Liquid tank and washing machine

Abstract

Provided is a liquid agent tank and a washing machine capable of inhibiting clogging of a filter. The liquid agent tank is used in a washing machine having an automatic feeding function for a liquid agent, and has a discharge port capable of discharging the liquid agent housed in the liquid agent tank to the outside, a check valve that opens and closes the discharge port depending on attachment and detachment of the liquid agent tank with respect to the washing machine, and a filter member having a filter that is positioned on an upstream side of the check valve and is disposed on a bottom side of the liquid agent tank, the filter member extending in a direction along a bottom surface of the bottom of the liquid agent tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid tank in a washing machine and a washing machine having a liquid tank. Background Technology

[0002] Fully automatic washing machines are equipped with liquid tanks for pre-storing liquids (liquid detergent, fabric softener, etc.) that are automatically added to the washing tank.

[0003] The liquid container is equipped with a filter for removing foreign matter mixed into the container (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42183). Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing liquid tanks, a filter is located near the bottom, and the filter is configured either inclined (relative to the horizontal plane) or longitudinal (orthogonal to the horizontal plane). In this filter configuration, as the liquid level in the tank decreases, a portion of the filter is exposed to air above the liquid surface. At the air-exposed portion of the filter, moisture evaporates, increasing the liquid concentration and causing the liquid to adhere to the filter. Repeated exposure to air in the filter leads to clogging due to this adhesion.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is made in view of the aforementioned technical problems, with the aim of providing a liquid tank and a washing machine capable of suppressing filter clogging.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a liquid tank for a washing machine with an automatic liquid dispensing function. The liquid tank includes: a discharge port capable of discharging liquid contained within the tank to the outside; a check valve that opens and closes the discharge port according to the loading and unloading of the liquid tank relative to the washing machine; and a filter assembly located upstream of the check valve and disposed at the bottom of the liquid tank, the filter assembly having a filter, the liquid tank extending along the bottom surface of the tank.

[0007] The liquid tank described above can also be configured such that, when the liquid tank containing the liquid is installed in the washing machine, the filter is approximately parallel to the liquid surface.

[0008] The liquid container described above can also be configured such that the filter component is located separately from the side wall of the liquid container.

[0009] The liquid container described above can also be configured such that the filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned at a position higher than the bottom of the liquid container.

[0010] The liquid container described above can also be configured such that the filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned at the same height as the bottom of the liquid container.

[0011] The liquid container described above can also be configured such that the filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned lower than the bottom of the liquid container.

[0012] Furthermore, other embodiments of the liquid tank disclosed herein are used in washing machines with automatic liquid dispensing functions, the liquid tank having: a discharge port capable of discharging the liquid contained in the liquid tank to the outside; a check valve that opens and closes the discharge port according to the loading and unloading of the liquid tank relative to the washing machine; and a filter component located upstream of the check valve and disposed at the bottom of the liquid tank, wherein, when the liquid tank containing the liquid is installed in the washing machine, the filter is substantially parallel to the liquid surface.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a washing machine of one or other methods disclosed herein includes the liquid tank described above.

[0014] The liquid container described above can also be configured to include a level detection sensor that detects when the remaining amount of the liquid is below a specified level, and the filter is positioned below the liquid level when the liquid reaches the specified level.

[0015] The liquid tank and washing machine of this disclosure, in one or other ways, can extend the time the filter is exposed to air. Therefore, it effectively prevents filter clogging. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 It's a 3D diagram of a washing machine.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a partial 3D view showing the state of the liquid detergent container being removed from the washing machine.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a section of the outer wall cut open to allow for visual confirmation of the interior of the liquid container.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the supply section in the liquid tank.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal section view of the supply department.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional diagram showing the relationship between the filter and the liquid level in the liquid tank.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the positional relationship between the filter and the bottom surface of the tank in the supply section.

[0023] Figure 8This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing other examples of the positional relationship between the filter and the bottom surface of the tank in the supply section.

