrow A indicates the flow of water injected into the treatment agent container 50 through the first water supply path 22. Water from an external water source is injected into the containment section 31 from the water inlet 34 and received by the treatment agent container 50.

[0056] Reference Figures 6-8 The structure of the second water supply path 23 will be explained. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the second water supply path 23 extends forward from the water inlet 21 and the first water supply valve 25 located on the inner left side of the washing machine 10 toward the supply section 24. The supply section 24 is located behind the receiving section 31 and below the injection pump 38. The second water supply path 23 extends further forward from the supply section 24 to the rear of the wall section 317. Then, the second water supply path 23... Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the water supply path 23 extends from the outer side of the bottom 314 of the receiving section 31, which in this case is the rear of the layered wall section 317, towards the center of the receiving section 31 in the left-right direction, i.e., in the right direction in this case. Then, the second water supply path 23 connects the confluence section connection port 28 to the confluence section 27 and the receiving section 31. Figures 6-8 The hollow arrow B indicates the flow of water through the second water supply path 23 into the confluence section 27 and the receiving section 31. Water from an external water source is injected into the confluence section 27 from the confluence section connection port 28 and discharged from the receiving section drain port 35.

[0057] The treatment agent container 50 is detachably disposed inside the receiving section 31. In this case, the treatment agent container 50 is as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, it is located near the upper part of the containment section 31, that is, near the containment section cover 33.

[0058] Treatment agent box body 50 such Figure 9 As shown, it is constructed with the main body 51 as the core. The main body 51 is configured as a container with at least a portion of its top open, and is located on the upper part of the receiving section 31. The main body 51 has the function of receiving and storing the treatment agent manually added by the user.

[0059] The main body 51 of the container has a frame portion 52, multiple recesses 53a and 53b (in this case, two), and a container opening 54. The frame portion 52 is formed in a generally rectangular ring shape, surrounding the outer periphery of the upper part of the main body 51. The upper surface of the frame portion 52 constitutes the upper surface of the treatment agent container 50. In this case, with the treatment agent container 50 housed in the receiving portion 31, the upper surface of the frame portion 52 is positioned below the water inlet 34. Therefore, water injected into the receiving portion 31 from the water inlet 34 via the first water supply path 22 can easily enter the treatment agent container 50.

[0060] Recesses 53a and 53b are provided inside the frame portion 52, and are formed by recessing the main body 51 of the box body downwards. The recesses 53a and 53b are arranged, for example, in a left-right or front-back direction. In this embodiment, the recesses 53a and 53b are arranged in a left-right direction. Regarding the plurality of recesses 53a and 53b, the left recess 53a can receive and store powdered treatment agents such as detergent. Additionally, the right recess 53b can receive and store liquid treatment agents such as fabric softener. When there is no need to distinguish between recesses 53a and 53b, they are sometimes collectively referred to as recess 53.

[0061] The recessed portion 53 has a front portion 531, left and right side portions 532, a back portion 533, and a bottom portion 534. The front portion 531 forms the front wall of the recessed portion 53. The left and right side portions 532 form the left and right walls of the recessed portion 53. The back portion 533 forms the rear wall of the recessed portion 53. The bottom portion 534 forms the bottom of the recessed shape of the recessed portion 53. The bottom portion 534 is positioned below the water inlet 34 and above the upper layer 315.

[0062] With the recessed portion 53 facing upwards and the treatment agent container 50 housed within the receiving portion 31, the opening 54 connects the interior space of the treatment agent container 50 with the exterior space of the treatment agent container 50 and the interior space of the receiving portion 31. The opening 54 functions as an inlet for the treatment agent and water to enter the treatment agent container 50. In this case, the position of the opening 54 is set such that it is visible to the user when the receiving portion cover 33 is open while the treatment agent container 50 is housed within the receiving portion 31. Therefore, when manually adding the treatment agent, the user can check the position of the opening 54 while adding the agent.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, the recess 53a has a hole 55. The hole 55 is an opening formed through the bottom portion 534 along its thickness direction. With the treatment agent container 50 housed in the receiving portion 31, the hole 55 communicates the space inside the treatment agent container 50 with the space outside the treatment agent container 50 and inside the receiving portion 31. The hole 55 functions as an outlet for the treatment agent and water from the treatment agent container 50. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of the hole 55, an opening may be provided in a portion of one of the front portion 531, the left and right side portions 532, and the back portion 533, through which water and treatment agent are discharged.

[0064] like Figure 9As shown, the recess 53b has a siphon portion 56. The siphon portion 56 is formed as a hollow cylinder with a portion of the bottom surface 534 protruding upward and opening in the vertical direction. When the treatment agent box 50 is housed in the receiving portion 31, the siphon portion 56 communicates the space inside the box body 51 with the space on the bottom 314 side of the receiving portion 31.

[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, the treatment agent container 50 also has a lid 57. The lid 57 is formed as a hollow, bottomed cylinder that is closed at the top and open at the bottom. A siphon 56 can be inserted into the lid 57. If water is supplied to the recess 53b from an external water source and the water level reaches a predetermined height or higher, the water inside the recess 53b and the treatment agent are discharged to the outside of the treatment agent container 50 through the siphon 56 due to the siphon effect.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the frame portion 52 has a locking portion 521. The locking portion 521 is formed by the outer end of the frame portion 52 protruding downwards. Additionally, the receiving portion 31 has a locking portion 37. In this case, the locking portion 37 is formed by a portion of the walls 311, 312, and 313 of the receiving portion 31, specifically the left and right side walls 312, protruding towards the center of the receiving portion 31. The front end of the center side of the receiving portion 31 of the locking portion 37 bends upwards. The lower front end of the locking portion 521 is locked by the locking portion 37, thus restricting its downward movement and left and right movement. Therefore, the treatment agent cartridge 50 is positioned at a predetermined location within the receiving portion 31. Furthermore, Figure 9 The position and shape of the locking part 37 and the locked part 521 shown are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0067] The automatic dispensing device 32 has the function of pre-storing multiple amounts of treatment agent and automatically supplying a predetermined amount of treatment agent to the water tank 12 in each of multiple cleaning operations. For example... Figures 1-4 As shown, the automatic dispensing device 32 has a dispensing pump 38 and a treatment agent tank 40.

