Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a laundry treating apparatus, which can suppress the increase in size and the complication of structure of a water injection box even if both a manual insertion portion and an automatic insertion portion are provided in the water injection box. The laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment includes a treating tub that accommodates laundry; a water supply portion that supplies water into the treating tub; and a water injection box that is provided in the water supply portion, the water injection box including a box main body portion and a water path portion that supplies water into the box main body portion, the water path portion being detachable from the box main body portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garment processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In a washing machine, which serves as an example of a garment handling device that performs prescribed treatments on clothes, a manual dispensing unit is provided, allowing the user to manually add garment handling agents such as detergent and fabric softener. Furthermore, in recent years, to meet the growing demand for increased user convenience, washing machines are being developed with automatic dispensing units. These units pre-store the required amount of garment handling agent (the amount needed for multiple cycles) in a dispensing tank and automatically dispense the necessary amount into the water tank during operation. In other words, in recent years, the development of washing machines incorporating both manual and automatic dispensing units has been progressing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine with a water injection box in the water supply section that supplies water to a water tank. Furthermore, the water injection box includes both a manual injection section and an automatic injection section.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-195578 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention will solve

[0008] However, in conventional designs, the inclusion of both a manual dispensing unit and an automatic dispensing unit in the water filling box leads to an increase in the size and complexity of the water filling box. In particular, the presence of an automatic dispensing unit necessitates at least a pump or similar component to draw laundry detergent from the tank, and the existence of such a pump or similar component is a significant factor contributing to the increased size and complexity of the water filling box.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional configurations, the water passage section for supplying water to the water injection box is integrally formed within the water injection box. Therefore, a considerable amount of space must be pre-allocated between the water injection box and the water passage section for assembling the pump, such as space for the pump to slide towards its installation position; in other words, a relatively large space must be pre-allocated between the water injection box and the water passage section. This has become a significant factor contributing to the increased size and complexity of the water injection box.

[0010] Therefore, this embodiment provides a garment processing apparatus that can suppress the increase in size and complexity of the water injection box even when the water injection box has both a manual injection section and an automatic injection section.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The clothing processing apparatus of this embodiment includes: a clothing processing tank for storing clothing; a water supply unit for supplying water to the clothing processing tank; and a water injection box disposed in the water supply unit, the water injection box including: a box body; and a water passage unit for supplying water to the box body, the water passage unit being detachable from the box body.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the garment handling apparatus of the present invention, even when the water injection box has both a manual injection unit and an automatic injection unit, the large size and complex structure of the water injection box can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the washing machine according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the water injection box in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the water injection box in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic right-side view showing an example of the configuration of the water injection box in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the water injection box in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the water passage section in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a top view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the water passage section in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a rear view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the water supply valve unit in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a top view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the water injection box according to this embodiment, and a diagram showing an example of the state in which the water passage is separated from the main body of the box.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of the main body of the box in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic right-side view showing an example of the configuration of the main body of the box in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the water passage section in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic right-side view showing an example of the configuration of the water passage section in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 One embodiment of the garment handling device will be described below. Figure 1 The illustrated washing machine 10 is an example of a clothing treatment device capable of performing prescribed treatments on clothing. In this case, the prescribed treatments include at least: a washing treatment for washing clothes, a rinsing treatment for rinsing clothes, and a dehydration treatment for spinning clothes. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 is a so-called horizontal axis type drum washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the drum extends in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0029] The washing machine 10 has a washing tub 12 for washing clothes inside a generally rectangular box-shaped outer casing 11 that forms its outer contour. The washing tub 12 is an example of a clothes handling tub, consisting of a bottomed cylindrical water tank with a rotating drum, also bottomed cylindrical, inside which it is rotatable. Multiple small holes are provided on the peripheral wall of the drum, and multiple baffles for lifting clothes are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The user can receive clothes inside the drum through a clothes inlet / outlet (not shown) provided on the front surface of the outer casing 11, and can also remove clothes from the drum. Furthermore, a door 13 is provided on the front surface of the outer casing 11 for opening and closing this clothes inlet / outlet. In this case, the door 13 is arranged so that it can rotate in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the washing machine 10 includes a water supply section 14 for supplying water to the washing tub 12 and a drain section (not shown) for draining water from the washing tub 12 to the outside of the machine. Detailed illustrations are omitted, but the water supply section 14 is configured, for example, midway along a water supply path extending from a water source such as a tap to the washing tub 12, and specifically includes a water inlet box 100, as described later. Furthermore, the drain section is configured to include a drain valve, etc., midway along a drain path extending from the bottom of the washing tub 12 to the outside of the machine.

