Washing machine

Abstract

A laundry machine of the present invention includes a housing, a washing tub, a foam generating portion, a path, and a spouting portion. The washing tub is provided in an inside of the housing, and accommodates a washing object. The foam generating portion generates a foam using water and a detergent. The path is provided downstream of the foam generating portion, and passes the water and the foam. The spouting portion is provided at a position higher than the washing tub in a set state, and spouts the water and the foam to the washing tub at a position downstream of the path. The spouting portion includes a first opening portion formed into an opening toward a lower side in the set state, and a second opening portion provided at a position downstream of the first opening portion, and formed into an opening toward the lower side in the set state.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine that adds foam and water into the washing tub.

[0003] The washing machine in Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a washing tub for holding laundry, a path for water and foam to pass through, and a spray section downstream of the path for spraying water and foam into the washing tub.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-168130 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a washing machine that can properly dispose of foam and water into the washing tub.

[0008] The washing machine of the present invention includes a housing, a washing tub, a foam generating section, a path, and a spraying section. The washing tub is disposed inside the housing and holds laundry. The foam generating section generates foam using water and an agent. The path is disposed downstream of the foam generating section, allowing water and foam to pass through. The spraying section, in its installed state, is positioned above the washing tub and sprays water and foam into the washing tub downstream of the path. The spraying section includes a first opening that is downward-facing in its installed state and a second opening disposed downstream of the first opening and also downward-facing in its installed state.

[0009] The washing machine of the present invention includes a lower frame, a washing tub, an upper frame, and an infeed unit. The washing tub is located inside the lower frame and is a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upwards in the installed state. The upper frame is positioned above the lower frame in the installed state and has a laundry inlet communicating with the washing tub. The infeed unit is located in the upper frame behind the laundry inlet in the installed state. The infeed unit includes a foam generating section that generates foam using water and an agent, a flow path through which water and foam pass, and a spraying section that sprays water and foam into the washing tub downstream of the flow path. The spraying section has an opening that extends vertically in the installed state and a partition that separates the opening on an upstream and downstream side.

[0010] The washing machine of the present invention is able to properly dispose of foam and water into the washing tub. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This 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 its surrounding structure of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the detergent dispenser, detergent tank, and fabric softener tank pulled out.

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

[0015] Figure 5 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.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the water supply unit and its surrounding structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 1, with the detergent dispenser, detergent tank, and fabric softener tank pulled out, and the flow path cover removed.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the lower part of the flow path of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view showing the structure of the lower part of the flow path of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0020] (Implementation Method 1)

[0021] The following uses Figures 1 to 8 This describes a washing machine 100, which is an example of the washing machine of the present invention, according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] [1-1. Structure]

[0023] [1-1-1. The Structure of a Washing Machine]

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the external structure of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 This indicates that the cover 700 is closed. Figure 2This indicates that the cover 700 is open. Additionally, in Embodiment 1, sometimes... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vertical direction in the state where the washing machine 100 is set up as shown (equivalent to the setting state of the present invention) is described as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, sometimes... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side of the operating unit 800 in the washing machine 100 is described as "rear" and the opposite side as "front". 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 in this invention are not limited to clothing, but include, for example, fabric or leather products such as bedding, curtains, carpets, shoes, and other various known items that can be washed in a washing machine.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 600, a cover 700, and an operation unit 800. 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 formed as an upwardly opening cylindrical body, which holds laundry and performs a washing action on the laundry. The washing action can also be the action performed by the washing tubs of various known washing machines. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific washing action performed by the washing tub 500.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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. Based on the user's operation of the operating unit 800, this device controls, in addition to controlling, for example, the water supply valve 310, the detergent three-way valve 381, and the fabric softener three-way valve 382, ​​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, thereby enabling the computer system to function as a control device. The program executed by the processor is pre-stored in the computer system's memory, but it can also be provided via a non-temporary storage medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0028] 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.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the detergent dispenser 450, fabric softener dispenser 460, and detergent box 400 are arranged on the upper housing 620 such that their front surfaces are the same when housed in the water supply unit 300.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure, with the detergent dispenser 400, detergent tank 450, and fabric softener tank 460 pulled out. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the detergent dispenser 450 and fabric softener dispenser 460 are configured to store an amount of detergent sufficient for multiple applications. Specifically, the detergent dispenser 450 stores liquid detergent, and the fabric softener dispenser 460 stores fabric softener. The upper surfaces of both the detergent dispenser 450 and the fabric softener dispenser 460 have upward-opening dispensing sections 451 and 461, respectively. Liquid can be dispensed into these sections. That is, liquid detergent dispensed from the detergent dispenser 451 is stored in the detergent dispenser 450, and fabric softener dispensed from the fabric softener dispenser 461 is stored in the fabric softener dispenser 460. The detergent dispenser 450 and the fabric softener dispenser 460 are respectively equipped with transparent markings 450a for the remaining amount of detergent and 460a for the remaining amount of fabric softener, allowing the user to visually confirm the amount of detergent used.