[0024] Figure 9 This is another example of a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the filter and the bottom surface of the tank in the supply section.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a block diagram representing a control system used for detecting the remaining amount of liquid.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the liquid container with the lid removed. Detailed Implementation

[0027] <First Implementation Method> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the washing machine of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this invention, "washing machine" refers to all equipment that performs various treatments such as washing on items. Examples of treatments performed by the washing machine on items include washing, drying, deodorizing, and sterilizing. There is no particular limitation on the items being washed. Examples of items being washed include fabric products. Specific examples of items being washed include clothing, hats, gloves, shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, towels, curtains, blankets, quilts, duvet covers, carpets, plush toys, etc. Figure 1 The example shown is a vertical washing machine, but the type of washing machine in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a fully automatic washing machine with automatic liquid dispensing function. For example, the washing machine of this invention can also be a drum washing machine.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the washing machine 10 according to this embodiment. In the following description, front side, rear side, width direction (left-right direction), depth direction (front-back direction), height direction, etc., refer to the directions in which the washing machine 10 is installed. In addition to the cover 11 covering the washing tub, the washing machine 10 also has a cover 12 covering the storage space of the liquid tank 20, which will be described later, on its upper surface.

[0029] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the state where the cover 12 of the washing machine 10 is opened and the liquid tank 20 is removed, within the area enclosed by a single-dot dashed line. (See image below.) Figure 2 As shown, in the washing machine 10, the liquid detergent tank 20 can be loaded and unloaded with the lid 12 open. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 includes a detergent tank 20A for storing liquid detergent and a fabric softener tank 20B for storing fabric softener; these are referred to as the liquid detergent tank 20 when not distinguishing between them. Liquid detergent and fabric softener are examples of liquid detergents.

[0030] The liquid container 20 has a liquid inlet on its upper surface and a small cap 23 for covering the liquid inlet. That is, the liquid container 20 can be replenished with liquid through the liquid inlet by opening the small cap 23. Alternatively, the liquid container 20 may have a larger cap 24 that covers the entire upper surface of the liquid container 20, and the small cap 23 may also be provided on the cap 24. In this case, replenishing the liquid container 20 can be done by opening the small cap 23 or by removing the cap 24.

[0031] Conventionally, in liquid dispensing tanks, foreign matter (solids) sometimes gets mixed into the tank during liquid replenishment, and a filter is provided to remove this foreign matter. When this filter becomes clogged, the discharge efficiency of the liquid from the tank decreases. Filter clogging can occur not only due to the adhesion of foreign matter, but also due to the liquid's viscosity increasing due to evaporation or other factors, causing it to solidify on the filter. In contrast, the liquid dispensing tank 20 of this embodiment has a structure that can suppress filter clogging.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the outer wall cut out in a way that allows for visual inspection of the interior of the liquid dispenser 20. Furthermore, the internal structure of the liquid dispenser 20 is essentially the same in both the detergent dispenser 20A and the fabric softener dispenser 20B. Figure 3 As shown, the liquid tank 20 has a supply section 21 at the bottom 201 for discharging the liquid in the tank and supplying it to the liquid supply path of the washing machine 10.

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the supply section 21 in the liquid tank 20. Figure 5 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of supply section 21. (For example...) Figure 4 As shown, the supply unit 21 includes a check valve 211 disposed at the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20, and a filter component 212 disposed at the bottom 201 side of the liquid tank 20.

[0034] In the supply section 21, a discharge port 22 for discharging the liquid contained in the liquid tank 20 to the outside is formed at the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20 (see reference). Figure 5 The check valve 211 opens and closes the outlet 22 according to the installation and removal of the liquid tank 20 from the washing machine 10. That is, the check valve 211 closes the outlet 22 when the liquid tank 20 is removed from the washing machine 10, and opens the outlet 22 when the liquid tank 20 is installed in the washing machine 10. By providing the check valve 211 at the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20, leakage of liquid from the outlet 22 is prevented when the liquid tank 20 is removed from the washing machine 10.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the check valve 211 has a movable pin 211a, a spring 211b, a first support portion 211c, and a second support portion 211d. The movable pin 211a is disposed in the space between the first support portion 211c and the second support portion 211d in the check valve 211, and the spring 211b is disposed between the movable pin 211a and the first support portion 211c. The movable pin 211a is subjected to a downward force applied by the spring 211b. The first support portion 211c can be formed as part of the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20 and also has the function of guiding the vertical sliding movement of the movable pin 211a. The second support portion 211d is disposed below the movable pin 211a and has the aforementioned discharge port 22. In this embodiment, the movable pin 211a, the spring 211b, and the second support portion 211d are located below the bottom 201 and are disposed on the outside of the liquid tank 20. Therefore, the movable pin 211a, spring 211b, and second support 211d can be assembled to the liquid tank 20 from below, making the assembly of the check valve 211 easy.

