Valve, tank, and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a valve that is hard to disassemble.SOLUTION: A valve is provided at a tank for storing liquid and includes: a movable body capable of moving in an axial direction between a closed position and an open position; a fixing body having a cylindrical part extending in the axial direction, for storing the movable body, and a contact surface with which the movable body positioned at the closed position comes into contact on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part; an energization member for energizing the movable body toward the closed position; and a cap engaged with the fixing body, for receiving the energization member. The fixing body has a claw extending from the cylindrical part in the axial direction and is engaged with the tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve, a tank, and a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub and a liquid agent supply unit that automatically supplies a predetermined amount of liquid agent to the washing tub.

[0003] In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the liquid agent supply unit has a tank that stores the liquid agent and a liquid agent discharge device that discharges the liquid agent from the tank. An end of the liquid agent discharge device is inserted into a connection part formed at the bottom of the tank. The connection part is provided with a valve that prevents the liquid agent from leaking from the tank through the connection part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the valve described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in that the fixed body comes off the cap having the claws, causing the valve to disassemble.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a valve that is difficult to disassemble, a tank equipped with the valve, and a washing machine equipped with the tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a valve provided in a tank for storing liquid, and comprises: a movable body that is movable axially between a closed position and an open position; a cylindrical portion that extends axially to accommodate the movable body; a fixed body having a contact surface on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion with which the movable body, when positioned in the closed position, comes into contact; a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position; and a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member, and the fixed body has a claw that extends axially from the cylindrical portion and engages with the tank.

[0008] A tank according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a tank body defining an internal space for storing a liquid, a cylindrical connecting portion provided on the tank body and having a connection port facing the external space, and a valve provided on the connecting portion, wherein the valve comprises a movable body that is movable axially between a closed position in which the internal space is isolated from the external space and an open position in which the internal space is connected to the external space, a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction to accommodate the movable body, a fixed body having a contact surface on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion with which the movable body located in the closed position comes into contact, a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position, and a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member, wherein the fixed body has a claw that extends axially from the cylindrical portion and engages with the connecting portion.

[0009] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a washing tub and a liquid agent supply unit that supplies liquid agent to the washing tub. The liquid agent supply unit has a tank and a liquid agent discharge device that can be connected to a connection portion of the tank. The liquid agent discharge device has a protrusion. When the connection portion and the liquid agent discharge device are connected, the movable body is pushed by the protrusion and positioned in an open position, and when the connection portion and the liquid agent discharge device are separated, the movable body is positioned in a closed position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a valve that is difficult to disassemble can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the liquid supply unit [Figure 3A]A perspective view of the tank and the liquid dispensing device [Figure 3B] A perspective view of the tank and the liquid dispensing device [Figure 4A] Tank cross section [Figure 4B] Cross-sectional view of the tank and fluid dispensing device [Figure 5A] Perspective view of the valve [Figure 5B] Valve cross section [Figure 6A] Valve Exploded View [Figure 6B] Valve Exploded View [Figure 7] Perspective view of the fixed body [Figure 8A] Cross-sectional view of the valve with the movable body in the closed position [Figure 8B] Cross-sectional view of the valve with the movable body in the closed position [Figure 8C] Cross-sectional view of the valve with the movable body in the open position [Figure 8D] Cross-section of the valve as the tank is removed from the fluid dispenser DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following, two axes that are perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane are referred to as the X-axis and the Y-axis, and an axis in the height direction (vertical direction) that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane is referred to as the Z-axis. The X-direction may also be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the Y-direction may also be referred to as the width direction.

[0013] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] 1, in the first embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a drum type washing machine. However, the washing machine 1 may be a vertical washing machine or a washer / dryer.

[0015] The washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5, a liquid supply unit 6, a connecting flow path 8, a water supply device 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12.

[0016] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a lid 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0017] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tub. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 and is inclined relative to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2. The edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32.