[0031] On the other hand, the detergent dispenser 400 is used to allow the user to add the amount of detergent needed for one operation. Details of the detergent dispenser 400 will be described later.

[0032] [1-1-2. Water Supply Unit]

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure. Figure 5 This is a top view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure, with the flow path cover 340 removed. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the water supply unit 300 mainly consists of a water supply unit housing 320 that is generally box-shaped, a flow path cover 340 that covers 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.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the rear 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.

[0035] A master pump 314 is disposed at the center of the back of the water supply unit housing 320. The master pump 314 draws water from the outside of the washing machine 100 via a hose (not shown). The master pump 314 is fixed to the water supply unit housing 320 by a threaded fastener and is directly connected to the first water guide path 321 (described later) via a master pump inlet 333. By supplying water from the first water guide path 321, the master pump 314 can begin its suction and spraying action.

[0036] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the water supply unit housing 320 is formed in a generally box-shaped manner with an opening to the front. The water supply unit housing 320 includes a detergent dispenser storage section 360, a fabric softener dispenser storage section 365, and a detergent dispenser box storage section 350 as internal spaces. The detergent dispenser storage section 360 stores the detergent dispenser 450 in a manner that allows it to be pulled out independently, the fabric softener dispenser storage section 365 stores the fabric softener dispenser 460 in a manner that allows it to be pulled out independently, and the detergent dispenser box storage section 350 stores the detergent dispenser 400 in a manner that allows it to be pulled out independently.

[0037] The detergent dispenser flow path 330 is configured 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, which will be described later, are formed in the detergent dispenser flow path 330.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the rear of the water supply unit housing 320, an automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is installed on the right side. This device 301 is used to dispense liquids stored in the detergent tank 450 and fabric softener tank 460 into the washing tub 500. Additionally, as... Figure 4As shown, the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 includes an automatic detergent dispensing inlet 452, an automatic fabric softener dispensing inlet 462, and a water guide 324 for the washing path. An automatic detergent dispensing connector 360a and an automatic fabric softener dispensing connector 365a are respectively provided on the inner back sides of the detergent container storage section 360 and the fabric softener container storage section 365. The automatic detergent dispensing connector 360a and the automatic fabric softener dispensing connector 365a are configured to surround the automatic detergent dispensing inlet 452 and the automatic fabric softener dispensing inlet 462 of the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. Furthermore, a detergent container insertion port 302 is provided on the back side of the detergent container 450. When the detergent container 450 is installed in the detergent container storage section 360, the automatic detergent dispensing inlet 452 is inserted into the detergent container insertion port 302 (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, a fabric softener insert 303 is provided on the back side of the fabric softener container 460. When the fabric softener container 460 is installed in the fabric softener container storage section 365, an automatic fabric softener dispensing insert 462 is inserted into the fabric softener insert 303 (see reference). Figure 6 In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a storage section 363 is provided for receiving liquid in the event of leakage from the detergent dispenser inlet 302 or the fabric softener dispenser inlet 303.