[0031] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration example of the water injection box 100 included in the aforementioned water supply unit 14. For example... Figures 2-5 As illustrated, the water injection box 100 includes a box body 101 and a water passage 102.

[0032] The main body 101 is the main component constituting the water injection box 100, and in this case, it is formed into a generally rectangular container shape that extends longitudinally along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As illustrated, the bottom of the main body 101 slopes gently from the front to the rear, and has a water outlet 103 at its lowest point. This water outlet 103 is connected to the upper part of the washing tub 12 via a water supply hose (not shown). Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As illustrated, when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1, the bottom of the main body 101 is lower on the left side, i.e., the left side of the outer casing 11, than on the right side, i.e., the washing tub 12.

[0033] In addition, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As illustrated, a water supply valve unit 104 and a bath water pump 105 are provided at the rear of the main body 101. The water supply valve unit 104 and the bath water pump 105 are arranged side by side along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. In this case, the water supply valve unit 104 is located on the left side, i.e., the left side of the outer casing 11, when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1, while the bath water pump 105 is located on the right side, i.e., the washing tub 12 side, when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1.

[0034] like Figure 3 As illustrated, a manual dispensing section 106 and a can receiving section 107 are provided inside the main body 101 of the box. In this case, the manual dispensing section 106 is located on the front side inside the main body 101 of the box, and the can receiving section 107 is located on the rear side inside the main body 101 of the box.

[0035] The manual dispensing unit 106 has multiple dispensing units, including a detergent manual dispensing unit 108 and a fabric softener manual dispensing unit 109. The user can manually dispense, for example, the amount needed for one cycle, into the detergent manual dispensing unit 108. Similarly, the user can manually dispense, for example, the amount needed for one cycle, into the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 109.

[0036] Both the detergent manual dispensing unit 108 and the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 109 extend along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, in this configuration, the detergent manual dispensing unit 108 is located at the rear of the manual dispensing unit 106. On the other hand, the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 109 is located at the front of the manual dispensing unit 106. Alternatively, the water tank 100 may be configured such that the detergent manual dispensing unit 108 is located at the front of the manual dispensing unit 106, and the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 109 is located at the rear of the manual dispensing unit 106.

[0037] The can receiving section 107 has a generally rectangular open space with an open top behind the manual dispensing section 106. Multiple cans can be detachably stored inside the can receiving section 107; in this case, a detergent can 110 and a fabric softener can 111 can be detachably stored. Both the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 can be loaded and unloaded from above within the can receiving section 107.

[0038] The detergent container 110 is a rectangular container-shaped container used to store laundry detergent, specifically detergent for washing clothes in the washing tub 12. The detergent container 110 can store an amount of detergent sufficient for multiple washes. Furthermore, the detergent in the detergent container 110 can be replenished via a replenishment port located at the top of the detergent container 110.

[0039] On the other hand, the fabric softener container 111 is a rectangular container-shaped container for storing fabric softener, an example of a garment treatment agent. In this case, it is a rectangular container-shaped container for storing fabric softener used to soften the clothes in the washing tub 12. The fabric softener container 111 can store an amount of fabric softener corresponding to multiple washes. In addition, the fabric softener in the fabric softener container 111 can be replenished via a replenishment port provided at the top of the fabric softener container 111.

[0040] Furthermore, in this case, the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 are housed in the can housing 107 along the front-to-back direction of the washing machine 10. Additionally, in this case, the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 are housed side-by-side in the can housing 107 along the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the water filling box 100 also includes a pump unit 112. The pump unit 112 is an example of a treatment agent suction section that draws laundry detergent from the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111. In this case, a pump unit receiving portion 113 with a rectangular recess is provided on the rear wall of the box body 101, i.e., on the wall side of the can receiving portion 107. The pump unit 112 is then fitted into this pump unit receiving portion 113. The pump unit 112 includes a detergent metering pump 114 and a fabric softener metering pump 115.

[0042] The detergent metering pump 114 is configured to draw and dispense liquid, for example, by driving a piston via an actuator consisting of a motor, a solenoid, etc. The detergent metering pump 114 draws a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent tank 110, in this case, the amount of detergent used in one operation. Then, the detergent metering pump 114 dispenses the drawn detergent into an automatic dispensing path (not shown).

[0043] The fabric softener metering pump 115 is configured to drive a piston via an actuator consisting of a motor, solenoid, etc., thereby pumping out the drawn-out liquid. The fabric softener metering pump 115 draws a predetermined amount of fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 111, in this case, the amount of fabric softener used in one operation. Furthermore, the fabric softener metering pump 115 delivers the drawn-out fabric softener into an automatic dispensing path (not shown).