[0068] Treatment agent tank 40 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11As shown, the container is rectangular and hollow, capable of storing liquid treatment agents inside. In this case, the treatment agent tank 40 has sufficient capacity to store treatment agents used in multiple operations. The capacity of the treatment agent tank 40 is not particularly limited, but considering user convenience, it is preferable to set it to at least several hundred mL to about 2 L. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the automatic dispensing device 32 has two treatment agent tanks 40. In this case, one of the two treatment agent tanks 40 is used, for example, to store detergent as a treatment agent. The other of the two treatment agent tanks 40 is used, for example, to store fabric softener as a treatment agent.

[0069] Furthermore, the two treatment tanks 40 can have the same or different capacities. However, in a typical washing operation, more detergent is consumed than fabric softener. Therefore, it is preferable that the treatment tank 40 for storing detergent has a larger capacity than the treatment tank 40 for storing fabric softener.

[0070] The receiving section 31 is configured to accommodate two treatment agent containers 40 arranged horizontally or front-to-back. In this embodiment, the receiving section 31 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the treatment agent containers 40 can be arranged horizontally and stored together. In this case, the treatment agent container 40 on the left is used to store detergent as a treatment agent, for example. The treatment agent container 40 on the right is used to store fabric softener as a treatment agent, for example. Furthermore, each treatment agent container 40 is detachably stored in the storage compartment 31. The user can replenish the treatment agent in each treatment agent container 40 with the storage compartment cover 33 open, or with the treatment agent container 40 removed from the storage compartment 31.

[0071] The automatic dispensing device 32 has a number of dispensing pumps 38 corresponding to each of the treatment tanks 40. In this embodiment, the automatic dispensing device 32 has two treatment tanks 40, therefore, it also has two dispensing pumps 38 for each tank. Figure 2 The diagram shows one of two sets of treatment agent tanks 40 and one set of feed pumps 38. The feed pump 38 has a tubular pump connection 381 on its inflow side, which is connected to the treatment agent tank 40. Thus, the treatment agent tank 40 is connected to the supply unit 24 via the corresponding feed pump 38. The feed pump 38 is, for example, an injection pump, which draws a certain amount of treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 40 and discharges it to the supply unit 24.

[0072] In this case, the main body of the injection pump 38 is located on the outside of the receiving portion 31. In this embodiment, the injection pump 38 is located on the rear side of the receiving portion 31, i.e., on the outside of the rear wall portion 313. The pump connection portion 381 communicates the interior of the receiving portion 31 with the exterior through the receiving portion connection port 36 located on the walls 311, 312, 313 of the receiving portion 31, which in this case is the rear wall portion 313. In other embodiments, the main body of the injection pump 38 may also be located inside the receiving portion 31. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the main body of the injection pump 38 may also be located inside the treatment agent tank 40.

[0073] In this configuration, when the second water supply valve 26 is open, tap water supplied from the water supply port 21 flows into the second water supply path 23 and passes through the supply section 24. Before the second water supply valve 26 is activated, a predetermined amount of treatment agent is pre-discharged into the supply section 24 by the operation of the automatic dispensing device 32. With treatment agent stored in the supply section 24, water flowing through the second water supply path 23 dissolves the treatment agent and flows further downstream. Water from the supply section 24 is supplied to the confluence section 27 from the confluence section connection port 28. Water discharged from the confluence section 27 through the receiving section drain port 35, along with the treatment agent, is supplied into the water tank 12 through the downstream section 222. Thus, the automatic dispensing device 32 automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of treatment agent into the water tank 12 during the operation of the washing machine 10.

[0074] Next, also refer to Figures 10-11 The detailed structure of the treatment agent tank 40 is described below. The treatment agent tank 40 is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the tank includes a tank body 41, a cover component 42, a filter component 43, a tank outlet 44, a pipe section 45, and a leak-proof valve 46. The tank body 41 forms the outer shell of the treatment agent tank 40 and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as plastic.

[0075] In this embodiment, the can body 41 is generally formed into a cuboid shape, having a front portion 411, a side portion 412, a back portion 413, a bottom portion 414, a top portion 415, and a can opening 416. The front portion 411 constitutes the front of the can body 41. The side portions 412 constitute the left and right sides of the can body 41. The back portion 413 constitutes the back of the can body 41. The bottom portion 414 constitutes the bottom of the can body 41. Furthermore, the top portion 415 constitutes the top of the can body 41. The can opening 416 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, penetrating a portion of the top portion 415, communicating between the interior and exterior of the can body 41.

[0076] The lid member 42 is plate-shaped and, like the can body 41, is made of a synthetic resin such as plastic. The lid member 42 is mounted to the upper part 415 of the can body 41 via a hinge (not shown), configured to allow the can opening 416 to be opened and closed. The user can open the lid member 42 and add treatment agent to the can body 41 through the can opening 416. In this case, the position of the can opening 416 is set such that it is visible to the user when the treatment agent can 40 is placed in the receiving section 31 and the receiving section cover 33 and lid member 42 are open. Therefore, when adding treatment agent to the treatment agent can 40, the user can check the position of the can opening 416 while adding the treatment agent.

