washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device. The detergent dispensing device includes: a detergent dispenser (8), which includes a powder detergent dispensing section (18) and a plurality of outlets provided in the powder detergent dispensing section (18); and a water injection device that supplies water to the washing tub via the detergent dispenser (8). Furthermore, the plurality of outlets of the detergent dispenser (8) include a first outlet (22) provided at the lowest part of the powder detergent dispensing section (18) in the installed state of the washing machine, and a second outlet (24) substantially provided near the root of the longitudinal wall, i.e., the vertical wall (23a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a detergent dispensing device for a washing machine. This device includes: a detergent dispenser having a detergent dispensing section and an outlet; and a water injection device that houses the detergent dispenser so as to be pull out and injects water into the washing tub from the water injection outlet via the detergent dispenser. Furthermore, the detergent dispenser has a lower surface inclined in a manner to allow detergent to flow down in the detergent dispensing section, and a water flow plate inclined in the opposite direction to the lower surface is located near the outlet, above the lower surface.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-319378 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a washing machine that inhibits the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent in the detergent dispenser of a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device.

[0007] The washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device. The detergent dispensing device includes: a detergent dispenser comprising a powder detergent dispensing section and a plurality of outlets provided in the powder detergent dispensing section; and a water injection device that supplies water to the washing tub via the detergent dispenser. Furthermore, the plurality of outlets of the detergent dispenser include a first outlet located at the lowest part of the powder detergent dispensing section in the washing machine's installed state, and a second outlet substantially located near the root of a longitudinal wall.

[0008] The washing machine of the present invention can suppress the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent in the detergent dispenser of the detergent dispensing device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the washing machine in the first embodiment with the lid open.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the main side portion of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the top cover and detergent dispensing device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the water injection device of the detergent dispensing device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a top view of the water injection body of the detergent dispensing device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the detergent dispenser of the detergent dispensing device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of the detergent dispenser of the detergent dispensing device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0017] (Insights that form the basis of this invention, etc.)

[0018] When the inventor conceived of this invention, washing machines already existed that improved washing performance by foaming powdered detergent within the detergent dispensing device. However, the inventor discovered a problem: in the detergent dispensing device that foams the powdered detergent, if the detergent dispenser is constructed to ensure sufficient water pressure to generate the increased amount of foam necessary for effective washing, a large amount of dissolved powdered detergent residue is easily generated. Therefore, to solve this problem, the inventor conceived the subject of this invention.

[0019] The present invention provides a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device, which is configured to facilitate the passage of water by providing an outlet in a part of the detergent dispenser where powdered detergent is dispensed, where dissolution and residue are likely to occur. Even a weak water flow can allow the washing water to flow out from the outlet without stagnation.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary details will be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description too lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0021] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the invention by means of the drawings and the following description.

[0022] (Implementation Method 1)

[0023] The following uses Figures 1 to 8The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Furthermore, it will sometimes be referred to as such below. Figure 1 The vertical direction in the state of the washing machine 1 shown (corresponding to the state of the present invention) is described as the up-down direction. Additionally, sometimes the lower surface of each part is described as the bottom surface in the state of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, sometimes from the front side (in... Figure 3 When observing washing machine 1 (with the left side in the middle), the front side is recorded as the front and the back side (in the middle) is recorded as the front. Figure 3 The middle section (right side) is recorded as the rear.

[0024] [1-1. Structure]

[0025] [1-1-1. Structure of a washing machine]

[0026] First, use Figures 1-3 The structure of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the exterior of washing machine 1. Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the washing machine 1 with its lid 3 open. Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the main side part of washing machine 1.

[0027] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the washing machine 1 has a washing tub 5 for storing laundry inside, and a top cover 2 on top. A clothing inlet 2a is formed on the top cover 2, matching the opening of the washing tub 5, and a cover 3 that can be opened and closed freely covers the clothing inlet 2a. An operation display 4 is located behind the cover 3, which receives various user settings and displays content corresponding to the received settings. A control device 6 for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine 1 is housed and installed inside the operation display 4. Furthermore, the control device 6 has a computer system including a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as the control device 6 by having the processor execute the program stored in the memory. Here, the program executed by the processor is pre-stored in the computer system's memory, but it can be provided either by storing it on a non-temporary storage medium such as a memory card, or by providing it via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0028] In addition, the washing machine 1 is equipped with a detergent dispensing device 7. The detergent dispensing device 7 is fixed below the operation display unit 4 and is located on the top cover 2. Other structures are no different from those of a general washing machine, and the control device 6 is configured to perform washing operations including washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes according to the user's settings.

