washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a washing tub, a detergent container (450), an automatic liquid agent feeding device, and a detergent container storage portion. The washing tub stores laundry. The detergent container (450) stores liquid detergent, and a detergent container feeding portion (451) is provided on the upper surface in the set state. The automatic liquid agent feeding device feeds the liquid detergent stored in the detergent container (450) into the washing tub. The detergent container storage portion stores the detergent container (450) and connects the detergent container (450) and the automatic liquid agent feeding device. Moreover, the detergent container (450) is configured to be able to be loaded and unloaded relative to the automatic liquid agent feeding device, and the detergent container (450) is locked in the detergent container storage portion when it is in the first position when the detergent container feeding portion (451) is open to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a washing liquid injector that automatically injects an appropriate amount of washing liquid.

[0003] The washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a washing liquid injector, a container for storing a plurality of wash liquids, and a case for storing the container. The container is detachable from and attachable to the case by vertical movement.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-181023 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a washing machine that facilitates replenishment of a liquid agent container storing the liquid agent and suppresses contamination of the area around the liquid agent container.

[0008] The washing machine disclosed herein includes a washing tub, a liquid container, an automatic liquid feeding device, and a liquid container storage portion. The washing tub stores laundry. The liquid container stores liquid and has an opening on its upper surface in the set state. The automatic liquid feeding device feeds the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tub. The liquid container storage portion stores the liquid container and connects the liquid container and the automatic liquid feeding device. Furthermore, the liquid container is configured to be loadable and unloadable relative to the automatic liquid feeding device, and the liquid container is locked in the liquid container storage portion when it is in the first position with the opening open to the outside.

[0009] The washing machine disclosed herein can easily replenish the liquid agent container storing the liquid agent, and can suppress contamination around the liquid agent container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment with the lid closed.

[0011] Figure 2 It is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment with the lid open.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an external perspective view showing a state where the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are pulled out, showing the water supply unit and its peripheral structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the water supply unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 and the surrounding structure thereof.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the water supply unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 and the surrounding structure thereof.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the flow path cover portion removed.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are removed.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit and its surroundings are shown in the F-F cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are pulled out.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The BB sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit and its surroundings are shown in an EE cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 The C-C cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 The A-A cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The D-D cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0024] Figure 15 This is an external front view showing the structure of the water supply unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container removed.

[0025] Figure 16 This is an external perspective view showing the structure of the detergent container of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 17A This is a plan view showing a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the first embodiment with the flow path cover removed in a state where a detergent container is stored.

[0027] Figure 17B This is a plan view illustrating a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent container is pulled out.

[0028] Figure 18 yes Figure 17A The G-G cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0029] Figure 19 yes Figure 17B The K-K cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figure 17A The H-H cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0031] Figure 21 yes Figure 17B The J-J cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0032] Figure 22 It is a plan view showing the structure of the lower portion of the flow path of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 23 It is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to the second embodiment with the lid closed.

[0034] Figure 24 It is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to the second embodiment with the lid open.

[0035] Figure 25 This is an external perspective view showing a state in which the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are pulled out, showing a water supply unit and its peripheral structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 26 It is a rear view showing the water supply unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment and the structure of its periphery.

[0037] Figure 27 It is an exploded perspective view showing a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a second embodiment and the structure of its periphery.

[0038] Figure 28 It is a plan view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, with the flow path cover portion removed.

[0039] Figure 29 This is a plan view showing a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are removed.

[0040] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 The Q-Q cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0041] Figure 31 This is a plan view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to the second embodiment with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container are pulled out.

[0042] Figure 32 yes Figure 29 The M-M cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0043] Figure 33 yes Figure 29 The P-P cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0044] Figure 34 yes Figure 29 The N-N cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0045] Figure 35 yes Figure 29 LL cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings shown.

[0046] Figure 36 yes Figure 29 The O-O cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0047] Figure 37 It is an external front view showing the structure of the water supply unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, with the detergent box, the detergent container, and the softener container removed.

[0048] Figure 38 It is an external perspective view showing the structure of a detergent container of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 39A This is a plan view showing a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the second embodiment with the flow path cover portion removed in a state where a detergent container is stored.

[0050] Figure 39B This is a plan view illustrating a cross section of the water supply unit and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, with the flow path cover removed, in a state where the detergent container is pulled out.

[0051] Figure 40 yes Figure 39AThe RR cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0052] Figure 41 yes Figure 39B A U-U cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0053] Figure 42 yes Figure 39A The water supply unit and its surroundings are shown in an S-S cross-sectional view.

[0054] Figure 43 yes Figure 39B The T-T cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0055] Figure 44 It is a plan view showing the structure of the lower portion of the flow path of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0057] (Implementation 1)

[0058] Below, use Figures 1 to 22 , the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] [1-1. Structure]

[0060] [1-1-1. Structure of a washing machine]

[0061] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, with the lid 700 closed. Figure 2 700 is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine 100 with the cover 700 opened. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , there is a case where the vertical direction in the state where the washing machine 100 is installed (equivalent to the installation state of the present disclosure) is described as the up-down direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the description, the side of washing machine 100 where operating unit 800 is located is referred to as the rear side, and the opposite side is referred to as the front side. In other words, a user typically stands in front of washing machine 100, places laundry such as clothes into washing machine 100, and performs various operations to operate washing machine 100. Furthermore, the laundry disclosed herein is not limited to clothing; for example, it includes cloth or leather products such as bedding, curtains, carpets, and shoes, as well as other items that can be washed in various known washing machines.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 600, a cover 700, and an operating unit 800. It is a so-called vertical washing machine that can throw laundry into the housing 600 from the top when it is set. The housing 600 includes a lower housing 610 and an upper housing 620. A washing tank 500 is housed in the lower housing 610. The washing tank 500 is formed as a cylindrical body that opens upward (i.e., a bottomed cylindrical body) to accommodate laundry and perform a washing operation to clean the laundry. The washing operation can also be the operation performed by the washing tanks of various known washing machines. The principle of embodiment 1 is not limited to a specific washing operation performed by the washing tank 500.

[0063] The upper housing 620 is disposed above the lower housing 610. A laundry inlet 621 is formed in the upper housing 620 and communicates with the washing tub 500. A lid 700 is attached to the rear of the upper housing 620, covering the inlet 621 in a removable manner. When the user rotates the lid 700 upward, the washing tub 500 is exposed through the inlet 621. The user can then place laundry into the washing tub 500 through the inlet 621.

[0064] An operating unit 800 is provided at the rear of the upper housing 620 and at a position behind the inlet 621. The user can operate the operating unit 800 to set various actions of the washing tub 500. In addition, the washing machine 100 is provided with a control device (not shown) in the housing 600, which controls the overall action of the washing machine 100 in addition to, for example, controlling the water supply valve 310 and the three-way valve 380 according to the operation of the operating unit 800 by the user. The control device has a computer system having a processor and a memory. Moreover, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, so that the computer system functions as a control device. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but can also be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or can be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0065] A water supply port 200 is provided at the rear of the operation unit 800 , and a water supply hose 210 is connected to the water supply port 200 to introduce tap water from a faucet.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the detergent container 450 , the softener container 460 , and the detergent box 400 are arranged so that their front surfaces are flush with each other when housed in the water supply unit 300 .

[0067] Figure 3 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structures, with the detergent box 400, the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 being pulled out. Figure 3 As shown, the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 are configured to store enough liquid to run multiple cycles. Specifically, the detergent container 450 stores liquid detergent, and the softener container 460 stores softener. The detergent container 450 has a detergent container inlet 451 for injecting the stored liquid detergent, and the softener container 460 has a softener container inlet 461 for injecting the stored softener. The top surfaces of the detergent container inlet 451 and the softener container inlet 461 are open to allow for liquid injection.

[0068] Furthermore, detergent container 450 is provided with a detergent container remaining scale 450a, and softener container 460 is provided with a softener container remaining scale 460a. Detergent container remaining scale 450a and softener container remaining scale 460a are each made of a transparent material, allowing the user to visually confirm the remaining amount of liquid.

[0069] On the other hand, the detergent box 400 is used for the user to put in the amount of detergent required for one operation. The detergent box 400 is provided with a powder detergent manual input part 410 for inputting powder detergent, a liquid detergent manual input part 420 for inputting liquid detergent, and a softener manual input part 430 for inputting softener.

[0070] The cover 700 is partially transparent, so that the user can visually check the detergent container remaining scale 450a and the softener container remaining scale 460a even when the cover 700 is closed, and confirm the remaining amount of liquid stored in the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460.

[0071] [1-1-2. Water supply unit]

[0072] Figure 4 3 is a rear view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings. Figure 5 : is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings. Figure 5 As shown, the water supply unit 300 mainly includes a water supply unit housing 320 formed in a box shape, a flow path cover 340 covering the upper surface of the water supply unit housing 320 , and a flow path lower portion 370 installed on the lower bottom of the water supply unit housing 320 .

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the back of the water supply unit housing 320, a water supply valve 310 is installed on the left side to freely open and close the water introduced from the water supply port 200. When the water supply valve 310 is open, the water introduced from the water supply valve 310 is introduced into the water supply unit housing 320.

[0074] A bus pump 314 is located in the center of the back of the water supply unit housing 320. This pump draws water from outside the washing machine 100 via a hose (not shown). The bus pump 314 is secured to the flow channel cover 340 with screws and is directly connected to the first water conduit 321, described later, via a bus pump water inlet 333. The bus pump 314 begins suction and discharge operations by supplying water from the first water conduit 321.

[0075] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the water supply unit housing portion 320 is formed in a box shape that is open to the front. The water supply unit housing portion 320 includes a detergent container storage portion 360, a softener container storage portion 365, and a detergent box storage portion 350 as internal spaces. The detergent container storage portion 360 can independently pull out the detergent container 450 to store the detergent container 450, the softener container storage portion 365 can independently pull out the softener container 460 to store the softener container 460, and the detergent box storage portion 350 can independently pull out the detergent box 400 to store the detergent box 400. The detergent container storage portion 360 includes a detergent container storage portion claw portion 361 described later and a stopper 368 described later. In addition, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shape of the water supply unit housing 320 shown is an example, and any shape may be used as long as it is formed into a box shape so as to accommodate the detergent container 450, the softener container 460, and the detergent box 400. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shapes of the detergent container storage section 360 and softener container storage section 365 shown are also examples. Detergent container storage section 360 and softener container storage section 365 are formed into a box shape that opens toward the inlet 621. As long as detergent container storage section 360 can accommodate detergent container 450 and softener container storage section 365 can accommodate softener container 460, any shape is acceptable. That is, the shapes of water supply unit housing 320, detergent container storage section 360, and softener container storage section 365 are not limited to being roughly rectangular or roughly cubical; their cross-sections may also be roughly polygonal or have curved shapes such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0076] The detergent box flow path portion 330 is provided as an upper surface of the detergent box storage portion 350 , and a first water conduit path 321 and a second water conduit path 322 , which will be described later, are formed in the detergent box flow path portion 330 .

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 3 , an automatic liquid injection device 301 is installed on the right side when viewed from the back side of the water supply unit housing 320. The automatic liquid injection device 301 will be described later.

[0078] [1-1-3. Water Conveyance Path]

[0079] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the water supply valve 310 includes three on-off valves, namely a first water guide cylinder 311 , a second water guide cylinder 312 , and a third water guide cylinder 313 , and each on-off valve can be opened and closed independently.

[0080] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure with the flow path cover 340 removed. Figure 7 It is a plan view showing a cross section of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings with the flow path cover 340 removed in a state where the detergent box 400 , the detergent container 450 , and the softener container 460 are removed. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line FF. Figure 9 1 is a plan view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure with the flow path cover 340 removed, in a state where the detergent box 400 , the detergent container 450 , and the softener container 460 are pulled out. Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in a BB cross-sectional view.

[0081] like Figures 6 to 10 As shown, a water conduit path for water introduced from the water supply valve 310 is formed in the water supply unit housing 320, and the water supply valve 310 is directly connected to the water conduit path. The water conduit path is formed in a branched manner, independently communicating with the first water conduit cylinder 311, the second water conduit cylinder 312, and the third water conduit cylinder 313. The flow path communicating with the first water conduit cylinder 311 is defined as the first water conduit path 321, the flow path communicating with the second water conduit cylinder 312 is defined as the second water conduit path 322, and the flow path communicating with the third water conduit cylinder 313 is defined as the third water conduit path 323.

