Washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine of Embodiment 1 includes a cabinet, a washing tub, a water supply unit (300), a detergent container (450) and a softener container (460), and a liquid automatic injection device (301). The water supply unit (300) is provided in the interior of the cabinet to supply water to the washing tub. The liquid automatic injection device (301) injects liquid stored in the detergent container (450) and the softener container (460) to the washing tub. The water supply unit (300) is formed in a box shape in a manner that the detergent container (450) and the softener container (460) are accommodated in the interior. Further, first to third water flow paths through which water introduced from a water supply valve (301) flows are formed in the water supply unit (300), and the liquid automatic injection device (301) is installed at the back of the water supply unit (300) to be connected to the third water flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine that uses multiple relay components to connect the path from the water supply valve to the automatic liquid dispensing device.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a water supply valve for supplying water to the washing tub, a liquid container for storing liquid inside, and an automatic liquid dispensing device for dispensing the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tub. The water supply valve and the automatic liquid dispensing device are connected by a hose and a resin component.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

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

[0007] This disclosure provides a washing machine capable of supplying a stable flow of water to an automatic liquid dispensing device and enabling the liquid container to have a large capacity within a limited space.

[0008] The washing machine disclosed herein includes a housing, a washing tub, a water supply unit, a liquid container, and an automatic liquid dispensing device. The washing tub is located inside the housing and holds laundry. The water supply unit is located inside the housing and supplies water to the washing tub. The liquid container stores liquid within it. The automatic liquid dispensing device dispenses the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tub. Furthermore, the water supply unit is box-shaped, housing the liquid container internally, and has a water guide path for water introduced from a water supply valve. The automatic liquid dispensing device is mounted on the outer periphery of the water supply unit and connected to the water guide path.

[0009] Furthermore, the washing machine disclosed herein is a washing machine in which laundry can be inserted into the interior from the upper surface of the casing when in the installed state. The washing machine includes a lower casing, a washing tub, an upper casing, a water supply unit, a liquid container, and an automatic liquid dispensing device. The lower casing forms the casing. The washing tub is located inside the lower casing and is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an upward opening. The upper casing forms the casing and is disposed on the upper part of the lower casing, forming an inlet for laundry that communicates with the washing tub. The water supply unit is disposed at the rear of the upper casing and supplies water to the washing tub. The liquid container stores liquid inside. The automatic liquid dispensing device dispenses the liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tub. Moreover, the water supply unit has: a container receiving section that opens towards the inlet to receive the liquid container; and a water guiding path, which is formed as an internal structure of the water supply unit for the flow of water introduced from the water supply valve. Furthermore, the automatic liquid dispensing device is installed on the back of the water supply unit and is directly connected to the water guiding path.

[0010] The washing machine disclosed herein can supply a stable flow of water to the automatic liquid dispensing device and can achieve a large capacity of liquid container in a limited space. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 with the lid closed.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 with the lid open.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the water supply unit and surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the detergent dispenser, detergent container, and fabric softener container pulled out.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the water supply unit and surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the flow path cover removed.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a top view illustrating the cross-section of the water supply unit and its surrounding area of ​​the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the detergent dispenser, detergent container, and fabric softener container removed, excluding the flow path cover.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7The F-F sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a top view of the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the detergent dispenser, detergent container, and fabric softener container pulled out, excluding the flow path cover.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The B-B sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The E-E sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0022] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 The C-C sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 The A-A sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The D-D cross-sectional view of the water supply unit and its surroundings is shown.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the structure of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 with the detergent dispenser, detergent container, and fabric softener container removed. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a washing machine as an example embodiment of the washing machine of this disclosure will be described in detail. Furthermore, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0027] (Implementation Method 1)

[0028] The following uses Figures 1 to 15 This describes the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] [1-1. Structure]

[0030] [1-1-1. The Structure of a Washing Machine]

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the closed state of the cover 700 of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the open state of the lid 700 of the washing machine 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are cases where the vertical direction in the state where the washing machine 100 is installed (equivalent to the installation state of this disclosure) is recorded as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are cases where... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The washing machine 100 is described with the operation unit 800 side as "back" and the opposite side as "forward". That is, the user typically stands in front of the washing machine 100, puts laundry items such as clothes into the washing machine 100, and performs various operations to operate the washing machine 100. Furthermore, the laundry items disclosed herein are not limited to clothing, but include, for example, fabric or leather products such as bedding, curtains, carpets, and shoes, as well as other items that can be washed in various known washing machines.

[0032] 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 upright washing machine in which laundry can be inserted into the interior from the upper surface of the housing 600 when in its installed state. The housing 600 includes a lower housing 610 and an upper housing 620. A washing tub 500 is housed within the lower housing 610. The washing tub 500 is a cylindrical body with an opening at the top (i.e., a bottomed cylindrical shape), which holds laundry and performs a washing operation. The washing operation can be any operation performed by the washing tub of various known washing machines. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific washing operation performed by the washing tub 500.