[0018] <Washing tub> The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatably disposed around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and used to store laundry such as clothes. The washing tub 4 may also be referred to as an inner tub, a storage tub, or a drum. The washing tub 4 has a large number of through-holes 40 formed therein. The through-holes 40 connect the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the movement of wash water between the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 31 in the outer tub 3. A user of the washing machine 1 can open the lid 21 and place laundry into the washing tub 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0019] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the washing tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0020] <Liquid supply unit> The liquid supply unit 6 is a device that automatically supplies a single dose of liquid from a tank that stores multiple doses of liquid to the washing tub 4. The single dose of liquid is an appropriate amount and type of liquid determined by the control unit 12 according to, for example, the contents of the operation course and the amount of laundry. The control unit 12 may determine the amount of liquid for one dose according to the brand of liquid set by the user.

[0021] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for connecting the liquid drug supply unit 6 and the outer tank 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the liquid drug supply unit 6 to an opening 33 provided in the upper part of the outer tank 3.

[0022] <Water supply device> The water supply device 10 is connected to a water source such as a tap, and supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the liquid agent supply unit 6. The water supply device 10 has, for example, a water supply valve connected to the tap.

[0023] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed, and when closed, it stores water in the outer tub 3, and when open, it drains the water stored in the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 2, and is connected to an opening 35 provided at the bottom of the outer tub 3.

[0024] <Control unit> Control unit 12 is a controller that controls washing machine 1. Control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs to achieve predetermined functions. Control unit 12 calls and executes programs stored in memory (not shown) to achieve various controls in washing machine 1. Control unit 12 is not limited to a controller that achieves predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to achieve predetermined functions.

[0025] Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the drive unit 5, the liquid agent supply unit 6, the water supply device 10, and the drain valve 11.

[0026] Next, the structure of the liquid agent supply unit 6 will be described in more detail.

[0027] 2 is a perspective view of the liquid agent supply unit 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid agent supply unit 6 has a plurality of tanks 61, a case 62, a plurality of liquid agent discharge devices 63, and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0028] The tank 61 is a container for storing a liquid agent. A plurality of tanks 61 are housed in a case 62. A plurality of liquid agent discharge devices 63 and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are provided on a rear surface 57 of the case 62. Each liquid agent discharge device 63 is connected to each tank 61 via the rear surface 57. The liquid agent discharge device 63 sucks out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tank 61 and discharges it toward the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent discharged into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 into the case 62 and is supplied to the outer tank 3 through the connecting flow path 8.

[0029] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the tank 61 and the liquid agent discharging device 63. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the tank 61 and the liquid agent discharging device 63 in a state where the tank 61 is removed from the liquid agent discharging device 63. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the tank 61. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 3A.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tank 61 is detachable from the liquid agent discharging device 63. A user of the washing machine 1 can pull the tank 61 forward (-X side) to remove it from the liquid agent discharging device 63, and then take out the detached tank 61 from the case 62 (FIG. 2). This configuration makes it easy to clean and maintain the tank 61. Cleaning and maintenance of the tank 61 is performed, for example, when changing the type of liquid agent to be stored.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3B , tank 61 has tank body 65 that stores a liquid agent. The top of tank body 65 is closed by lid 66. A connection part 67 that can be connected to liquid agent discharge device 63 is provided at the bottom of tank body 65. In the first embodiment, connection part 67 has a cylindrical structure that extends inward (in the −X direction) from connection port 67A provided at the bottom of rear surface 61A of tank body 65. Connection port 67A faces the external space outside tank 61.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3A, when tank 61 is connected to liquid agent discharging device 63, the tip of liquid agent discharging device 63 is inserted into connecting portion 67. Specifically, suction portion 68 of liquid agent discharging device 63, which extends in the X direction, is inserted into connecting portion 67. Liquid agent discharging device 63 further has a discharge portion 69 that extends downward and is connected to liquid agent discharging flow path 64 (Fig. 2). Therefore, the liquid agent is sucked out of tank 61 in the X direction through suction portion 68 and discharged downward from discharge portion 69.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3B, the tip of suction portion 68 is provided with protrusion 68A that protrudes outward (toward the −X side).

[0034] 4A, a valve 70 is provided inside the connection part 67. The valve 70 is a valve that prevents the liquid agent from leaking from the tank 61 when the tank 61 is detached from the liquid agent discharging device 63. When the tank 61 is detached from the liquid agent discharging device 63, the valve 70 is brought into a non-communicating state. The non-communicating state refers to a state in which the internal space S defined by the tank main body 65 is not in communication with the external space.