[0082] [1-1-4. Detergent Box, First Water Conveying Path, Second Water Conveying Path]

[0083] like Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the first water conduit 321 and the second water conduit 322 guide the water supplied from the first water conduit cylinder 311 and the second water conduit cylinder 312 to the detergent box flow path 330 and inject it into the detergent box 400 located below.

[0084] As described above, the powder detergent manual input portion 410 , the liquid detergent manual input portion 420 , and the softener manual input portion 430 are provided inside the detergent box 400 , so that the user can input the respective detergents.

[0085] The first water conduit 321 is provided with a powder detergent inlet 331 formed above the manual powder detergent dispenser 410 to provide vertical communication, and a liquid detergent inlet 332 formed above the manual liquid detergent dispenser 420 to provide vertical communication. The second water conduit 322 is provided with a softener inlet 334 formed above the manual softener dispenser 430 to provide vertical communication.

[0086] Manual powder detergent dispenser 410, manual liquid detergent dispenser 420, and manual softener dispenser 430 are each provided with a drain port (not shown) for discharging the accumulated liquid downward. Liquid discharged from the drain port falls toward lower flow path portion 370. Lower flow path portion 370 serves as a drain port, discharging the liquid into washing tub 500.

[0087] [1-1-5. Automatic injection device, third water conduit path]

[0088] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in the EE cross-sectional view. Figure 12 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in the CC cross-sectional view. Figure 13 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in the AA cross-sectional view. Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in DD cross-sectional view. Figure 15 This is a front view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 , with the detergent box 400 , the detergent container 450 , and the softener container 460 removed.

[0089] like Figure 6 and Figures 10 to 15As shown, the third water conduit 323 is formed in a generally horizontal direction along the rear surface of the water supply unit housing 320 and opens toward the rear surface at a washing path water conduit port 324. The washing path water conduit port 324 is connected to a path 325 within the automatic dispensing device (described later), thereby connecting the third water conduit 323 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is located on the rear surface of the detergent container storage section 360 and the softener container storage section 365. Furthermore, as will be described later, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is connected to the detergent container 450 and softener container 460, respectively, which are housed in the detergent container storage section 360 and the softener container storage section 365. That is, the detergent container storage portion 360 stores the detergent container 450 and connects the detergent container 450 to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 301 , and the softener container storage portion 365 stores the softener container 460 and connects the softener container 460 to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 301 .

[0090] like Figure 9 As shown, a detergent container insertion port 302 is provided on the back side of the detergent container 450, and a detergent container check valve 302a (see FIG. 302 ) is provided inside the detergent container insertion port 302 to be opened by pushing. Figure 20 ). Similarly, the back side of the softener container 460 is provided with a softener container insertion port 303 and a softener container check valve (not shown) that is opened by pushing. The detergent container 450 is configured as follows: when installed in the detergent container storage section 360, the automatic detergent injection port 452 (described later) is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 302, the detergent container check valve 302a is opened, and liquid detergent can be supplied. Similarly, the softener container 460 is configured as follows: when installed in the softener container storage section 365, the automatic softener injection port 462 (described later) is inserted into the softener container insertion port 303, the softener container check valve is opened, and softener can be supplied.

[0091] An automatic detergent dispensing connection portion 360a and an automatic softener dispensing connection portion 365a are provided on the inner back surfaces of the detergent container storage portion 360 and the softener container storage portion 365, respectively. The automatic detergent dispensing connection portion 360a and the automatic softener dispensing connection portion 365a are configured to surround the automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 452 and the automatic softener dispensing insertion port 462 of the automatic liquid dispensing device 301.

[0092] The automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 includes an automatic detergent dispensing port 452, an automatic softener dispensing port 462, a three-way valve 380, a pump unit 390, and an internal path 325 within the automatic dispensing device. The three-way valve 380 switches the paths for the liquid detergent, softener, and water. The pump unit 390 draws in and dispenses the liquid. The internal path 325 connects the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390. In Embodiment 1, the detergent container storage section 360 and the softener container storage section 365 are not included in the structure of the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301, but they may be included in the structure of the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301. That is, the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 may be formed in a box shape that opens toward the dispensing port 621 and includes the automatic detergent dispensing port 452, the automatic softener dispensing port 462, the detergent container storage section 360, and the softener container storage section 365. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301, which includes the detergent container storage section 360 and the softener container storage section 365, can have any shape as long as it is shaped like a box to accommodate the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460. That is, the shape of the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is not limited to a roughly rectangular parallelepiped or a roughly cubic shape; its cross-section may also be roughly polygonal or have a circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 may also be configured to include at least one of the detergent container storage section 360 and the softener container storage section 365.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, the automatic detergent insertion port 452 and the automatic softener insertion port 462 are formed to protrude forward. When the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 are respectively stored in the detergent container storage portion 360 and the softener container storage portion 365, the automatic detergent insertion port 452 is connected to the detergent container 450, and the automatic softener insertion port 462 is connected to the softener container 460.

[0094] The three-way valve 380 includes a detergent three-way valve 381 and a softener three-way valve 382, ​​which are configured to be independently openable and closed. The detergent three-way valve 381 is arranged to communicate with the washing path water inlet 324, the detergent automatic injection port 452, and the softener three-way valve 382. In addition, the softener three-way valve 382 is arranged to communicate with the detergent three-way valve 381, the softener automatic injection port 462, and the path 325 in the automatic injection device. Figure 13As shown, the downstream side of three-way valve 380 is connected to pump unit 390 via automatic feeder internal path 325. Thus, three-way valve 380 is connected to automatic feeder internal path 325, automatic detergent feeder insertion port 452, automatic softener feeder insertion port 462, and pump unit 390. Washing machine 100 can control the flow of detergent, softener, and water by opening and closing three-way valve 381 for detergent and three-way valve 382 for softener.

[0095] Pump unit 390 includes a pump flow path 391, a cylinder 397, and a piston 395. Pump flow path 391 is provided between pump unit inlet 392a and pump unit outlet 392b. Cylinder 397 is provided midway in pump flow path 391. Piston 395 moves up and down using the rotational drive force of a motor (not shown).

[0096] An inlet check valve 393 is provided at the pump unit inlet 392a, and an outlet check valve 394 is provided at the pump unit outlet 392b.

[0097] The inlet check valve 393 is configured to be opened by a negative pressure operation of the piston 395 , and the outlet check valve 394 is configured to be opened by a positive pressure operation of the piston 395 .

[0098] The automatic feeding device internal path 325 is connected to the flow path lower portion 370 via the cleaning path outflow port 326 at a location downstream of the pump unit 390 .

[0099] [1-1-6. Detergent Container and Container Storage]

[0100] Hereinafter, as an example of a liquid agent container, a detergent container 450 will be described. Softener container 460 has the same structure as detergent container 450.

[0101] Figure 16 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the detergent container 450. Figure 16 As shown, the detergent container 450 includes a detergent container housing 456 formed in a box shape and a detergent container insertion portion 451 provided on an upper portion of the detergent container housing 456 .

[0102] The detergent container inlet 451 is opened approximately in the center, and has inclined inlet portions 464 at the front, left and right sides, and rear. The inclined inlet portions 464 are formed to slope downward toward the opening of the detergent container inlet 451, guiding the liquid agent into the detergent container inlet 451 and allowing it to flow into the interior of the detergent container housing 456.

[0103] Figure 17A It is a plan view showing a cross section of water supply unit 300 and its surroundings with flow path cover 340 removed in a state where detergent container 450 is accommodated. Figure 17BIt is a plan view showing a cross section of water supply unit 300 and its surroundings with flow path cover 340 removed in a state where detergent container 450 is pulled out. Figure 18 yes Figure 17A The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in the GG cross-sectional view. Figure 19 yes Figure 17B The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in a KK cross-sectional view. Figure 20 yes Figure 17A The H-H cross-sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 21 yes Figure 17B The water supply unit 300 and its surroundings are shown in a JJ cross-sectional view.

[0104] like Figure 18 As shown, a locking lever 454 is provided at the bottom of the detergent container housing 456. When the detergent container 450 is stored in the detergent container housing 360, the locking lever 454 engages with a detergent container housing claw 361 provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container housing 360. A locking lever grip 454a is provided at the near-front end of the locking lever 454. The locking lever grip 454a is located near a detergent container housing grip 456a formed by extending the lower portion of the front surface of the detergent container housing 456.

[0105] like Figures 18 to 21 As shown, a filter 470 for filtering liquid is provided inside the back side of the detergent container housing 456. The filter 470 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape so as to abut against the inner side wall of the detergent container housing 456 and is provided so as to be inclined downward from the back toward the front.

[0106] A spring mechanism 455 is provided approximately in the center of the lower back portion of the detergent container housing 456. The spring mechanism 455 includes a spring 455a positioned below the filter 470. The spring 455a biases the detergent container housing 456 forward. A detergent container receiving portion contact surface 362 is provided behind the spring mechanism 455. The detergent container receiving portion contact surface 362 abuts against the spring mechanism 455, causing the spring 455a to remain compressed. Furthermore, the detergent container insertion port 302 is located to the side of the spring mechanism 455.

[0107] The upper surface of the detergent container storage portion 360 is formed by the flow path cover portion 340. The flow path cover portion 340 covers the upper portion of the detergent container insertion portion 451 and functions as a cover to prevent foreign matter from entering through the detergent container insertion portion 451.

[0108] like Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, a stopper 368 is provided on the front portion of the inner upper surface of the detergent container storage portion 360. The stopper 368 is configured to be engageable with the container protrusion 457 provided on the upper surface of the detergent container 450.

[0109] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, a drop opening 364 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container receiving portion 360, communicating with the lower portion 370 of the flow path. Drop opening 364 is located below the detergent container insertion opening 302 when the detergent container 450 is stored in the detergent container receiving portion 360. Furthermore, a reservoir 363 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container receiving portion 360. Reservoir 363 is a recessed portion capable of storing liquid and is formed as a gap separating the bottom surface of the detergent container 450 and the inner bottom surface of the detergent container receiving portion 360.

[0110] [1-1-7. Lower part of the flow path]

[0111] Figure 22 370 is a top view showing the structure of the flow path lower portion. Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the flow path lower portion 370 includes a first flow path lower portion 372, a cleaning path 319, a second flow path lower portion 373, and a flow path lower portion outlet 371. The first flow path lower portion 372 is connected to the cleaning path outlet 326. The cleaning path 319 is provided below the drop port 364. The second flow path lower portion 373 allows liquid discharged from the detergent box 400 to pass through.

[0112] Washing path 319 is provided with a washing path inlet 318 for introducing liquid from first lower flow path 372, and a washing path outlet 374 for allowing liquid to flow out of first lower flow path 372. Washing path inlet 318 is located upstream of the point where liquid drops from drop port 364, while washing path outlet 374 is located downstream of the point where liquid drops from drop port 364. Washing path inlet 318 is configured to have a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than that of first lower flow path 372, thereby reducing the amount of water passing through washing path 319. This prevents water passing through washing path 319 from overflowing upward from drop port 364 and entering detergent container storage section 360.

[0113] First lower flow path 372 communicates with second lower flow path 373 at junction 375. Lower flow path outlet 371 is provided downstream of junction 375 and is formed to open downward to allow liquid to fall into washing tub 500.

[0114] [1-2. Action]

[0115] The operation of washing machine 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[0116] [1-2-1. Refilling the detergent container]

[0117] The user checks the detergent container remaining amount scale 450a to confirm the detergent remaining amount, and performs liquid agent refilling operation when the detergent remaining amount is small. Hereinafter, the position of the detergent container 450 when the stopper 368 is engaged with the container protrusion 457 as an example of the first engaging portion of the present disclosure is defined as position P ( Figure 17B and Figure 19 That is, position P is a position when detergent container insertion portion 451, which is an example of an opening portion of the present disclosure, is open to the outside.