[0077] The filter component 43 is configured as a mesh and is disposed inside the tank body 41. The filter component 43 separates the space on the side of the tank opening 416 and the space where the pipe 45 is provided within the internal space of the tank body 41. Thus, the filter component 43 has the function of collecting debris and other contaminants contained in the detergent when it is replenished into the tank body 41 from the tank opening 416 and drawn into the pump 38 through the pipe 45.

[0078] The can outlet 44 is located at the lower rear part of the can body 41, which in this case is the back part 413. A pump connection 381 for the injection pump 38 is inserted into the can outlet 44. The pump connection 381 extends from the outside to the inside of the receiving part 31 through the receiving part connection port 36 of the receiving part 31. Thus, the can body 41 is connected to the injection pump 38. A pipe 45 is connected to the can outlet 44 and extends vertically downwards to near the bottom part 414 of the can body 41. The lower end of the pipe 45 is slightly away from the bottom part 414 of the can body 41.

[0079] A leak-proof valve 46 is provided between the tank outlet 44 and the pipe section 45. The leak-proof valve 46 functions to prevent the treatment agent stored in the tank body 41 from leaking from the tank outlet 44 to the outside of the tank body 41 when the treatment agent tank 40 is removed from the housing 31 and the pump connection 381 is not connected to the tank outlet 44. When the pump connection 381 is connected to the tank outlet 44, the leak-proof valve 46 opens the gap between the tank outlet 44 and the pipe section 45. This allows the pump 38 to draw out the treatment agent stored in the tank body 41. Conversely, when the pump connection 381 is not connected to the tank outlet 44, the leak-proof valve 46 closes the gap between the tank outlet 44 and the pipe section 45, thereby preventing the treatment agent in the tank body 41 from flowing out of the tank outlet 44.

[0080] In addition, filter components 43, pipes 45, leak-proof valves 46, etc., sometimes... Figure 11 or Figure 11 Other than those shown in the attached diagrams, they are omitted. Additionally, the treatment agent tank 40 can also be as follows... Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, it also has a handle 47. When the user removes the treatment agent canister 40 from the storage compartment 31 or stores the treatment agent canister 40 in the storage compartment 31, he / she can hold the handle 47 to move the treatment agent canister 40.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the treatment agent can 40 is configured such that the can opening 416 is positioned higher than the water inlet 34. In this embodiment, the treatment agent can 40 is configured such that both the can opening 416 and the upper portion 415 are positioned higher than the water inlet 34. Therefore, when the treatment agent can 40 is housed in the housing 31, the upper portion 415 is positioned higher than the upper part of the frame 52 when the treatment agent cartridge 50 is housed in the housing 31.

[0082] During the washing process, the control device 14 controls the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 while the treatment agent is dissolved in water. The control device 14 controls the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 according to an automatic dispensing mode where the treatment agent is supplied to the water tank 12 using the automatic dispensing device 32, and a manual dispensing mode where the user manually supplies the treatment agent added to the treatment agent box 50 to the water tank 12. Furthermore, in this specification, when the treatment agent is detergent, the period of dissolving the treatment agent in water refers to the period during the initial stage of the washing process when the treatment agent is dissolved in water and supplied to the water tank 12. Conversely, if the treatment agent is fabric softener, the period of dissolving the treatment agent in water refers to the period during the rinsing process when the treatment agent is dissolved in water and supplied to the water tank 12. Before the period of dissolving the treatment agent, the water tank 12 may or may not have been supplied with water.

[0083] In this embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the automatic dispensing mode is set by the user through the operation panel 17, the control device 14 controls the first water supply valve 25 to close and the second water supply valve 26 to open while the treatment agent is dissolved in water and supplied to the water tank 12. Thus, the treatment agent supplied from the treatment agent tank 40 to the supply unit 24 dissolves in water from an external water source via the second water supply path 23, reaches the confluence section 27 and the receiving section 31 through the confluence section connection port 28, exits from the confluence section 27 and the receiving section 31 through the receiving section drain port 35, and reaches the water tank 12 via the downstream section 222.

[0084] In addition, if Figure 11As shown, when the user sets the manual dispensing mode via the operation panel 17, the control device 14 controls the opening of the first water supply valve 25 and the closing of the second water supply valve 26 while dissolving the treatment agent in water and supplying it to the water tank 12. Thus, the treatment agent manually dispensed by the user into the treatment agent box 50 dissolves in water from an external water source injected through the water inlet 34, and reaches the water tank 12 through the downstream section 222 from the drain outlet 35 of the receiving section.

[0085] Furthermore, in this specification, the concept of opening the first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 includes either opening the closed first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 or maintaining the opened first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 in its original open state. Similarly, the concept of closing the first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 includes either closing the opened first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 or maintaining the closed first water supply valve 25 or the second water supply valve 26 in its original closed state.

[0086] Here, in order to accommodate both the detergent dispenser and the detergent container without increasing the overall size of the washing machine, the detergent container needs to be miniaturized. Furthermore, there are concerns that a smaller detergent container might result in spillage when the user manually adds the detergent, due to a narrower opening. On the other hand, users rarely use both the detergent container and the detergent dispenser simultaneously. Therefore, if both are placed in the washing machine, the space containing the unused component would become unused space.