[0035] 4B, when the tank 61 is connected to the liquid agent discharging device 63, the protrusion 68A of the liquid agent discharging device 63 presses a part of the valve 70 (a movable body 74 described later), and the valve 70 transitions from a non-communicating state to a communicating state. The communicating state refers to a state in which the internal space S defined by the tank body 65 is in communication with the external space.

[0036] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the structure of the valve 70. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the valve 70. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the valve 70 shown in Figure 5A along the axial direction L.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the valve 70 includes a fixed body 71, a movable body 74, a spring 75 (FIG. 5B), and a cap 76.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the valve 70 is configured as one subassembly, i.e., one unit made up of a plurality of components. Therefore, even when the valve 70 exists alone before being incorporated into the tank 61, it is possible to prevent the valve 70 from being disassembled into individual components.

[0039] 4A and 4B, fixed body 71 is a cylindrical member fixed inside connection portion 67 of tank 61. As shown in FIG. 5B, movable body 74, spring 75, and part of cap 76 are arranged inside fixed body 71.

[0040] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the fixed body 71 is referred to as the axial direction L, the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction L as the radial direction R, and the circumferential direction around the axial direction L as the circumferential direction C. In the axial direction L, the direction toward the inside of the tank 61 is referred to as the tank side L1, and the direction toward the liquid agent discharge device 63 is referred to as the device side L2.

[0041] The fixed body 71 has a cylindrical portion 72 and a claw 73 .

[0042] 5A, the tubular portion 72 is a tubular member extending in the axial direction L between an end 72A on the device side L2 and an end 72B on the tank side L1. The tubular portion 72 has a notch 72C recessed toward the device side L2 at the location where the claw 73 is provided.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5B, the cylindrical portion 72 has an inner circumferential surface S1, and houses the movable body 74 and the spring 75 inside the inner circumferential surface S1. The inner circumferential surface S1 has a contact surface S2 that protrudes inward in the radial direction R near the end portion 72A. The movable body 74 can contact the contact surface S2 from the device side L2. When the movable body 74 contacts the contact surface S2, movement of the movable body 74 toward the device side L2 is restricted.

[0044] An O-ring 91 extending in the circumferential direction C is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 72. The O-ring 91 tightly contacts the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 67 (FIG. 4B). The tight contact of the O-ring 91 seals the fixed body 71 and the connection portion 67. In other words, the liquid agent is prevented from leaking out from between the outer peripheral surface of the fixed body 71 and the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 67 through the connection port 67A. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 72 may have a gap from the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 67 in other parts.

[0045] 5A, the claw 73 is a member that extends from the cylindrical portion 72 in the axial direction L and engages with the connecting portion 67 of the tank 61 (FIG. 4A). The claw 73 extends further toward the tank side L1 than the end portion 72B of the cylindrical portion 72.

[0046] The claw 73 has a pair of claw portions 73A and 73B spaced apart in the circumferential direction C. The claw portions 73A and 73B each extend toward the tank side L1 from an end portion 72D of the notch 72C of the tubular portion 72, among the end portion 72B of the tubular portion 72. In other words, the claw portions 73A and 73B are arranged to overlap the notch 72C.

[0047] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5B, the pair of claw portions 73A, 73B face each other in the radial direction R. In other words, the claw portions 73A, 73B have facing surfaces T1, T2 facing each other.

[0048] Each of the claw portions 73A and 73B has a claw protrusion 92 at the tip end on the tank side L1 that protrudes outward in the radial direction R. The claw protrusion 92 extends in the radial direction R and has an abutment surface 92A that abuts against the end of the connection portion 67 from the device side L2. The abutment surface 92A of the claw protrusion 92 catches on the end of the connection portion 67, thereby restricting movement of the fixed body 71 toward the device side L2.

[0049] The claw portions 73A, 73B and the tubular portion 72 are formed from a single member. The claw portions 73A, 73B and the tubular portion 72 are integrally formed from resin. The claw portions 73A, 73B and the tubular portion 72 are, for example, a single resin molded member.

[0050] The movable body 74 is a member that can move in the axial direction L between a closed position P1 (FIG. 4A) where the valve 70 is in a non-communicating state and an open position P2 (FIG. 4B) where the valve 70 is in a communicating state. As shown in FIG. 4B, when pressed by the protrusion 68A of the liquid agent discharging device 63, the movable body 74 moves from the closed position P1 to an open position P2 closer to the tank L1.