[0118] When the detergent container 450 is in the position where it is stored in the detergent container receiving portion 360 (an example of the second position disclosed herein), the automatic detergent dispensing port 452 is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 302. Furthermore, in this position, the detergent container 450 is secured to the detergent container receiving portion 360 by engaging the locking lever 454, an example of the second engaging portion disclosed herein, with the detergent container receiving portion claw 361. Specifically, when in the second position, the detergent container 450 is connected to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 and engaged with the detergent container receiving portion 360. In other words, the detergent container 450 is engaged with the detergent container receiving portion 360 while connected to the automatic detergent dispensing port 452. The spring mechanism 455 has an elastic force that urges the detergent container 450 toward the front surface, but remains stationary when the locking lever 454 is engaged with the detergent container receiving portion claw 361.

[0119] When the user grasps the locking lever grip 454a and the detergent container housing grip 456a and lifts the locking lever 454 upward, the locking lever 454 is released from the detergent container receiving portion claw 361. When the locking lever 454 is released from the detergent container receiving portion claw 361, the detergent container 450 is pushed forward by the elastic force of the spring mechanism 455. The detergent container 450 can be moved to position P by the elastic force of the spring mechanism 455, or it can remain stationary at a position further back than position P. The user can also pull the stationary detergent container 450 out to position P.

[0120] When detergent container 450 reaches position P, stopper 368 abuts against container protrusion 457 and is locked in detergent container storage portion 360 .

[0121] When the detergent container 450 is located at position P, the detergent container 450 protrudes from the plane where the softener container 460 and the front surface of the detergent box 400 are located in the stored state, and the detergent container injection portion 451 and the container side 459 of the detergent container shell 456 are exposed to the outside. There is no dedicated cover covering the detergent container injection portion 451 on the detergent container injection portion 451, so the user can pull out the detergent container 450 and immediately inject detergent. The detergent container shell 456 is made of a transparent material, so the user can visually confirm the liquid level of the detergent inside from the exposed container side 459 of the detergent container shell 456. In addition, Figure 16 In the figure, only the right side surface 459 of the detergent container housing 456 is shown, but the user can also visually check the liquid level of the detergent inside from the exposed left side surface 459. In addition, in the first embodiment, the entire detergent container housing 456 is made of a transparent material, but a portion of the detergent container housing 456, for example, at least the detergent container remaining scale 450a and the container side surface 459 may be made of a transparent material.

[0122] The user drops commercially available detergent into the detergent container drop-in section 451 along the drop-in inclined section 464. If the user is short, the detergent may overflow around the front, back, left, and right sides of the detergent container drop-in section 451. In Embodiment 1, the front, left, right, and rear portions of the detergent container drop-in section 451 are all covered by the drop-in inclined section 464, thereby preventing the user from causing the detergent to overflow. Furthermore, the front, left, right, and rear portions of the drop-in inclined section 464 in Embodiment 1 each tilt downward toward the approximately central opening. Thus, the drop-in inclined section 464 guides the injected detergent toward the opening of the detergent container drop-in section 451, regardless of its front, left, right, or rear portions.

[0123] [1-2-2. Liquid leakage at the connection between the detergent container and the automatic liquid dispensing device]

[0124] When detergent container 450 is pulled forward, automatic detergent dispensing port 452 is pulled out of detergent container insertion port 302, and detergent container check valve 302a is closed, leaving detergent inside detergent container insertion port 302. In this state, the remaining detergent flows out of detergent container insertion port 302 and into detergent container storage portion 360. Thus, in washing machine 100, when detergent container 450 is pulled forward, liquid leakage may occur at the connection between detergent container 450 and automatic liquid dispensing device 301, potentially contaminating detergent container storage portion 360.

[0125] Detergent container storage section 360 of Embodiment 1 includes a drop opening 364 and a reservoir 363. Detergent flowing back from detergent container insertion port 302 is stored in reservoir 363, preventing it from adhering to the bottom surface of detergent container 450 and contaminating detergent container storage section 360. When the detergent stored in reservoir 363 exceeds a predetermined amount, it is discharged downward from drop opening 364 and falls into cleaning path 319 formed in lower flow path section 370.

[0126] When automatic detergent insertion port 452 is removed from detergent container insertion port 302 , detergent remains on the side of automatic detergent insertion port 452 . The remaining liquid agent passes through drop port 364 and reaches cleaning path 319 formed in lower flow path portion 370 .

[0127] The detergent that has reached the washing path 319 dissolves in the water that has passed through the washing path 319 and is then fed into the washing tub 500 for use in the washing operation. The flow of water in the flow path lower portion 370 will be described later.

[0128] If washing machine 100 were to supply water to the interior of detergent container accommodating portion 360 to flush out the detergent, water could potentially flow out of the opening on the front surface of detergent container accommodating portion 360. In contrast, washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, by providing drop opening 364 and reservoir 363, eliminates the need to supply water to the interior of detergent container accommodating portion 360 to flush out the detergent. In other words, washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can prevent contamination of detergent container accommodating portion 360 caused by liquid leakage from automatic detergent insertion port 452 and detergent container insertion port 302.

[0129] [1-2-3. Water flow during washing operation when using the automatic start function]

[0130] exist Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figures 10 to 15 In FIG. 1 , the flow of water supplied from the first water conduit tube 311 is defined as X, the flow of water supplied from the second water conduit tube 312 is defined as Y, and the flow of water supplied from the third water conduit tube 313 is defined as Z.

[0131] Before the cleaning operation begins, the automatic liquid detergent dispenser 301 is activated to automatically dispense liquid detergent. Specifically, with the third water guide tube 313 closed, the detergent three-way valve 381, part of the three-way valve 380, opens, connecting the detergent container 450 to the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 rotates its motor, moving the piston 395 up and down, drawing an appropriate amount of liquid detergent through the pump unit inlet 392a and dispensing it out of the pump unit outlet 392b.

[0132] Next, the detergent path in the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390 is cleaned. The detergent three-way valve 381 is closed, the path between the detergent container 450 and the pump unit 390 is blocked, and the path from the third water guide cylinder 313 to the liquid automatic injection device 301 is connected. Next, the third water guide cylinder 313 of the water supply valve 310 is opened. Like the flow Z of water, the water introduced from the third water guide cylinder 313 passes through the third water guide path 323 and reaches the path 325 in the automatic injection device via the washing path water guide port 324, filling the pump internal flow path 391 with water (refer to FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 13 The pump unit 390 rotates the motor to move the piston 395 up and down, and flushes the liquid detergent and foreign matter in the pump flow path 391 by ejecting the filled water from the pump unit outlet 392b. The water flowing out of the path 325 in the automatic feeding device flows down to the lower part 370 of the flow path through the washing path outlet 326, and is fed from the lower part 370 into the washing tank 500 (see Figure 14 ).

[0133] Thus, washing machine 100 performs path cleaning after liquid detergent is added during automatic liquid detergent addition, thereby preventing residual detergent from mixing with softener added during the final rinse step and suppressing the precipitation of foreign matter generated when the detergent and softener are mixed.

[0134] like Figure 22 As shown, water that has passed through the wash path outflow outlet 326 flows into the first lower flow path 372. A portion of the water that has flowed into the first lower flow path 372 flows from the wash path inlet 318 into the wash path 319, washing away any liquid detergent or softener adhering to the wash path 319. Water that has passed through the wash path 319 merges with the first lower flow path 372 through the wash path outlet 374. Water that has passed through the first lower flow path 372 merges with the second lower flow path 373 at the confluence portion 375 and is discharged into the washing tub 500 from the lower flow path outlet 371.

[0135] After the automatic addition of liquid detergent is completed, or simultaneously with the automatic addition of liquid detergent, the first water guide tube 311 is opened to supply water to the first water guide path 321 (see Figure 8 ). Like the water flow X, the water introduced into the first water conduit 321 passes through the powder detergent water inlet 331, the liquid detergent water inlet 332, and the bus pump water inlet 333. Then, the water passing through the powder detergent water inlet 331, the liquid detergent water inlet 332, and the bus pump water inlet 333 is injected into the powder detergent manual injection part 410, the liquid detergent manual injection part 420, and the bus pump 314 (refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 15 The water injected into the manual powder detergent injection unit 410 and the manual liquid detergent injection unit 420 flows down the flow path lower portion 370 through the outlet, dissolving the liquid detergent accumulated in the flow path lower portion 370 and injecting it into the washing tank 500.

[0136] During the final rinse step, the softener three-way valve 382, ​​which is part of the three-way valve 380, is opened, connecting the softener container 460 to the path of the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 rotates the motor to move the piston 395 up and down, sucking an appropriate amount of softener from the pump unit inlet 392a and dispensing it from the pump unit outlet 392b.

[0137] Next, the softener three-way valve 382 is closed, blocking the path between the softener container 460 and the pump unit 390. This connects the path from the third water pipe 313 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The third water pipe 313 is then opened to flush the detergent path within the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390.

[0138] In this way, the washing machine 100 also performs path cleaning after the softener is added. This path cleaning prevents the remaining softener from mixing with the detergent added in the next washing operation, and suppresses the precipitation of foreign matter generated when the detergent and softener are mixed.

[0139] After an appropriate amount of softener is ejected from the pump unit outlet 392b and flows into the water supply unit housing 320 and the flow path lower portion 370, the second water guide cylinder 312 is opened to supply water to the second water guide path 322 (see Figure 8 ). Like the water flow Y, the water introduced into the second water conduit 322 is injected into the manual softener injection unit 430 through the softener injection port 334. Then, the water injected into the manual softener injection unit 430 flows down from the outlet of the manual softener injection unit 430 to the flow path lower portion 370, dissolving the softener accumulated in the flow path lower portion 370 and injecting it into the washing tank 500 (refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 15 ).

[0140] [1-3. Functions, etc.]

[0141] As described above, washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes washing tub 500, detergent container 450 or softener container 460, automatic liquid dispensing device 301, and detergent container storage unit 360 or softener container storage unit 365. Washing tub 500 stores laundry. Detergent container 450 or softener container 460, an example of a liquid container disclosed herein, stores liquid and has a detergent container dispensing unit 451 or softener container dispensing unit 461, an example of an opening disclosed herein, on its upper surface when installed. Automatic liquid dispensing device 301 dispenses liquid stored in detergent container 450 or softener container 460 into washing tub 500. Detergent container storage unit 360 or softener container storage unit 365, an example of a liquid container storage unit disclosed herein, stores detergent container 450 or softener container 460 and connects detergent container 450 or softener container 460 to automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301. Furthermore, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is locked to the detergent container storage portion 360 or the softener container storage portion 365 when the detergent container dispensing portion 451 or the softener container dispensing portion 461 is in position P (an example of the first position of the present disclosure) where the detergent container dispensing portion 451 or the softener container dispensing portion 461 is open to the outside.

[0142] Thus, the user can inject liquid into the detergent container insertion portion 451 or the softener container insertion portion 461 while the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is held by the detergent container storage portion 360 or the softener container storage portion 365 .

[0143] Therefore, the user can easily refill the liquid detergent or softener into the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460. As a result, the washing machine 100 can suppress contamination of the surroundings of the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 by the liquid detergent or softener.

[0144] Alternatively, as in the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 may be configured as follows when stored in the detergent container storage section 360 or the softener container storage section 365 (an example of the second position of the present disclosure). Specifically, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 may be configured to communicate with the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 and engage with the detergent container storage section 360 or the softener container storage section 365.

[0145] Thus, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 supplies the liquid detergent or softener to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 301 while being stored in the detergent container storage portion 360 or the softener container storage portion 365 .

[0146] On the other hand, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 does not supply the liquid detergent or softener to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 301 when it is pulled forward.

[0147] Therefore, the washing machine 100 can suppress the liquid stored in the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 from flowing out when the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is pulled out.

[0148] Alternatively, as in the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 may include an automatic detergent dispensing port 452 or an automatic softener dispensing port 462 and a lower flow path portion 370. The automatic detergent dispensing port 452 or the automatic softener dispensing port 462 is an example of a connection portion of the present disclosure, connected to the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460, thereby connecting the interior of the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 to the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301. The lower flow path portion 370 is an example of a liquid supply path of the present disclosure, disposed below the detergent container housing 360 or the softener container housing 365, to supply liquid to the washing tub 500. Furthermore, a drop port 364 communicating with the lower flow path portion 370 may be formed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container housing 360 or the softener container housing 365, below the automatic detergent dispensing port 452 or the automatic softener dispensing port 462.

