Automatic liquid agent input device of washing machine, and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which has achieved function improvement of a constitution regarding automatic input of a liquid agent.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: an outer tub elastically supported in a housing; at least two tanks for storing a liquid agent supplied to the outer tub, and arranged along the first direction; and at least two automatic liquid agent input devices connected to a connection part formed at each tank, and arranged along the first direction. Each automatic liquid agent input device includes: a power part; a speed reduction mechanism engaged with the power part; and a pump mechanism connected to an output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism. The radial direction of the speed reduction mechanism is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic liquid agent input device for a washing machine and a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid agent input device.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an automatic liquid agent input device including a housing case to which two tanks, namely, a detergent tank and a softener tank, are attached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving the function of the configuration related to the automatic input of liquid agents.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide an automatic liquid agent input device that realizes an improvement in the function of the configuration related to the automatic input of liquid agents and a washing machine equipped with the automatic liquid agent input device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The automatic chemical agent input device of a washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an automatic chemical agent input device of a washing machine including a tank for storing a chemical agent, and includes a motor having a power unit that rotates around a rotation axis, and a pump mechanism that is spaced from the rotation axis in the radial direction of the motor and is connected to an output shaft of the motor extending parallel to the rotation axis. The pump mechanism includes a piston connected to the output shaft of the motor, a cylinder for accommodating the piston, and a bracket to which the motor is attached. The pump mechanism further includes a chemical agent inlet for allowing the chemical agent to flow into the pump mechanism, an inlet flow path that extends parallel to the radial direction of the motor, connects the chemical agent inlet and the cylinder, and through which the chemical agent flowing into the cylinder passes, and an outlet flow path through which the chemical agent discharged from the cylinder passes. When viewed from the direction in which the output shaft extends, the motor is attached to the bracket in a posture in which the rotation axis is farther from the inlet flow path than the output shaft in the direction in which the inlet flow path extends.

[0008] Further, a washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above automatic chemical agent input device and a tank for storing a chemical agent, and the automatic chemical agent input device is connected to a connection portion provided on the tank.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an automatic chemical agent input device that realizes an improvement in the function of a configuration related to the automatic input of a chemical agent and a washing machine including the automatic chemical agent input device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 13C

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Embodiment) A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is a washing and drying machine having an automatic chemical agent input function. In this specification, the chemical agent is a chemical agent used for washing laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergents, fabric softeners, neutral detergents, and the like.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic detergent dispenser unit 6, a connecting channel 8, a water supply port 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit (not shown).

[0014] <Housing> The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that can open and close to cover the opening 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0015] <Outer tub> The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a generally cylindrical member having a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 3 may be referred to as a water tank. The outer tub 3 has a cylindrical portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported by a damper 30 and a coil spring (not shown), and absorbs vibrations during washing and dehydration by the damper 30 and the coil spring. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is hermetically connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 by a bellows 32. Further, openings 33 and 35 for water passage are provided in the outer tub 3. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connecting channel 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0016] Also, hereinafter, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is defined as the front-rear direction M (FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is defined as the width direction K (FIG. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 facing the opening 31 and a rear side M2 facing the bottom portion 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 facing the central axis V0.

[0017] <Inner tub> The inner tub 4 is provided rotatably around the central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3, and is a substantially cylindrical member that houses laundry items such as clothing 15. The inner tub 4 may be referred to as a drum. A number of through-holes 40 are formed in the inner tub 4. The through-holes 40 communicate the inner tub 4 with the outer tub 3, enabling washing water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

[0018] <Drive unit> The drive unit 5 is a member that rotationally drives the inner tub 4. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a power unit that rotates the inner tub 4.

[0019] <Automatic dosing unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit for automatically dosing a predetermined amount of a chemical agent from a tank storing the chemical agent into the outer tub 3. When the chemical agent is not manually dosed, the automatic dosing unit 6 doses an appropriate type of chemical agent in an appropriate amount into the outer tub 3 according to, for example, the amount and type of the laundry items 15 during a washing process or a rinsing process. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connection flow path 8 in order to supply the chemical agent to the outer tub 3.

[0020] The automatic dosing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C (tanks 62B, 62C not shown), chemical agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, 63C (chemical agent dosing devices 63B, 63C not shown), a chemical agent discharge flow path 64, a manual dosing section 65, and a water supply solenoid valve 66.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic dosing unit 6 is provided obliquely above the outer tub 3 inside the housing 2. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has a shape along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tub 3. The bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the outside K1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. The upper part of the automatic dosing unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.

[0022] <Connection flow path> The connection channel 8 is a channel for flowing the liquid agent from the automatic input unit 6 to the outer tank 3. The connection channel 8 extends downward from the liquid agent outlet 81 of the automatic input unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer tank 3.

[0023] <Water inlet> The water inlet 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose for supplying water to the outer tank 3 via the automatic input unit 6. The water inlet 10 is provided at the upper part of the housing 2.

[0024] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, it is a valve for draining the water stored in the outer tank 3 through the opening 35 of the outer tank 3. The drain valve 11 is provided at the lower part of the housing 2.

[0025] <Control unit> The control unit (not shown) is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit controls components of the washing machine 1 such as the drive unit 5, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, 63C of the automatic input unit 6, the water inlet 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit may include, for example, a memory (not shown) storing a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and the processor may function as these elements by executing the program.