[0033] An upper housing 620 is positioned above the lower housing 610, and an inlet 621 for loading laundry, communicating with the washing tub 500, is formed in the upper housing 620. A cover 700 is mounted at the rear of the upper housing 620, and can be opened and closed freely to cover the inlet 621. When the user rotates the cover 700 upwards, the washing tub 500 is exposed through the inlet 621. The user can then load laundry into the washing tub 500 through the inlet 621.

[0034] An operating unit 800 is located at the rear of the upper housing 620, behind the inlet 621. The user can operate the operating unit 800 to set various actions of the washing tub 500. Furthermore, the washing machine 100 has a control device (not shown) within the housing 600, which, based on the user's operation of the operating unit 800, controls not only, for example, the water supply valve 310 and the three-way valve 380, but also the overall operation of the washing machine 100. The control device has a computer system with a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, thus enabling the computer system to function as a control device. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it can also be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided via telecommunications lines such as the Internet.

[0035] A water inlet 200 is provided at the rear of the operating unit 800, and a water supply hose 210 is connected to the water inlet 200 to introduce tap water from the faucet.

[0036] The water supply unit 300 is located at the rear of the upper housing 620 (i.e., inside the housing 600) and supplies water to the washing tub 500. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the detergent container 450, fabric softener container 460, and detergent dispenser 400 are arranged such that their front surfaces are flush when housed in the water supply unit 300. Furthermore, the detergent dispenser 400 is an example of a dispensing device of this disclosure configured to dispense a single amount of detergent.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structures, including the detergent dispenser 400, detergent container 450, and fabric softener container 460, in the pulled-out state. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 are configured to store a quantity of liquid that can be used for multiple operations. That is, the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 are examples of liquid containers of this disclosure that internally store liquid; the detergent container 450 stores detergent internally, and the fabric softener container 460 stores fabric softener internally. The detergent container 450 has a detergent container inlet 451 for injecting the stored detergent, and the fabric softener container 460 has a fabric softener container inlet 461 for injecting the stored fabric softener. The upper surfaces of the detergent container inlet 451 and the fabric softener container inlet 461 are open to allow for the injection of liquid. Furthermore, the detergent container 450 has a detergent container balance mark 450a, and the fabric softener container 460 has a fabric softener container balance mark 460a. The detergent container's remaining balance mark 450a and the fabric softener container's remaining balance mark 460a are both made of transparent material, allowing users to visually confirm the remaining liquid level.

[0038] On the other hand, the detergent dispenser 400 is for users to add the amount of detergent needed for one operation. The detergent dispenser 400 is provided with a manual powder detergent dispenser 410 for dispensing powder detergent, a manual liquid detergent dispenser 420 for dispensing liquid detergent, and a manual fabric softener dispenser 430 for dispensing fabric softener.

[0039] A portion of the lid 700 is transparent. Thus, even when the lid 700 is closed, the user can visually check the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent container 450a and the fabric softener container 460a, and confirm the remaining amount of liquid in the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460.

[0040] [1-1-2. Water Supply Unit]

[0041] Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the water supply unit 300 mainly consists of a water supply unit housing 320 formed in the shape of a box, a flow path cover 340 covering the upper surface of the water supply unit housing 320, and a flow path lower part 370 installed at the lower bottom of the water supply unit housing 320.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the rear side of the water supply unit housing 320, a water supply valve 310 is installed on the left side, which allows water introduced from the water supply port 200 to pass through freely. When the water supply valve 310 is open, water introduced from the water supply valve 310 is introduced into the water supply unit housing 320.

[0043] A bus pump 314 is disposed at the center of the back of the water supply unit housing 320. The bus pump 314 draws water from the outside of the washing machine 100 via a hose (not shown). The bus pump 314 is fixed to the flow path cover 340 by screws and is directly connected to the first water guide path 321 (described later) via the bus pump inlet 333. The bus pump 314 can start the suction and spraying action by supplying water from the first water guide path 321.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown, the water supply unit housing 320 is formed in the shape of a box with an opening to the front. The water supply unit housing 320 has a container storage section 360 and a detergent dispenser storage section 350 as internal spaces. That is, the water supply unit 300 is formed in the shape of a box to house the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460. The container storage section 360 opens toward the inlet 621 and houses the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 in a manner that allows them to be pulled out independently. The detergent dispenser storage section 350 houses the detergent dispenser 400 in a manner that allows it to be pulled out independently.