[0149] Thus, liquid detergent or softener leaking from automatic detergent insertion port 452 or automatic softener insertion port 462 falls through drop port 364 into cleaning path 319 provided in lower flow path portion 370 , and is introduced into washing tub 500 through cleaning path 319 .

[0150] Therefore, washing machine 100 can prevent liquid detergent or softener leaking from automatic detergent insertion port 452 or automatic softener insertion port 462 from adhering to detergent container storage portion 360 or softener container storage portion 365 and contaminating the detergent container storage portion 360 or softener container storage portion 365 .

[0151] Alternatively, as in the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, a storage portion 363 may be formed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container storage portion 360 or the softener container storage portion 365 , and the storage portion 363 stores a predetermined amount of liquid and allows the liquid exceeding the predetermined amount to fall toward the drop port 364 .

[0152] Thus, the storage portion 363 functions as a gap between the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 and the detergent container receiving portion 360 or the softener container receiving portion 365. Therefore, in the washing machine 100, liquid detergent or softener is less likely to adhere to the bottom surface of the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460.

[0153] As in washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, detergent container 450 or softener container 460 may include detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 connected to automatic detergent insertion port 452 or softener insertion port 462. Furthermore, storage portion 363 may be formed from drop port 364 to a position below detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 when detergent container 450 or softener container 460 is locked in position P. Detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 is an example of a container-side connection portion of the present disclosure.

[0154] Thus, washing machine 100 can receive liquid detergent or softener leaking from detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 in storage portion 363 and drop the liquid detergent or softener toward drop port 364 .

[0155] As in washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, detergent container 450 or softener container 460 may be formed of a transparent material, and container side surface 459 as an example of a side surface of the present disclosure may be exposed when pulled out to position P.

[0156] Thus, the user can visually check the interior of the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 from the container side surface 459 exposed in the state where the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is pulled out.

[0157] Alternatively, as in washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, detergent container 450 or softener container 460 may include a detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 and a detergent container check valve 302a or softener container check valve. Detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 is an example of a container-side connection portion of the present disclosure. Detergent container check valve 302a or softener container check valve is an example of an on-off valve of the present disclosure and is disposed within detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303. Furthermore, automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 may include automatic detergent dispensing port 452 or automatic softener dispensing port 462 that is connected to detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 when detergent container 450 or softener container 460 is in the second position. Furthermore, the detergent container check valve 302a or the softener container check valve may be opened when the detergent container insertion port 302 or the softener container insertion port 303 is connected to the automatic detergent insertion port 452 or the automatic softener insertion port 462 .

[0158] Thus, washing machine 100 can reliably supply detergent or softener to automatic liquid agent injector 301 while detergent container insertion port 302 or softener container insertion port 303 is connected to automatic liquid agent injector 301 .

[0159] Furthermore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 is a washing machine capable of loading laundry into the interior from the top of the housing 600 when in a set state. The washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a lower housing 610, a washing tub 500, an upper housing 620, a detergent container 450 or a softener container 460, and an automatic liquid agent loading device 301. The lower housing 610 constitutes the housing 600. The washing tub 500 is disposed within the lower housing 610 and is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder that opens upward. The upper housing 620 constitutes the housing 600 and is disposed at the top of the lower housing 610. It is formed with a laundry loading port 621 that communicates with the washing tub 500. The detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 is an example of a liquid agent container of the present disclosure, and stores liquid therein. A detergent container loading portion 451 or a softener container loading portion 461, which is an example of an opening of the present disclosure, is provided on its upper surface. The automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 dispenses liquid stored in the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 into the washing tub 500. Furthermore, the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 301 is formed into a box shape that opens toward the dispensing port 621 and includes a detergent container storage portion 360 or a softener container storage portion 365 and an automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 452 or an automatic softener dispensing insertion port 462. The detergent container storage portion 360 or the softener container storage portion 365 is an example of a liquid agent container storage portion of the present disclosure and stores the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460. The automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 452 or the automatic softener dispensing insertion port 462 is an example of a connecting portion of the present disclosure and is detachably connected to the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460. Furthermore, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 includes a container protrusion 457 and a locking lever 454. The container protrusion 457 is an example of a first engaging portion of the present disclosure, and engages with the stopper 368 when the detergent container insertion portion 451 or the softener container insertion portion 461 is in position P, where the detergent container insertion portion 451 or the softener container insertion portion 461 is open to the outside. The locking lever 454 is an example of a second engaging portion of the present disclosure, and engages with the detergent container storage portion claw 361 when the automatic detergent insertion port 452 or the automatic softener insertion port 462 is connected.

[0160] Thus, the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 remains stationary while protruding toward the inlet 621 , and the detergent container inlet portion 451 or the softener container inlet portion 461 is exposed to the outside.

[0161] Therefore, the user can easily inject liquid detergent or softener from the front, right or left of the detergent container injection portion 451 or the softener container injection portion 461. As a result, the washing machine 100 can prevent the surrounding area of ​​the detergent container 450 or the softener container 460 from being contaminated by the liquid detergent or softener.

[0162] In addition, in [1-3. Functions, etc.], it is described that the washing machine 100 includes a detergent container 450 or a softener container 460 as an example of a liquid container of the washing machine disclosed herein. However, a structure including both the detergent container 450 and the softener container 460 is also included in an example of the structure of the washing machine disclosed herein. This also applies to the following structures. That is, the detergent container storage section 360 or the softener container storage section 365 as an example of a liquid container storage section disclosed herein, and the detergent container insertion section 451 or the softener container insertion section 461 as an example of an opening section disclosed herein. Furthermore, the same applies to the automatic detergent insertion port 452 or the automatic softener insertion port 462 as an example of a connection section disclosed herein, and the detergent container insertion port 302 or the softener container insertion port 303 as an example of a container-side connection section disclosed herein. The same applies to the detergent container check valve 302a or the softener container check valve, which are examples of the on-off valve of the present disclosure.

[0163] (Variation of Embodiment 1)

[0164] As described above, the first embodiment is described as an example of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0165] Therefore, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0166] In Embodiment 1, washing machine 100 is described as a vertical washing machine as an example of the washing machine of the present disclosure. The washing machine of the present disclosure is not limited to a vertical washing machine, and may be a drum washing machine or a twin-tub washing machine.

[0167] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a drop port of the present disclosure for suppressing the contamination of the liquid container of the present disclosure caused by liquid leakage from the connecting portion of the present disclosure, a drop port 364 opening downward is described. The drop port of the present disclosure only needs to have a component for discharging the leaked liquid to the outside, and is therefore not limited to the drop port 364 opening downward. For example, the drop port of the present disclosure may also be a groove provided below the connecting portion of the present disclosure. The groove may also be a structure that is connected to the liquid supply path of the present disclosure on the downstream side and supplies water to the interior of the groove. Thus, the liquid that falls downward due to liquid leakage is discharged to the liquid supply path of the present disclosure by the flowing water flowing inside the groove, and is put into the washing tank of the present disclosure.

[0168] (Implementation Method 2)

[0169] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

[0170] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a washing liquid injector that automatically injects an appropriate amount of washing liquid.

[0171] The washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a washing liquid injector, a container for storing a plurality of wash liquids, and a case for storing the container. The container is detachable from and attachable to the case by vertical movement.

[0172] The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of reliably mounting a liquid agent container on an automatic liquid agent feeding device.

[0173] The washing machine disclosed herein includes a washing tub for storing laundry; a liquid container for storing liquid; a liquid container receiving portion formed in a box shape for receiving the liquid container; and an automatic liquid dispensing device for dispensing the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tub. The liquid container is connected to the automatic liquid dispensing device when in a second position (when stored in the liquid container receiving portion) and is secured to the liquid container receiving portion by a locking portion. When the locking portion is released and the container is in a first position (closer to the second position), the container is locked in the liquid container receiving portion.

[0174] The washing machine disclosed herein can connect the automatic liquid agent feeding device and the liquid agent container with high reliability.

[0175] Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0176] Below, use Figures 23 to 44 , describing the washing machine 1100 according to the second embodiment.

[0177] [2-1. Structure]

[0178] [2-1-1. Structure of a washing machine]

[0179] Figure 23 17 is a perspective view showing the structure of washing machine 1100 according to Embodiment 2, with lid 1700 closed. Figure 24 1700 is an external perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine 1100 with the cover 1700 opened. Figure 23 and Figure 24As shown in FIG. 1 , there is a case where the vertical direction in the state where the washing machine 100 is installed (equivalent to the installation state of the present disclosure) is described as the up-down direction. Figure 23 and Figure 24 In the example, the side of washing machine 1100 where operating unit 1800 is located is described as the rear side, and the opposite side is described as the front side. In other words, a user typically stands in front of washing machine 1100 to load laundry such as clothing into washing machine 1100 and perform various operations to operate washing machine 1100. Furthermore, the laundry disclosed herein is not limited to clothing and may include, for example, bedding, curtains, carpets, shoes, and other cloth or leather products, as well as other items that can be washed in various known washing machines.

[0180] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the washing machine 1100 includes a housing 1600, a cover 1700, and an operating unit 1800. It is a so-called vertical washing machine that can throw laundry into the housing 1600 from the top when in the set state. The housing 1600 includes a lower housing 1610 and an upper housing 1620. A washing tank 1500 is housed in the lower housing 1610. The washing tank 1500 is formed as a cylindrical body that opens upward (i.e., a bottomed cylindrical body) to accommodate laundry and perform a washing operation to clean the laundry. The washing operation can also be the operation performed by the washing tanks of various known washing machines. The principle of embodiment 2 is not limited to a specific washing operation performed by the washing tank 1500.

[0181] Upper housing 1620 is positioned above lower housing 1610. Upper housing 1620 includes a laundry inlet 1621, which communicates with washing tub 1500. Lid 1700 is attached to the rear of upper housing 1620, flexibly covering inlet 1621. When a user rotates lid 1700 upward, washing tub 1500 is exposed through inlet 1621. The user can then place laundry into washing tub 1500 through inlet 1621.

[0182] An operating unit 1800 is provided at the rear of the upper housing 1620 and at a position behind the inlet 1621. The user can operate the operating unit 1800 to set various actions of the washing tub 1500. In addition, the washing machine 1100 is provided with a control device (not shown) in the housing 1600, which controls the overall action of the washing machine 1100 in addition to, for example, controlling the water supply valve 1310 and the three-way valve 1380 according to the operation of the operating unit 1800 by the user. The control device has a computer system having a processor and a memory. Moreover, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, so that the computer system functions as a control device. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but can also be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or can be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0183] A water supply port 1200 is provided at the rear of the operation unit 1800 , and a water supply hose 1210 is connected to the water supply port 1200 to introduce tap water from a faucet.

[0184] like Figure 24 As shown, detergent container 1450 , softener container 1460 , and detergent box 1400 are arranged so that their front surfaces are flush with each other when housed in water supply unit 1300 .

[0185] Figure 25 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the water supply unit 1300 and its surrounding structures, with the detergent box 1400, the detergent container 1450 and the softener container 1460 being pulled out. Figure 25 As shown, detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460 are configured to store enough liquid to run multiple cycles. Specifically, detergent container 1450 stores liquid detergent, while softener container 1460 stores softener. Detergent container 1450 has a detergent container inlet 1451 for injecting the stored liquid detergent, while softener container 1460 has a softener container inlet 1461 for injecting the stored softener. The top surfaces of detergent container inlet 1451 and softener container inlet 1461 are open to allow for liquid injection.

[0186] Furthermore, detergent container 1450 is provided with a detergent container remaining scale 1450a, and softener container 1460 is provided with a softener container remaining scale 1460a. Detergent container remaining scale 1450a and softener container remaining scale 1460a are each made of a transparent material, allowing the user to visually confirm the remaining amount of the liquid agent.

[0187] On the other hand, the detergent box 1400 is used for the user to put in the amount of detergent required for one operation. The detergent box 1400 is provided with a powder detergent manual input part 1410 for inputting powder detergent, a liquid detergent manual input part 1420 for inputting liquid detergent, and a softener manual input part 1430 for inputting softener.

[0188] A portion of the cover 1700 is transparent, so that the user can visually check the detergent container remaining scale 1450a and the softener container remaining scale 1460a even when the cover 1700 is closed, and confirm the remaining amount of liquid stored in the detergent container 1450 and the softener container 1460.