[0036] With the liquid tank 20 removed from the washing machine 10, the movable pin 211a is pushed to the outlet 22 by the force of the spring 211b, and the outlet 22 is closed. Figure 5 (In the state of...). On the other hand, with the liquid tank 20 installed in the washing machine 10, the protrusion (not shown) on the side of the washing machine 10 is inserted from the outlet 22 and abuts against the movable pin 211a. Through this protrusion, the movable pin 211a is pushed upward against the force of the spring 211b (sliding upward). As a result, the movable pin 211a leaves the outlet 22 and opens the outlet 22.

[0037] With the liquid tank 20 installed in the washing machine 10, the liquid tank 20 is connected to the liquid supply path (not shown) of the washing machine 10 by opening the outlet 22. In this state, when a negative pressure is generated in the liquid supply path of the washing machine 10, this negative pressure acts as a suction force, drawing liquid from the liquid tank 20 into the liquid supply path. The amount of liquid supplied in this situation can be adjusted according to factors such as the duration of the negative pressure in the liquid supply path.

[0038] When foreign objects enter check valve 211, the opening and closing of check valve 211 may cause malfunctions. Therefore, filter component 212 is located upstream of check valve 211 to prevent foreign objects from entering check valve 211.

[0039] like Figure 4As shown, the filter component 212 has a flat plate portion 212a, a protrusion 212b, and a cylindrical side portion 212c. The flat plate portion 212a is configured to be approximately parallel to the bottom surface 201a of the liquid tank 20 at the forming location of the supply section 21. Alternatively, the flat plate portion 212a is configured to be approximately parallel to the bottom surface of the storage space of the liquid tank 20 in the washing machine 10. Approximately parallel includes both parallel and approximately parallel. Furthermore, the bottom surface 201a refers to the upper surface of the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20. The protrusion 212b is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 212a. The cylindrical side portion 212c is formed extending downward from the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 212a. In the filter component 212, the flat plate portion 212a has a planar filter F. Furthermore, the cylindrical side portion 212c is not essential in the filter component 212 and can be omitted. Additionally, the top view shape of the filter component 212 is not limited to... Figure 4 That circular shape can also be any other shape (e.g., a rectangle or other polygonal shape).

[0040] The filter assembly 212 is detachable from the liquid tank 20. The filter assembly 212 is located upstream of the check valve 211. In this embodiment, it is installed such that the flat plate 212a covers the check valve 211. The protrusion 212b can be used as a handle for the user to grip with their fingers when installing or removing the filter assembly 212.

[0041] Alternatively, the protrusion 212b of the filter component 212 can also be formed as a hollow cylinder. On the other hand, a protrusion 2111 with a smaller diameter than the protrusion 212b is provided on the first support portion 211c at a position corresponding to the protrusion 212b. That is, it can also be configured such that when the filter component 212 is installed in the liquid tank 20, the protrusion 2111 of the first support portion 211c fits into the inside of the protrusion 212b of the filter component 212. In this configuration, when the user wants to install or remove the filter component 212 while the opaque liquid is slightly remaining in the liquid tank 20, the protrusion 212b or protrusion 2111 can be easily observed from above in the opaque liquid, thus serving as a marker for identifying the installation or removal position of the filter component 212.

[0042] In the liquid tank 20 of this embodiment, the time that the filter F is exposed to air can be extended. Therefore, clogging of the filter F in the supply section 21 can be suppressed. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0043] In the past, the main cause of filter clogging in liquid tanks was liquid residue settling on the filter. As mentioned above, when the liquid level in the tank decreases and part of the filter is exposed to air above the liquid level, liquid residue is more likely to settling in the exposed filter.