[0051] 5B, the movable body 74 in the closed position P1 is in contact with the contact surface S2 of the cylindrical portion 72. On the other hand, the movable body 74 in the open position P2 is spaced apart in the axial direction L from the contact surface S2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5B, the movable body 74 has a head 77 and a shaft 78.

[0053] The head 77 is a portion that can come into contact with the contact surface S2. Specifically, the head 77 is provided with a groove 77A formed in the circumferential direction C, and an O-ring 77B is disposed in the groove 77A. When the movable body 74 is positioned at the closed position P1, the O-ring 77B comes into contact with the contact surface S2.

[0054] The shaft 78 is a member that extends from the end of the head 77 to the tank side L1, and the end on the tank side L1 is inserted into the cap .

[0055] 5B, spring 75 is a biasing member provided around shaft 78 and biases movable body 74 toward device side L2 toward closed position P1. Spring 75 is sandwiched between head 77 of movable body 74 and cap 76. The natural length of spring 75 is greater than the distance between head 77 of movable body 74 and cap 76.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 5A, the cap 76 is a member that engages with the end 72B of the cylindrical portion 72 and closes the end 72B of the cylindrical portion 72. The cap 76 is a member separate from the fixed body 71. As shown in Fig. 5B, the cap 76 receives the spring 75 and the shaft 78 of the movable body 74 inside the cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, the cap 76 prevents the movable body 74 and the spring 75 from detaching from the fixed body 71.

[0057] The cap 76 is disposed between the pair of claws 73A and 73B. Because it is sandwiched between the claws 73A and 73B, the cap 76 is unlikely to come off the fixed body 71. Furthermore, the cap 76 maintains the distance between the claws 73A and 73B, and functions as a spacer for the claws 73A and 73B.

[0058] Figures 6A and 6B are exploded views of valve 70. With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the structure and fitment of cap 76 will be described in more detail.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6A, the cap 76 has a pair of first portions 51A, 51B and a second portion 52 that connects the pair of first portions 51A, 51B to each other.

[0060] The first portions 51A and 51B are wall portions that fit with the end portion 72B of the tubular portion 72. The first portions 51A and 51B fit with the end portion 72B at a different position in the circumferential direction C from the claw portions 73A and 73B. That is, the first portions 51A and 51B are offset in the circumferential direction C with respect to the claw portions 73A and 73B. The first portion 51A is located on one side of the claw portion 73A in the circumferential direction C, and the first portion 51B is located on the other side of the claw portion 73A in the circumferential direction C. In the first embodiment, the first portions 51A and 51B face each other in the radial direction R and intersect with the radial direction R in which the claw portions 73A and 73B face each other.

[0061] Each of the first portions 51A and 51B has a recess 81 recessed toward the tank side L1 at the end on the device side L2. The recess 81 formed in the first portion 51A and the recess 81 formed in the first portion 51B face each other.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 72 has a protrusion 82 that fits into the recess 81. The protrusion 82 is provided so as to protrude from the end portion 72B toward the tank side L1. Due to the engagement of the recess 81 and the protrusion 82, the cap 76 comes into contact with the end portion 72B of the cylindrical portion 72 from the device side L2, restricting movement of the cap 76 toward the device side L2. Although only one protrusion 82 is shown in FIG. 6A, the cylindrical portion 72 has a pair of protrusions 82 that face each other in the radial direction R. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion 82 relative to the end portion 72B is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the claw portions 73A and 73B relative to the end portion 72B.

[0063] The outer peripheral surfaces of the first portions 51A and 51B may be substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 72. With this configuration, when assembling the tank 61, it becomes easier to insert the valve 70 into the connecting portion 67 (FIG. 4A).

[0064] The second portion 52 connecting the first portions 51A and 51B is recessed in the radial direction R with respect to the outer circumferential surfaces of the first portions 51A and 51B. The claw portions 73A and 73B pass through the recessed portions of the second portion 52 with respect to the first portions 51A and 51B. That is, when viewed from the axial direction L, the second portion 52 is located on the inner side in the radial direction R of the first portions 51A and 51B and the claw portions 73A and 73B.