[0087] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a water tank 12, a detergent dispenser 50, an automatic dispensing device 32, a detergent container 40, and a receiving section 31. The detergent dispenser 50 receives and stores the detergent dispensed by the user for a single wash cycle, which is then supplied to the water tank 12. The automatic dispensing device 32 is configured to automatically dispense a predetermined amount of detergent into the water tank 12. The detergent container 40 is part of the automatic dispensing device 32 and is capable of storing the amount of detergent used for multiple wash cycles. The receiving section 31 is configured to selectively accommodate either the detergent dispenser 50 or the detergent container 40.

[0088] Accordingly, the treatment agent container 40 and the treatment agent box 50 can share space, thus increasing the individual volumes of both. By increasing the volume of the treatment agent container 40, the amount of treatment agent that can be stored in it at one time can be increased, thereby reducing the frequency of refilling by the user. Furthermore, since the treatment agent box 50 does not need to be miniaturized, it is easier for the user to manually add the treatment agent, preventing spillage. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0089] Here, since only one of the treatment agent tank 40 or the treatment agent container 50 is housed in the receiving section 31, it is not necessary to add water to the treatment agent container 50 when operating in automatic dispensing mode, and it is not necessary to allow water to flow through the supply section 24 when operating in manual dispensing mode. If the configuration were such that water is supplied to both the first water supply path 22 and the second water supply path 23 when operating in either dispensing mode, the following problems would arise. For example, when operating in automatic dispensing mode, if water is added through the water inlet 34, there is a concern that water might splash onto the treatment agent tank 40 and then back up, leaking onto the outside of the washing machine 10.

[0090] In contrast, the washing machine 10 also includes a first water supply path 22, a first water supply valve 25, a second water supply path 23, a second water supply valve 26, and a control device 14. The first water supply path 22 connects an external water source, a receiving section 31, and a water tank 12. When the treatment agent cartridge 50 is housed in the receiving section 31, the treatment agent stored in the treatment agent cartridge 50 is supplied to the water tank 12. The first water supply valve 25 is located between the first water supply path 22 and the external water source, opening and closing the first water supply path 22. The second water supply path 23 connects an external water source to the water tank 12. When the treatment agent tank 40 is housed in the receiving section 31, the treatment agent discharged from the automatic dispensing device 32 is supplied to the water tank 12. The second water supply valve 26 is located between the second water supply path 23 and the external water source, opening and closing the second water supply path 23. The control device 14 controls the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 25 and the second water supply valve 26.

[0091] Accordingly, water supply valves 25 and 26 are respectively provided for opening and closing the first water supply path 22 and the second water supply path 23, and the control device 14 can independently and appropriately control the water supply to the first water supply path 22 or the second water supply path 23. Therefore, it is possible to avoid supplying water to unnecessary water supply paths. In addition, for example, when operating in automatic dispensing mode, it is possible to prevent situations such as water splashing onto the treatment agent tank 40 and causing leakage.

[0092] Here, in the case of the washing machine 10 equipped with an automatic dispensing device 32, it is envisioned that, as a user method, the frequently used cleaning agent is automatically dispensed via the automatic dispensing device 32, while a cleaning agent suitable for specific clothes or special stains is manually dispensed. That is, it is envisioned that the manual dispensing mode is used less frequently than the automatic dispensing mode. Here, the case where the second water supply path 23 is configured not to pass through the confluence section 27 is examined. In this case, if some of the manually dispensed cleaning agent remains in the receiving section 31, particularly in the downstream portion near the drain outlet 35 of the receiving section, there is a concern that the remaining cleaning agent may solidify and become difficult to remove if water only flows through the receiving section 31 very occasionally.

[0093] In contrast, the receiving section 31 has a receiving section drain outlet 35. The receiving section drain outlet 35 is formed by penetrating a portion of the wall 311, 312, 313, or bottom 314 of the receiving section 31, and becomes the downstream outlet of the receiving section 31 in the first water supply path 22. The second water supply path 23 merges with the first water supply path 22 at a portion upstream of the receiving section drain outlet 35 of the first water supply path 22, i.e., at the confluence 27 in this case.

[0094] Therefore, even when operating in automatic dispensing mode, water will flow near the drain outlet 35 of the containment section. Thus, even if some of the manually dispensed treatment agent remains inside the containment section 31, it will be flushed away by the water supplied from the second water supply valve 26. Therefore, even if manual dispensing is infrequent, it is easy to remove any remaining treatment agent from the containment section 31. This improves user convenience.

[0095] Furthermore, the receiving section 31 has a water inlet 34 at its upper end. The water inlet 34 serves as the upstream inlet of the first water supply path 22 to the receiving section 31. The treatment agent container 50 has a container opening 54. The container opening 54 connects the interior of the treatment agent container 50 to the outside, allowing a user to add treatment agent to the treatment agent container 50. The treatment agent tank 40 has a tank opening 416. The tank opening 416 is located on the upper part 415 and connects the interior of the treatment agent tank 40 to the outside, allowing a user to replenish the treatment agent to the treatment agent tank 40. The container opening 54 is positioned below the water inlet 34 when the treatment agent container 50 is received in the receiving section 31, and is positioned so that it can be visually observed by the user. The tank opening 416 is positioned at the same height as or above the water inlet 34 when the treatment agent tank 40 is received in the receiving section 31, and is positioned so that it can be visually observed by the user.