[0044] In contrast, in the supply section 21 of the liquid container 20 of this embodiment, a filter F is provided on a flat plate 212a, which is arranged substantially parallel to the bottom surface 201a of the container. That is, the filter F is arranged in a direction extending along the bottom surface 201a of the bottom 201 of the liquid container 20. Therefore, the filter F can be arranged substantially parallel to the liquid surface contained in the liquid container 20. Thus, compared to conventional filters, the filter F of this embodiment remains entirely submerged in liquid even when the liquid level decreases and the liquid surface is close to the bottom, extending the time the filter F is exposed to air.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the liquid container 20 containing the liquid is installed in the washing machine 10, such as Figure 6 As shown, the filter F is approximately parallel to the liquid surface L of the liquid contained in the liquid tank 20. More specifically, when the washing machine 10 is installed on a level surface, the filter F is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0046] In addition, F such Figure 7 As shown, when viewed in cross-section, the filter can be positioned at the same height as the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20. Specifically, the filter F can be positioned at approximately the same height as the bottom surface 201a of the tank. Therefore, as long as the liquid level L does not drop to near the bottom surface 201a of the tank, the filter F will not be exposed to air. Thus, the timing of introducing liquid from the liquid tank 20 into the liquid supply path and the timing of the filter F being exposed to air are approximately the same. As a result, in the washer 10 equipped with the liquid tank 20, the chance of the filter F being exposed to air can be reduced, and clogging of the filter F can be suppressed.

[0047] <Second Implementation Method> exist Figure 7 In the example, filter F is positioned at approximately the same height as the bottom surface 201a of the tank, but the height of filter F can also be slightly higher than the bottom surface 201a of the tank. Figure 8 (Example), or it can be slightly lower than the bottom surface 201a of the can ( Figure 9 (Example).

[0048] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, when viewed in cross-section, the filter F can also be positioned above the bottom 201 of the liquid tank 20. This allows liquid to remain between the filter F and the bottom surface 201a of the tank. The less liquid there is, the more easily the liquid concentration increases due to evaporation. Therefore, by keeping the concentrated liquid between the filter F and the bottom surface 201a of the tank, the passage of the concentrated liquid through the filter F can be prevented.

[0049] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 9As shown, when viewed in cross-section, the filter F can also be positioned lower than the bottom 201 of the liquid tank. This allows for a further delay in the timing of the filter F being positioned above the liquid surface.

[0050] However, in Figures 7-9 In any example, it is preferable to place the filter F below the detection line DL. The detection line DL represents an imaginary line along the liquid surface when the liquid reaches a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount represents the amount of liquid when the balance detection sensor is in a position capable of detecting the detected part.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a block diagram representing the control system of the washing machine 10 that detects the remaining liquid in the liquid tank 20. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes a control unit 30, an input unit 31, a notification unit 32, and a low-level detection sensor 33. The control unit 30 controls the entire washing machine 10. The control unit 30 may also include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a storage device. The storage device may store data and computer programs, for example. For example, the storage device can temporarily store data required for various processes of the control unit 30. The storage device may also include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The storage device may include, for example, non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive, etc.

[0052] The filter F is preferably positioned below the detection line DL, which allows for the detection of insufficient liquid in the liquid tank 20. That is, the washing machine 10 can detect, via the remaining liquid detection sensor 33, that the liquid in the liquid tank 20 is less than the detection line DL, and can notify the user via the notification unit 32 when the remaining liquid detection sensor 33 detects a small amount. The remaining liquid detection sensor 33 detects the amount being detected. The remaining liquid detection sensor 33 is, for example, a reed switch. Figure 6 As shown, the remaining liquid level sensor 33 is positioned below the bottom 201 of the washing machine 10. Specifically, the remaining liquid level sensor 33 is positioned on the bottom surface of the storage space of the detergent tank 20 in the washing machine 10. The detected part is a magnet 251. The magnet 251 is disposed inside a float 25 disposed inside the detergent tank 20. The float 25 moves up and down according to the change in the liquid level L of the detergent tank 20. The movement of the float 25 is guided by a guide member 203 formed on the inner wall surface of the detergent tank 20.