[0065] The second portion 52 is a portion that is located inside the first portions 51A and 51B and receives the spring 75 and the shaft 78 of the movable body 74. The second portion 52 has a cylindrical portion 53 and a plurality of wall portions 54 that extend in the radial direction R so as to connect the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 53 to the first portions 51A and 51B. The plurality of wall portions 54 are recessed toward the tank side L1 with respect to the cylindrical portion 53 and the first portions 51A and 51B, so that a recess 54B is formed between the cylindrical portion 53 and the first portions 51A and 51B.

[0066] An end of a shaft 78 of the movable body 74 is housed in the cylindrical portion 53. An end of the spring 75 is housed in a recess 54B between the cylindrical portion 53 and the first portions 51A and 51B, and abuts against the multiple wall portions 54.

[0067] 6B, an opening 55 is formed between the plurality of wall portions 54 connected to the first portions 51A, 51B, penetrating in the axial direction L. When the movable body 74 is positioned at the open position P2, the liquid agent in the tank 61 flows out from the connection port 67A (FIG. 4B) through the opening 55 toward the liquid agent discharge device 63.

[0068] 6A, the cylindrical portion 53 has a protrusion 83 that protrudes outward in the radial direction R. The protrusion 83 is provided in a portion of the cylindrical portion 53 that is exposed from the first portions 51A and 51B. Although only one protrusion 83 is shown in FIG. 6A, the cylindrical portion 53 has a pair of protrusions 83 that face each other in the radial direction R.

[0069] Each of the claw portions 73A and 73B has an opening 84 that fits with the protrusion 83. The opening 84 penetrates the claw portions 73A and 73B in the thickness direction. The opening 84 is provided at a distance from the end of the claw portions 73A and 73B in the circumferential direction C. With this configuration, even when the opening 84 is provided, the strength of the claw portions 73A and 73B can be ensured.

[0070] When the recess 81 of the cap 76 fits into the protrusion 82 of the fixed body 71, and the protrusion 83 of the cap 76 fits into the opening 84 of the fixed body 71, the fixed body 71 and the cap 76 have four fitting positions.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fixed body 71 showing the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72. As shown in FIG.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the opposing surfaces T1 and T2 of the claw portions 73A and 73B are located inward in the radial direction R from the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72.

[0073] The protrusion 82 also has opposing surfaces T11 and T12 that face each other. The opposing surfaces T11 and T12 extend in the axial direction L from the end 72B of the cylindrical portion 72 into the cylindrical portion 72. The opposing surfaces T11 and T12 are also located radially inward in the radial direction R of the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72. The amount of protrusion of the opposing surfaces T11 and T12 from the inner circumferential surface S1 may be the same as the amount of protrusion of the opposing surfaces T1 and T2.

[0074] A portion of the head 77 of the movable body 74 can come into contact with the opposing surfaces T1, T2 and the opposing surfaces T11, T12. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the head 77 has a guide portion 77C that is closer to the tank L1 than the O-ring 77B and protrudes outward in the radial direction R beyond the shaft 78 of the movable body 74. The guide portion 77C can come into contact with the opposing surfaces T1, T2 and the opposing surfaces T11, T12. Therefore, the opposing surfaces T1, T2 and the opposing surfaces T11, T12 can guide the movable body 74 between the closed position P1 and the open position P2.

[0075] The guide portion 77C further sandwiches the spring 75 between itself and the cap 76. That is, the spring 75 contacts the guide portion 77C from the device side L2. When the spring 75 contacts the guide portion 77C, movement of the spring 75 toward the device side L2 is restricted (see FIG. 5B).

[0076] Here, the valve 70 in the state where it is installed in the connection portion 67 of the tank 61 will be described.

[0077] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the valve 70 in the tank 61 as viewed from the Y direction (Figure 3B), and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the valve 70 in the tank 61 as viewed from the Z direction (Figure 3B).

[0078] 8A and 8B, the valve 70 is inserted into the connecting portion 67. An end portion 67B of the connecting portion 67 opposite the connection port 67A, i.e., the end portion 67B inside the tank 61, is provided with a rib 93 that protrudes inward in the radial direction R. In the first embodiment, the rib 93 is provided around the entire periphery of the end portion 67B of the connecting portion 67, and has a ring shape when viewed from the axial direction L.