[0045] The detergent dispenser flow path 330 is disposed on the upper surface of the detergent dispenser storage section 350, and a first water guiding path 321 and a second water guiding path 322, described later, are formed in the detergent dispenser flow path 330. That is, the water supply unit 300 includes the detergent dispenser flow path 330. In addition, the detergent dispenser flow path 330 is an example of a water injection section for a detergent dispensing device of the present disclosure that injects water into the detergent dispensing device of the present disclosure housed below.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, an automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is installed on the back (right side when viewed from the back) of the water supply unit housing 320 (i.e., the water supply unit 300). The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 dispenses liquid liquid stored in the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 into the washing tub 500. Details regarding the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 will be described later.

[0047] [1-1-3. Water diversion path]

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the water supply valve 310 includes three opening and closing valves: a first water guide cylinder 311, a second water guide cylinder 312, and a third water guide cylinder 313, which are configured to be able to open and close each opening and closing valve independently.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure with the flow path cover 340 removed. Figure 7 This is a top view illustrating the cross-section of the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding area with the detergent dispenser 400, detergent container 450, and fabric softener container 460 removed, excluding the flow path cover 340. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The F-F sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 9 This is a top view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure with the detergent dispenser 400, detergent container 450, and fabric softener container 460 pulled out. Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The B-B sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown.

[0050] like Figures 6-10 As shown, the water supply unit housing 320 (i.e., the water supply unit 300) has a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323, which are examples of water guide paths disclosed herein, for water introduced from the water supply valve 310. The water supply valve 310 is directly connected to the first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323. The first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323 are branched in a manner that they are independently connected to the first water guide cylinder 311, the second water guide cylinder 312, and the third water guide cylinder 313, respectively. That is, the first water guide cylinder 311 is connected to the first water guide path 321, the second water guide cylinder 312 is connected to the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide cylinder 313 is connected to the third water guide path 323.

[0051] [1-1-4. Detergent dispenser, first water guide path, second water guide path]

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figures 6-9 As shown, the first water guiding path 321 guides water supplied from the first water guiding tube 311 to the detergent box flow path 330 and injects it into the detergent box 400 located below, and the second water guiding path 322 guides water supplied from the second water guiding tube 312 to the detergent box flow path 330 and injects it into the detergent box 400 located below.

[0053] As described above, the detergent dispenser 400 is equipped with a powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, a liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420, and a fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430, which enables the user to dispense each detergent.

[0054] The first water guide path 321 is provided with a powder detergent inlet 331 formed above the manual powder detergent dispensing section 410 to allow vertical connection, and a liquid detergent inlet 332 formed above the manual liquid detergent dispensing section 420 to allow vertical connection. The second water guide path 322 is provided with a fabric softener inlet 334 formed above the manual fabric softener dispensing section 430 to allow vertical connection.

[0055] The manual powder detergent dispensing unit 410, the manual liquid detergent dispensing unit 420, and the manual fabric softener dispensing unit 430 are each provided with a drain outlet (not shown) for discharging the accumulated liquid, which is water and detergent, downwards. The liquid discharged from the drain outlet falls into the lower part of the flow path 370. The lower part of the flow path 370 is configured as an example of the discharge part of this disclosure and is formed as the bottom of the water supply unit 300, discharging the liquid, which is water and detergent, into the washing tank 500.

[0056] Thus, the first water guide path 321 extends from the outlet of the first water guide tube 311 through the powder detergent inlet 331, the liquid detergent inlet 332, and the bus pump inlet 333 of the detergent dispenser flow path 330. Then, the first water guide path 321 reaches the flow path of the lower flow path 370 via the outlets of the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410 and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420. Furthermore, the second water guide path 322 extends from the outlet of the second water guide tube 312 through the fabric softener inlet 334 and the outlet of the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430 of the detergent dispenser flow path 330 to the lower flow path 370. Furthermore, the third water guide path 323 extends from the outlet of the third water guide tube 313 to the cleaning path water guide inlet 324, which will be described later. That is, the third water guide path 323 includes the cleaning path water guide inlet 324.

[0057] [1-1-5. Detergent container, automatic dispensing device, third water guide path]

[0058] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The E-E sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 12 yes Figure 7 The C-C sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown. Furthermore, Figure 13 yes Figure 7 The A-A sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings is shown. Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The image shows a D-D sectional view of the water supply unit 300 and its surroundings. Additionally, Figure 15 This is a front view showing the structure of the water supply unit 300 of the washing machine 100 with the detergent dispenser 400, detergent container 450, and fabric softener container 460 removed.

[0059] like Figure 6 and Figures 10-15 As shown, the third water guide path 323 is formed in a generally horizontal direction along the back of the water supply unit housing 320, and opens towards the back side at the cleaning path water guide port 324 (see reference). Figure 11 That is, the cleaning path guide port 324 is formed on the back of the water supply unit 300. The cleaning path guide port 324 is connected to the path 325 inside the automatic dispensing device described later (see reference). Figure 13 This connects the third water guide path 323 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. That is, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is directly connected to the third water guide path 323. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is disposed on the rear side of the container storage section 360 and is connected to the detergent container 450 and fabric softener container 460 stored in the container storage section 360, as described later. In other words, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is installed on the rear side of the water supply unit 300 by connecting the cleaning path water guide port 324 to the internal path 325 of the automatic dispensing device.