[0053] When the liquid level in the liquid tank 20 is sufficient, the float 25 is in a position separated from the balance detection sensor 33, and the reed switch is off. On the other hand, as the liquid level decreases during washing and falls below a predetermined amount, the float 25 approaches the balance detection sensor 33, and the reed switch is on. For example, when the liquid level rises and exceeds... Figure 7 When the detection line DL is shown, the reed switch switches from on to off. Additionally, for example, when the liquid level drops and exceeds... Figure 7 When the detection line DL is reached, the reed switch switches from off to on. Therefore, in the washing machine 10, when the remaining liquid in the liquid tank 20 reaches the specified amount corresponding to the detection line DL, a decrease in liquid volume can be detected.

[0054] The notification unit 32 can also notify the user via either a display or sound, or both. In the liquid tank 20, by positioning the filter F below the detection line DL, even when timing small-volume tests of the liquid in the liquid tank 20, the filter F can reliably remain below the liquid surface and not exposed to air.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 30 of the washing machine 10 can also control the liquid dispensing unit 31 to stop the liquid dispensing when the remaining liquid detection sensor 33 detects the detected part. Examples of the dispensing unit 31 include a pump and a solenoid valve. By stopping the liquid dispensing, the filter F can be maintained in a state of being in liquid. As a result, the filter F can be kept from being exposed to air until the liquid is replenished. In addition, the dispensing unit 31 is a component that creates negative pressure in the liquid supply path of the washing machine 10 to draw liquid from the liquid tank 20, but the specific configuration of the dispensing unit 31 is not particularly limited in this embodiment.

[0056] <Third Implementation Method> Figure 11 This is a top view showing the liquid container 20 with its cap 24 removed. (See attached image.) Figure 11 As shown, the filter component 212 is preferably positioned separately from the side wall 202 of the liquid tank 20, and does not contact the inner wall surface of the side wall 202 of the liquid tank 20. Figure 11 In the example, filter component 212 is configured to be at least a distance d away from sidewall 202.

[0057] This is because when the filter component 212 is in contact with the side wall 202, disassembly of the filter component 212 becomes difficult, reducing the maintainability of the filter F. By configuring the filter component 212 in a position separate from the side wall 202 of the liquid tank 20, disassembly of the filter component 212 becomes easier when the user removes it from the liquid tank 20, thus improving maintainability.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is determined based on the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing tank for use in a washing machine with an automatic liquid dispensing function, characterized in that, The liquid container has: The outlet is capable of discharging the liquid contained in the liquid tank to the outside; A check valve that opens and closes the outlet according to the loading and unloading of the liquid tank relative to the washing machine; and A filter component, located upstream of the check valve and disposed at the bottom of the liquid tank, The filter component has a filter, and the liquid container extends along the bottom surface of the bottom of the liquid container.

2. The liquid tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the liquid container containing the liquid is installed in the washing machine, the filter is approximately parallel to the liquid surface.

3. The liquid tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter component is positioned separately from the side wall of the liquid tank.

4. The liquid tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned higher than the bottom of the liquid container.

5. The liquid tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned at the same height as the bottom of the liquid container.

6. The liquid tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter, when viewed in cross-section, is positioned lower than the bottom of the liquid container.

7. A liquid container, characterized in that, It is used in washing machines with automatic liquid dispensing function, characterized in that the liquid tank has: The outlet is capable of discharging the liquid contained in the liquid tank to the outside; A check valve that opens and closes the outlet according to the loading and unloading of the liquid tank relative to the washing machine; and A filter component, located upstream of the check valve and disposed at the bottom of the liquid tank, When the liquid container containing the liquid is installed in the washing machine, the filter is approximately parallel to the liquid surface.

8. A washing machine having an automatic liquid detergent dispensing function, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a liquid tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, It is equipped with a residual quantity detection sensor, which detects that the residual quantity of the liquid is below a specified amount. The filter is positioned below the liquid level when the liquid reaches the specified volume.

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