[0189] [2-1-2. Water supply unit]

[0190] Figure 26 13 is a rear view showing the structure of the water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings. Figure 27 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the water supply unit 1300 and its surrounding structure. Figure 27 As shown, water supply unit 1300 is composed of water supply unit housing 1320, flow path cover 1340, and flow path lower portion 1370. Water supply unit housing 1320 is generally formed in a box shape. Flow path cover 1340 covers the upper surface of water supply unit housing 1320. Flow path lower portion 1370 is attached to the lower bottom of water supply unit housing 1320.

[0191] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, when viewed from the back of the water supply unit housing 1320, a water supply valve 1310 is installed on the left side to freely open and close the water introduced from the water supply port 1200. When the water supply valve 1310 is open, the water introduced from the water supply valve 1310 is introduced into the water supply unit housing 1320.

[0192] A bus pump 1314 is located in the center of the back of the water supply unit housing 1320. This pump draws water from outside the washing machine 1100 via a hose (not shown). Bus pump 1314 is secured to the flow channel cover 1340 with screws and is directly connected to the first water conduit 1321, described later, via a bus pump water inlet 1333. Bus pump 1314 begins suction and discharge operations by supplying water from the first water conduit 1321.

[0193] like Figure 27 and Figure 28As shown, water supply unit housing 1320 is shaped like a box that opens forward. Water supply unit housing 1320 includes a detergent container receiving portion 1360, a softener container receiving portion 1365, and a detergent box receiving portion 1350 as its internal space. Detergent container receiving portion 1360 accommodates detergent container 1450, allowing it to be independently pulled out. Softener container receiving portion 1365 accommodates softener container 1460, allowing it to be independently pulled out. Detergent box receiving portion 1350 accommodates detergent box 1400, allowing it to be independently pulled out. Detergent container receiving portion 1360 includes a detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 and a stopper 1368, described later. Detergent container 1450 also includes a locking lever 1454, described later.

[0194] in addition, Figure 27 and Figure 28 The shape of the water supply unit housing 1320 shown is an example, and any shape may be used as long as it is formed into a box shape so as to accommodate the detergent container 1450, the softener container 1460, and the detergent box 1400 therein. Figure 27 and Figure 28 The shapes of the detergent container storage section 1360 and softener container storage section 1365 shown are also examples. Detergent container storage section 1360 and softener container storage section 1365 are formed into a box shape that opens toward the inlet 1621. As long as detergent container storage section 1360 can accommodate detergent container 1450 and softener container storage section 1365 can accommodate softener container 1460, any shape is acceptable. That is, the shapes of water supply unit housing 1320, detergent container storage section 1360, and softener container storage section 1365 are not limited to being roughly rectangular or roughly cubical; their cross-sections may also be roughly polygonal or have curved shapes such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0195] The detergent box flow path portion 1330 is provided as an upper surface of the detergent box storage portion 1350 , and a first water conduit 1321 and a second water conduit 1322 , which will be described later, are formed in the detergent box flow path portion 1330 .

[0196] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown in FIG1 , an automatic liquid injection device 1301 is installed on the right side when viewed from the back of the water supply unit housing 1320. The automatic liquid injection device 1301 will be described later.

[0197] [2-1-3. Water Conveyance Path]

[0198] like Figure 26 and Figure 27As shown, the water supply valve 1310 includes three on-off valves, namely a first water guide cylinder 1311 , a second water guide cylinder 1312 , and a third water guide cylinder 1313 , and each on-off valve can be opened and closed independently.

[0199] Figure 28 13 is a plan view showing the water supply unit 1300 and its surrounding structure with the flow path cover 1340 removed. Figure 29 It is a plan view showing a cross section of water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings with flow path cover 1340 removed in a state where detergent box 1400 , detergent container 1450 , and softener container 1460 are removed. Figure 30 yes Figure 29 The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line FF. Figure 31 14 is a plan view showing water supply unit 1300 and its surrounding structures with flow path cover 1340 removed, in a state where detergent box 1400 , detergent container 1450 , and softener container 1460 are pulled out. Figure 32 yes Figure 29 A BB cross-sectional view of the water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings is shown.

[0200] like Figures 28 to 32 As shown, a water conduit path for water introduced from water supply valve 1310 is formed in water supply unit housing 1320, and water supply valve 1310 is directly connected to the water conduit path. The water conduit path is branched to independently communicate with first water conduit cylinder 1311, second water conduit cylinder 1312, and third water conduit cylinder 1313. The flow path communicating with first water conduit cylinder 1311 is defined as first water conduit path 1321, the flow path communicating with second water conduit cylinder 1312 is defined as second water conduit path 1322, and the flow path communicating with third water conduit cylinder 1313 is defined as third water conduit path 1323.

[0201] [2-1-4. Detergent Box, First Water Conveying Path, Second Water Conveying Path]

[0202] like Figure 25 and Figures 28 to 31 As shown, the first water conduit 1321 and the second water conduit 1322 guide the water supplied from the first water conduit cylinder 1311 and the second water conduit cylinder 1312 to the detergent box flow path 1330 and inject it into the detergent box 1400 located below.

[0203] As described above, the powder detergent manual input portion 1410 , the liquid detergent manual input portion 1420 , and the softener manual input portion 1430 are provided inside the detergent box 1400 , so that the user can input the respective detergents.

[0204] The first water conduit 1321 is provided with a powder detergent inlet 1331 formed above the manual powder detergent dispenser 1410 to provide vertical communication, and a liquid detergent inlet 1332 formed above the manual liquid detergent dispenser 1420 to provide vertical communication. The second water conduit 1322 is provided with a softener inlet 1334 formed above the manual softener dispenser 1430 to provide vertical communication.

[0205] Manual powder detergent dispenser 1410, manual liquid detergent dispenser 1420, and manual softener dispenser 1430 are each equipped with a drain port (not shown) for discharging accumulated liquid downward. Liquid discharged from the drain port falls toward lower flow path portion 1370, which serves as a drain port for discharging liquid into washing tub 1500.

[0206] [2-1-5. Automatic injection device, third water conduit]

[0207] Figure 33 yes Figure 29 The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in the EE cross-sectional view. Figure 34 yes Figure 29 The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in a CC cross-sectional view. Figure 35 yes Figure 29 The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in the AA cross-sectional view. Figure 36 yes Figure 29 The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in DD cross-sectional view. Figure 37 This is a front view showing the structure of water supply unit 1300 , with detergent box 1400 , detergent container 1450 , and softener container 1460 removed.

[0208] like Figure 28 and Figures 32 to 37As shown, third water conduit 1323 is formed in a generally horizontal direction along the rear surface of water supply unit housing 1320 and opens toward the rear surface at washing path water conduit port 1324. Washing path water conduit port 1324 connects to a path 1325 within the automatic dispensing device (described later), thereby connecting third water conduit 1323 to automatic liquid dispensing device 1301. Automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 is located on the rear surface of detergent container accommodating portion 1360 and softener container accommodating portion 1365. Furthermore, as described later, automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 is connected to detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460, respectively, which are accommodated in detergent container accommodating portion 1360 and softener container accommodating portion 1365. That is, the detergent container storage portion 1360 stores the detergent container 1450 and connects the detergent container 1450 to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 1301 , and the softener container storage portion 1365 stores the softener container 1460 and connects the softener container 1460 to the liquid agent automatic feeding device 1301 .

[0209] like Figure 31 As shown, a detergent container insertion port 1302 is provided on the back side of the detergent container 1450, and a detergent container check valve 1302a (see FIG. 1 ) is provided inside the detergent container insertion port 1302 to be opened by pushing. Figure 42 ). Similarly, softener container 1460 has a softener container insertion port 1303 and a softener container check valve (not shown) that opens by pushing in on the back side. Detergent container 1450 is configured as follows: when installed in container storage section 1360, automatic detergent injection port 1452 (described later) is inserted into detergent container insertion port 1302, detergent container check valve 1302a opens, and liquid detergent can be supplied. Similarly, softener container 1460 is configured as follows: when installed in softener container storage section 1365, automatic softener injection port 1462 (described later) is inserted into softener container insertion port 303, softener container check valve opens, and softener can be supplied.

[0210] An automatic detergent dispensing connection portion 1360a and an automatic softener dispensing connection portion 1365a are provided on the inner back surfaces of the detergent container storage portion 1360 and the softener container storage portion 1365, respectively. The automatic detergent dispensing connection portion 1360a and the automatic softener dispensing connection portion 1365a are configured to surround the automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 1452 and the automatic softener dispensing insertion port 1462 of the automatic liquid dispensing device 1301.

[0211] Automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301 includes an automatic detergent dispensing port 1452, an automatic softener dispensing port 1462, a three-way valve 1380, a pump unit 1390, and an internal path 1325 within the automatic dispensing device. Three-way valve 1380 switches the paths for liquid detergent, softener, and water. Pump unit 1390 draws in and dispenses liquid. Internal path 1325 connects three-way valve 1380 and pump unit 1390. In Embodiment 2, detergent container storage section 1360 and softener container storage section 1365 are not included in the structure of automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301, but they may be included in the structure of automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301. Specifically, the automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 may be formed into a box shape that opens toward the dispensing port 1621 and includes the automatic detergent dispensing port 1452, the automatic softener dispensing port 1462, the detergent container storage portion 1360, and the softener container storage portion 1365. The automatic liquid dispensing device 1301, including the detergent container storage portion 1360 and the softener container storage portion 1365, may have any shape as long as it is formed into a box shape to accommodate the detergent container 1450 and the softener container 1460. That is, the shape of the automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 is not limited to a roughly rectangular parallelepiped or roughly cubic shape; its cross-section may also be roughly polygonal or have a circular or elliptical shape with an arc. Furthermore, the automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 may also be configured to include at least one of the detergent container storage portion 1360 and the softener container storage portion 1365.

[0212] like Figure 31 As shown, automatic detergent insertion port 1452 and automatic softener insertion port 1462 are formed to protrude forward. When detergent container 1450 is stored in detergent container storage portion 1360, automatic detergent insertion port 1452 is connected to detergent container 1450. Furthermore, when softener container 1460 is stored in softener container storage portion 1365, automatic softener insertion port 1462 is connected to softener container 1460.

[0213] The three-way valve 1380 includes a detergent three-way valve 1381 and a softener three-way valve 1382, which are configured to be independently openable and closed. The detergent three-way valve 1381 is arranged to communicate with the washing path water inlet 1324, the detergent automatic injection port 1452, and the softener three-way valve 1382. In addition, the softener three-way valve 1382 is arranged to communicate with the detergent three-way valve 1381, the softener automatic injection port 1462, and the path 1325 in the automatic injection device. Figure 35As shown, the downstream side of three-way valve 1380 is connected to pump unit 1390 via automatic feeder internal path 1325. Thus, three-way valve 1380 is connected to automatic feeder internal path 1325, automatic detergent feeder insertion port 1452, automatic softener feeder insertion port 1462, and pump unit 1390. Washing machine 1100 can control the flow of detergent, softener, and water by opening and closing three-way valve 1381 for detergent and three-way valve 1382 for softener.

[0214] Pump unit 1390 includes a pump flow path 1391, a cylinder 1397, and a piston 1395. Pump flow path 1391 is located between pump unit inlet 1392a and pump unit outlet 1392b. Cylinder 1397 is located midway along pump flow path 1391. Piston 1395 is moved up and down by the rotational drive force of a motor (not shown).

[0215] An inlet check valve 1393 is provided at the pump unit inlet 1392a, and an outlet check valve 1394 is provided at the pump unit outlet 1392b.

[0216] The inlet check valve 1393 is configured to be opened by the negative pressure action of the piston 1395 , and the outlet check valve 1394 is configured to be opened by the positive pressure action of the piston 1395 .

[0217] The automatic feeding device internal path 1325 is connected to the flow path lower portion 1370 via the cleaning path outflow port 1326 at the downstream of the pump unit 1390 .

[0218] [2-1-6. Detergent Container and Container Storage]

[0219] Hereinafter, as an example of a liquid agent container, a detergent container 1450 will be described. Softener container 1460 has the same structure as detergent container 1450.