[0060] 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 (not shown) that opens by being pushed in is provided inside the detergent container insertion port 302. Similarly, a fabric softener container insertion port 303 and a fabric softener container check valve (not shown) that opens by being pushed in are provided on the back side of the fabric softener container 460. The detergent container 450 is configured such that, when installed in the container storage section 360, the automatic detergent dispensing insertion port 452 (described later) is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 302, and the detergent container check valve opens to supply liquid detergent. Similarly, the fabric softener container 460 is configured such that, when installed in the container storage section 360, the automatic fabric softener dispensing insertion port 462 (described later) is inserted into the fabric softener container insertion port 303, and the fabric softener container check valve opens to supply fabric softener.

[0061] The inner back of the container storage section 360 is provided with a detergent automatic dispensing connector 360a and a fabric softener automatic dispensing connector 360b. The detergent automatic dispensing connector 360a and the fabric softener automatic dispensing connector 360b are configured to surround the detergent automatic dispensing port 452 and the fabric softener automatic dispensing port 462 of the liquid automatic dispensing device 301.

[0062] The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 includes an automatic detergent dispensing port 452 and an automatic fabric softener dispensing port 462, a three-way valve 380, a pump unit 390, and an internal path 325 (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 13 A three-way valve 380 switches the path of liquid detergent, fabric softener, and water. A pump unit 390 draws in and dispenses the liquid detergent stored in detergent containers 450 and fabric softener containers 460. An automatic dispensing device internal path 325 connects the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390, introducing liquid detergent into the pump unit 390.

[0063] like Figure 9As shown, the automatic detergent dispensing port 452 and the automatic fabric softener dispensing port 462 are formed protruding forward. When the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 are housed in the container housing 360, the automatic detergent dispensing port 452 is connected to the detergent container 450, and the automatic fabric softener dispensing port 462 is connected to the fabric softener container 460.

[0064] The three-way valve 380 includes a detergent three-way valve 381 and a fabric softener three-way valve 382, ​​configured to be independently controllable for opening and closing. The detergent three-way valve 381 is configured to communicate with the automatic detergent dispensing port 452, and the fabric softener three-way valve 382 is configured to communicate with the automatic fabric softener dispensing port 462. Figure 13 As shown, the downstream side of the three-way valve 380 is connected to the pump unit 390 via the automatic dispensing device internal path 325. Thus, the three-way valve 380 is connected to the automatic dispensing device internal path 325, the detergent automatic dispensing inlet 452, the fabric softener automatic dispensing inlet 462, and the pump unit 390. The washing machine 100 can control the flow of detergent, fabric softener, and water by opening and closing the detergent three-way valve 381 and the fabric softener three-way valve 382.

[0065] Pump unit 390 includes an internal flow path 391, a cylinder 397, and a piston 395. The internal flow path 391 is located between the pump unit inlet 392a and the pump unit outlet 392b. The cylinder 397 is located in the middle of the internal flow path 391. The piston 395 moves up and down using the rotational drive of a motor (not shown).

[0066] 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.

[0067] The inlet check valve 393 is configured to open by the negative pressure action of the piston 395, and the outlet check valve 394 is configured to open by the positive pressure action of the piston 395.

[0068] The path 325 of the automatic dosing device is connected to the lower part of the flow path 370 downstream of the pump unit 390 via the outlet 326.

[0069] [1-2. Actions]

[0070] The operation of a washing machine 100 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0071] [1-2-1. Water flow during washing operation when using the automatic start function]

[0072] exist Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figures 10-15In this context, the flow of water supplied from the first water guide tube 311 is defined as X, the flow of water supplied from the second water guide tube 312 is defined as Y, and the flow of water supplied from the third water guide tube 313 is defined as Z.

[0073] At the start of the cleaning operation, the automatic liquid detergent dispensing device 301 is activated to automatically dispense liquid detergent. Specifically, firstly, with the third water guide tube 313 closed, the detergent three-way valve 381, which is part of the three-way valve 380, opens, connecting the detergent container 450 to the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 rotates the motor, causing the piston 395 to move up and down, drawing an appropriate amount of liquid detergent from the pump unit inlet 392a and spraying it out from the pump unit outlet 392b.