[0096] Accordingly, the treatment agent tank 40 and the treatment agent container 50 can be replenished or added by the user while visually observing them while they are respectively housed in the receiving section 31, thus making the replenishment or addition of the treatment agent easy. Furthermore, the treatment agent container 50 is configured such that water can be easily added from the water inlet 34 located at the top, allowing the treatment agent stored inside to flow together with the water. On the other hand, the treatment agent tank 40 can maximize its volume by utilizing the depth of the receiving section 31. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0097] (Second Implementation)

[0098] Next, also refer to Figure 13 The second embodiment will be described below.

[0099] In this embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the control device 14 is set to manual dispensing mode via the user's setting operation on the operation panel 17, it controls the opening of the second water supply valve 26 in addition to the first water supply valve 25 during the process of dissolving the treatment agent in water and supplying it to the water tank 12. Thus, the treatment agent manually dispensed into the treatment agent container 50 dissolves in water from an external water source injected through the water inlet 34, and reaches the water tank 12 through the downstream section 222 from the drain outlet 35 of the receiving section. Furthermore, water without treatment agent is also supplied to the receiving section 31 through the second water supply path 23 from the confluence connection port 28. Therefore, the water volume in the receiving section 31 increases, making it easier for the treatment agent dispensed into the treatment agent container 50 to dissolve in water and easier to discharge from the drain outlet 35 of the receiving section.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can also be obtained.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 also includes an operation panel 17 as an operation unit. The operation panel 17 allows the user to switch between a manual dispensing mode, in which the treatment agent added to the treatment agent container 50 is added to the water tank 12, and an automatic dispensing mode, in which the treatment agent in the treatment agent tank 40 is added to the water tank 12. Based on the user's selection operation on the operation panel 17, the control device 14 executes the operation involved in either the automatic dispensing mode or the manual dispensing mode. When operating in the manual dispensing mode, the control device 14 performs the process of opening the first water supply valve 25 and the second water supply valve 26 while the treatment agent is dissolved in water from an external water source.

[0102] Accordingly, in manual dispensing mode, not only the first water supply valve 25 but also the second water supply valve 26 are opened, increasing the water volume near the drain outlet 35 of the containment section, making it easier for the treatment agent to dissolve. Furthermore, by utilizing a water flow that does not contain treatment agent, which flows in a different direction from the water containing treatment agent discharged from the hole 55 of the treatment agent housing 50, i.e., water injected from the confluence connection port 28, it is easier to rinse away any treatment agent that may remain near the drain outlet 35 of the containment section.

[0103] (Third Implementation)

[0104] Next, also refer to Figures 14-16 The third embodiment will be described below.

[0105] In this embodiment, such as Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes a sensing unit 60. The sensing unit 60 has the function of sensing the condition where the detergent dispenser 50 is housed in the housing 31. In this case, the sensing unit 60 can be a contact sensor that physically senses the detergent dispenser 50, or it can be a non-contact sensor.

[0106] In this embodiment, the sensing unit 60 is a non-contact magnetic sensor, such as a Hall IC. Additionally, as... Figure 15 As shown, the processing agent container 50 has a sensing section 61. The sensing section 61 is configured, for example, to include a permanent magnet. The control device 14 stores in the storage area 142 the intensity of the magnetic field sensed by the sensing unit 60 due to the magnetic field generated by the sensing section 61 when the processing agent container 50 is housed in the housing section 31. Then, the control device 14 compares the intensity of the magnetic field stored in the storage area 142 with the intensity of the magnetic field sensed by the sensing unit 60 to determine whether the processing agent container 50 is housed in the housing section 31.

[0107] The sensing unit 60 is located on the outer side of the walls 311, 312, and 313 of the receiving portion 31, that is, on the side opposite to the treatment agent container 50. In this embodiment, the sensing unit 60 is located on the outer side of the left wall 312. The sensing part 61 is located on the container body 51 of the treatment agent container 50. In this embodiment, the sensing part 61 is located, for example, between the frame portion 52 and the side portion 532. The position of the sensing part 61 is set to be opposite to the sensing unit 60 when the treatment agent container 50 is received in the receiving portion 31.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage area 142 of the control device 14 stores a program for performing sensing and determination processing. The control device 14 executes this program in the CPU 141, thereby virtually implementing the sensing and determination processing unit 143 in software. Alternatively, the sensing and determination processing unit 143 may also be implemented in hardware as an integrated circuit integrated with the control device 14.

[0109] The sensing and judgment processing unit 143 is capable of performing sensing and judgment processing. The sensing and judgment processing is a process of determining whether the cartridge 50 is contained based on the output of the sensing unit 60.

[0110] Next, while referring to Figure 16 The control procedures related to the addition of the treatment agent to the water tank 12 will be explained. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the control actions in the sensing and processing unit 143 will be described as control actions of the control device 14. Figure 16 The flowchart begins with the washing machine 10 powered on and the washing operation set by the user through the operation panel 17. Furthermore, the control procedures when detergent is added as the treatment agent will be explained below.

[0111] If the control device 14 starts processing, it first performs a sensing determination process in step S11. If the sensing unit 60 senses the treatment agent container 50 ("Yes" in step S11), the processing proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control device 14 sets a manual dispensing mode for the treatment agent. Next, in step S13, the control device 14 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of control, for example, whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the cleaning operation caused by the user's operation of the control panel 17. If the predetermined period has not elapsed ("No" in step S13), the control device 14 repeats step S13. If the predetermined period has elapsed ("Yes" in step S13), it is considered that the user has dispensed the treatment agent into the treatment agent container 50, and the processing proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control device 14 performs the process of opening the first water supply valve 25 and closing the second water supply valve 26. Therefore, while the treatment agent is dissolved in water, water is injected into the treatment agent container 50 through the water inlet 34, and the water containing the treatment agent is supplied to the water tank 12 through the downstream section 222. Afterwards, the control device 14 terminates the control related to the addition of the treatment agent (end).