[0079] 8A, the contact surfaces 92A of the claw protrusions 92 of the claw portions 73A and 73B contact the rib 93 from the axial direction L. Specifically, the contact surfaces 92A contact one surface 94 of the rib 93 from the device side L2. This prevents the fixed body 71 from falling off to the device side L2.

[0080] 8B, the first portions 51A and 51B of the cap 76 abut against the other surface 95 of the rib 93. Therefore, when the valve 70 is assembled into the connection portion 67, the valve 70 can be prevented from being pushed excessively into the tank side L1.

[0081] Focusing on the cap 76, the cap 76 is sandwiched between the rib 93 and the fixed body 71 in the axial direction L and is held by the rib 93. By preventing the fixed body 71 from falling off from the connection portion 67, the cap 76 continues to be held by the rib 93, and the cap 76 is prevented from falling off.

[0082] 8A and 8B, the tank 61 is detached from the liquid agent discharging device 63, and the movable body 74 is located at the closed position P1. When the tank 61 is detached from the liquid agent discharging device 63 and the connecting portion 67 is separated from the liquid agent discharging device 63, the movable body 74 is biased by the spring 75 and located at the closed position P1. In the closed position P1, the O-ring 77B of the movable body 74 is in close contact with the contact surface S2 of the cylindrical portion 72. The internal space S of the tank 61 and the suction portion 68 are not in communication with each other.

[0083] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view seen from the Y direction (FIG. 3A), showing the valve 70 with the tank 61 connected to the liquid agent discharge device 63 and the movable body 74 in the open position P2.

[0084] 8C, when the tank 61 is connected to the liquid agent discharge device 63, the protrusion 68A at the tip of the suction portion 68 enters the inside of the connection portion 67. The protrusion 68A abuts against the movable body 74 at the closed position P1, and pushes the movable body 74 toward the tank side L1. The movable body 74 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 relative to the fixed body 71 and the cap 76. In moving from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, the movable body 74 is guided by the opposing surfaces T1 and T2 of the claw portions 73A and 73B and the opposing surfaces T11 and T12 (not shown) of the protrusion 82.

[0085] When the movable body 74 is in the open position P2, the O-ring 77B is separated from the contact surface S2 of the cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, the internal space S of the tank 61 and the suction portion 68 are in communication with each other.

[0086] 8D is a cross-sectional view seen from the Y direction (FIG. 3B), showing the valve 70 in the middle of removing the tank 61 from the liquid agent discharging device 63. The state in which the tank 61 is in the middle of removing it from the liquid agent discharging device 63 means that a part of the suction part 68 is still inserted into the connecting part 67, and the connecting part 67 is sealed from the external space by the suction part 68.

[0087] 8D, while the tank 61 is being removed from the liquid agent discharging device 63, the space G between the suction part 68 and the valve 70 becomes larger. The space G is sealed off from the external space by the suction part 68. Due to the increase in the volume of the sealed space G, a negative pressure is generated in the direction indicated by the arrow F (apparatus side L2), which acts on the valve 70.

[0088] When the cap 76 is provided with the claws 73A, 73B and the fixed body 71 is fitted to the cap 76 in the axial direction L, there is a possibility that the fixed body 71 may come off the cap 76 when negative pressure acts on the fixed body 71.

[0089] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the fixed body 71 is hooked to the connecting portion 67 by the contact surface 92A of the claw projection 92 that faces the direction of the arrow F. Even when a negative pressure acts on the fixed body 71, the fixed body 71 can be prevented from detaching from the connecting portion 67 to the device side L2. Furthermore, the fixed body 71 restricts the movement of the movable body 74, the spring 75, and the cap 76 inside the fixed body 71 toward the device side L2 directly or via another member. Even when a negative pressure acts on the movable body 74, the spring 75, and the cap 76, the movable body 74, the spring 75, and the cap 76 can be prevented from detaching from the fixed body 71 to the device side L2. Therefore, disassembly of the valve 70 can be prevented during removal of the tank 61 from the liquid agent discharge device 63.