[0026] Subsequently, the components of the automatic input unit 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the automatic input unit 6. FIG. 5 is a top view of the automatic input unit 6. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the automatic input unit 6.

[0027] <Case> As shown in FIG. 3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C and the manual input part 65 that constitute the automatic input unit 6. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 is inclined outward K1 along the outline of the outer tank 3 schematically shown by a dotted line. The upper part of the case 61 is open.

[0028] Here, with the front surface M1 of the case 61 as the front surface 56 and the rear surface M2 of the case 61 as the rear surface 57. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, on the rear surface 57 of the case 61, a liquid agent injection device 63A, 63B, 63C (FIG. 6), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a water supply solenoid valve 66 (FIG. 4), and a connection flow path 8 (FIG. 4) are connected.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, a supply flow path 67 is formed at the upper part of the case 61. The supply flow path 67 forms a plurality of independent paths along the outer periphery of the case 61. Each path supplies water from the water supply solenoid valve 66 into the case 61.

[0030] <Tank> In the case 61, three tanks 62A, 62B, 62C are accommodated in a state of being arranged side by side in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, 62C are containers for storing the liquid agents used in the washing process and the rinsing process. The tanks 62A, 62B, 62C have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped is parallel to the front-rear direction M.

[0031] The tanks 62A, 62B, 62C are removable from the case 61. In a state where the manual input part 65 is taken out from the case 61, a space is formed on the front side M1 of the case 61. Therefore, the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C can be pulled to the front side M1, removed from the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C (FIG. 6), and taken out upward.

[0032] <Liquid agent injection device> As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C and discharge it into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C are connected to the respective tanks 62A, 62B, 62C via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The liquid agent injection device 63A is connected to the tank 62A, the liquid agent injection device 63B is connected to the tank 62B, and the liquid agent injection device 63C is connected to the tank 62C. The liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C are arranged side by side in the width direction K.

[0033] The detailed structures of the case 61, the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, and the chemical liquid injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C will be described later.

[0034] <Chemical liquid discharge flow path> As shown in FIG. 6, the chemical liquid discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the chemical liquid and water to the outer tank 3 via the case 61. The chemical liquid discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61 and is connected to the three chemical liquid injection devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The chemical liquid discharge flow path 64 extends downward and obliquely toward the outside K1. The fluid flowing through the chemical liquid discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the chemical liquid discharge flow path 64.

[0035] <Manual input section> As shown in FIG. 5, the manual input section 65 is a mechanism for the user to manually input a chemical liquid as a one-time laundry treatment agent each time a washing operation is performed. The manually input chemical liquid flows into the outer tank 3 (FIG. 1) from the case 61 through the connection flow path 8 (FIG. 1) in the amount that is input. The chemical liquid input to the manual input section 65 may be in liquid or powder form. The manual input section 65 is removably accommodated in the case 61 in front of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C at the front side M1.

[0036] <Water supply solenoid valve> As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water supply solenoid valve 66 is composed of three solenoid valves, and the path of the supply flow path 67 (FIG. 5) serving as the water supply destination is changed by opening and closing each valve. Water flows into the outer tank 3 through the case 61.

[0037] Subsequently, the structure of the case 61 of the automatic input unit 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case 61.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the case 61 has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outside K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is the surface located directly below the tank 62A (FIG. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is the surface located directly below the tank 62B (FIG. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is the surface located directly below the tank 62C (FIG. 6). In other words, the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 form regions P1, P2, and P3 that accommodate the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively.

[0039] On the back surface 57 of the case 61, tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a chemical liquid outlet 81 are formed.

[0040] The tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C are openings provided for connecting the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C accommodated in the case 61 and the chemical liquid input devices 63A, 63B, 63C arranged outside the case 61.

[0041] Also, the first case connection port 78 is an opening for allowing the water flowing from the supply channel 67 to flow into the chemical liquid discharge channel 64. The second case connection port 79 is an opening for allowing the water from the chemical liquid discharge channel 64 and the automatically input chemical liquid to flow into the case 61. The chemical liquid outlet 81 is an opening for discharging the fluid that has flowed into the case 61 through the second case connection port 79 and the fluid from the manual input part 65 toward the outer tank 3 through the connection channel 8. The first case connection port 78 is provided at a position higher than the second case connection port 79.

[0042] The state in which the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are attached to the case 61 configured as described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic input unit 6. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the automatic input unit 6.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, let the depths L1, L2, and L3 be the distances from the upper surfaces of the respective tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C to the deepest parts. The depths L1, L2, and L3 of the three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase toward the outside K1. The depth L2 of the tank 62B is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, and the depth L3 of the tank 62C is greater than the depth L2 of the tank 62B.

[0044] Here, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described. Returning to FIG. 5, the upper surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape. The dimensions of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the width direction K and the front-rear direction M may coincide with each other. Since the shapes of the upper surfaces are common, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase along the outside K1 according to the depths L1, L2, and L3.

[0045] The three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may contain different or the same liquid agents. Considering the types of liquid agents and the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, they may be contained in the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order from the one with the lowest usage frequency of the liquid agent. For example, a neutral detergent is stored in the tank 62A, a softener is stored in the tank 62B, and a detergent is stored in the tank 62C.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C including the deepest parts are along the width direction K, and are lower toward the outside K1 for each tank. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are arranged in a stepped manner. Directly below the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 of the case 61 are located. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are also formed in a stepped manner at positions that are successively lower toward the outside K1. Therefore, the depths of the regions P1, P2, and P3 increase successively toward the outside K1.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIG. 8B, gaps H1, H2, and H3 are formed between the respective tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The gap H3 between the inner bottom surface B3 and the bottom surface of the tank 62C is larger than the gaps H1 and H2.