[0039] [1-1-3. Detergent box, first water guide path, second water guide path, third water guide path]

[0040] like Figure 4 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.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, a water guide path is formed in the housing 320 of the water supply unit for water to flow from the water supply valve 310, and the water supply valve 310 is directly connected to the water guide path. The water guide path is branched so as to independently connect with the first water guide cylinder 311, the second water guide cylinder 312, and the third water guide cylinder 313. The flow path connected to the first water guide cylinder 311 is defined as the first water guide path 321, the flow path connected to the second water guide cylinder 312 is defined as the second water guide path 322, and the flow path connected to the third water guide cylinder 313 is defined as the third water guide path 323.

[0042] The first water guiding path 321 and the second water guiding path 322 are configured to guide water supplied from the first water guiding tube 311 and the second water guiding tube 312 to the detergent box flow path 330 and inject it into the detergent box 400 located below.

[0043] Figure 6This is a top view showing the water supply unit 300 and its surrounding structure, with the detergent dispenser 400, detergent tank 450, and fabric softener tank 460 pulled out, and the flow path cover 340 removed. Figure 6 As shown, the detergent dispenser 400 is equipped with a manual powder detergent dispensing unit 410, a manual liquid detergent dispensing unit 420, and a manual fabric softener dispensing unit 430, which allow for the dispensing of powder detergent, liquid detergent, and fabric softener respectively.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the first water guide path 321 has 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 has a fabric softener inlet 334 formed above the manual fabric softener dispensing section 430 to allow vertical connection.

[0045] 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) to discharge the liquid accumulated inside downwards. The liquid discharged from the drain outlet falls into the lower part 370 of the flow path.

[0046] A foam-generating water inlet 335 is provided in the first water guide path 321. The foam-generating water inlet 335 is positioned rearward of the detergent box 400 housed in the detergent box storage section 350. As a result, water injected from the foam-generating water inlet 335 will not pass through the detergent box storage section 350 but will fall into the lower part 370 of the flow path.

[0047] The third water guiding path 323 is configured to pass through the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 and communicate with the lower part of the flow path 370. The downstream end of the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is connected to the first lower flow path 372 of the lower flow path 370. Thus, the liquid dispensed from the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 flows through the third water guiding path 323 to the first lower flow path 372 (see reference). Figure 7 ) inflow.

[0048] [1-1-4. Lower part of the flow path]

[0049] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the lower part 370 of the flow path. Figure 8 This is a side sectional view showing the structure of the lower part 370 of the flow path. (Example) Figure 8As shown, the lower part of the flow path 370 includes a first lower flow path 372, a foam generating section 376, a confluence section 375, and a lower flow path nozzle 371. The first lower flow path 372 allows liquid that has passed through the third water guiding path 323 to flow in. The second lower flow path 373 allows liquid discharged from the detergent box 400 to pass through.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the foam generating section 376 is located downstream of the lower path 372 of the first flow path, below the foam generating inlet 335. That is, the foam generating section 376 is located at the point where the liquid flowing through the lower path 372 of the first flow path collides with the water injected from the foam generating inlet 335. The foam generating section 376 includes multiple pins 377, surrounding ribs 376a, a foam generating section inlet 376c, and a foam generating section outlet 376b. The multiple pins 377 are formed to protrude upwards. The surrounding ribs 376a surround the perimeter of the foam generating section 376. The foam generating section inlet 376c is an inlet into the area surrounded by the surrounding ribs 376a. The foam generating section outlet 376b is an outlet exiting from the area surrounded by the surrounding ribs 376a.

[0051] The lower path 373 of the second flow path is disposed below the discharge outlets provided in the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420, and the fabric softener manual dispensing unit 430.

[0052] A confluence section 375 is provided downstream of the lower path 372 of the first flow path, the lower path 373 of the second flow path, and the foam generation section 376. The confluence section 375 slopes downward toward the lower outlet 371 of the flow path. The lower outlet 371 of the flow path is located downstream of the confluence section 375, causing liquid to fall into the washing tank 500.