[0074] Next, the detergent path cleaning is performed in the three-way valve 380 and pump unit 390. The detergent three-way valve 381 is closed, blocking the path between the detergent container 450 and pump unit 390, and opening the path from the third water guide tube 313 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. Then, the third water guide tube 313 of the water supply valve 310 is opened. Like water flow Z, water introduced from the third water guide tube 313 flows through the third water guide path 323 and reaches the path 325 within the automatic dispensing device via the cleaning path guide port 324, filling the pump internal flow path 391 with water (see reference). Figure 11 and Figure 13 Pump unit 390 rotates a motor, causing piston 395 to move up and down, flushing out liquid detergent and foreign matter present in the flow path 391 of the pump by ejecting filled water from pump unit outlet 392b. Water flowing out from path 325 of the automatic dispensing device flows down to the lower part 370 of the flow path through outlet 326, and is then dispensed into the washing tank 500 (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0075] In this way, the washing machine 100 performs a path cleaning process after the liquid detergent is automatically added. This path cleaning process helps to prevent residual detergent from mixing with the fabric softener added in the final rinsing step, and also prevents the precipitation of foreign matter that may occur when the detergent and fabric softener are mixed.

[0076] After the automatic dispensing of liquid detergent has ended, or simultaneously with the automatic dispensing of liquid detergent, the first water guide tube 311 opens to supply water to the first water guide path 321 (see reference). Figure 8Like the flow of water X, water introduced into the first water guide path 321 passes through the powder detergent inlet 331, the liquid detergent inlet 332, and the bus pump inlet 333. Then, the water passing through the powder detergent inlet 331, the liquid detergent inlet 332, and the bus pump inlet 333 is injected into the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420, and the bus pump 314 (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 15 Water injected into the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410 and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420 flows down into the lower part of the flow path 370 through the outlet, dissolving the liquid detergent accumulated in the lower part of the flow path 370 and feeding it into the washing tank 500.

[0077] In the final rinsing process, the fabric softener three-way valve 382, ​​which is part of the three-way valve 380, opens, connecting the fabric softener container 460 to the pump unit 390. The pump unit 390 draws an appropriate amount of fabric softener from the pump unit inlet 392a and sprays it out from the pump unit outlet 392b by rotating the motor to move the piston 395 up and down.

[0078] Next, the fabric softener three-way valve 382 closes, blocking the path between the fabric softener container 460 and the pump unit 390, and opening the path from the third water guide tube 313 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. Afterwards, the third water guide tube 313 opens, flushing the path of detergent within the three-way valve 380 and the pump unit 390.

[0079] In this way, the washing machine 100 performs a path cleaning after adding fabric softener. This path cleaning prevents residual fabric softener from mixing with the detergent added in the next wash cycle and inhibits the precipitation of foreign matter that may occur when detergent and fabric softener mix.

[0080] After an appropriate amount of softener is sprayed from the pump unit outlet 392b and flows into the water supply unit housing 320 and the lower flow path 370, the second water guide tube 312 opens to supply water to the second water guide path 322 (see reference). Figure 8 Like the flow of water Y, water introduced into the second water guide path 322 is injected into the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430 through the fabric softener inlet 334. Then, the water injected into the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430 flows down from the outlet of the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430 to the lower part of the flow path 370, dissolving the fabric softener accumulated in the lower part of the flow path 370 and discharging it into the washing tank 500 (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 15 ).

[0081] [1-3. Functions, etc.]

[0082] As described above, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a housing 600, a washing tub 500, a water supply unit 300, a detergent container 450, a fabric softener container 460, and an automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The washing tub 500 is located inside the housing 600 and holds laundry. The water supply unit 300 is located inside the housing 600 and supplies water to the washing tub 500. The detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 store liquid detergent inside. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 dispenses the liquid detergent stored in the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 into the washing tub 500. The water supply unit housing 320 of the water supply unit 300 is formed in a box shape to house the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460. Furthermore, the water supply unit 300 has a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323 for water introduced from the water supply valve 310 to flow through. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the back side of the water supply unit housing 320 and is connected to the third water guide path 323.

[0083] Thus, in the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1, the first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322 and the third water guide path 323 are integrally formed with the water supply unit 300, and the third water guide path 323 is directly connected to the liquid automatic dispensing device 301 without passing through a relay component or the like.

[0084] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can supply a stable flow of water to the liquid dispensing device 301, and can achieve a large capacity of detergent container 450 and fabric softener container 460 in a limited space.

[0085] Alternatively, although not specifically illustrated, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 may also include an outer tub that rotatably encloses the washing tub 500, and a water supply unit 300 disposed inside the housing 600 to supply water to the washing tub 500 or the outer tub.

[0086] As in this embodiment, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 of the washing machine 100 may include: a pump unit 390 that draws in and sprays liquid stored in the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460; and an automatic dispensing device internal path 325 that introduces liquid into the pump unit 390. Alternatively, the third water guiding path 323 may include a cleaning path water guide 324 formed on the rear side of the water supply unit housing 320. Alternatively, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 may be mounted on the rear side of the water supply unit housing 320 such that the cleaning path water guide 324 is connected to the automatic dispensing device internal path 325.