[0220] Figure 38 1450 is a perspective view showing the structure of the detergent container 1450. Figure 38 As shown, detergent container 1450 includes a detergent container housing 1456 formed in a box shape and a detergent container insertion portion 1451 provided on an upper portion of detergent container housing 1456 .

[0221] The detergent container inlet 1451 is opened approximately in the center, and has inclined inlet portions 1464 at the front, left and right sides, and rear. Inclined inlet portions 1464 are formed to slope downward toward the opening of the detergent container inlet 1451, guiding the liquid agent into the detergent container inlet 1451 and allowing it to flow into the interior of the detergent container housing 1456.

[0222] Figure 39AIt is a plan view showing a cross section of water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings with flow path cover 1340 removed in a state where detergent container 1450 is accommodated. Figure 39B It is a plan view showing a cross section of water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings with flow path cover 1340 removed in a state where detergent container 1450 is pulled out. Figure 40 yes Figure 39A The RR cross-sectional view of the water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 41 yes Figure 39B A U-U cross-sectional view of the water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 42 yes Figure 39A The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in the SS cross-sectional view. Figure 43 yes Figure 39B The water supply unit 1300 and its surroundings are shown in a TT cross-sectional view.

[0223] like Figure 40 As shown, a locking lever 1454 is provided at the bottom of the detergent container housing 1456. When the detergent container 1450 is stored in the detergent container storage portion 1360, the locking lever 1454 engages with a detergent container storage portion claw 1361 provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent container storage portion 1360. A locking lever grip 1454a is provided at the near-front end of the locking lever 1454. The locking lever grip 1454a is located near the detergent container housing grip 1456a formed by extending the lower portion of the front surface of the detergent container housing 1456. In other words, the locking lever grip 1454a, as the end of the locking lever 1454, is located near the detergent container housing grip 1456a that can grip the detergent container 1450.

[0224] like Figures 40 to 43 As shown, a filter 1470 for filtering liquid is provided inside the back side of the detergent container housing 1456. The filter 1470 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape so as to abut against the inner side wall of the detergent container housing 1456 and is provided so as to be inclined downward from the back toward the front.

[0225] A spring mechanism 1455 is provided at a substantially central position on the lower back side of the detergent container housing 1456. The spring mechanism 1455 includes a spring 1455a provided below the filter 1470. The spring 1455a applies force to the detergent container housing 1456 toward the front. A detergent container storage portion contact surface 1362 is provided behind the spring mechanism 1455. The detergent container storage portion contact surface 1362 abuts against the spring mechanism 1455, causing the spring 1455a to remain stationary in a compressed state. In addition, the detergent container insertion port 1302 is provided on the side of the spring mechanism 1455. Figure 40 and Figure 41As shown, the locking lever 1454 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 are arranged near the line of action of the force applied by the spring mechanism 1455. The line of action of the force applied by the spring mechanism 1455 is in the vicinity of Figure 40 The point where the spring mechanism 1455 contacts the contact surface 1362 of the detergent container receiving portion is the point of action and the detergent container 1450 is pulled out in the forward direction (in the Figure 40 from right to left).

[0226] The upper surface of detergent container storage portion 1360 is formed by flow path cover 1340. Flow path cover 1340 covers the upper portion of detergent container insertion portion 1451 and functions as a cover to prevent foreign matter from entering through detergent container insertion portion 1451.

[0227] like Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, a stopper 1368 is provided on the front portion of the inner upper surface of the detergent container storage portion 1360. The stopper 1368 is configured to be engageable with the container protrusion 1457 provided on the upper surface of the detergent container 1450.

[0228] like Figure 42 and Figure 42 As shown, a drop opening 1364 is formed on the inner bottom surface of detergent container storage section 1360, communicating with lower flow path section 1370. Drop opening 1364 is located below detergent container insertion opening 1302 when detergent container 1450 is stored in detergent container storage section 1360. Furthermore, a reservoir 1363 is provided on the inner bottom surface of detergent container storage section 1360. Reservoir 1363 is a recessed portion capable of storing liquid and is formed as a gap separating the bottom surface of detergent container 1450 and the inner bottom surface of detergent container storage section 1360.

[0229] [2-1-7. Lower part of the flow path]

[0230] Figure 44 1370 is a top view showing the structure of the lower portion of the flow path. Figure 43 and Figure 44 As shown, lower flow path portion 1370 includes a first lower flow path 1372, a cleaning path 1319, a second lower flow path 1373, and a lower flow path outlet 1371. First lower flow path 1372 communicates with cleaning path outlet 1326. Cleaning path 1319 is located below drop port 1364. Second lower flow path 1373 allows liquid discharged from detergent box 1400 to pass through.

[0231] Washing path 1319 is provided with a washing path inlet 1318 for introducing liquid from first lower flow path 1372, and a washing path outlet 1374 for allowing liquid to flow out of first lower flow path 1372. Washing path inlet 1318 is located upstream of the point where liquid drops from drop port 1364, while washing path outlet 1374 is located downstream of the point where liquid drops from drop port 1364. Washing path inlet 1318 is configured to have a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than that of first lower flow path 1372, thereby reducing the amount of water passing through washing path 1319. This prevents water passing through washing path 1319 from overflowing upward from drop port 1364 and entering detergent container receptacle 1360.

[0232] First lower flow path 1372 communicates with second lower flow path 1373 at junction 1375. Lower flow path outlet 1371 is provided downstream of junction 1375 and is formed to open downward to allow liquid to fall into washing tub 1500.

[0233] [2-2. Action]

[0234] The operation of washing machine 1100 configured as described above will be described below.

[0235] [2-2-1. Refilling the detergent container]

[0236] The user checks the detergent container remaining scale 1450a to confirm the detergent remaining amount, and performs liquid agent refilling when the detergent remaining amount is low. Hereinafter, the position of the detergent container 1450 when the stopper 1368 is engaged with the container protrusion 1457 is defined as position P1 ( Figure 39B and Figure 41 That is, the position P1 is a position closer to the front than the storage position described later.

[0237] When the detergent container 1450 is in the storage position (an example of the second position of the present disclosure) when stored in the detergent container storage portion 1360, the automatic detergent insertion port 1452 is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 1302. In addition, when in this storage position, the detergent container 1450 is fixed to the detergent container storage portion 1360 by engaging the locking rod 1454 with the detergent container storage portion claw 1361. In addition, the locking rod 1454 and the detergent container storage portion claw 1361 are examples of the locking portion of the present disclosure. The detergent container storage portion claw 1361 is an example of the engaging portion of the present disclosure and is provided in the detergent container storage portion 1360. In addition, the locking rod 1454 is an example of the rod of the present disclosure and is provided in the detergent container 1450 and is configured to be able to engage with the detergent container storage portion claw 1361. Specifically, when detergent container 1450 is in the storage position for storage in detergent container receiving portion 1360, it is connected to automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 and secured to detergent container receiving portion 1360 by locking lever 1454 and detergent container receiving portion claw 1361. Spring mechanism 1455 has an elastic force that urges detergent container 1450 toward the front surface, but remains stationary when locking lever 1454 is engaged with detergent container receiving portion claw 1361.

[0238] When the user grasps the locking lever grip 1454a and the detergent container housing grip 1456a and lifts the locking lever 1454 upward, the engagement between the locking lever 1454 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 is released. When the engagement between the locking lever 1454 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 is released, the detergent container 1450 is pushed forward by the elastic force of the spring mechanism 1455. The detergent container 1450 can also be moved to position P1 using the elastic force of the spring mechanism 1455, or it can remain stationary at a position further rearward than position P1. In other words, the spring mechanism 1455, an example of a force-applying portion of the present disclosure, applies force to the detergent container 1450 toward position P1. The user can also pull the stationary detergent container 1450 out to position P1.

[0239] When detergent container 1450 reaches position P1, stopper 1368 abuts against container protrusion 1457 and is locked in detergent container storage portion 1360. Thus, stopper 1368 prevents detergent container 1450 from falling into washing tub 1500.

[0240] When the detergent container 1450 is located at position P1, the detergent container 1450 protrudes from the plane where the softener container 1460 and the front surface of the detergent box 1400 in the stored state are located. In addition, at this time, the detergent container injection portion 1451 and the container side 1459 of the detergent container shell 1456 are exposed to the outside. The detergent container injection portion 1451 is not provided with a dedicated cover covering the detergent container injection portion 1451, so the user can pull out the detergent container 1450 and immediately inject detergent. The detergent container shell 1456 is made of a transparent material, so the user can visually confirm the liquid level of the detergent inside from the exposed container side 1459 of the detergent container shell 1456. In addition, in Figure 38 In the figure, only the right side surface 1459 of the detergent container housing 1456 is shown, but the user can also visually check the liquid level of the detergent inside from the exposed left side surface 1459. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the entire detergent container housing 1456 is made of a transparent material, but a portion of the detergent container housing 1456, for example, at least the detergent container remaining scale 1450a and the container side surface 1459 may be made of a transparent material.

[0241] The user drops commercially available detergent into the detergent container drop-in section 1451 along the drop-in inclined section 1464. If the user is short, the detergent may overflow to the front, back, left, and right sides of the detergent container drop-in section 1451. In Embodiment 2, the front, left and right sides, and rear of the detergent container drop-in section 1451 are all covered by the drop-in inclined section 1464, thereby preventing the user from causing the detergent to overflow. Furthermore, the front, left and right sides, and rear of the drop-in inclined section 1464 in Embodiment 2 are each inclined downward toward the approximately central opening. Thus, the drop-in inclined section 1464 guides the injected detergent toward the opening of the detergent container drop-in section 1451 at any of the front, left and right sides, and rear.

[0242] When the user completes the liquid replenishment process, they push detergent container 1450 toward the back and store it in detergent container storage section 1360. When automatic detergent injection port 1452 is fully inserted into detergent container insertion port 1302, detergent container 1450 is secured to detergent container storage section 1360 by the engagement of locking lever 1454 with detergent container storage section claw 1361. If the user stops pushing detergent container 1450 toward the back before automatic detergent injection port 1452 is fully inserted into detergent container insertion port 1302, the following occurs: Specifically, detergent container 1450 is pushed forward by the elastic force of spring mechanism 1455, protruding from the plane where softener container 1460 and the front surface of detergent box 1400 lie in their stored state. This allows the user to recognize that the connection between detergent container insertion port 1302 and automatic detergent injection port 1452 is not complete, thereby preventing the user from using automatic liquid agent injection device 1301 when detergent container 1450 is not correctly installed.

[0243] [2-2-2. Water flow during washing operation when using the automatic start function]

[0244] exist Figure 28 、 Figure 30 and Figures 32 to 37 In FIG. 1 , the flow of water supplied from the first water conduit tube 1311 is defined as X1 , the flow of water supplied from the second water conduit tube 1312 is defined as Y1 , and the flow of water supplied from the third water conduit tube 1313 is defined as Z1 .

[0245] Before the cleaning operation begins, the automatic liquid detergent injection device 1301 is activated to automatically inject liquid detergent. Specifically, with the third water guide tube 1313 closed, the detergent three-way valve 1381, part of the three-way valve 1380, opens, connecting the detergent container 1450 to the pump unit 1390. The pump unit 1390 rotates the motor, causing the piston 1395 to move up and down, drawing an appropriate amount of liquid detergent through the pump unit inlet 1392a and dispensing it through the pump unit outlet 1392b.

[0246] Next, the detergent path in the three-way valve 1380 and the pump unit 1390 is cleaned. The detergent three-way valve 1381 is closed, the path between the detergent container 1450 and the pump unit 1390 is blocked, and the path from the third water guide cylinder 1313 to the liquid automatic injection device 1301 is connected. Next, the third water guide cylinder 1313 of the water supply valve 1310 is opened. Like the flow Z1 of water, the water introduced from the third water guide cylinder 1313 passes through the third water guide path 1323 and reaches the path 1325 in the automatic injection device via the cleaning path water guide port 1324, filling the pump internal flow path 1391 with water (refer to FIG. Figure 33 and Figure 35 The pump unit 1390 rotates the motor to move the piston 1395 up and down, and flushes the liquid detergent and foreign matter in the pump flow path 1391 by ejecting the filled water from the pump unit outlet 1392b. The water flowing out of the path 1325 in the automatic feeding device flows down to the lower part 1370 of the flow path through the washing flow path outlet 1326, and is fed from the lower part 1370 into the washing tank 1500 (see Figure 36 ).