[0090] [summary] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0091] In the valve 70 according to the first embodiment, the fixed body 71 has claw portions 73A and 73B. Therefore, the fixed body 71 is firmly fixed to the connecting portion 67. Even if a negative pressure toward the device side L2 is applied to the valve 70 during removal of the tank 61 from the liquid agent discharge device 63, the fixed body 71 can be prevented from detaching from the connecting portion 67.

[0092] The movable body 74 and the spring 75 are housed inside the fixed body 71, and the cap 76 is fitted with the fixed body 71. By preventing the fixed body 71 from detaching from the connection part 67, it is possible to prevent other members from detaching from the connection part 67. Furthermore, the movable body 74, the spring 75, and the cap 76 are restricted from moving toward the device side L2 relative to the fixed body 71. Even if negative pressure toward the device side L2 is applied to the valve 70 during removal of the tank 61 from the liquid agent discharge device 63, the movable body 74, the spring 75, and the cap 76 are prevented from detaching from the connection part 67, and disassembly of the valve 70 can be prevented.

[0093] [Effect 1] The valve 70 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0094] The valve 70 of the first embodiment is a valve provided in a tank 61 that stores a liquid. The valve 70 includes a movable body 74, a fixed body 71, a spring 75 (a biasing member), and a cap 76. The movable body 74 is movable in the axial direction L between a closed position P1 and an open position P2. The fixed body 71 has a cylindrical portion 72 that extends in the axial direction L and accommodates the movable body 74, and a contact surface S2 on the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72 that contacts the movable body when it is located at the closed position P1. The spring 75 biases the movable body 74 toward the closed position P1. The cap 76 engages with the fixed body 71 and receives the spring 75. The fixed body 71 has a claw 73 that extends from the cylindrical portion 72 in the axial direction L and engages with the tank 61.

[0095] With this configuration, by providing the claws 73 on the fixed body 71, the fixed body 71 can be fixed to a predetermined position inside the tank 61. Unintentional detachment of the fixed body 71 can be prevented. Since the movable body 74 and the spring 75 are housed inside the fixed body 71 and the cap 76 engages with the fixed body 71, preventing detachment of the fixed body 71 also prevents detachment of other components of the valve 70. Therefore, disassembly of the valve 70 inside the tank 61 can be prevented.

[0096] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the claw 73 of the fixed body 71 has a pair of claw portions 73A and 73B provided in the circumferential direction C with a gap therebetween.

[0097] With this configuration, unintentional detachment of the fixed body 71 can be further suppressed.

[0098] In the valve 70 of embodiment 1, a pair of claw portions 73A, 73B have opposing surfaces T1, T2 facing each other, and when viewed from the axial direction L, the opposing surfaces T1, T2 are located inside the inner surface S1 of the tubular portion 72.

[0099] With this configuration, the opposing surfaces T1 and T2 can easily come into contact with the movable body 74, and can guide the movement of the movable body 74.

[0100] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the cap 76 is disposed between the pair of claws 73A, 73B.

[0101] This configuration can prevent the pair of claws 73A, 73B from bending toward each other. Maintaining the positions of the pair of claws 73A, 73B can further prevent unintentional detachment of the fixed body 71. Furthermore, sandwiching the cap 76 between the pair of claws 73A, 73B makes it difficult for the cap 76 to come off the fixed body 71.

[0102] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the cap 76 has a pair of first portions 51A, 51B that fit into an end portion 72A of the tubular portion 72 at a different position in the circumferential direction C from the pair of claw portions 73A, 73B, and a second portion 52 that connects the pair of first portions 51A, 51B. When viewed from the axial direction L, the second portion 52 is recessed in the radial direction R with respect to the pair of first portions 51A, 51B so as to allow the pair of claw portions 73A, 73B to pass through.

[0103] With this configuration, the cap 76 fits into a location where the pair of claws 73A, 73B are not provided, and the second portion 52 is recessed, so that the space between the pair of claws 73A, 73B can be effectively utilized.

[0104] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the second portion 52 of the cap 76 has a first protrusion (protrusion 83) that protrudes outward in the radial direction R, and the claw 73 has an opening 84 that fits with the protrusion 83.

[0105] With this configuration, the cap 76 and the fixed body 71 can be fitted together.