[0087] Therefore, in the washing machine 100, a third water guide path 323 is provided as a dedicated path for the liquid automatic dispensing device 301, so that even if the overall water supply is low, water can be stably supplied to the liquid automatic dispensing device 301.

[0088] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 may also include a detergent dispenser 400 housed in the water supply unit 300, configured to dispense a single amount of detergent. Alternatively, the water supply unit 300 may include a detergent dispenser flow path 330 for filling the detergent dispenser 400 housed below with water; and a lower flow path 370, formed as the bottom of the water supply unit 300, serving as a discharge section for discharging water and detergent into the washing tub 500. Furthermore, the detergent dispenser 400 and the automatic detergent dispensing device 301 may cause the water and detergent inside to flow out through the lower flow path 370.

[0089] In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 is a washing machine in which laundry can be inserted into the interior from the upper surface of the housing 600 when in operation. The washing machine 100 includes a lower housing 610, a washing tub 500, an upper housing 620, a water supply unit 300, a detergent container 450, a fabric softener container 460, and an automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The lower housing 610 constitutes the housing 600. The washing tub 500 is located inside the lower housing 610 and is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an upward opening. The upper housing 620 constitutes the housing 600 and is disposed on the upper part of the lower housing 610, forming a laundry inlet 621 that communicates with the washing tub 500. The water supply unit 300 is disposed at the rear of the upper housing 620 and supplies water to the washing tub 500. The detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 store liquid detergent inside. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 dispenses liquid detergent stored in the detergent container 450 and fabric softener container 460 into the washing tank 500. The water supply unit 300 has a container housing 360, a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323. The container housing 360 opens towards the inlet 621 and houses the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460. The first water guide path 321, the second water guide path 322, and the third water guide path 323 are configured as part of the internal structure of the water supply unit 300, allowing water introduced from the water supply valve 310 to flow through. The automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is mounted on the back of the water supply unit 300 and is directly connected to the third water guide path 323.

[0090] As a result, the washing machine 100, as a vertical washing machine, can supply a stable flow of water to the liquid dispensing device 301, and suppress the risk of leakage by minimizing the connection parts, thus enabling large-capacity detergent container 450 and fabric softener container 460 in a limited space.

[0091] Conventional washing machines require multiple intermediate components such as hoses and resin parts as the flow path structure connecting the water supply valve and the automatic liquid dispensing device (e.g., Patent Document 1). Consequently, calculating the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply valve to the automatic liquid dispensing device becomes complex, and it is difficult to supply a stable flow rate of water.

[0092] The washing machine 100 of this embodiment utilizes only the third water guide path 323 provided in the water supply unit 300 as the flow path structure connecting the water supply valve 310 and the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. That is, in the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the water supply unit 300 is directly connected to the water supply valve 310, and the water supply unit 300 has a first water guide path 321, a second water guide path 322, and a third water guide path 323 for water introduced from the water supply valve 310 to flow through. Moreover, in the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is directly connected to the third water guide path 323. In other words, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment does not use a relay component such as a hose to connect the water supply valve 310 and the automatic liquid dispensing device 301.

[0093] Therefore, calculating the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply valve 310 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 becomes easy, and the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can supply a stable flow rate. Thus, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can suppress blockage of the automatic liquid dispensing device by foreign objects that occurs when the water supply is low.

[0094] In this embodiment, the water guiding path is formed as part of the water supply unit 300 which is formed in a box shape. The first water guiding path 321 and the second water guiding path 322 are disposed on the upper surface of the water supply unit 300, and the third water guiding path 323 is disposed on the back side of the water supply unit 300.

[0095] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can avoid losing internal space due to a large relay component, and can also avoid losing internal space provided for storing detergent container 450, fabric softener container 460 and detergent box 400.

[0096] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can be configured in a space-saving manner with a water supply unit 300 for supplying water to the automatic liquid detergent dispensing device 301. Furthermore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can achieve a large capacity for both the detergent container 450 and the fabric softener container 460 within the limited space of the washing machine 100. In addition, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment configures the water guiding paths (first water guiding path 321, second water guiding path 322, and third water guiding path 323) with minimal space. Thus, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can concentrate the container storage section 360 and the detergent dispenser storage section 350 on the same surface, achieving a layout that is easy for the user to use.

[0097] In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the third water guide path 323 is directly connected to the liquid dispensing device 301 without passing through the detergent box 400.

[0098] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of this embodiment can suppress the decrease in flow rate in the third water guide path 323 before reaching the liquid automatic dispensing device 301, and supply an appropriate flow rate of water to the liquid automatic dispensing device 301.