[0044] The front end of an automatic dispensing path (not shown) is connected to the bottom of the container body 101. Thus, a predetermined amount of detergent drawn from the detergent can 110 by the detergent metering pump 114, or a predetermined amount of fabric softener drawn from the fabric softener can 111 by the fabric softener metering pump 115, is supplied to the container body 101 via the automatic dispensing path (not shown), and then automatically dispensed from the container body 101 into the washing tub 12 via a water supply hose (not shown). In other words, the pump unit 112 constitutes part of an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the laundry detergent from the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 into the washing tub 12.

[0045] The water passage section 102 is a component used to supply tap water from the water supply valve unit 104 or bath water from the bath water pump 105 into the main body section 101. The upstream portion 116 of the water passage section 102 extends linearly along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10, behind the main body section 101 and in front of the water supply valve unit 104 and the bath water pump 105. That is, the upstream portion 116 of the water passage section 102 extends linearly along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 between the main body section 101 and the water supply valve unit 104 and the bath water pump 105.

[0046] Furthermore, the downstream portion 117 of the water channel section 102 extends in a straight line along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10 on the side of the main body 101. In this case, the downstream portion 117 of the water channel section 102 is positioned on the right side of the main body 101 when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 10. Moreover, the downstream portion 117 of the water channel section 102 extends at approximately or perfectly right angles relative to the upstream portion 116 of the water channel section 102. That is, the base end of the downstream portion 117 of the water channel section 102 is connected to the front end of the upstream portion 116 of the water channel section 102 at approximately or perfectly right angles, and in this case, it is connected to the right end of the upstream portion 116 of the water channel section 102 when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 10 at approximately or perfectly right angles.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As illustrated, the water system 102 has multiple water channels inside, including a main water channel 118, a fabric softener water channel 119, and a bath water water channel 120. In this configuration, the water system 102 is integrally formed with the main water channel 118, fabric softener water channel 119, and bath water water channel 120. Furthermore, inside the water system 102, the main water channel 118, fabric softener water channel 119, and bath water water channel 120 are separated by ribs. The main water channel 118, fabric softener water channel 119, and bath water water channel 120 are all provided as water channels for supplying water to the main body 101. In this configuration, the main water channel 118, fabric softener water channel 119, and bath water water channel 120 are water channels capable of supplying water to the main body 101, particularly to the manual dispensing section 106.

[0048] The main water passage 118 is used to inject ordinary water, such as water from an external water source like a tap, into the detergent dispenser 108 inside the main body 101. The fabric softener water passage 119 is used to inject ordinary water, such as water from an external water source like a tap, into the fabric softener dispenser 109 inside the main body 101. The bath water passage 120 is used to inject bath water, such as water from an external water source like a bathtub, into the detergent dispenser 108 inside the main body 101.

[0049] In this case, the main water passage 118 is located at the innermost side of the water passage section 102, i.e., the box body section 101 side. Furthermore, the main water passage 118 is arranged along the rear wall and right wall of the box body section 101 from the upstream section 116 to the downstream section 117 of the water passage section 102.

[0050] Furthermore, the fabric softener water passage 119 is located on the opposite side of the outermost part of the water passage section 102, namely the box body section 101. In addition, the fabric softener water passage 119 is provided along the rear wall and right wall of the box body section 101 from the upstream portion 116 to the downstream portion 117 of the water passage section 102.

[0051] Furthermore, the bathing water passage 120 is provided in a manner that sandwiches the main water passage 118 and the fabric softener water passage 119 between the downstream portion 117 of the water passage section 102. In this case, the bathing water passage 120 is configured not to be provided in the upstream portion 116 of the water passage section 102, but in the downstream portion 117 of the water passage section 102.

[0052] The water passage section 102 is configured such that in its upstream section 116, the main water passage 118 and the fabric softener water passage 119 are adjacent to each other. Furthermore, in its downstream section 117, the main water passage 118 is not adjacent to the fabric softener water passage 119, but a bath water passage 120 is sandwiched between these main water passages 118 and the fabric softener water passage 119. Additionally, in its downstream section 117, the main water passage 118 is adjacent to the inner side of the bath water passage 120, and the fabric softener water passage 119 is adjacent to the outer side of the bath water passage 120.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 7 As illustrated, the water circuit section 102 includes a water supply valve unit mounting section 102A and a bath water pump mounting section 102B. The water supply valve unit mounting section 102A and the bath water pump mounting section 102B are arranged side-by-side along the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 at the rear of the upstream section 116 of the water circuit section 102. In this case, when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 10, the water supply valve unit mounting section 102A is located on the left side, and the bath water pump mounting section 102B is located on the right side.

[0054] The water supply valve unit 104 is, for example, a liquid on / off valve that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. Similarly, the drain valve in the drainage section is also, for example, a liquid on / off valve that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. Figure 8 As illustrated, the water supply valve unit 104 is composed of multiple water supply valves, in this case, it is composed of four water supply valves 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d.