[0029] [1-1-2. Structure of the detergent dispensing device]

[0030] Next, use Figures 4-6 The detergent dispensing device 7 will be described. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the top cover 2 and the detergent dispensing device 7 of the washing machine 1. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the water injection device 9 of the detergent dispensing device 7. Figure 6 This is a top view of the water injection body 12 of the water injection device 9.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the detergent dispensing device 7 includes a detergent dispenser 8 and a water dispensing device 9. The detergent dispenser 8 is incorporated into the garment inlet 2a and is configured to be pulled out toward the center (i.e., the front) of the garment inlet 2a. Details of the detergent dispenser 8 will be described later.

[0032] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the water injection device 9 includes an electromagnetic water supply valve 10, a water flow element 11, a water injection body 12, and a water injection body cover 13. The water injection device 9 supplies washing water to the washing tub 5 via the detergent dispenser 8. That is, the washing machine 1 has a water injection device 9 that supplies water to the washing tub 5 via the detergent dispenser 8.

[0033] Here, the water injection body 12 has two water inlets 14 and two water flow paths 16 (in Figure 6 (Indicated by arrows) and multiple nozzles 17, with a water inlet cover 13 welded to the top. Two water inlets 14 are the first water inlet 14a and the second water inlet 14b, two water flow paths 16 are the first water flow path 16a and the second water flow path 16b, and multiple nozzles 17 are the first nozzle 17a and the second nozzle 17b. An electromagnetic water supply valve 10 is inserted into and fixed to the two water inlets 14 through a sealing rubber 15.

[0034] The water flow component 11 engages with the lower part of the water injection body 12 using locking claws 12a and is fixed by threads, thereby forming a storage space for the detergent box 8. The water flow component 11 is formed with a water flow surface 11a facing the washing tank 5 and a column 11b to prevent water from jumping, guiding the detergent-containing washing water flowing from the detergent box 8 into the washing tank 5.

[0035] The two water flow paths 16 and multiple spray outlets 17 of the water inlet 12 are provided corresponding to the three areas of the detergent dispenser 8 described later. Specifically, the first water flow path 16a, which is connected to the first water inlet 14a, is provided in the upper area (27) of the powder detergent dispensing section 18 and the upper area (28) of the liquid detergent dispensing section 19. Furthermore, the first spray outlet 17a is provided in the upper areas (27) and (28) to allow the detergent to flow out efficiently. The second water flow path 16b, which is connected to the second water inlet 14b, is provided in the upper area (29) of the fabric softener dispensing section 20 and the space 20a behind the fabric softener dispensing section. The second spray outlet 17b is provided in the upper area (29) to allow the fabric softener to flow out efficiently.

[0036] Next, use Figure 7 and Figure 8 The detergent dispenser 8 is described below. Figure 7 This is a 3D view of detergent dispenser 8. Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of detergent dispenser 8.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the detergent dispenser 8 includes a powder detergent dispensing section 18, a liquid detergent dispensing section 19, a fabric softener dispensing section 20, a rear space 20a of the fabric softener dispensing section, and a plurality of outlets provided in the powder detergent dispensing section 18. These plurality of outlets include a first outlet 22 and a second outlet 24.

[0038] The user adds powdered detergent to the powder detergent dispenser 18, liquid detergent to the liquid detergent dispenser 19, and liquid fabric softener to the fabric softener dispenser 20. Both the liquid detergent dispenser 19 and the fabric softener dispenser 20 are equipped with outlets 21, utilizing a siphon principle, to allow the added liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener to flow out. The detergent dispenser 8 is configured to allow a portion of the water injected from the second nozzle 17b to escape into the space 20a behind the fabric softener dispenser, preventing excessive water from being injected into the fabric softener dispenser 20 and overflowing.

[0039] The powder detergent dispensing section 18 has a bottom surface 18a that is inclined so that washing water containing dissolved powder detergent flows down, and a first outlet 22 is provided at the lowest part of the bottom surface 18a. That is, the first outlet 22 is provided at the lowest part of the powder detergent dispensing section 18 when the washing machine 1 is installed.