[0099] (Implementation Method 2)

[0100] [2-1. Structure]

[0101] The washing machine of Embodiment 2 differs from the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 in that it uses a water supply valve of Embodiment 2 that includes two opening and closing valves instead of the water supply valve 310 that includes three opening and closing valves: the first water guide tube 311, the second water guide tube 312, and the third water guide tube 313.

[0102] The water supply valve of Embodiment 2 includes a first water guide cylinder and a second water guide cylinder as an on / off valve. The first water guide cylinder and the second water guide cylinder of Embodiment 2 are controlled to open and close independently.

[0103] The water guide path branch connected to the first water guide tube of Embodiment 2 is configured as the first water guide path of Embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of Embodiment 2. The first water guide path of Embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the bus pump 314, the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420. The third water guide path of Embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the liquid detergent automatic dispensing device 301.

[0104] The second water guide tube of Embodiment 2 is connected to the second water guide path of Embodiment 2. The second water guide path of Embodiment 2 is provided for supplying water to the softener manual dispensing unit 430. The second water guide path of Embodiment 2 is connected to the second water guide tube of Embodiment 2. Therefore, the second water guide path of Embodiment 2 can supply water at different times than the first water guide path of Embodiment 2 connected to the first water guide tube of Embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of Embodiment 2.

[0105] [2-2. Functions, etc.]

[0106] As described above, the washing machine of Embodiment 2 includes: a bus pump 314 that draws water from outside the washing machine and supplies it to the washing tub 500; and a detergent dispenser 400 housed in the water supply unit 300, configured to dispense a single amount of detergent. The water guide path of Embodiment 2 is connected to the water supply valve of Embodiment 2 and is branched to supply water to the bus pump 314, the detergent dispenser 400, and the automatic detergent dispensing device 301 respectively. Specifically, the water guide path of Embodiment 2 is connected to the first water guide tube of Embodiment 2 and branches into the first water guide path of Embodiment 2 and the third water guide path of Embodiment 2. The first water guide path of Embodiment 2 supplies water to the bus pump 314 and the detergent dispenser 400. The third water guide path of Embodiment 2 supplies water to the automatic detergent dispensing device 301.

[0107] Thus, the first water guide path and the third water guide path of Embodiment 2 are uninterrupted components with branched flow paths corresponding to the bus pump 314, the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420. Therefore, the washing machine of Embodiment 2 can adjust the flow rate supplied to each flow path by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths corresponding to the bus pump 314, the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420 using the cross-sectional area ratio.

[0108] Therefore, the washing machine of Embodiment 2 can easily adjust the water supply flowing to each flow path corresponding to the bus pump 314, the detergent dispenser 400, and the liquid dispensing device 301.

[0109] (Other implementation methods)

[0110] As described above, Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 have been illustrated as examples of the technology disclosed herein. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited thereto.

[0111] Therefore, other implementation methods are illustrated below.

[0112] In Embodiments 1 and 2, a vertical washing machine was used as an example of the washing machine of this disclosure. The washing machine of this disclosure is not limited to a vertical washing machine; it may also be a front-loading washing machine or a twin-tub washing machine.

[0113] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the water supply valve of this disclosure, a water supply valve 310 is described, in which the first water guide tube 311, the second water guide tube 312, and the third water guide tube 313 can be opened and closed independently. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, as an example of the water supply valve of this disclosure, a water supply valve of Embodiment 2 equipped with two on / off valves is described. The water supply valve of this disclosure can introduce water through the water guide path, therefore the structure is not limited to that of the water supply valve 310 and the water supply valve of Embodiment 2. For example, the water supply valve of this disclosure can also be configured to supply water introduced from the second water guide tube 312 or the second water guide tube of Embodiment 2 to the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. Furthermore, the water supply valve of this disclosure is not limited to a structure having two or three on / off valves; it can also have a structure having one on / off valve, or even four or more on / off valves.

[0114] In Embodiments 1 and 2, as an example of the automatic liquid dispensing device and cleaning path of the present disclosure installed on the outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 and the third water guiding path 323 provided on the back side of the water supply unit 300 are described. The outer peripheral surface of the water supply unit of the present disclosure is not limited to the back side of the water supply unit of the present disclosure, but can be any of the upper surface, lower surface, right side, left side, front surface and back side of the water supply unit of the present disclosure.

[0115] Furthermore, the water supply unit of this disclosure is formed in a box shape to house the liquid container of this disclosure inside, and is not limited to a generally rectangular prism or a generally cubic shape. The cross-section may also be a generally polygonal shape or a circle or ellipse with an arc.

[0116] Industrial availability

[0117] This disclosure can be applied to washing machines equipped with automatic liquid dispensing devices. Specifically, this disclosure can be applied to top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, and twin-tub washing machines.