[0048] Immediately below the tank 62C, near the outside of the housing 2, a large gap H3 can be formed because it is easier to secure the vertical space compared to the tanks 62A and 62B. Therefore, it is easy to form the input flow path 82 for flowing the liquid agent and water along the inner bottom surface B3 into the outer tank 3. With such a configuration, while maximizing the volume of the tanks 62A and 62B, the space for the input flow path 82 can also be secured. The lower end of the input flow path 82 forms the liquid agent outlet 81 (Fig. 7) and communicates with the outer tank 3 through the liquid agent outlet 81.

[0049] On the rear side M2 surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, that is, the surfaces including the short side direction, connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C are formed. The connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C are structured to be connected to the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C each include a check valve (not shown) and a connection port. The check valve is opened when the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are attached, and the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C communicate with the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The connection port is an opening through which the liquid agent is sucked out and faces the tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C shown in Fig. 7. Note that the connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C may further have other structures. The connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C are formed at the deepest parts of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Therefore, the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C increase toward the outside K1.

[0050] Subsequently, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a partially exploded view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Here, the tank 62, the liquid agent input device 63, and the connection part 76 are collectively referred to as the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C, respectively.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in response to the change in the depth of the connection portion 76 of the tank 62, the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C become lower toward the outside K1. The liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged such that a liquid agent inlet 91 (described later) of the liquid agent injection device 63 faces the connection portion 76 formed on a surface including the short side direction of the tank 62. In the present embodiment, the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a stepped manner, and the liquid agent injection device 63 in the stepped shape, the tank 62, and the connection portion 76 have the same pitch in the depth direction. With such a structure, it becomes possible to make the distance that the liquid agent flows from the connection portion 76 to the liquid agent injection device 63 equal in the three tanks 62. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in the pressure loss that occurs when the pump mechanism 73 (described later) is driven in the path between the connection portion 76 and the liquid agent injection device 63. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the variation in the supply amount of the liquid agent by the liquid agent injection device 63.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the tank 62 includes a main body 87 and a lid 88. The upper part of the main body 87 is open and covered with the lid 88. The lid 88 is removably held by the main body 87. As described above, the upper surfaces of the tanks 62 have a common shape, and thus the upper surface of the main body 87 has a common shape. Also, the structure for holding the lid 88 is common. Therefore, it is possible to commonly form the lids 88 of the respective tanks 62, and the lids 88 are replaceable. More specifically, the lid 88 of any of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can also be attached to the other tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. On the other hand, the display for improving the distinguishability of the tank 62, such as the color, pattern, characters, etc. attached to the lid 88, may be different. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A that can be opened and closed with respect to the lid 88 on the front side M1 of the tank 62.

[0053] Taking the liquid agent injection device 63 connected to an arbitrary tank 62 as an example, with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12A, the structure of one liquid agent injection device 63 will be described in more detail. FIG. 11A is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and the liquid agent injection device 63. FIG. 11B is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and the liquid agent injection device 63. FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of the liquid agent injection device 63, with some components omitted so that the inside of the liquid agent injection device 63 can be seen.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the liquid agent injection device 63 is detachably connected to the back surface 90 of the tank 62 along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62 and the liquid agent injection device 63 connected to the tank 62 are respectively arranged along the front-rear direction M.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11A, the liquid agent injection device 63 includes a power unit 71, a speed reduction mechanism 72, and a pump mechanism 73. The power unit 71 is an electronic component that rotates around the rotation axis V1. The speed reduction mechanism 72 is arranged around the power unit 71 and is a mechanism having an output shaft V2 (FIG. 12A) that rotates at a rotational speed lower than that of the power unit 71. The output shaft V2 is parallel to the rotation axis V1. The pump mechanism 73 is a positive displacement pump connected to the output shaft V2 and sucking and discharging the liquid agent from the tank 62. When the rotation axis V1 of the power unit 71 rotates, the output shaft V2 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 rotates, and a piston 83 (described later) in the pump mechanism 73 moves up and down.

[0056] The arrangement of the liquid agent injection device 63 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 11A, the speed reduction mechanism 72 and the power unit 71 extend in the radial direction R1. The radial direction R1 means a horizontal direction away from the output shaft V2 in a plane orthogonal to the output shaft V2. The radial direction R1 is parallel to the plane in which the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 rotate. The radial direction R1 is substantially orthogonal to the width direction K. The angle formed between the radial direction R1 and the width direction K is 60° or more and 120° or less. In the present embodiment, the radial direction R1 is orthogonal to the width direction K, and the radial direction R1 is parallel to the front-rear direction M. Further, the radial direction R1 is parallel to the direction in which the liquid agent injection device 63 is connected to the tank 62, that is, the direction in which the liquid agent flows into the liquid agent injection device 63.