[0055] The front end of the water supply valve 104a is connected to the base end of the main water passage 118 via a water passage portion not shown. The water supply valve 104a introduces ordinary water supplied from a water source outside the washing machine 10, such as a tap water pipe, into the main water passage 118.

[0056] The front end of the water supply valve 104b is connected to the base end of the fabric softener water passage 119 via a water passage portion not shown. The water supply valve 104b introduces ordinary water supplied from a water source outside the washing machine 10, such as a tap water pipe, into the fabric softener water passage 119.

[0057] The front end of the water supply valve 104c is connected to the connection portion between the pump unit 112 and the automatic dispensing path (not shown) via a water passage section (not shown). The water supply valve 104c introduces ordinary water supplied from an external water source, such as a tap water pipe, into the connection portion between the pump unit 112 and the automatic dispensing path. Thus, detergent dispensed by the detergent metering pump 114 into the automatic dispensing path, or fabric softener dispensed by the fabric softener metering pump 115 into the automatic dispensing path, is introduced into the cartridge body 101 by the ordinary water supplied from the water supply valve 104c. Then, the detergent or fabric softener introduced into the cartridge body 101, together with the ordinary water supplied from the water supply valve 104c, is supplied to the washing tub 12 via a water supply hose.

[0058] Furthermore, in this case, the water supply valve 104d is a pre-installed water supply valve. The water supply valve 104d can be used, for example, as a water supply valve for supplying cleaning water (described later) for cleaning various objects included in the washing machine 10, such as drying pipes (not shown). In addition, the water supply valve 104d can be used not only as a cleaning water supply valve but also as a water supply valve for other purposes.

[0059] The front end of the bath water pump 105 is connected to the base end of the bath water passage 120 via a water passage portion not shown. The bath water pump 105 draws bath water from a water source such as a bathtub outside the washing machine 10 and directs the drawn bath water into the bath water passage 120.

[0060] like Figure 9 As illustrated, the water filling box 100 is configured such that at least the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101. That is, the water filling box 100 is not configured such that the water passage section 102 is integrally provided with the box body section 101, but rather that the water passage section 102 and the box body section 101 are separately provided.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 3 As illustrated, the water inlet box 100 is configured such that, in the front-to-back direction of the washing machine 10, it sequentially includes a manual dispensing section 106, a tank receiving section 107, a pump unit 112, and an upstream section 116 of the water passage section 102. Furthermore, a water supply valve unit 104 and a bath water pump 105 are arranged side-by-side behind the upstream section 116 of the water passage section 102. In addition, the tank receiving section 107 is located between the manual dispensing section 106 and the upstream section 116 of the water passage section 102 in the water inlet box 100.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 10 As illustrated, a connection port 121 is provided on the side of the main body 101. In this case, the connection port 121 is located on the right side when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10. In this case, the connection port 121 forms a rectangular opening that extends longitudinally along the length of the main body 101. Furthermore, the connection port 121 is located on the side of the main body 101 that forms its long side; in this case, the connection port 121 is located on the right side when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10. Additionally, the connection port 121 is located on the front portion of the right side of the long side of the main body 101. In other words, the connection port 121 is located on the side of the manual insertion section 106 within the main body 101, specifically on the right side of the long side of the main body 101.

[0063] The connection port 121 on the side of the front end of the downstream portion 117 of the water passage section 102 is connected to the connection port 121 provided on the right side of the main body portion 101. Thus, the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the front portion of the long side of the main body portion 101, which in this case is the right side of the main body portion 101 when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, the water passage section 102 connected to the connection port 121 can supply water to the manual feed 106 inside the main body portion 101 from its side; in this case, water can be supplied to the manual feed 106 from the right side when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 11 As illustrated, a rectangular packing 122, following the opening shape of the connection port 121, is provided between the front end of the water passage section 102 and the connection port 121 of the box body section 101. The packing 122 is an example of a watertight part. By being sandwiched between the front end of the water passage section 102 and the connection port 121 of the box body section 101, the packing 122 ensures that the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101 in a watertight state.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 10As illustrated, a frame-shaped wall portion 123 is provided around the connection opening 121 of the box body portion 101 in a manner that surrounds the connection opening 121. Furthermore, a locking hole portion 124 is provided in the frame-shaped wall portion 123. In this case, the locking hole portion 124 is provided in the upper part of the frame-shaped wall portion 123. Moreover, the locking hole portion 124 is a slit-like opening that passes through a portion of the frame-shaped wall portion 123; in this case, it is a slit-like opening that passes through the upper part of the frame-shaped wall portion 123. Furthermore, the locking hole portion 124 is a slit-like opening that extends longitudinally along the length direction of the box body portion 101, in other words, along the length direction of the connection opening 121.