[0247] Thus, washing machine 1100 performs path cleaning after liquid detergent is automatically added. This path cleaning prevents residual detergent from mixing with softener added in the final rinse step, thereby preventing the precipitation of foreign matter generated when the detergent and softener are mixed.

[0248] like Figure 44 As shown, water that has passed through washing path outflow outlet 1326 flows into first lower flow path 1372. A portion of the water that has flowed into first lower flow path 1372 flows from washing path inlet 1318 into washing path 1319, washing away any liquid detergent or softener adhering to washing path 1319. Water that has passed through washing path 1319 merges with first lower flow path 1372 through washing path outlet 1374. Water that has passed through first lower flow path 1372 merges with second lower flow path 1373 at confluence 1375 and is discharged from lower flow path outlet 1371 into washing tub 1500.

[0249] After the automatic addition of the liquid detergent is completed, or simultaneously with the automatic addition of the liquid detergent, the first water guide tube 1311 is opened to supply water to the first water guide path 1321 (see Figure 30 ). Like the water flow X1, the water introduced into the first water conduit 1321 passes through the powder detergent water inlet 1331, the liquid detergent water inlet 1332, and the bus pump water inlet 1333. Then, the water passing through the powder detergent water inlet 1331, the liquid detergent water inlet 1332, and the bus pump water inlet 1333 is injected into the powder detergent manual injection unit 1410, the liquid detergent manual injection unit 1420, and the bus pump 1314 (refer to Figure 28 、 Figure 31 and Figure 37 The water injected into manual powder detergent injection unit 1410 and manual liquid detergent injection unit 1420 flows down to lower flow path portion 1370 through the outlet, dissolving the liquid detergent accumulated in lower flow path portion 1370 and injecting it into washing tank 1500 .

[0250] During the final rinse cycle, the softener three-way valve 1382, which is part of the three-way valve 1380, is opened, connecting the softener container 1460 to the path of the pump unit 1390. The pump unit 1390 rotates the motor to move the piston 1395 up and down, sucking an appropriate amount of softener from the pump unit inlet 1392a and dispensing it from the pump unit outlet 1392b.

[0251] Next, softener three-way valve 1382 is closed, blocking the path between softener container 1460 and pump unit 1390. This connects the path from third water pipe 1313 to automatic liquid dispensing device 1301. Third water pipe 1313 is then opened to flush the detergent path within three-way valve 1380 and pump unit 1390.

[0252] In this way, the washing machine 100 also performs path cleaning after the softener is added. This path cleaning prevents the remaining softener from mixing with the detergent added in the next washing operation, and suppresses the precipitation of foreign matter generated when the detergent and softener are mixed.

[0253] After an appropriate amount of softener is ejected from the pump unit outlet 1392b and flows into the water supply unit housing 1320 and the flow path lower portion 1370, the second water guide cylinder 1312 is opened to supply water to the second water guide path 1322 (see Figure 30 ). Like the water flow Y1, the water introduced into the second water conduit 1322 is injected into the manual softener injection unit 1430 through the softener injection port 1334. Then, the water injected into the manual softener injection unit 1430 flows down from the outlet of the manual softener injection unit 1430 to the lower flow path 1370, dissolving the softener accumulated in the lower flow path 1370 and injecting it into the washing tank 1500 (refer to Figure 28 、 Figure 31 and Figure 37 ).

[0254] [2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0255] As described above, washing machine 1100 according to Embodiment 2 includes washing tub 1500, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460, detergent container storage unit 1360 or softener container storage unit 1365, and automatic liquid dispensing device 1301. Washing tub 1500 stores laundry. Detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 is an example of a liquid container disclosed herein and stores liquid. Detergent container storage unit 1360 or softener container storage unit 1365 is an example of a liquid container storage unit disclosed herein and is box-shaped and stores detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460. Automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 dispenses liquid stored in detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 into washing tub 1500. Furthermore, when the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is in the storage position (an example of the second position of the present disclosure), in which it is stored in the detergent container receiving portion 1360 or the softener container receiving portion 1365, it is connected to the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301. Furthermore, when in the storage position, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is secured to the detergent container receiving portion 1360 or the softener container receiving portion 1365 using a locking lever 1454, an example of a locking portion of the present disclosure, and a detergent container receiving portion claw 1361. Furthermore, when the locking lever 1454 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 are released, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is locked to the detergent container receiving portion 1360 or the softener container receiving portion 1365 in a position P1 closer to the storage position than the storage position. Position P1 is an example of the first position of the present disclosure.

[0256] Thus, when the detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 is in the storage position for storage in the detergent container storage section 1360 or the softener container storage section 1365, the stored detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 is fixed in a state connected to the automatic liquid agent feeding device 1301. In addition, the detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 pulled out to the position P1 is held in the detergent container storage section 1360 or the softener container storage section 1365.

[0257] Therefore, the user can safely pull out detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 from detergent container storage portion 1360 or softener container storage portion 1365. Furthermore, washing machine 1100 can reliably connect automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301 to detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460. In other words, washing machine 1100 can reliably connect automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301 to detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460.

[0258] As in washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 may be provided with spring mechanism 1455 as an example of a biasing portion of the present disclosure for biasing detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 toward position P1.

[0259] Thus, when the fixation by the lock lever 1454 and the detergent container storage portion claw 1361 is released, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is urged toward the position P1 by the spring mechanism 1455 .

[0260] Therefore, the user can easily pull out the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 to the position P1.

[0261] Alternatively, washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2 may include detergent container storage portion claw 1361 and locking lever 1454 as examples of the locking portion of the present disclosure. Detergent container storage portion claw 1361 is an example of the engaging portion of the present disclosure and is provided in detergent container storage portion 1360 or softener container storage portion 1365. Locking lever 1454 is an example of the lever of the present disclosure and is provided in detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 and is configured to engage with detergent container storage portion claw 1361.

[0262] Thus, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 pulled out to the position P1 is held in the detergent container storage portion 1360 or the softener container storage portion 1365 .

[0263] Therefore, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is locked to the detergent container receiving portion 1360 or the softener container receiving portion 1365 by the engagement of the locking rod 1454 with the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361, and thus can be securely connected.

[0264] As in washing machine 1100 according to the second embodiment, lock lever 1454 and detergent container storage portion claw 1361 may be arranged near the line of action of the elastic force applied by spring mechanism 1455 .

[0265] Thus, when the fixation between the detergent container 1450 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 is released, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is urged in the pulling-out direction.

[0266] Therefore, the user can pull out detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 without shaking when releasing the fixation by locking lever 1454 and detergent container receiving portion claw 1361. In addition, the detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 can be prevented from tilting due to the biasing force of spring mechanism 1455 while stored in detergent container receiving portion 1360 or softener container receiving portion 1365.

[0267] As in washing machine 1100 of the second embodiment, lock lever 1454 and spring mechanism 1455 may be arranged on a virtual line parallel to the attachment and detachment direction and serving as a center line bisecting detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 .

[0268] Thus, when the fixation by the lock lever 1454 and the detergent container storage portion claw 1361 is released, the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 is urged in the pull-out direction, and thus no rotational moment is generated.

[0269] Therefore, the user can pull out the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 without shaking when releasing the fixation by the locking lever 1454 and the detergent container storage portion claw 1361. In addition, when the user installs the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460, the force of the spring mechanism 1455 can be prevented from causing the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 to tilt and be incorrectly stored.

[0270] Alternatively, as in washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 may include detergent container housing grip 1456a, which is an example of a gripping portion of the present disclosure, capable of gripping detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460. Furthermore, locking lever grip 1454a, which is an example of a lever end of the present disclosure, may be disposed near detergent container housing grip 1456a.

[0271] Thus, the user can grasp the detergent container case grip 1456 a and the lock lever grip 1454 a to operate the lock lever 1454 .

[0272] Therefore, the user can release the fixation by the lock lever 1454 and the detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 with one action and pull out the detergent container 1450 or the softener container 1460 .

[0273] Alternatively, as in washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 may include a spring mechanism 1455, detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303, and a detergent container check valve 1302a or softener container check valve. Spring mechanism 1455 is located at the bottom of detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460. Detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303 is an example of a container connection portion of the present disclosure, located at the bottom of detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 and connected to automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301. Detergent container check valve 1302a or softener container check valve is an example of an on-off valve of the present disclosure. Detergent container check valve 1302a or softener container check valve is disposed within detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303 and is opened only when detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303 is connected to automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301. Alternatively, detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303 may be disposed on the side of spring mechanism 1455.

[0274] Thus, in washing machine 1100 , spring mechanism 1455 and detergent container insertion port 1302 or softener container insertion port 1303 can be provided at the bottom of detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 .

[0275] Washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2 may include detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460 , with detergent container insertion openings 1302 and softener container insertion openings 1303 of detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460 positioned adjacent to each other.

[0276] Thus, even in the case where two liquid agent containers are arranged adjacent to each other, such as the detergent container 1450 and the softener container 1460, the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301 can be configured compactly.

[0277] Washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2 is a washing machine capable of loading laundry from above housing 1600 when in a set state. Washing machine 1100 of Embodiment 2 includes lower housing 1610, washing tub 1500, upper housing 1620, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460, and automatic liquid dispensing device 1301. Lower housing 1610 constitutes housing 1600. Washing tub 1500 is disposed within lower housing 1610 and has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. Upper housing 1620, which constitutes housing 1600, is disposed at the top of lower housing 1610 and has a laundry loading port 1621 that communicates with washing tub 1500. Detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 is an example of a liquid container disclosed herein and stores liquid therein. Automatic liquid dispensing device 1301 dispenses liquid stored in detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 into washing tub 1500. Automatic liquid agent dispensing device 1301 is shaped like a box that opens toward dispensing port 1621 and includes a detergent container storage portion 1360 or a softener container storage portion 1365 and an automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 1452 or a softener dispensing insertion port 1462. Detergent container storage portion 1360 or a softener container storage portion 1365 is an example of a liquid agent container storage portion of the present disclosure, and accommodates detergent container 1450 or a softener container 1460. Automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 1452 or a softener dispensing insertion port 1462 is an example of a connecting portion of the present disclosure, and is detachably connected to detergent container 1450 or a softener container 1460. Furthermore, detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 includes a locking lever 1454 that engages with detergent container receiving portion claw 1361 when detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460 is connected to automatic detergent insertion port 1452 or automatic softener insertion port 1462 .

[0278] Thus, washing machine 1100 can reliably connect automatic liquid agent dispenser 1301 to detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460. In other words, washing machine 1100 can reliably connect automatic liquid agent dispenser 1301 to detergent container 1450 or softener container 1460.

[0279] In addition, in [2-3. Functions, etc.], washing machine 1100 is described as including detergent container 1450 or softener container 460 as examples of liquid agent containers of the washing machine disclosed herein. However, a structure including both detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460 is also included as an example of the structure of the washing machine disclosed herein. This also applies to the following structures. Specifically, detergent container storage section 1360 or softener container storage section 1365 as examples of liquid agent container storage sections disclosed herein, and detergent container insertion section 1451 or softener container insertion section 1461 as examples of opening sections disclosed herein. Furthermore, this also applies to automatic detergent insertion opening 1452 or softener insertion opening 1462 as examples of connection sections disclosed herein, and detergent container insertion opening 1302 or softener container insertion opening 1303 as examples of container connection sections disclosed herein. The same applies to the detergent container check valve 1302a or the softener container check valve, which are examples of the on-off valve of the present disclosure.

[0280] (Variation of Embodiment 2)

[0281] As described above, Embodiment 2 has been described as an example of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0282] Therefore, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0283] In Embodiment 2, a vertical washing machine 1100 is described as an example of the washing machine of the present disclosure. The washing machine of the present disclosure is not limited to a vertical washing machine, and may be a drum washing machine or a twin-tub washing machine.