[0057] Further, the dimension D1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 in the radial direction R1 is larger than the thickness T1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 extending in the rotation axis V1. Due to the arrangement of the speed reduction mechanism 72, when the liquid agent injection device 63 is connected to the tank 62, the dimension in the width direction K of the liquid agent injection device 63 can be reduced. On the other hand, the dimension D1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 in the radial direction R1 is larger than the dimension D2 of the tank 62 in the width direction K. Therefore, compared with the case where the radial direction R1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 is arranged in the width direction K, the dimension in the width direction K of the configuration in which the liquid agent injection device 63 is connected to the tank 62 can be reduced, and the pitch between the tanks 62 can be reduced. With the small pitch arrangement, in the limited space above the outer tank 3 (FIG. 2), the volume of each tank 62 is not impaired, and for example, it becomes possible to arrange three tanks 62.

[0058] The power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 12A, the power unit 71 includes a coil 71A, a magnet 71B, and a connector terminal 71C. When a voltage is applied to the connector terminal 71C tube, an electric current flows in the coil 71A. Due to the electric current, the coil 71A generates a magnetic field around it. The magnet 71B receives the magnetic field generated by the coil 71A, generates torque, and rotates around the rotation axis V1. The rotation of the magnet 71B is transmitted to the speed reduction mechanism 72.

[0059] The speed reduction mechanism 72 is composed of a plurality of reduction gears 102. Since one reduction gear 102 is engaged with the magnet 71B, the rotation of the magnet 71B is transmitted to the output shaft V2 via the reduction gear 102. On the other hand, the rotation of the output shaft V2 is converted into vertical movement via the eccentric cam 89 and transmitted to the pump mechanism 73.

[0060] By providing the speed reduction mechanism 72, a general-purpose power unit 71 can be applied to the liquid agent injection device 63, and the cost of the automatic injection unit 6 can be suppressed.

[0061] Further, the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 may be collectively referred to as a motor 70.

[0062] The pump mechanism 73 will be described in more detail. As shown in Fig. 12A, the pump mechanism 73 includes a piston 83, a cylinder 84, an inlet passage 85, and an outlet passage 86. The piston 83 is connected to the output shaft V2 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 and is a member that reciprocates in the vertical direction as the output shaft V2 rotates. The cylinder 84 is a member that houses the piston 83 and forms a space where the liquid agent is sucked up. The inlet passage 85 is a passage that connects the tank 62 and the lower end of the cylinder 84 in order to suck up the liquid agent from the tank 62 through the liquid agent inlet 91. The liquid agent inlet 91 is inserted into the connection portion 76 of the tank 62. The outlet passage 86 is a passage that connects the lower end of the cylinder 84 and the liquid agent discharge passage 64 in order to discharge the liquid agent in the cylinder 84 to the liquid agent discharge passage 64.

[0063] Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the cylinder 84 and the speed reduction mechanism 72. Fig. 12C is a side view of the cylinder 84.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 12B, the cylinder 84 is integrally formed with a bracket 92 for attaching the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 (i.e., the motor 70) to the cylinder 84. The bracket 92 forms a mounting guide 92A and a screw hole 92B. The mounting guide 92A is inserted into a guide hole 72A formed in the speed reduction mechanism 72 to position the speed reduction mechanism 72. The screw hole 92B faces a screw hole 72B formed in the speed reduction mechanism 72, and a screw is inserted to fix the cylinder 84 and the speed reduction mechanism 72. Two mounting guides 92A and two screw holes 92B are formed at positions facing each other in the radial direction of the speed reduction mechanism 72.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12C, the cylinder 84 forms a gap 84A with the bracket 92 along a range Z1 within which the piston 83 (FIG. 12A) slides up and down. Therefore, the cylinder 84 has a uniform thickness within the range Z1 where the piston 83 slides. Such a structure can suppress sink marks during resin molding. Thus, within the range Z1, the necessary dimensional accuracy can be ensured for the cylinder 84 to achieve the sealing performance of the piston 83.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 12A, the motor 70 is attached to the bracket 92 (FIG. 12C) in a posture where the power unit 71 is away from the inlet passage 85 with respect to the output shaft V2. Therefore, since the speed reduction mechanism 72 protrudes significantly in a direction away from the inlet passage 85 compared to the central axis of the cylinder 84, the tank 62 and the cylinder 84 can be arranged closer to each other. Furthermore, interference between electronic components such as connectors included in the power unit 71 and the flow path can be suppressed.

[0067] [Operation] In the configuration as described above, next, an example of the operation of the automatic dosing unit 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 13A to 13C. FIGS. 13A and 13B are top views of the case 61 showing the flow of water. FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the case 61 showing the flow of water and the agents S1, S2.

[0068] The automatic dosing unit 6 operates during the washing process and the rinsing process of the washing machine 1. The operation of the automatic dosing unit 6 is controlled by the control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 66, the type of agent to be dosed, the dosing amount, and the dosing timing.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, during the washing process and the rinsing process, the automatic dosing unit 6 supplies water and agents to the outer tub 3.

[0070] Here, the flow of water will be described in more detail. Water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 66 along the paths indicated by the arrows X1 to X3. The paths reach the outer tub 3 from the water supply solenoid valve 66 via the supply flow path 67 and the case 61.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 13A, in the washing process, in order to perform automatic or manual detergent input, the first electromagnetic valve (not shown) of the water supply solenoid valve 66 is opened. In this state, water branches from the water supply solenoid valve 66 and flows along the paths indicated by arrow X1 and arrow X2 in the supply flow path 67.