[0066] On the other hand, such as Figure 12 As illustrated, a locking plate 125 is provided at the front end of the water passage section 102. In this case, the locking plate 125 is provided on the upper surface of the front end of the water passage section 102. Furthermore, the locking plate 125 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the front end of the water passage section 102 in a plate-like shape. In addition, the locking plate 125 is a plate-like plate that extends longitudinally along the length direction of the box body section 101, that is, along the length direction of the connection port 121.

[0067] When the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101, the locking piece 125 on the water passage section 102 side is inserted into the locking hole 124 on the box body section 101 side. This allows the front end of the water passage section 102 to be locked in place at the connection port 121 of the box body section 101. In other words, the locking piece 125 on the water passage section 102 side and the locking hole 124 on the box body section 101 side function as an example of a locking mechanism that locks the front end of the water passage section 102 to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101.

[0068] Furthermore, a rectangular flange portion 125a is provided at the foremost end of the water passage portion 102. A locking plate portion 125 is provided upstream of the flange portion 125a. In addition, a small gap is formed between the locking plate portion 125 and the flange portion 125a.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As illustrated, a fastening protrusion 126 is provided on the side of the main body 101. In this case, the fastening protrusion 126 is provided on the right side of the main body 101 when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 10. In this case, the fastening protrusion 126 is positioned below the connection port 121, that is, opposite to the locking hole 124. Furthermore, the fastening protrusion 126 protrudes in a straight line from the right side of the main body 101 to the right.

[0070] On the other hand, such as Figure 13As illustrated, a fastening plate 127 is provided at the front end of the water passage section 102. In this case, the fastening plate 127 is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the water passage section 102. That is, the fastening plate 127 is positioned on the opposite side of the locking plate 125 at the front end of the water passage section 102. Furthermore, the locking plate 125 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the front end of the water passage section 102 in a plate-like manner. In addition, a threaded hole 127a is provided at the front end of the fastening plate 127.

[0071] When the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101, a screw (not shown) is inserted into the threaded hole 127a of the fastening plate section 127 on the side of the water passage section 102, and the screw is screwed into the fastening protrusion 126 on the side of the box body section 101. As a result, the front end of the water passage section 102 can be securely fastened to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101.

[0072] That is, according to the water filling box 100 of this disclosure, the front end of the water passage section 102 is securely fixed to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101 at its upper part by the locking piece 125 locking against the locking hole 124. In addition, the front end of the water passage section 102 is securely fixed to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101 at its lower part by the fastening piece 127 fastening against the fastening protrusion 126.

[0073] In addition, such as Figures 2-5 As illustrated, the water filling box 100 also includes a pressurized dissolving device 130. The pressurized dissolving device 130 is a device that pressurizes the water flowing into the pressurized dissolving device 130 from the water supply hose 131 and supplies it into the box body 101. That is, with regard to the pressurized dissolving device 130, for example, the flow path area of ​​the inlet for water flowing into the pressurized dissolving device 130 is larger than the flow path area of ​​the outlet for water flowing out of the pressurized dissolving device 130, thereby enabling the water to be pressurized by making the amount of water flowing into the pressurized dissolving device 130 greater than the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolving device 130.

[0074] Furthermore, the pressurized dissolving device 130 increases the internal pressure by pressurizing the water, which facilitates the dissolution of air within the device into the water stored therein. Thus, the pressurized dissolving device 130 can supply water with a greater amount of dissolved air compared to ordinary water that does not pass through it.

[0075] Furthermore, the water injection box 100 has a known fine bubble generator (not shown) at the outlet of the pressurized dissolving device 130. The fine bubble generator has a throttling flow path on the upstream side (pressurized dissolving device 130 side) and a straight flow path on the downstream side (box body 101 side). The throttling flow path is a conical flow path whose flow area gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. On the other hand, the straight flow path is a straight flow path with approximately the same or identical flow area from the upstream side to the downstream side. Furthermore, the fine bubble generator has a collision section at the boundary between the throttling flow path and the straight flow path. The collision section protrudes towards the center of the flow path.

[0076] According to this microbubble generator, when water flows into the upstream side, i.e., the throttling flow path, the flow area in the throttling flow path gradually decreases. Based on Bernoulli's theorem in fluid mechanics, the flow velocity is increased, and cavitation caused by decompression occurs. This high-speed flow then collides with the collision section, thereby generating finely divided microbubbles in the flowing water. Thus, the microbubble generator causes a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through it to be released as microbubbles, supplying water containing more microbubbles than before passing through the microbubble generator.