[0053] The lower nozzle 371 of the flow path includes a first opening 901 disposed on the upstream side, a second opening 902 disposed on the downstream side, and a partition wall 903 disposed between the first opening 901 and the second opening 902.

[0054] The first opening 901 is configured as an opening primarily for ejecting water. The first opening 901 is formed as a slit with a width in the front-to-back direction smaller than its width in the left-to-right direction. A first opening partition rib 904 and a first opening flow straightening rib 905 are provided inside the first opening 901, extending rearward from the partition wall 903. The first opening partition rib 904 divides the first opening 901 into multiple spaces and ensures the strength of the first opening 901. The first opening flow straightening rib 905 straightens the water flow passing through the first opening 901.

[0055] The partition wall 903 is formed as a wall extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby dividing the first opening 901 and the second opening 902. The partition wall 903 is formed to protrude upward relative to the rear end of the first opening 901.

[0056] The second opening 902 is configured primarily for dispensing foam. A second opening partition rib 906 extends forward from the partition wall 903 to ensure the strength of the second opening 902. Furthermore, since foam primarily composed of detergent has high viscosity, clogging may occur if the opening area is small. Therefore, the space of the second opening 902, defined by the second opening partition rib 906, is configured to be larger than the space of the first opening 901, defined by the first opening partition rib 904.

[0057] [1-2. Actions]

[0058] The operation of a washing machine 100 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0059] [1-2-1. Flow of water and detergent foam during washing cycle when using automatic dispensing function]

[0060] Before the cleaning operation begins, the automatic liquid detergent dispensing device 301 is activated to automatically dispense the liquid detergent.

[0061] After the automatic dispensing of liquid detergent by the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 is completed, the third water guide tube 313 opens, and water is supplied to the third water guide path 323 and the automatic liquid dispensing device 301. The supplied water rinses away the liquid detergent remaining in the third water guide path 323 and the automatic liquid dispensing device 301, and reaches the foam generating section 376 via the lower path 372 of the first flow path. The detergent liquid that reaches the foam generating section 376 diffuses under the action of the pin 377 and remains in the area surrounded by the surrounding ribs 376a.

[0062] Next, the first water guide tube 311 opens, initiating water supply to the first water guide path 321. Water introduced into the first water guide path 321 is injected through the powder detergent inlet 331, the liquid detergent inlet 332, the main pump inlet 333, and the foam generating inlet 335 into the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410, the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420, the main pump 314, and the foam generating unit 376. Water injected into the powder detergent manual dispensing unit 410 and the liquid detergent manual dispensing unit 420 falls into the lower path 373 of the second flow path through the outlet.

[0063] Water injected into the foam generating section 376 collides with the detergent liquid retained in the foam generating section 376, generating detergent foam. Most of the generated detergent foam flows out of the foam generating section 376, passing over the surrounding ribs 376a. The detergent liquid and water flow out of the foam generating section 376 through the foam generating section outlet 376b.

[0064] The liquid that has passed through the foam generation section 376 and the lower path 373 of the second flow path flows down in the confluence section 375 and reaches the lower nozzle 371 of the flow path.

[0065] Because of its higher density, water falls from the first opening 901 into the washing tank 500. Detergent foam, in smaller quantities, also falls from the first opening 901 into the washing tank 500.

[0066] In cases where there is a large amount of detergent foam, sometimes it is impossible for all the detergent foam to fall through the first opening 901. Because the detergent foam has a low density, the detergent foam that fails to fall will rise in the first opening 901 and cross the partition wall 903. The detergent foam that has crossed the partition wall 903 will fall into the washing tank 500 through the second opening 902.

[0067] [1-3. Functions, etc.]