[0112] If the sensing unit 60 does not detect the treatment agent container 50 (No in step S11), the control device 14 initiates the process to step S15. In step S15, the control device 14 sets an automatic dispensing mode for the treatment agent. Next, in step S16, the control device 14 operates the dispensing pump 38 to draw a certain amount of treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 40 and discharge it to the supply unit 24. Next, in step S17, the control device 14 closes the first water supply valve 25 and opens the second water supply valve 26. Thus, while the treatment agent is dissolved in water, water is supplied to the supply unit 24 from the second water supply valve 26, and the water containing the treatment agent is supplied to the water tank 12 through the confluence connection port 28, the receiving drain port 35, and the downstream section 222. Afterward, the control device 14 terminates the control related to the dispensing of the treatment agent (End).

[0113] Furthermore, when fabric softener is added to the water tank 12 as a treatment agent, the situation differs from that described above when detergent is added. First, if the sensor 60 detects the treatment agent container 50 ("Yes" in step S11), the control device 14 executes the washing and rinsing processes between steps S13 and S14. Then, during the final rinsing process, the control device 14 executes step S14 to add the treatment agent to the water tank 12. Alternatively, if the sensor 60 does not detect the treatment agent container 50 ("No" in step S11), the control device 14 executes the washing and rinsing processes between steps S15 and S16. Then, during the final rinsing process, the control device 14 executes step S17 to add the treatment agent to the water tank 12.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those described above can also be obtained.

[0115] Furthermore, the washing machine 10 also includes a sensing unit 60 capable of sensing the condition of the treatment agent box 50 or the treatment agent can 40 being housed inside the housing section 31.

[0116] Accordingly, the control device 14 can determine which of the treatment agent cartridge 50 or the treatment agent tank 40 is housed in the receiving section 31. Therefore, in cases where the manual dispensing mode is set but the treatment agent cartridge 50 is not housed, or the automatic dispensing mode is set but the treatment agent tank 40 is not housed, the control device 14 can, for example, report to the user or change the dispensing mode setting according to the housing configuration, thereby preventing the cleaning operation from being performed without treatment agent. Furthermore, the control device 14 can perform water injection control and treatment agent dispensing control corresponding to the sensed treatment agent cartridge 50 or treatment agent tank 40. Therefore, it can prevent the automatic dispensing device 32 from controlling the dispensing of treatment agent even though the treatment agent tank 40 is not housed in the receiving section 31, or conversely, prevent water from being injected into the first water supply path 22 even though the treatment agent cartridge 50 is not housed in the receiving section 31. Thus, it can prevent the cleaning operation from being performed without treatment agent. Moreover, the control device 14 can automatically set the dispensing mode based on whether the treatment agent cartridge 50 or the treatment agent tank 40 is housed. Therefore, users do not need to select operations on the control panel 17 every time a cleaning cycle is run, thus improving user convenience.

[0117] Here, if water is injected into the first water supply path 22 when the treatment agent tank 40 is housed in the housing section 31, there is a concern that the water injected into the housing section 31 from the water inlet 34 may splash onto the treatment agent tank 40 and enter the treatment agent tank 40, or that the water that hits the treatment agent tank 40 may bounce up and leak to the outside of the washing machine 10.

[0118] In contrast, according to this embodiment, when the sensing unit 60 does not sense that the treatment agent box 50 is housed inside the housing 31, the control device 14 performs the process of closing the first water supply valve 25 while the treatment agent is dissolved in water from an external water source.

[0119] Accordingly, when the sensor unit 60 does not sense the treatment agent container 50, i.e., when it is assumed that the treatment agent canister 40 is contained therein, the control device 14 does not supply water to the first water supply path 22. Therefore, with the treatment agent canister 40 contained in the receiving section 31, water will not be injected into the receiving section 31 from the water inlet 34. Thus, it is possible to prevent water from splashing onto the treatment agent canister 40 and entering the treatment agent canister 40, or water that bounces off the treatment agent canister 40 and leaks to the outside of the washing machine 10.

[0120] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the washing machine 10 may replace the sensing unit 60 of the sensing agent container 50 with a sensing unit for the sensing agent tank 40. In this case, the sensing agent tank 40 may be configured to have the same sensing unit as the sensing unit 61. The control device 14 may also set an automatic dispensing mode for dispensing the processing agent when the processing agent tank 40 is sensed. Furthermore, the control device 14 may also set a manual dispensing mode for dispensing the processing agent when the processing agent tank 40 is not sensed.

[0121] (Fourth Implementation)

[0122] Next, refer to Figure 17 The fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the treatment agent container 50 is sensed by the sensing unit 60, the control device 14 operates in the same way as in the manual dispensing mode of the second embodiment. During the dissolution of the treatment agent in water, the second water supply valve 26 is opened in addition to the first water supply valve 25.

[0123] Figure 17 The diagram shows a flowchart of control procedures related to the addition of the treatment agent to the water tank 12 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 14 performs actions other than step S14. Figure 16 The flowchart of the third embodiment shown is largely the same control procedure. In this embodiment, the control device 14 performs step S21 instead of step S14. In step S21, the control device 14 performs the process of opening the second water supply valve 26 in addition to the first water supply valve 25. As a result, water is injected into the receiving part 31 from the water inlet 34 and the confluence connection port 28 while the treatment agent is dissolved in water.