[0040] Additionally, the detergent metering unit 23 is located in the powder detergent dispensing unit 18. For example... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the detergent metering section 23 is essentially a stepped measuring member formed by a vertical wall 23a and a horizontal surface 23b. That is, the detergent dispenser 8 includes a stepped detergent metering section 23 formed by the vertical wall 23a and the horizontal surface 23b, located in the powder detergent dispensing section 18 when the washing machine 1 is in operation. Furthermore, the detergent metering section 23 may, for example, display minimum (MIN), intermediate (MED), and maximum (MAX) sequentially from bottom to top on the horizontal surface 23b. Thus, the user can use the detergent metering section 23 as a reference for the amount of powder detergent dispensed.

[0041] In the detergent metering section 23, a second outlet 24 is provided near the root of each vertical wall 23a. That is, the second outlet 24 is substantially located near the root of the longitudinal wall. Specifically, the second outlet 24 is located near the root of the vertical wall 23a of the detergent metering section 23. Near the horizontal plane 23b of the detergent metering section 23, which is located at a position higher than the bottom surface 18a, the flow of water flowing through the powder detergent is relatively weak, so there is a possibility of powder detergent dissolution and residue. However, by providing the second outlet 24 near the root of each vertical wall 23a, even a weak water flow can easily allow the powder detergent to flow out from the powder detergent inlet 18. As a result, the occurrence of powder detergent dissolution and residue can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second outlet 24 is provided near the root of each vertical wall 23a, but it is also possible not to provide the second outlet 24 near the root of all vertical walls 23a.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the detergent dispenser 8 is provided with a button 25 that the user can access when it is pulled out. The user can press the button 25 to release the locking claw 26 that is engaged with the water injection body 12, and can pull the detergent dispenser 8 out of the water injection device 9.

[0043] [1-2. Actions]

[0044] The following describes the operation and function of the washing machine 1 configured as described above.

[0045] When the user operates the operation display unit 4 to start the washing operation, the control device 6 begins the washing process. The control device 6 displays the required detergent dosage based on the user's washing mode settings and the amount of laundry. The user prepares the displayed detergent dosage and adds it to the detergent dispenser 18 in the detergent dispenser 8. In addition, the user also adds fabric softener to the fabric softener dispenser 20.

[0046] Then, the control device 6 opens the first electromagnetic water supply valve 10a of the water injection device 9 located at the first water inlet 14a, supplying tap water to the first water flow path 16a of the water injection body 12. The supplied water flows violently into the first water flow path 16a and is sprayed into the detergent dispenser 8 from multiple nozzles 17 (first nozzles 17a) located in the first water flow path 16a. The sprayed water dissolves the powdered detergent added to the powdered detergent dispenser 18. In this example, powdered detergent is added to the powdered detergent dispenser 18 of the detergent dispenser 8, but if liquid detergent is added to the liquid detergent dispenser 19, the sprayed water dilutes the liquid detergent added to the liquid detergent dispenser 19. In this way, a portion of the washing water containing dissolved detergent is formed into foam and introduced into the washing tank 5 from the water surface 11a.

[0047] At this time, a strong water flow is generated in the powder detergent dispensing section 18 from the bottom surface 18a toward the first outlet 22. However, a strong water flow is difficult to generate on the horizontal surface 23b of the detergent metering section 23, which is located at a higher position in the vertical direction from the bottom surface 18a, and stagnation is likely to occur. As a result, powder detergent residue may occur on the horizontal surface 23b, especially at the corners of the vertical wall 23a and the horizontal surface 23b.

[0048] Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing an outlet in the powder detergent dispensing section 18 where powder detergent is prone to dissolving and remaining, the flow of water can be facilitated. That is, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is provided with a second outlet 24 near the root of the vertical wall 23a of the detergent metering section 23, so that even a weak water flow can allow the washing water containing powder detergent to flow out from the second outlet 24 without stagnation.

[0049] Therefore, the powdered detergent on the horizontal surface 23b can be contained within the detergent dispenser 8 and flow into the washing tank 5. This prevents the situation where the powdered detergent prepared in proportion to the amount of laundry is not used, thus reducing the washing effect. Furthermore, it prevents the powdered detergent from adhering to the base of the vertical wall 23a.