[0068] As described above, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a housing 600, a washing tub 500, a foam generating section 376, a confluence section 375, and a lower flow path nozzle 371. The washing tub 500 is located inside the housing 600 and holds laundry. The foam generating section 376 generates foam using water and an agent. The confluence section 375 is located downstream of the foam generating section 376, allowing water and foam to pass through. The lower flow path nozzle 371, in its installed state, is positioned above the washing tub 500 and sprays water and foam into the washing tub 500 downstream of the confluence section 375. The lower flow path nozzle 371 includes a first opening 901 that is formed downwards in its installed state and a second opening 902 that is positioned downstream of the first opening 901 and is also formed downwards in its installed state. Here, the confluence section 375 is an example of the flow path of the present invention, and the lower flow path nozzle 371 is an example of the spraying section of the present invention.

[0069] As a result, water falls from the first opening 901 on the upstream side, and foam that fails to fall completely from the first opening 901 falls from the second opening 902.

[0070] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can prevent foam that fails to completely fall from the first opening 901 from leaking out from other parts, such as the lower part of the flow path 370 and the water supply unit housing 320. Foam that fails to completely fall from the first opening 901 leaking out from other parts also leads to a deterioration in appearance. That is, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can deliver foam and water into the washing tub with a good appearance.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first opening 901 and the second opening 902 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the lower nozzle 371 of the flow path has a partition wall 903. This partition wall 903 is formed to extend in the vertical direction in the installed state, thereby separating the first opening 901 and the second opening 902. Here, the partition wall 903 is an example of the partition portion of the present invention.

[0072] As a result, the foam that failed to fall completely from the first opening 901 passes through the partition wall 903 and falls from the second opening 902.

[0073] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can efficiently discharge foam that fails to completely fall from the first opening 901 through the second opening 902. That is, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can prevent foam that fails to completely fall from the first opening 901 from leaking out from other parts, and can introduce foam and water into the washing tub in a good manner.

[0074] In this embodiment, the partition wall 903 may be formed to protrude upwards from the height of the confluence portion 375 to the first opening portion 901.

[0075] As a result, water with higher density is less likely to pass over the partition wall 903, and the amount of water falling from the first opening 901 increases.

[0076] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 can ensure that the amount of water sprayed from the first opening 901 is such that the water flows down in a good appearance.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first opening 901 is disposed in front of the confluence portion 375 in the set state, and the second opening 902 is disposed in front of the first opening 901 in the set state.

[0078] Therefore, the foam falling from the second opening 902 is located in front of the water flow falling from the first opening 901.

[0079] Therefore, when viewed from the front, the spraying of foam and water appear to overlap, thus the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 provides a good appearance when viewed from the front. Furthermore, since the foam is sprayed closer to the water than the water, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 allows for better visual recognition of the foam from the front.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first opening 901 may be configured such that its width in the front-to-back direction is smaller than its width in the left-to-right direction when it is in the set state.

[0081] As a result, the water that reaches the first opening 901 expands and falls down along the long side of the first opening 901.

[0082] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 is able to make the water falling from the first opening 901 look good even when the water volume is small.

[0083] In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the second opening 902 may be larger than the opening area of ​​the first opening 901.

[0084] Thus, the first opening 901 can be configured to suppress the partial ejection of water from the first opening 901, while the second opening 902 does not hinder the falling of sticky foam.

[0085] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 is able to efficiently remove foam while making the water flow appear to fall smoothly.

[0086] In this embodiment, the dimension of the second opening 902 in the short side direction is larger than the dimension of the first opening 901 in the short side direction.

[0087] Thus, the first opening 901 can be configured such that the water flow can easily expand in the long side direction of the first opening 901, and the second opening 902 does not hinder the falling of the sticky foam.

[0088] Therefore, the washing machine 100 of Embodiment 1 is able to efficiently remove foam while making the water flow appear to fall smoothly.