[0124] In this case, the same effect as the second and third embodiments can be obtained.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a sensing unit 60 capable of sensing whether the treatment agent cartridge 50 or the treatment agent tank 40 is housed inside the housing section 31. The control device 14 can, based on the sensing content of the sensing unit 60, execute either a manual dispensing mode (dispensing treatment agent from the treatment agent cartridge 50 into the water tank 12) or an automatic dispensing mode (dispensing treatment agent stored in the treatment agent tank 40 into the water tank 12). When operating in manual dispensing mode, the control device 14 performs a process of opening the first water supply valve 25 and the second water supply valve 26 while the treatment agent is being dissolved in water from an external water source. That is, the control device 14 performs the process of opening the first water supply valve 25 and the second water supply valve 26 while the treatment agent is being dissolved in water from an external water source, whether or not the treatment agent cartridge 50 is sensed to be housed inside the housing section 31.

[0126] Therefore, even without a user's selection of the dispensing mode, the dispensing mode can be automatically set based on the presence or absence of the treatment agent container 50 or treatment agent tank 40, thus saving the user the effort of selecting the mode each time the cleaning operation is performed. Furthermore, in manual dispensing mode, water is injected not only from the water inlet 34 but also from the confluence connection 28, increasing the water volume in the lower part of the receiving section 31. The water containing the treatment agent flows smoothly from the drain outlet 35 of the receiving section. Moreover, since water is injected from a direction different from the water inlet 34, the water flows in multiple directions, making it easy to rinse the treatment agent in the lower part of the receiving section 31 and preventing treatment agent residue from remaining inside the receiving section 31.

[0127] (Fifth Implementation)

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 18The fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 replaces the detergent dispenser 50 with detergent dispensers 70a and 70b. Detergent dispenser 70a receives and stores powdered detergent, such as detergent, manually added by the user. Detergent dispenser 70b receives and stores liquid detergent, such as fabric softener, manually added by the user. Detergent dispensers 70a and 70b are constructed with a container body 71 that is formed as a generally rectangular container opening facing upwards. The container body 71 has a frame portion 72, a recessed portion 73, and a container opening 74. The frame portion 72 is formed as a generally rectangular ring and is provided on the outer periphery of the container body 71. The upper surface of the frame portion 72 forms the upper surface of the container body 71. The recessed portion 73 is provided inside the frame portion 72 and is formed so that the container body 71 is recessed downwards. In this case, the recess 73 provided in the treatment agent container 70a is referred to as recess 73a. The recess 73 provided in the treatment agent container 70b is referred to as recess 73b. Unless otherwise specified, recesses 73a and 73b are collectively referred to as recess 73.

[0129] The recessed portion 73 has a front portion (not shown), left and right side portions 732, a back portion 733, and a bottom portion 734. The front portion forms the front wall of the recessed portion 73. The left and right side portions 732 form the left and right walls of the recessed portion 73. The back portion 733 forms the rear wall of the recessed portion 73. The bottom portion 734 forms the bottom of the recessed shape of the recessed portion 73.

[0130] With the recessed portion 73 facing upwards and the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b housed within the receiving portion 31, the opening 74 connects the interior space of the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b with the exterior space of the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b and the interior space of the receiving portion 31. The opening 74 functions as an inlet for the treatment agent and water to enter the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b.

[0131] The recess 73a also has a hole 75. The hole 75 is an opening formed through the bottom portion 734 along its thickness direction. With the treatment agent container 70a housed in the receiving portion 31, the hole 75 communicates the interior space of the treatment agent container 70a with the exterior space of the treatment agent container 70a and the interior space of the receiving portion 31. The hole 75 functions as an outlet for the treatment agent and water from the treatment agent container 70a. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of the hole 75, an opening may be provided in a portion of one of the front portion, the left and right side portions 732, and the back portion 733, through which water and treatment agent are discharged.

[0132] The recess 73b also has a siphon portion 76. The siphon portion 76 is formed as a hollow cylinder with a portion of the bottom surface 734 protruding upward and opening in the vertical direction. When the treatment agent box 70b is housed in the receiving part 31, the siphon portion 76 communicates the space inside the treatment agent box 70b with the space on the bottom 314 side of the receiving part 31.

[0133] The treatment agent container 70b also has a lid 77. The lid 77 is formed as a hollow, bottomed cylinder that is closed at the top and open at the bottom. A siphon 76 can be inserted into the lid 77. If water is supplied to the recess 73b from an external water source and the water level reaches a predetermined height, the water inside the recess 73b and the treatment agent are discharged to the outside of the treatment agent container 70b through the siphon 76 due to the siphon effect.

[0134] In this case, the treatment agent container 70a and the treatment agent container 70b can be independently housed in or removed from the housing section 31. Therefore, the treatment agent container 70a can be housed in the housing section 31, and the treatment agent container 70b can be removed and the treatment agent canister 40 housed in the housing section 31 instead. Alternatively, the treatment agent container 70a can be removed and the treatment agent canister 40 housed in the housing section 31 instead, while the treatment agent container 70b is housed in the housing section 31.

[0135] Furthermore, each of the washing machine 10 and the detergent dispensers 70a and 70b is equipped with a sensing unit 60. Each detergent dispenser 70a and 70b also has a sensing unit 61. Each sensing unit 60 can sense the presence or absence of detergent dispensers 70a and 70b based on the magnitude of the sensed magnetic field. Based on the sensing results from each sensing unit 60, the control device 14 sets the detergent and fabric softener to either an automatic dispensing mode using the automatic dispensing device 32 or a manual dispensing mode based on the user's manual operation. Moreover, in this embodiment, the sensing determination process is based on the output of the sensing unit 60 determining whether each of the detergent dispensers 70a and 70b is contained.