[0072] The water flowing along arrow X1 flows into the case 61 from the opening 94 formed above the back surface 90 of the tank 62. The water flowing along arrow X2 passes through the opening 95 formed near the manual input section 65, and together with the manually input detergent, flows downward toward the case 61 from the water input opening 96 formed in the manual input section 65.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13B, the water flowing into the case 61 along arrow X1 further branches into two paths indicated by arrow X11 and arrow X12. The water flowing along arrow X11 flows from the case 61 into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 (not shown) through the first case connection port 78. The water flows along the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64 by gravity and flows into the input flow path 82 of the case 61 from the second case connection port 79. The water flowing along arrow X12 flows along the inner bottom surface of the case 61 so as to pass under the tips of the three liquid agent input devices 63 in sequence. By this flow, the liquid agent leaked out and adhering to the inner bottom surface of the case 61 can be washed off by the detaching operation of the tank 62. The water flowing along arrow X12 merges with the water flowing along arrow X11 at the input flow path 82. The water flowing into the case 61 along arrow X2 flows through the input flow path 82 toward the connection flow path 8. The water flowing along arrow X2 merges with the water flowing along arrows X11 and X12 at the input flow path 82.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 13C, the water flowing through the input flow path 82 flows into the outer tank 3 from the liquid agent outlet 81 through the connection flow path 8 (FIG. 13B).

[0075] Returning to FIG. 13A, in order to manually add the fabric softener during the rinsing process, the second electromagnetic valve (not shown) of the water supply electromagnetic valve 66 is opened. In this state, water flows through the supply channel 67 along the path indicated by arrow X3. The water flowing along arrow X3 passes through the opening 97 formed near the manual input section 65, and from the manual input section 65, it flows into the case 61 together with the manually added fabric softener.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13B, the water that has flowed into the case 61 along arrow X3 flows along the inner bottom surface B4 of the case 61 toward the input channel 82. The inner bottom surface B4 is formed in front of the inner bottom surfaces B1 - B3 formed directly below the tank 62, and is inclined downward along the direction from the inner bottom surface B1 to the inner bottom surface B3. Due to the inclination, the water flows along the inner bottom surface B4 under gravity. Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, the water flows from the liquid agent outlet 81 into the outer tank 3 through the connection channel 8 (FIG. 13B).

[0077] Subsequently, the flow of the automatically added liquid agent will be described in more detail. By the operation of the control unit in the washing process, the liquid agent input device 63C (FIG. 9) connected to the tank 62C (FIG. 9) in which the detergent is stored is driven. As shown in FIG. 12A, the power unit 71 in the liquid agent input device 63C rotates, and the rotation of the power unit 71 is decelerated via the speed reduction mechanism 72 and transmitted to the piston 83 of the pump mechanism 73. When the piston 83 rises from the bottom dead center, the detergent S1 in the tank 62C is sucked into the cylinder 84 through the inlet channel 85. When the piston 83 reaches the top dead center and starts to descend, the detergent S1 in the cylinder 84 is discharged into the liquid agent discharge channel 64 through the outlet channel 86.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13C, the detergent S1 flows along the inclined liquid agent discharge channel 64 under gravity. The detergent S1 may merge with the water flowing along arrow X11 in the liquid agent discharge channel 64. The detergent S1 flows into the input channel 82 of the case 61 from the second case connection port 79, and is guided to the liquid agent outlet 81 due to the inclination of the input channel 82, and then flows into the outer tank 3 through the connection channel 8.

[0079] Also, based on the selected driving course and / or the user's selection operation, the liquid agent to be introduced into the outer tub 3 is determined. When the stylish wash is selected as the driving course, a neutral detergent may be introduced into the outer tub 3. In this case, instead of the liquid agent injection device 63C of the tank 62C that stores the detergent S1, the liquid agent injection device 63A of the tank 62A that stores the neutral detergent is driven.

[0080] By the operation of the control unit in the rinsing process, the liquid agent injection device 63B of the tank 62B that stores the fabric softener S2 is driven.

[0081] When the washing process and the rinsing process are repeated, the amount of the liquid agent stored in the tank 62 decreases. The user of the washing machine 1 can replenish the liquid agent in the tank 62. When the tank 62 is arranged in the case 61, as shown in FIG. 9, the small lid 88A can be opened to replenish the liquid agent. On the other hand, when the tank 62 is taken out of the case 61, the lid 88 can be removed or the small lid 88A can be opened to replenish the liquid agent.

[0082] Summarizing the above description, the features of the present disclosure are described.

[0083] In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the chemical liquid injection device 63 and the tank 62 are arranged such that the radial direction R1 and the width direction K of the speed reduction mechanism 72 are orthogonal to each other. With such a configuration, first, the dimension in the width direction K of the chemical liquid injection device 63 can be reduced, and the tanks 62 can be arranged at small intervals. Therefore, space saving of the automatic injection unit 6 in the width direction K can be achieved, and three tanks 62 can be provided in the limited space in the housing 2. Second, an individual chemical liquid injection device 63 can be provided for each tank 62. Compared with the case where a plurality of tanks 62 share one chemical liquid injection device 63, when connecting the chemical liquid injection device 63 to one tank 62, the restriction on the arrangement of the chemical liquid injection device 63 due to the relationship with other tanks 62 is suppressed. Therefore, an arrangement in which the tank 62 and the chemical liquid injection device 63 are close to each other becomes possible. Therefore, the pressure loss in the path between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid injection device 63 can be suppressed. Further, when the distance between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid injection device 63 is made constant, the variation in the pressure loss between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid injection device 63 can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency and stability of the chemical liquid injection by the chemical liquid injection device 63 can be improved.