[0089] The washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes a lower housing 610, a washing tub 500, an upper housing 620, and a water supply unit 300. The washing tub 500 is located inside the lower housing 610 and is a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upwards in the installed state. The upper housing 620 is positioned above the lower housing 610 in the installed state and has an inlet 621 communicating with the washing tub 500. The water supply unit 300 is located on the upper housing 620 behind the inlet 621 in the installed state. The water supply unit 300 includes a foam generating section 376 that generates detergent foam using water and liquid detergent, a confluence section 375 through which water and detergent foam pass, and a lower flow path outlet 371 downstream of the confluence section 375 that sprays water and detergent foam into the washing tub 500. The lower nozzle 371 of the flow path is formed as an opening extending vertically in the installed state, and has a partition wall 903 formed to separate the lower nozzle 371 of the flow path on the upstream and downstream sides. Here, the lower housing 610 is an example of the lower frame of the present invention, and the upper housing 620 is an example of the upper frame of the present invention. Furthermore, the inlet 621 is an example of the detergent inlet of the present invention, and the water supply unit 300 is an example of the inlet unit of the present invention. Furthermore, the liquid detergent is an example of the agent of the present invention, and the detergent foam is an example of the foam of the present invention. Furthermore, the confluence portion 375 is an example of the flow path of the present invention, the lower nozzle 371 of the flow path is an example of the ejection portion of the present invention, and the partition wall 903 is an example of the partition portion of the present invention.

[0090] As a result, water falls from the first opening 901 on the upstream side, and foam that fails to fall completely from the first opening 901 falls from the second opening 902.

[0091] Therefore, the washing machine 100, as Embodiment 1 of the upright washing machine, can prevent foam that fails to completely fall from the first opening 901 from leaking out from other parts. That is, the washing machine 100, as Embodiment 1 of the upright washing machine, can properly introduce foam and water into the washing tub.

[0092] (Other implementation methods)

[0093] As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example of the technology of the present invention. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0094] Therefore, other implementation methods are illustrated below.

[0095] In Embodiment 1, a washing machine 100, which is a vertical washing machine, is described as an example of the washing machine of the present invention. The washing machine of the present invention is not limited to a vertical washing machine; for example, it may also be a front-loading washing machine or a twin-tub washing machine.

[0096] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the foam generating unit of the present invention, a foam generating unit 376 is described that causes the liquid sprayed by the automatic liquid dispensing device 301 to foam. The foam generating unit of the present invention is not limited to a structure that causes the liquid sprayed by the automatic liquid dispensing device of the present invention, exemplified by the automatic liquid dispensing device 301, to foam; it can also be a structure that causes manually dispensed liquid to foam. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, as an example of the foam generating unit of the present invention, a structure is described in which water falling onto pin 377 collides with the liquid to generate foam. The foam generating unit of the present invention can be any structure that generates foam, and therefore can also be a structure that generates foam using the driving force of a pump or the like. Furthermore, the foam generating unit of the present invention is not limited to a structure whose primary purpose is foam generation; it can be any structure that can generate foam.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the ejection section of the present invention, a lower flow path ejection outlet 371 with a first opening 901 and a second opening 902 arranged adjacent to each other is described. The ejection section of the present invention is not limited to a structure in which the first opening and the second opening are arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the first opening and the second opening may be arranged separately. Furthermore, the second opening is not limited to a structure located in front of the first opening, and may be arranged in different positions.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the first opening of the present invention, a first opening 901 divided by a plurality of first opening separating ribs 904 is described. The first opening of the present invention is not limited to a structure divided by a plurality of ribs. For example, the first opening of the present invention may also be composed of a plurality of independent openings. Alternatively, the plurality of independent openings constituting the first opening of the present invention may be arranged in the left-right direction. Therefore, the washing machine of this modification can make the water falling from the first opening of the present invention fall more evenly over the long side direction of the first opening.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the partition of the present invention, a partition wall 903 is described as being formed in the shape of a wall extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The partition of the present invention is not limited to a wall shape, as long as it is provided vertically (i.e., extending vertically) to separate the first opening and the second opening of the present invention. For example, the partition of the present invention may also be formed such that the upper surface of the partition slopes upward from the first opening towards the second opening. Furthermore, the first opening and the second opening of the present invention may also be formed by being separated into an upstream side and a downstream side by the partition of the present invention; for example, the upstream side may be the first opening and the downstream side the second opening. Additionally, in Embodiment 1, as an example of the ejection section of the present invention, a lower flow path ejection port 371 with a partition wall 903 is described, but the ejection section of the present invention does not necessarily have to include the partition of the present invention.