[0077] Here, bubbles, generally referred to as fine bubbles or microbubbles, are classified according to their particle size as follows. For example, bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1000 nm, i.e., nanometer-level bubbles, are called ultrafine bubbles. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of several micrometers to about 100 μm, i.e., micrometer-level bubbles, are called microbubbles. In addition, in this embodiment, nanometer-level fine bubbles, ultrafine bubbles, and nanobubbles are all synonymous, referring to bubbles with a particle size of nanometers.

[0078] Nanobubbles enhance cleaning power by interacting with surfactants in detergents, preventing detergent micellization. Furthermore, their small particle size allows them to penetrate deep into fibers, effectively removing dirt and residual detergent components—the surfactants—from clothing.

[0079] Furthermore, microbubbles carry a negative electrical charge, making them easily electrostatically attracted to positively charged sebum and other dirt adhering to clothing. The dirt detached from clothing through this electrostatic reaction with the microbubbles remains adsorbed on the surface of the bubbles and floats on the water surface due to the buoyancy of the bubbles, thus remaining attached. Moreover, the negatively charged microbubbles repel each other and do not combine, thus dispersing in the liquid and preventing the dirt removed from clothing from re-adhering to the clothing in the washing water.

[0080] In this embodiment, the microbubble generator primarily functions to precipitate nano-sized microbubbles (nanobubbles) when used alone. However, by increasing the amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the microbubble generator, it is also possible to precipitate microbubbles with a larger particle size, namely microbubbles (micron bubbles). That is, if the amount of air dissolved in the water increases, the number of nanobubbles generated after passing through the microbubble generator also increases. This is presumably because some of the generated nanobubbles combine with each other and develop into microbubbles.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pressurized dissolving device 130 is provided upstream of the microbubble generator. Therefore, the amount of air contained in the water passing through the microbubble generator can be increased. Consequently, a large number of nanobubbles and microbubbles can be generated in the water after passing through the microbubble generator, resulting in the simultaneous achievement of a cleaning effect based on nanobubbles and an effect that inhibits the re-adhesion of dirt caused by microbubbles.

[0082] In this embodiment, the pressure dissolving device 130 is installed on the main body 101. However, the pressure dissolving device 130 may also be installed on the water passage 102. Furthermore, the pressure dissolving device 130 may be provided as a separate component that can be separated from both the main body 101 and the water passage 102.

[0083] According to the configuration example in which the pressure dissolving device 130 is provided in the main body of the box 101, the pressure dissolving device 130 and the main body of the box 101 can be integrated into a single unit, which can improve the water tightness and pressure resistance of the water passage connecting the pressure dissolving device 130 and the main body of the box 101.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the configuration example in which the pressure dissolving device 130 is provided in the water passage section 102, the pressure dissolving device 130 and the water passage section 102 can be integrally unitized, and the pressure dissolving device 130 can also be connected to the box body section 101 along with the water passage section 102. In addition, in this configuration example, the connection portion between the pressure dissolving device 130 and the box body section 101 on the water passage section 102 side can be provided with, for example, a sealing member, a locking part, etc. As a result, the water tightness and pressure resistance of the connection portion between the pressure dissolving device 130 and the box body section 101 on the water passage section 102 side can be improved.

[0085] Furthermore, in the case of a separate configuration where the pressurized dissolving device 130 can be separated from both the main body 101 and the water passage 102, a sealing element or a locking element may be provided at the connection between the pressurized dissolving device 130 and the main body 101. This improves the watertightness and pressure resistance of the connection between the pressurized dissolving device 130 and the main body 101.

[0086] According to the washing machine 10 of this application illustrated above, the water inlet box 100 is configured such that the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101. According to this configuration, the pump unit 112, which constitutes part of the automatic dispensing section, can be pre-installed on the box body section 101, and then the water inlet box 100 is formed by installing the water passage section 102 on the box body section 101. Therefore, it is not necessary to pre-supplied a large space between the box body section 101 and the water passage section 102 for assembling the pump unit 112, such as space for the pump unit 112 to slide towards its installation position, i.e., the pump unit receiving section 113. Thus, compared to conventional water inlet boxes where the water passage section is integrally provided in the box body section, the large size and structural complexity of the water inlet box 100 can be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, a tank receiving section 107, which is a relatively large component of the water injection box 100, is provided between the manual dispensing section 106 and the upstream section 116 of the water passage section 102. According to this configuration, with the tank receiving section 107, which is a relatively large component of the water injection box 100, as the center, other components of the water injection box 100, such as the manual dispensing section 106 and the upstream section 116 of the water passage section 102, can be arranged before and after it. A pump unit 112, a water supply valve unit 104, and a bath water pump 105 can also be arranged thereafter. That is, according to the configuration of this application, with the tank receiving section 107, which is a relatively large component, various components constituting the water injection box 100 can be arranged in a row before and after it, and the various components of the water injection box 100 can be compactly housed along the front-back direction of the washing machine 10.