[0084] Further, in order to further increase the volume of the tank 62, the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tank 62 increase on the outer side K1. With such a configuration, the total volume of the tank 62 can be increased inside the case 61. Therefore, the number of times the user replenishes the tank 62 is reduced. Also, the chemical liquid can be stored in an appropriate volume according to the usage frequency of the chemical liquid. Therefore, the usability of the automatic injection unit 6 is improved. As described above, the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the function of the automatic injection unit 6.

[0085] [Effect 1] According to the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0086] As described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes an outer tub 3, at least two tanks 62, and at least two chemical liquid input devices 63 (automatic chemical liquid input devices). The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The at least two tanks 62 store the chemical liquid to be supplied to the outer tub 3 and are arranged along the width direction K (first direction). The at least two chemical liquid input devices 63 are connected to connection parts 76 formed in the respective tanks 62 and are arranged along the width direction K. Each chemical liquid input device 63 has a power unit 71, a speed reduction mechanism 72 engaged with the power unit 71, and a pump mechanism 73 connected to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 72. The radial direction R1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 is substantially orthogonal to the width direction K.

[0087] With such a configuration, in the configuration provided with two chemical liquid input devices 63, it is possible to suppress the dimension in the width direction K of the chemical liquid input device 63, so that the distance between the tanks 62 can be reduced and arranged. Therefore, space saving of the automatic input unit 6 in the width direction K can be realized. Further, since each tank 62 has an individual chemical liquid input device 63, a configuration in which the tank 62 and the chemical liquid input device 63 are closer to each other is possible as compared with the case where the tank 62 shares one chemical liquid input device. Therefore, the pressure loss between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid input device 63 can be suppressed, and the efficiency and stability of the chemical liquid input by the chemical liquid input device 63 can be improved. Thus, the function of the automatic input unit 6 can be improved.

[0088] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, three tanks 62 are provided and three chemical liquid input devices 63 are provided.

[0089] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the dimension in the width direction K of the chemical liquid input device 63, so that three tanks 62 each having an individual chemical liquid input device 63 can be provided even in a limited space.

[0090] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the connection part 76 formed in the tank 62 is formed on the back surface 90 of the tank 62.

[0091] With such a configuration, the liquid agent injection device 63 is arranged so as to face the back surface 90 of the tank 62 that forms the connection portion 76. By arranging the liquid agent injection device 63 having the pump mechanism 73 immediately behind the back surface 90 of the tank 62, an arrangement can be achieved in which the distances between the respective tanks 62 and the pump mechanism 73 are equal. Therefore, the pressure loss caused by the liquid agent injection device 63 can be suppressed, and a predetermined amount of liquid agent can be injected with higher accuracy. Further, by shortening the distance between the tank 62 and the liquid agent injection device 63, the torque required in the power unit 71 can be reduced. Therefore, a power unit 71 having a smaller dimension in the width direction K can be adopted. As a result, space saving and cost reduction in the width direction K in the power unit 71 can be realized.

[0092] Further, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the mounting state of the tank 62, the connection portions 76 formed in the respective tanks 62 are arranged at different heights.

[0093] With such a configuration, a configuration is enabled in which the liquid agent injection devices 63 connected to the connection portions 76 are arranged at different heights, and the downstream flow path (for example, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64) of the liquid agent injection device 63 is provided in an inclined manner. The flow of the fluid can be promoted by the inclination of the flow path.

[0094] Further, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the rotation axis V1 of the power unit 71 and the output axis V2 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 are along the width direction K.

[0095] With such a configuration, the radial directions R1 of the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 are along the direction orthogonal to the width direction K. Even when the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 have large dimensions in the radial direction R1, it is possible to suppress the dimension of the liquid agent injection device 63 in the width direction K.

[0096] Further, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pump mechanism 73 is connected to the speed reduction mechanism 72 and includes a piston 83 that reciprocates in the vertical direction and a cylinder 84 that houses the piston 83.

[0097] An outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, at least two tanks 62 that contain a liquid agent supplied to the outer tank 3 and are arranged along a width direction K (first direction), and at least two liquid agent input devices 63 (automatic liquid agent input devices) that are connected to connection parts 76 formed in respective tanks 62 and are arranged along the width direction K. Each liquid agent input device 63 has a motor 70 and a pump mechanism 73 that is driven by the motor 70 to suck and discharge the liquid agent in the tank 62. The motor 70 is connected to the pump mechanism 73 from the width direction K.

[0098] With such a configuration, even when the motor 70 has large dimensions in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which it is connected to the pump mechanism 73, it becomes possible to arrange the tanks 62 with a reduced interval.

[0099] An outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, at least two tanks 62 that contain a liquid agent supplied to the outer tank 3 and are arranged along a width direction K (first direction), and at least two liquid agent input devices 63 (automatic liquid agent input devices) that are connected to connection parts 76 formed in respective tanks 62 and are arranged along the width direction K. The connection parts 76 are formed on a surface including the short side direction of the tanks 62, and each liquid agent input device 63 is arranged so as to face the surface including the short side direction of the tank 62 on which the connection part 76 is formed.