[0100] Industrial availability

[0101] This invention can be applied to washing machines that handle foam and water. Specifically, it can be applied to, for example, upright washing machines, front-loading washing machines, and twin-tub washing machines.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 100. Washing machine; 200. Water inlet; 210. Water supply hose; 300. Water supply unit; 301. Automatic liquid dispensing device; 302. Detergent can insertion port; 303. Fabric softener can insertion port; 310. Water supply valve; 311. First water guide tube; 312. Second water guide tube; 313. Third water guide tube; 314. Main pump; 320. Water supply unit housing; 321. First water guide path; 322. Second water guide path; 323. Third water guide path; 324. Washing path water guide port; 330. Detergent box flow path 331. Powder detergent inlet; 332. Liquid detergent inlet; 333. Main pump inlet; 334. Fabric softener inlet; 335. Foam generation inlet; 340. Flow path cover; 350. Detergent container storage section; 360. Detergent tank storage section; 360a. Automatic detergent dispensing connection section; 363. Storage section; 365. Fabric softener tank storage section; 365a. Automatic fabric softener dispensing connection section; 370. Lower part of the flow path; 371. Lower part of the flow path nozzle; 372. Lower part of the first flow path Path; 373, Lower path of the second flow path; 375, Confluence section; 376, Foam generation section; 376a, Surrounding ribs; 376b, Foam generation section outlet; 376c, Foam generation section inlet; 377, Pin; 381, Detergent three-way valve; 382, ​​Fabric softener three-way valve; 400, Detergent box; 410, Manual powder detergent dispensing unit; 420, Manual liquid detergent dispensing unit; 430, Manual fabric softener dispensing unit; 450, Detergent tank; 450a, Detergent tank remaining balance scale; 451, Detergent tank dispensing section ; 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; 901, First opening; 902, Second opening; 903, Partition wall; 904, First opening partition rib; 905, First opening rectifier rib; 906, Second opening partition rib.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein, The washing machine includes: case; A washing tub, located inside the housing, is used to hold the laundry. The foam generating section uses water and agents to generate foam; A path, configured downstream of the foam generating section, allows water and the foam to pass through; and The spray nozzle, in its set state, is positioned above the washing tank and sprays water and foam into the washing tank at a downstream position along the path. The ejection portion includes: The first opening, in its set state, is formed as an opening facing downwards; and The second opening is located downstream of the first opening and, in its installed state, is formed to face downwards. The ejector portion is positioned in front of the path in the set state. The second opening is positioned in front of the first opening in the set state. The opening area of ​​the second opening is greater than the opening area of ​​the first opening.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first opening and the second opening are arranged adjacent to each other. The ejection portion has a partition portion that, in the set state, extends along the vertical direction to separate the first opening portion and the second opening portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The partition is formed by protruding upwards from the height at which the path reaches the first opening.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first opening is configured such that, in the set state, its width in the front-to-back direction is smaller than its width in the left-to-right direction.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The dimension of the second opening in the short side direction is greater than the dimension of the first opening in the short side direction.

6. A washing machine, wherein, The washing machine includes: lower frame; The washing tank, located inside the lower frame, is a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upwards when in the set state; The upper frame, in its set state, is positioned above the lower frame and forms a laundry inlet communicating with the washing tub; and The feeding unit, in its set state, is located on the upper frame behind the laundry inlet. The input unit includes: The foam generating section uses water and agents to generate foam; Flow path, which allows water and the foam to pass through; and The spray section sprays water and foam into the washing tank at a position downstream of the flow path. The ejection portion has: The opening, in its installed state, is formed as an opening that extends vertically; and A partition is formed in such a way that it separates the opening on the upstream side and the downstream side. The ejector portion is positioned in front of the flow path in the set state. In the set state, the second opening, which is the downstream side of the opening separated by the partition, is positioned in front of the first opening, which is the upstream side of the opening separated by the partition. The opening area of ​​the second opening is greater than the opening area of ​​the first opening.

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