[0088] In particular, the washing machine 10 of this application is a horizontal-axis type drum washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the drum extends in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is configured such that space along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10 can be easily secured on the side of the upper part of the cylindrical washing tub 12. Moreover, within such space secured on the side of the upper part of the washing tub 12 along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100, which is arranged along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10, can be accommodated without strain. Thus, the various components of the water inlet box 100 can be arranged efficiently within the limited space inside the outer casing 11. Therefore, even though the water inlet box 100 has both a manual dispensing section and an automatic dispensing section, the water inlet box 100 can be compactly housed inside the outer casing 11, which can prevent the outer casing 11 from becoming too large, in other words, can prevent the washing machine 10 from becoming too large.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the main body 101 of the washing machine has a pump unit 112 on the can housing section 107 side for drawing laundry detergent from the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111. With this configuration, the distance between the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 housed in the can housing section 107 and the pump unit 112 can be minimized, enabling efficient and rapid drawing of laundry detergent from the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 based on the pump unit 112.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the pump unit 112 is housed within a pump unit receiving portion 113 that is recessed into the wall of the main body portion 101 in a rectangular shape. With this configuration, the amount of protrusion of the pump unit 112 from the wall of the main body portion 101 can be suppressed, and the pump unit 112 can be compactly housed. Furthermore, by compactly housing the pump unit 112, the overall size of the water injection box 100 can also be prevented from becoming too large.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100 includes a locking hole 124 and a locking plate 125 for locking the water passage section 102 to the box body section 101. According to this configuration, in a configuration where the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101, the water passage section 102 can also be securely connected to the box body section 101. Additionally, the water inlet box 100 may have a configuration where the box body section 101 has the locking plate 125 and the water passage section 102 has the locking hole 124. Furthermore, as long as the locking part is configured to lock the water passage section 102 to the box body section 101, various configurations such as those based on claws and claw holes can be used.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100 is configured such that the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the side of the box body section 101. According to this configuration, in a configuration where the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101, by connecting the front end of the water passage section 102 to the side of the box body section 101, a configuration that allows water to be supplied from the water passage section 102 into the box body section 101 can be achieved.

[0093] That is, for example, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which the front end of the water passage is formed as part of the upper surface of the box body, if it is assumed that the water passage can be separated from the box body, then when connecting the front end of the water passage to the box body, it is necessary to consider, for example, ensuring the water tightness of the connection part, the positional offset of the front end of the water passage relative to the manual insertion part in the box body, etc., so the connection operation will be accompanied by great difficulty and labor.

[0094] In contrast, the water filling box 100 according to this application, by connecting only the front end of the water passage section 102 to the side of the box body section 101, can achieve a configuration that allows water to be supplied from the water passage section 102 into the box body section 101. Therefore, even in a configuration where the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101, the operation of connecting the front end of the water passage section 102 to the box body section 101 can be performed without great difficulty or labor.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100 is configured such that the front end of the water passage section 102 is connected to the side portion of the main body section 101 that forms the long side. According to this configuration, the aforementioned locking hole 124 and locking piece 125 can be provided for a longer length along the length direction of the main body section 101. This allows for a more secure connection between the front end of the water passage section 102 and the connection port 121 of the main body section 101.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100 includes a sealing member 122 that watertightly connects the front end of the water passage section 102 to the connection port 121 of the box body section 101. According to this configuration, in a configuration where the water passage section 102 can be separated from the box body section 101, water leakage at the connection portion between the front end of the water passage section 102 and the connection port 121 of the box body section 101 can also be suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water passage section 102 integrally comprises multiple water passages, including a main water passage 118, a fabric softener water passage 119, and a bath water water passage 120. According to this configuration, compared to a water passage configuration where the multiple water passages are separate units, it is easier to form the water passage section 102 with multiple water passages. Moreover, compared to a water passage configuration where the multiple water passages are separate units, the rigidity and strength of the water passage section 102 can be improved, and deformation and damage to the water passage section 102 can be suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 10, the water inlet box 100, when viewed from above, is configured such that the box body 101 and the water passage section 102 do not overlap substantially or at all. This ensures sufficient space between the box body 101 and the water passage section 102 for accommodating the pump unit 112.

[0099] Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to the one described above, and various modifications and expansions can be made without departing from its main idea.

[0100] For example, the water filling box 100 can be configured such that at least the water passage part 102 can be separated from the box body part 101. As for the constituent elements other than the water passage part 102, they can be configured to be separated from the box body part 101 or they can be configured not to be separated from the box body part 101.