[0118] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0119] 100. Washing machine; 200. Water inlet; 210. Water supply hose; 300. Water supply unit; 301. Automatic liquid dispensing device; 302. Detergent container inlet; 303. Fabric softener container inlet; 310. Water supply valve; 311. First water guide tube; 312. Second water guide tube; 313. Third water guide tube; 314. Bus pump; 320. Water supply unit housing; 321. First water guide path; 322. Second water guide path; 323. Third water guide path; 324. 325. Cleaning path inlet; 326. Automatic dispensing device internal path; 337. Outlet; 338. Detergent box flow path; 339. Powder detergent inlet; 330. Liquid detergent inlet; 331. Bus pump inlet; 332. Fabric softener inlet; 333. Flow path cover; 340. Detergent box storage section; 350. Container storage section; 361. Automatic detergent dispensing connection; 362. Fabric softener automatic dispensing connection; 373. Lower part of the flow path. 380. Three-way valve; 381. Detergent three-way valve; 382. Fabric 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. Manual powder detergent dispensing unit; 420. Manual liquid detergent dispensing unit; 430. Manual fabric softener dispensing unit; 450. Detergent container; 450 a) Detergent container remaining level scale; 451) Detergent container dispensing part; 452) Automatic detergent dispensing inlet; 460) Fabric softener container; 460a) Fabric softener container remaining level scale; 461) Fabric softener container dispensing part; 462) Automatic fabric softener dispensing inlet; 500) Washing tank; 600) Housing; 610) Lower housing; 620) Upper housing; 621) Dispensing inlet; 700) Cover; 800) Operating part; X) Water flow; Y) Water flow; Z) Water flow.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein, The washing machine includes: case; A washing tub, located inside the housing, is used to hold the laundry. A water supply unit, which is disposed inside the housing, supplies water to the washing tank; A water supply valve that can be opened and closed and allows water to be introduced from the outside when it is open; Liquid containers that store liquids inside; and An automatic liquid dispensing device dispenses liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tank. The water supply unit includes: a container housing that internally houses the liquid container; and a water guide path for water introduced from the water supply valve to flow through. The automatic liquid dispensing device is installed on the back of the water supply unit and is connected to the liquid container and the water guiding path. The water supply valve, when viewed from the rear side of the water supply unit, is installed in a position separate from the automatic liquid dispensing device and is connected to the water guide path. The water guiding path is formed along the back of the water supply unit, extending from the side where the water supply valve is installed to the side where the automatic liquid dispensing device is installed.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic liquid dispensing device includes: A pump unit that draws in and ejects the liquid stored in the liquid container; and The automatic dispensing device follows a path that introduces liquid into the pump unit. The water guiding path includes a cleaning flow path formed on the outer peripheral surface of the back side of the water supply unit. The automatic liquid dispensing device is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the back side of the water supply unit in such a way that the cleaning flow path is connected to the internal path of the automatic dispensing device.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The washing machine includes: A bus pump that draws water from outside the washing machine and supplies it to the washing tub; and The agent dispensing device, housed within the water supply unit, is configured to dispense a single amount of agent. The water guide path is connected to the water supply valve and is branched to supply water to the bus pump, the agent dispensing device and the automatic liquid agent dispensing device respectively.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The washing machine includes a dispensing device housed in the water supply unit, configured to dispense a single amount of medication. The water supply unit includes: The water injection section of the dosage dispensing device injects water into the dosage dispensing device housed below the water injection section; and A discharge section, which forms the bottom of the water supply unit, discharges water and detergent into the washing tank. The medication dispensing device and the automatic liquid dispensing device cause the internal water and medication to flow out to the discharge section.

5. A washing machine that, in its set state, allows laundry to be inserted into the interior from the upper surface of the casing, wherein... The washing machine includes: The lower housing constitutes the housing; The washing tank is located inside the lower housing and is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upwards; The upper housing, which constitutes the housing, is disposed on the upper part of the lower housing and has an inlet for the laundry that communicates with the washing tub; A water supply unit, which is located at the rear of the upper housing, supplies water to the washing tank; A water supply valve that can be opened and closed and allows water to be introduced from the outside when it is open; Liquid containers that store liquids inside; and An automatic liquid dispensing device dispenses liquid stored in the liquid container into the washing tank. The water supply unit has: A container receiving section, which opens toward the inlet, receives the liquid container; and The water guiding path, which is formed as part of the internal structure of the water supply unit, allows water introduced from the water supply valve to flow through. The automatic liquid dispensing device is installed on the back of the water supply unit and is connected to the liquid container and the water guiding path. The water supply valve, when viewed from the rear side of the water supply unit, is installed in a position separate from the automatic liquid dispensing device and is connected to the water guide path. The water guiding path is formed along the back of the water supply unit, extending from the side where the water supply valve is installed to the side where the automatic liquid dispensing device is installed.

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