[0136] In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 can independently select the detergent dispensing mode and the fabric softener dispensing mode. That is, it can automatically dispense the detergent and manually dispense the fabric softener, or vice versa. Of course, the detergent and fabric softener dispensing modes can also be the same.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the embodiments described above can be obtained.

[0138] Here, users may want to manually or automatically add only one of the detergent or fabric softener depending on the type of clothing or the degree of soiling. For example, they might normally use liquid detergent, but want to use powder detergent for heavily soiled clothes, while preferring the same type of fabric softener as usual. Alternatively, they might normally use scented fabric softener, but prefer unscented softener for specific garments, while preferring the same detergent as usual. In these situations, it would be inconvenient to manually or automatically add both detergent and fabric softener together.

[0139] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a plurality of treatment agent cartridges 70a and 70b, which are in this case two treatment agent containers, and a plurality of treatment agent tanks 40, which are in this case two treatment agent tanks. The receiving section 31 is capable of simultaneously receiving at least one of the plurality of treatment agent cartridges 70a and 70b and at least one of the plurality of treatment agent tanks 40.

[0140] Accordingly, the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b and the treatment agent tank 40 can be independently selected and housed in the housing 31. Therefore, one of the treatment agent containers 70a and 70b and one of the treatment agent tanks 40 can be appropriately selected and housed in the housing 31 for use according to the user's preference.

[0141] Alternatively, the agent input mode can be determined by the user's selection operation on the operation panel 17, rather than based on the sensing results of the sensing unit 60.

[0142] Alternatively, the above-described embodiments can be combined for implementation.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the recesses 53a and 53b of the treatment agent container 50 are respectively designed for powdered treatment agents and liquid treatment agents. However, in another embodiment, they may both be used for powdered treatment agents or both for liquid treatment agents. In the former case, holes 55 for draining water containing the treatment agent from the treatment agent container 50 may be provided on both recesses 53a and 53b. In the latter case, siphon portions 56 for draining water containing the treatment agent from the treatment agent container 50 may be provided on both recesses 53a and 53b.

[0144] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein, have: Water bucket; The treatment agent container receives and stores the treatment agent used in a single cleaning operation, which is added by the user for supplying the water tank. An automatic dispensing device automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of treatment agent into the water tank; The treatment agent tank, forming part of the automatic dispensing device, is capable of storing the treatment agent in quantities sufficient for multiple cleaning runs; and The containment unit is capable of containing either the treatment agent container or the treatment agent tank. If one of the treatment agent box or the treatment agent tank is housed in the receiving section, the other is not housed in the receiving section.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: The first water supply path connects an external water source, the receiving part, and the water tank. When the treatment agent box is received in the receiving part, the treatment agent stored in the treatment agent box is supplied to the water tank. The first water supply valve is located between the first water supply path and the external water source to open and close the first water supply path. The second water supply path connects the external water source to the water tank, and when the treatment agent tank is housed in the receiving part, the treatment agent discharged from the automatic dispensing device is supplied to the water tank. A second water supply valve is located between the second water supply path and the external water source to open and close the second water supply path; and The control device controls the opening and closing of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a sensing unit that can sense whether the treatment agent box or the treatment agent can is housed inside the housing.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, When the sensing unit does not detect that the treatment agent container is housed inside the housing, the control device performs a process of closing the first water supply valve while the treatment agent is being dissolved in water from the external water source.

5. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving part has a receiving part drain outlet formed through a portion of the wall or bottom of the receiving part, which serves as the downstream outlet of the receiving part in the first water supply path. The second water supply path merges with the first water supply path at a point upstream of the drain outlet of the receiving section compared to the first water supply path.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein, It also includes an operation unit that allows the user to switch between a manual dispensing mode (where the treatment agent in the treatment agent container is added to the water tank) and an automatic dispensing mode (where the treatment agent in the treatment agent tank is added to the water tank). The control device executes either the automatic input mode or the manual input mode based on the user's selection operation on the operating unit. When operating in the manual dispensing mode, while the treatment agent is dissolved in water from the external water source, the control device performs the process of opening the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve.

7. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein, It includes a sensing unit capable of sensing whether the treatment agent cartridge or the treatment agent container is housed inside the housing. Based on the sensing data from the sensing unit, the control device executes either a manual dispensing mode (dispensing the treatment agent from the treatment agent container into the water tank) or an automatic dispensing mode (dispensing the treatment agent from the treatment agent tank into the water tank). When operating in the manual dispensing mode, while the treatment agent is dissolved in water from the external water source, the control device performs the process of opening the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The receiving part has a water inlet at its upper end, which serves as the upstream inlet for the first water supply path to the receiving part. The treatment agent container has an opening that connects the interior and exterior of the container and allows a user to add the treatment agent into it. The treatment agent tank has an opening located on its upper surface, connecting the interior of the tank to the outside, allowing a user to replenish the treatment agent. The opening of the box is positioned below the water inlet when the treatment agent box is housed in the receiving part, and is visible to the user. The position of the tank opening is set at the same height as or above the water inlet when the treatment agent tank is housed in the receiving part, and at a position that can be visually observed by the user.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, It comprises multiple treatment agent boxes and multiple treatment agent tanks. The receiving section can selectively receive one of the multiple treatment agent boxes or multiple treatment agent containers.

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