[0100] With such a configuration, it becomes possible to arrange the liquid agent input devices 63 immediately behind the surface including the short side direction of the tanks 62 and make the distances between the respective tanks 62 and the liquid agent input devices 63 equal.

[0101] The tanks 62 are detachably provided with the liquid agent input devices 63 along a front-rear direction M (second direction), and the respective tanks 62 and liquid agent input devices 63 are arranged along the front-rear direction M.

[0102] With such a configuration, it becomes possible to arrange the respective tanks 62 and the liquid agent input devices 63 closer to each other.

[0103] The tank 62 is formed such that the longitudinal direction M is the longitudinal axis direction.

[0104] With such a configuration, the dimension in the width direction K of the tank 62 can be suppressed.

[0105] [Effect 2] The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes an outer tub 3, a tank 62A (first tank), and a tank 62B (second tank). The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The tank 62A stores the liquid agent supplied to the outer tub 3. The tank 62B stores the liquid agent supplied to the outer tub 3 and is arranged side by side with the tank 62A. The depth of the tank 62B is greater than the depth of the tank 62A along the outer periphery of the outer tub 3.

[0106] With such a configuration, it becomes possible to increase the total volume by the two tanks 62A and 62B. Also, different types of liquid agents can be stored in different amounts within the housing 2. Therefore, the function of the automatic dosing unit 6 can be improved.

[0107] Also, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tank 62B is arranged with respect to the tank 62A on the outer side K1 (along the first direction away from the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tub 3).

[0108] With such a configuration, it becomes possible to increase the total volume by the two tanks 62A and 62B along the outer periphery of the outer tub 3 that descends on the outer side K1.

[0109] Also, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment further includes a liquid agent dosing device 63A (first automatic liquid agent dosing device) and a liquid agent dosing device 63B (second automatic liquid agent dosing device). The liquid agent dosing device 63A is connected to a connection portion 76A (first connection portion) formed in the tank 62A. The liquid agent dosing device 63B is connected to a connection portion 76B (second connection portion) formed in the tank 62B.

[0110] With such a configuration, since each of the tanks 62 has an individual liquid agent input device 63, a configuration in which the tanks 62 and the liquid agent input devices 63 are brought closer together is possible as compared with the case where the tanks 62 share one liquid agent input device. The pressure loss between the tanks 62 and the liquid agent input devices 63 can be suppressed, and a predetermined amount of liquid agent can be input with higher precision.

[0111] Also, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the depth of the connection portion 76B is greater than the depth of the connection portion 76A.

[0112] With such a configuration, in the tank 62B, while promoting the discharge of the liquid agent, the volume of the tank 62B can be increased. Also, a configuration in which the downstream flow path (for example, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64) of the tanks 62A and 62B is provided in an inclined manner becomes possible.

[0113] Also, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tank 62A and the tank 62B each have a lid formed with a common shape covering their respective upper portions.

[0114] With such a configuration, since the lid 88 is compatible between the tank 62A and the tank 62B, the usability of the tanks 62A and 62B can be improved.

[0115] Also, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment further includes a tank 62C (third tank) and a liquid agent input device 63C (third automatic liquid agent input device). The tank 62C stores a liquid agent and is arranged on the side opposite to the tank 62A with respect to the tank 62B. The liquid agent input device 63C is connected to a connection portion 76C (third connection portion) formed in the tank 62C. The depth of the tank 62C is greater than the depth of the tank 62B.

[0116] With such a configuration, the total volume of the three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be further increased.

[0117] An outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, a tank 62A (first tank) for storing a liquid agent supplied to the outer tank 3, a tank 62C (second tank) for storing the liquid agent supplied to the outer tank 3 and arranged along a width direction K (first direction) away from a central axis V0 passing through the bottom of the outer tank 3 with respect to the tank 62A, a case 61 for housing the tank 62A and the tank 62C, and a water supply solenoid valve 66 (water injection part) for supplying water to the case 61. The case 61 includes a region P1 (first region) for housing the tank 62A and a region P3 (second region) for housing the tank 62C. The depth of the region P3 is greater than the depth of the region P1, and an input flow path 82 through which the water injected from the water injection part flows down is formed on the inner bottom surface B3 of the region P3.

[0118] With such a configuration, the input flow path 82 can be formed and the space directly below the tank 62C can be effectively utilized.

[0119] The gap between the input flow path 82 and the bottom surface of the tank 62C is larger than the gap between the inner bottom surface B1 of the region P1 and the bottom surface of the tank 62A.

[0120] With such a configuration, even when the depth L3 of the tank 62C is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, the input flow path 82 can be easily formed.

[0121] An manually input part 65 for storing a manually input liquid agent is provided upstream of the input flow path 82, and the water supply solenoid valve 66 supplies water to the manually input part 65.

[0122] With such a configuration, the liquid agent can be input automatically or manually. Furthermore, by supplying water to the manually input part 65, the residue of the liquid agent in the manually input part 65 can be suppressed.

[0123] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented in various other modes.

[0124] In the embodiment, the case where the automatic charging unit 6 has three tanks 62 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. The automatic charging unit 6 may have two tanks 62 or four or more tanks 62.