[0284] In Embodiment 2, a spring mechanism 1455 provided in detergent container 1450 (detergent container housing 1456) is described as an example of a force-applying portion of the present disclosure. The force-applying portion of the present disclosure only needs to apply force to the liquid container of the present disclosure toward the first position. Therefore, spring mechanism 1455 is not limited to being provided in detergent container 1450 (detergent container housing 1456). Spring mechanism 1455 can also be provided in detergent container storage portion 1360. In other words, the force-applying portion of the present disclosure can be provided in the liquid container of the present disclosure or in the liquid container storage portion of the present disclosure.

[0285] In Embodiment 2, as an example of the force-applying portion of the present disclosure, a spring mechanism 1455 is described that is disposed at the lower back portion of the detergent container housing 1456. The force-applying portion of the present disclosure only needs to be disposed approximately at the center line in the loading and unloading direction. Therefore, the spring mechanism 1455 is not limited to being disposed at the lower back portion of the detergent container housing 1456, but may also be disposed at the upper back portion of the detergent container housing 1456. That is, the force-applying portion of the present disclosure is not limited to being disposed at the lower back portion of the liquid container of the present disclosure, but may also be disposed at the upper back portion. Furthermore, when the spring mechanism 1455 is disposed at the upper back portion of the detergent container housing 1456, it is preferable to dispose the locking lever gripping portion 1454a at the upper front surface of the detergent container housing 1456. That is, when the force-applying portion of the present disclosure is disposed at the upper back portion of the liquid container of the present disclosure, it is preferable to dispose the end of the lever of the present disclosure at the upper front surface of the liquid container of the present disclosure.

[0286] In Embodiment 2, as an example of a lever of the present disclosure, locking lever 1454 provided on detergent container 1450 and softener container 1460 is described. The lever of the present disclosure is provided so as to engage with the engaging portion of the present disclosure. Therefore, the lever is not limited to being provided on the liquid container side of the present disclosure and may also be provided on the liquid container storage side of the present disclosure.

[0287] In Embodiment 2, as an example of the container connection portion of the present disclosure, detergent container insertion port 1302 and softener container insertion port 1303 are described as being arranged to the side of spring mechanism 1455. The container connection portion of the present disclosure is not limited to being arranged to the side of the force-applying portion of the present disclosure; any configuration may be such that the container connection portions of multiple liquid containers of the present disclosure are located adjacent to each other.

[0288] For example, when two liquid containers of the present disclosure are arranged one above the other, the container connection portion of the upper liquid container of the present disclosure is preferably located at the lower portion of the back surface of the liquid container of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is preferred that the container connection portion of the lower liquid container of the present disclosure is located at the upper portion of the back surface of the liquid container of the present disclosure.

[0289] Furthermore, in the case of four liquid containers of the present disclosure arranged one above the other, the container connecting portions of the two adjacent liquid containers of the present disclosure arranged above are preferably located at the lower back portion of the liquid container of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is preferred that the container connecting portions of the two adjacent liquid containers of the present disclosure arranged below are located at the upper back portion of the liquid container of the present disclosure. In this case, it is preferred that the container connecting portions of the two adjacent liquid containers of the present disclosure are arranged so that the container connecting portions are located near each other. In the case of two adjacent detergent containers 1450 and softener container 1460, as in Embodiment 2, where the detergent container housing grip 1456a and spring mechanism 1455 are located at the lower center of the detergent container 1450, the following configuration is preferred. Specifically, it is preferred that the detergent container insertion port 1302 be located to the side of the spring mechanism 1455. The same configuration is also preferred for the softener container 1460.

[0290] That is, when the washing machine of the present disclosure includes two adjacent liquid containers of the present disclosure, and when the gripping portion and the force-applying portion of the liquid container of the present disclosure are located at the lower center of the liquid container of the present disclosure, the following configuration is preferred: Specifically, the container connecting portion of the present disclosure is preferably located to the side of the force-applying portion of the present disclosure.

[0291] Industrial applicability

[0292] The present disclosure can be applied to washing machines equipped with an automatic liquid agent feeding device. Specifically, the present disclosure can be applied to vertical washing machines, drum washing machines, twin-tub washing machines, and the like.

[0293] Description of Reference Numerals

[0294] 100, washing machine; 200, water supply port; 210, water supply hose; 300, water supply unit; 301, automatic liquid dispensing device; 302, detergent container insertion port (container-side connection); 302a, detergent container check valve (on / off valve); 303, softener container insertion port (container-side connection); 310, water supply valve; 311, first water guide cylinder; 312, second water guide cylinder; 313, third water guide cylinder; 314, bus pump; 318, cleaning path inlet; 319, cleaning path; 320, water supply unit housing; 321, first water guide path; 322, second water guide path; 323, third water guide path; 324, cleaning path water outlet; 325, path inside the automatic dispensing device; 326, 330, detergent box flow path; 331, powder detergent water inlet; 332, liquid detergent water inlet; 333, bus pump water inlet; 334, softener water inlet; 340, flow path cover; 350, detergent box storage; 360, detergent container storage (liquid container storage); 360a, detergent automatic feeding connection; 361, detergent container storage claw; 362, detergent container storage contact surface; 363, storage; 364, drop port; 365, softener container storage (liquid container storage); 365a, softener automatic feeding connection; 368, stopper; 370, flow path lower part (liquid supply path); 371, flow path lower 372, first flow path lower path; 373, second flow path lower path; 374, cleaning path outlet; 375, confluence; 380, three-way valve; 381, detergent three-way valve; 382, ​​softener three-way valve; 390, pump unit; 391, pump internal flow path; 392a, pump unit inlet; 392b, pump unit outlet; 393, inlet check valve; 394, outlet check valve; 395, piston; 397, cylinder; 400, detergent box; 410, powder detergent manual feeding part; 420, liquid detergent manual feeding part; 430, softener manual feeding part; 450, detergent container (liquid container); 450a, detergent container remaining scale; 451, detergent container feeding part (opening 452, automatic detergent insertion port (connecting portion); 454, locking lever (second engaging portion); 454a, locking lever grip; 455, spring mechanism; 455a, spring; 456, detergent container housing; 456a, detergent container housing grip; 457, container protrusion (first engaging portion); 459, container side (side); 460, softener container (liquid container); 460a, softener container remaining scale; 461, softener container insertion portion (opening); 462, automatic softener insertion port (connecting portion); 464, insertion tilt portion; 470, filter; 500, washing tub; 600, housing; 610, lower housing; 620, upper housing; 621, insertion port;700, cover; 800, operating unit; 1100, washing machine; 1200, water supply port; 1210, water supply hose; 1300, water supply unit; 1301, automatic liquid dispensing device; 1302, detergent container insertion port (container connection portion); 1302a, detergent container check valve (on / off valve); 1303, softener container insertion port (container connection portion); 1310, water supply valve; 1311, first water guide cylinder; 1312, second water guide cylinder; 1313, third water guide cylinder; 1314, bus pump; 1318, cleaning path inlet; 1319, cleaning path; 1320, water supply unit housing; 1321, first water guide path; 1322, second water guide path; 1323, third water guide path 1324, cleaning path water guide port; 1325, automatic feeding device internal path; 1326, cleaning path outflow port; 1330, detergent box flow path portion; 1331, powder detergent water inlet; 1332, liquid detergent water inlet; 1333, bus pump water inlet; 1334, softener water inlet; 1340, flow path cover; 1350, detergent box storage portion; 1360, detergent container storage portion (liquid container storage portion); 1360a, detergent automatic feeding connection portion; 1361, detergent container storage portion claw portion (locking portion) (engaging portion); 1362, detergent container storage portion contact surface; 1363, storage portion; 1364, drop port; 1365, softener container storage portion (liquid container storage unit); 1365a, connection unit for automatic softener feeding; 1368, stopper; 1370, flow path lower part; 1371, flow path lower part outlet; 1372, first flow path lower part path; 1373, second flow path lower part path; 1374, cleaning path outlet; 1375, confluence; 1380, three-way valve; 1381, detergent three-way valve; 1382, softener three-way valve; 1390, pump unit; 1391, pump internal flow path; 1392a, pump unit inlet; 1392b, pump unit outlet; 1393, inlet check valve; 1394, outlet check valve; 1395, piston; 1397, cylinder; 1400, detergent box; 1410, powder detergent manual feeding unit; 1 420, Manual Liquid Detergent Dosing Unit; 1430, Manual Softener Dosing Unit; 1450, Detergent Container (Liquid Detergent Container); 1450a, Detergent Container Level Marking; 1451, Detergent Container Dosing Unit (Opening); 1452, Automatic Detergent Dosing Port (Connecting Port); 1454, Locking Lever (Locking Portion) (Lever); 1454a, Locking Lever Grip (End of Lever); 1455, Spring Mechanism (Force Applicator); 1455a, Spring; 1456, Detergent Container Housing; 1456a, Detergent Container Housing Grip (Grip); 1457, Container Protrusion; 1459, Container Side; 1460, Softener Container (Liquid Detergent Container); 1460a, Softener Container Level Marking;1461, softener container insertion portion (opening); 1462, softener automatic insertion port (connection); 1464, insertion tilt portion; 1470, filter; 1500, washing tub; 1600, housing; 1610, lower housing; 1620, upper housing; 1621, insertion port; 1700, lid; 1800, operating unit; X, water flow; X1, water flow; Y, water flow; Y1, water flow; Z, water flow; Z1, water flow.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein: The washing machine includes: a washing sink for storing laundry; a liquid container for storing liquid and having an opening on its upper surface in a set state; an automatic liquid feeding device for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tank; and The liquid container storage unit stores the liquid container and connects the liquid container to the liquid automatic feeding device. The liquid container is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the automatic liquid feeding device, and is locked to the liquid container storage portion when the liquid container is in a first position where the opening is open to the outside. The liquid agent automatic feeding device comprises: a connecting portion connected to the liquid container to connect the interior of the liquid container to the automatic liquid feeding device; and A liquid supply path is provided below the liquid container storage portion to supply liquid to the washing tank. A drop opening communicating with the liquid supply path is formed on the inner bottom surface of the liquid container storage portion below the connecting portion. A storage portion is formed on the inner bottom surface of the liquid container storage portion. The storage portion stores a predetermined amount of liquid and causes liquid exceeding the predetermined amount to drop toward the drop port.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The liquid container is configured to communicate with the automatic liquid feeding device and engage with the liquid container storage portion when the liquid container is in the second position when stored in the liquid container storage portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid container includes a container-side connecting portion connected to the connecting portion, The storage portion is formed from the drop opening to a position below the container-side connecting portion when the liquid container is locked in the first position.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid container is formed of a transparent material. The side surface of the liquid container is exposed when the liquid container is pulled out to the first position.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein The liquid container is formed of a transparent material. The side surface of the liquid container is exposed when the liquid container is pulled out to the first position. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid container includes a container-side connection portion and an on-off valve provided inside the container-side connection portion. The liquid automatic feeding device includes a connection portion connected to the container-side connection portion when the liquid container is located at the second position. The on-off valve is open in a state where the container-side connection portion is connected to the connection portion.

7. A washing machine, wherein laundry can be loaded into the washing machine from the upper side of the housing in a set state, wherein: The washing machine includes: a lower housing constituting the housing; a washing tank provided inside the lower housing and formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape opening upward; an upper housing, which constitutes the housing, is disposed on the upper portion of the lower housing, and is formed with an inlet for the laundry connected to the washing tank; a liquid container storing liquid therein and having an opening on an upper surface; and A liquid automatic feeding device is provided for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tank. The liquid agent automatic feeding device is formed into a box shape opening toward the feeding port. The liquid automatic feeding device comprises: a liquid container storage portion for storing the liquid container; and a connecting portion detachably connected to the liquid container, The liquid container comprises: a first engaging portion that engages with the liquid container housing portion when the opening is in a position where the opening is open to the outside; and a second engaging portion that engages with the liquid container housing portion when the liquid container is connected to the connecting portion; The liquid agent automatic feeding device comprises: a connecting portion connected to the liquid container to connect the interior of the liquid container to the automatic liquid feeding device; and A liquid supply path is provided below the liquid container storage portion to supply liquid to the washing tank. A drop opening communicating with the liquid supply path is formed on the inner bottom surface of the liquid container storage portion below the connecting portion. A storage portion is formed on the inner bottom surface of the liquid container storage portion. The storage portion stores a predetermined amount of liquid and causes liquid exceeding the predetermined amount to drop toward the drop port.

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