[0050] For the control device 6, when the water supply operation of introducing washing water into the washing tank 5 is completed, the washing process continues for a predetermined time, and then the rinsing process begins. Then, in the final stage of the rinsing process, the control device 6 opens the second electromagnetic water supply valve 10b of the water injection device 9, located at the second water inlet 14b, and supplies tap water to the second water flow path 16b of the water injection body 12. The supplied water flows forcefully into the second water flow path 16b, diluting the fabric softener added to the fabric softener dispensing section 20, and introducing it into the washing tank 5.

[0051] The control device 6 completes the dehydration process after the rinsing process, thus ending the washing operation.

[0052] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a washing machine equipped with a detergent dispensing device 7. The detergent dispensing device 7 includes: a detergent dispenser 8, which includes a powder detergent dispensing section 18 and a plurality of outlets provided in the powder detergent dispensing section 18; and a water injection device 9, which supplies water to the washing tub 5 via the detergent dispenser 8. Furthermore, the plurality of outlets of the detergent dispenser 8 include a first outlet 22 provided at the lowest part of the powder detergent dispensing section 18 when the washing machine 1 is installed, and a second outlet 24 substantially provided near the root of the longitudinal wall, i.e., the vertical wall 23a.

[0054] Therefore, the washing machine 1 can prevent the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent in the detergent dispenser 8 of the detergent dispensing device 7. Thus, the washing machine 1 can prevent the situation where unused powdered detergent in the detergent dispenser 8 due to dissolution and residue leads to a decrease in the washing effect of clothes.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detergent dispenser 8 includes a stepped detergent metering section 23 formed by a vertical wall 23a and a horizontal surface 23b, which is provided in the powder detergent dispensing section 18 when the washing machine 1 is installed. A second outlet 24 is located near the root of the vertical wall 23a of the detergent metering section 23.

[0056] Therefore, the user can use the detergent metering unit 23 as a reference for the amount of powdered detergent added, and the washing machine 1 of this embodiment can improve the ease of operation for the user. In addition, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment can suppress the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent at the corners of the vertical wall 23a and the horizontal surface 23b.

[0057] Industrial availability

[0058] This invention can be applied to various washing machines equipped with detergent dispensing devices, regardless of their form (drum type, vertical type including pulsator, etc.) or whether they have a drying function.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] 1. Washing machine; 2. Top cover; 2a. Clothes inlet; 3. Cover; 4. Operation display; 5. Washing tub; 6. Control device; 7. Detergent dispensing device; 8. Detergent dispenser; 9. Water filling device; 10. Electromagnetic water supply valve; 10a. First electromagnetic water supply valve; 10b. Second electromagnetic water supply valve; 11. Water flow component; 11a. Water flow surface; 11b. Column; 12. Water filling body; 12a. Locking claw; 13. Water filling body cover; 14. Water inlet; 14a. First water inlet; 14b. Second water inlet; 15. Water seal 16. Rubber; 16. Water flow path; 16a. First water flow path; 16b. Second water flow path; 17. Spray outlet; 17a. First spray outlet; 17b. Second spray outlet; 18. Powder detergent inlet; 18a. Bottom surface; 19. Liquid detergent inlet; 20. Fabric softener inlet; 20a. Space behind fabric softener inlet; 21. Outlet; 22. First outlet; 23. Detergent metering section; 23a. Vertical wall; 23b. Horizontal surface; 24. Second outlet; 25. Button; 26. Engaging claw.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a detergent dispensing device, wherein, The detergent dispensing device includes: a detergent dispenser comprising a powder detergent dispensing section and a plurality of outlets provided in the powder detergent dispensing section; and a water injection device that supplies water to the washing tank via the detergent dispenser. The powder detergent dispensing section has a sloping bottom surface that allows the washing water containing the dissolved powder detergent to flow down. The detergent dispenser has multiple outlets, including a first outlet located at the lowest part of the bottom surface of the powder detergent dispensing section when the washing machine is in its installed state, and a second outlet substantially located at the root of the longitudinal wall. The detergent dispenser includes a detergent metering section located in the powder detergent dispensing section of the washing machine in the aforementioned setting state. This section serves as a reference for the amount of powder detergent dispensed into the powder detergent dispensing section and is a stepped measuring element formed by a longitudinal vertical wall and a horizontal plane. The second outlet is located at at least a portion of the root of the vertical wall of the detergent metering section, the root being the part of the vertical wall that intersects with the horizontal plane.

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