[0125] In the embodiment, an example in which the tanks 62 are arranged along the width direction K has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the outer tank 3 is elastically supported so as to incline downward toward the rear side M2 with respect to the installation surface of the housing 2, the tanks 62 may be arranged along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62B may be arranged along the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tank 3 with respect to the tank 62A. In this case, the stepped arrangement of the tanks 62 becomes lower toward the rear side M2, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. Even with such a configuration, the total volume of the tanks 62 can be increased.

[0126] In the embodiment, an example in which the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C change stepwise toward the outer side K1 along the width direction K has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is only necessary that the depths of the tanks 62B and 62C are greater than the depth of the tank 62A. For example, the depths of the tank 62B and the tank 62C may be equal. On the other hand, if the depths of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are different, in the case 61, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the mounting positions of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

[0127] In the embodiment, an example in which the direction in which the pump mechanism 73 extends (vertical direction), that is, the direction in which the piston 83 moves, is the same in the three liquid agent charging devices 63 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the direction in which any pump mechanism 73 extends may be the front-rear direction M. On the other hand, if the directions in which the pump mechanisms 73 extend are the same, the power unit 71 can be arranged in the gap between the adjacent pistons 83, and the space can be effectively utilized.

[0128] Note that the motor 70 may be attached to the pump mechanism 73 from the center side K2 or from the outer side K1. Also, the motors 70 attached from the outer side K1 and the motors 70 attached from the center side K2 may be mixed.

[0129] Note that in the embodiment, it has been described that the connection direction between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid input device 63 is the front-rear direction M, but it is not limited to this. For example, as in Modification 1 described later, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the chemical liquid input device 63 may be along the vertical direction.

[0130] [Modification 1] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic input unit 106 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 14, in Modification 1, it is different from the automatic input unit 6 of the embodiment in that the tank 162 is removed from the case 161 in the vertical direction (Z direction). In order to remove the tank 162 in the vertical direction, the connection portion 176 connected to the chemical liquid input device 163 is formed on the bottom surface of the tank 162. Even in such a configuration, by making the radial direction R1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 orthogonal to the width direction K, the small pitch arrangement of the tank 62 and the improvement of the function of the automatic input unit 6 can be realized. Further, the cylinder 184 extends along the horizontal direction (X direction), and the piston 183 moves along the horizontal direction. With such a configuration, an increase in the dimensions of the automatic input unit 106 in the vertical direction can be suppressed.

[0131] Note that in the embodiment, an example in which the chemical liquid input device 63 is connected to the chemical liquid discharge flow path 64 on the outlet side has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, as in Modification 2 described later, the chemical liquid input device 63 may be connected to the case 61 directly below the tank 62 on the outlet side.

[0132] [Modification 2] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic dosing unit 206 according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. 15, in Modification 2, the liquid agent dosing device 263 is different from the automatic dosing unit 6 of the embodiment in that it is directly connected to the case 261 on the outlet side. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to make the radial direction R1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 orthogonal to the width direction K, and to realize the small pitch arrangement of the tanks 62 and the improvement of the function of the automatic dosing unit 6. Further, instead of providing the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 of the embodiment, in the case 261, the inner bottom surface B200 directly below the tank 262 forms the liquid agent discharge flow path 264. With such a configuration, the structure of the automatic dosing unit 206 can be simplified, and the number of parts and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0133] The present disclosure has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and changes should be understood to be included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0134] The washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the function of the configuration related to liquid agent dosing, and thus is useful as a household washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washing and drying machine (for example, a household drum washing machine).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1 Washing machine 2 Housing 3 Outer tub 4 Inner tub 5 Driving unit 6 Automatic dosing unit 8 Connection flow path 10 Water supply port 11 Drain valve 61 Case 62 Tank 63 Liquid agent dosing device 64 Liquid agent discharge flow path 65 Manual dosing part 66 Water supply solenoid valve 71 Power unit 72 Speed reduction mechanism 73 Pump mechanism 76 Connection part 77, 78, 79 Connection ports 83 Piston 84 Cylinder K Width direction M Front - rear direction

Claims

1. An automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine having a tank for storing a liquid, A motor having a power unit that rotates around a rotation axis; a pump mechanism connected to an output shaft of the motor, the output shaft extending parallel to the rotation shaft and spaced apart from the rotation shaft in a radial direction of the motor; Equipped with The pump mechanism includes: a piston connected to the output shaft of the motor; A cylinder that accommodates the piston; a bracket to which the motor is attached; having The pump mechanism includes: A liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the pump mechanism; an inlet flow passage extending parallel to a radial direction of the motor, connecting the liquid agent inlet and the cylinder, through which the liquid agent flowing into the cylinder passes; an outlet flow path through which the liquid agent discharged from the cylinder passes; and When viewed from a direction in which the output shaft extends, the motor is attached to the bracket in such a manner that the rotation shaft is farther from the inlet flow passage than the output shaft is in a direction in which the inlet flow passage extends. Automatic liquid dispenser for washing machines.

2. The inlet passage extends in a direction different from a direction of movement of the piston within the cylinder.

2. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to claim 1.

3. the motor has a connector terminal protruding radially from the motor, The connector terminal protrudes from the cylinder in a direction opposite to a direction in which the inlet flow passage extends.

3. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inlet flow path and the outlet flow path are provided vertically. The automatic liquid agent dispenser for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A tank for storing a liquid agent; Equipped with The automatic liquid injection device is connected to a connection part provided on the tank. washing machine.

6. The automatic liquid injection device is connected horizontally to the tank. The washing machine according to claim 5.

Images