[0101] Furthermore, the water filling box 100 can be configured such that the tank receiving part 107 is located between the manual injection part 106 and the water passage part 102. As long as this condition is met, the positional relationship of other constituent elements can be appropriately changed to implement it.

[0102] Furthermore, the water filling box 100 is preferably configured such that the pump unit 112 is positioned as close as possible to the tank housing 107. However, the water filling box 100 may also be configured such that other components are sandwiched between the tank housing 107 and the pump unit 112.

[0103] Furthermore, the front end of the water channel section 102 may be connected to the left side of the box body 101, for example, instead of the right side. Alternatively, the front end of the water channel section 102 may be connected to the front or rear side of the box body 101, which are the shorter sides, instead of the right or left side (which are the longer sides).

[0104] Furthermore, the waterway section 102 can be configured such that all waterways are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or it can be configured such that a portion of the waterways are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Additionally, the waterway section 102 can be configured such that all waterways overlap in the vertical direction, or it can be configured such that a portion of the waterways overlap in the vertical direction.

[0105] In addition, the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 may not be installed in a way that allows them to be installed and removed along the vertical direction of the washing machine 10 relative to the can housing 107, but may be installed in a way that allows them to be installed and removed along the horizontal direction of the washing machine 10, or along the front and back direction of the washing machine 10.

[0106] Furthermore, the shapes of the detergent can 110 and the fabric softener can 111 are not limited to cuboids, and various shapes can be used. In addition, the shape and size of the detergent can 110 may differ from those of the fabric softener can 111.

[0107] Furthermore, the container is not limited to detergent container 110 for storing detergent or fabric softener container 111 for storing fabric softener. For example, it could also be a deodorant container for storing deodorant, a disinfectant container for storing antibacterial agent, or a bleach container for storing bleach. In other words, any type of container can be used as long as it stores a treatment agent for treating clothing. Furthermore, the multiple containers housed in the container housing section 107 can be containers storing the same type of treatment agent or containers storing different types of treatment agents. Additionally, the washing machine 10 can also be configured to house three or more containers in the container housing section 107. Alternatively, the washing machine 10 can also be configured to house only one container in the container housing section 107. Furthermore, the detergent metering pump 114 and the fabric softener metering pump 115 are not limited to pumps that draw liquid; for example, they could also be pumps that dispense liquid.

[0108] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to so-called longitudinal axis type washing machines where the rotation center axis of the drum extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to washing machines with a drying function. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function. Moreover, this embodiment can be applied to various clothing treatment devices, for example, any device capable of performing certain treatments on clothing such as deodorization, sterilization, and bleaching.

[0109] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc., can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0111] In the attached diagram, 10 represents a washing machine (clothes handling device), 12 represents a washing tub (clothes handling tub), 14 represents a water supply unit, 100 represents a water injection box, 101 represents the main body of the box, 102 represents a water circuit unit, 106 represents a manual dispensing unit, 107 represents a can housing unit, 108 represents a manual dispensing unit for detergent, 109 represents a manual dispensing unit for fabric softener, 110 represents a detergent can, 111 represents a fabric softener can, 112 represents a pump unit (treatment agent suction unit), 118 represents a main water circuit, 119 represents a fabric softener water circuit, 120 represents a bath water circuit, 122 represents a seal (watertight part), 124 represents a locking hole (locking part), and 125 represents a locking plate (locking part).

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: Clothing disposal bin, for storing clothing; The water supply unit supplies water to the laundry processing tank; and A water injection box is located in the water supply unit. The water injection box has the following features: The main body of the box; and The water system supplies water from the water supply valve unit or the bath water pump into the main body of the box. The water injection box is assembled from the separately formed box body and the water channel section. The main body of the box includes a treatment agent suction unit that draws the treatment agent from a container storing the amount of treatment agent required for multiple runs. The upstream portion of the water circuit is configured to extend in a straight line in the left-right direction between the main body of the box, the water supply valve unit, and the bath water pump. The treatment agent suction section is configured such that it is embedded in a receiving section between the main body of the box and the water passage section, the receiving section being a rectangular recess in the wall of the main body of the box. The water passage section can be separated from the main body of the box.

2. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the box includes: The manual dispensing section allows users to manually add the garment treatment agent; and The can housing section houses the aforementioned can. The tank receiving section is located between the manual input section and the upstream section of the water passage section.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The main body of the box has the treatment agent suction part on the side of the can receiving part.

4. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It has a locking part that locks the water passage part to the main body of the box.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The water channel is connected to the side of the main body of the box.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The main body of the box is formed into a longitudinally elongated rectangular shape. The water channel is connected to the side of the long side of the main body of the box.

7. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It has a watertight section, which watertightly connects the water passage section to the main body of the box.

8. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The waterway section integrates multiple waterways.

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