[0106] In the valve 70 of embodiment 1, the pair of first parts 51A, 51B of the cap 76 each have a recess 81 recessed in the axial direction L at the end that engages with the tubular portion 72, and the fixed body 71 has a pair of second protrusions (protrusions 82) that protrude in the axial direction L from the end 72A of the tubular portion 72 and engage with the recess 81.

[0107] With this configuration, the cap 76 and the fixed body 71 can be fitted together more firmly.

[0108] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the pair of protrusions 82 have opposing surfaces T11, T12 (protrusion opposing surfaces) that face each other. The opposing surfaces T11, T12 extend in the axial direction L inside the cylindrical portion 72 and are located inside the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72 when viewed from the axial direction L.

[0109] With this configuration, the opposing surfaces T11 and T12 can easily come into contact with the movable body 74, and can guide the movement of the movable body 74.

[0110] In the valve 70 of the first embodiment, the claws 73 are integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 72 from resin.

[0111] Such a configuration simplifies the manufacture of the valve 70.

[0112] The tank 61 of embodiment 1 comprises a tank body 65 that defines an internal space S for storing liquid, a cylindrical connection part 67 provided in the tank body 65 and having a connection port facing the external space, and a valve 70 provided in the connection part 67.

[0113] With this configuration, disassembly of the valve 70 inside the tank 61 can be suppressed.

[0114] In the tank 61 of the first embodiment, the connection portion 67 has a rib 93 that protrudes inward in the radial direction R at an end portion 67B opposite to the connection port 67A. The cap 76 is disposed by being sandwiched between the rib 93 and the fixed body 71.

[0115] This configuration can prevent the cap 76 from falling off.

[0116] The washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a washing tub 4 and a liquid agent supplying unit 6 that supplies a liquid agent to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent supplying unit 6 has a tank 61 and a liquid agent discharging device 63 that can be connected to a connection portion 67 of the tank 61. The liquid agent discharging device 63 has a protrusion 68A. When the connection portion 67 and the liquid agent discharging device 63 are connected, the movable body 74 is pushed by the protrusion 68A and is positioned at an open position P2, and when the connection portion 67 and the liquid agent discharging device 63 are separated from each other, the movable body 74 is positioned at a closed position P1.

[0117] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the valve 70 from being disassembled due to the negative pressure generated in the connecting portion 67 when the tank 61 is removed from the liquid agent discharging device 63.

[0118] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the connection portion 67 extends forward from the connection port 67A provided on the rear surface 61A of the tank 61, but this is not limiting. The connection portion 67 may extend upward from the bottom surface of the tank 61. The connection portion 67 may also have a curved shape, such as an L-shape. In this case, the connection port 67A of the connection portion 67 may be provided on a side of the tank 61, spaced above the bottom of the tank 61.

[0120] In the first embodiment, the claw 73 has two claw portions 73A and 73B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the claw 73 may have any number of claw portions.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the valve 70 has the spring 75, but the present invention is not limited to this. The valve 70 may have another biasing member instead of the spring 75.

[0122] Although the first embodiment has been described as an example in which the cap 76 and the fixed body 71 are fitted together at four points, the present invention is not limited to this. The cap 76 and the fixed body 71 may have any number of fitting points.

[0123] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the rib 93 of the connecting portion 67 is provided around the entire circumference of the end portion 67B of the connecting portion 67, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rib 93 does not have to be provided around the entire circumference of the end portion 67B of the connecting portion 67. However, by providing the rib 93 around the entire circumference, the same effect can be achieved even when the valve 70 is rotated around the axial direction L, and therefore, no special consideration is required during assembly, improving workability.

[0124] In the first embodiment, the opposing surfaces T1 and T2 of the claw portions 73A and 73B guide the movable body 74. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movable body 74 may have a protrusion that protrudes outward in the radial direction R, and the protrusion may be capable of contacting the inner circumferential surface S1 of the cylindrical portion 72.

[0125] The valve in the first aspect is a valve provided in a tank for storing liquid, and comprises a movable body that is movable axially between a closed position and an open position, a cylindrical portion that extends axially to accommodate the movable body, a fixed body having a contact surface on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion with which the movable body located in the closed position comes into contact, a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position, and a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member, and the fixed body has claws that extend axially from the cylindrical portion and engage with the tank.

[0126] In the valve of the second aspect, the claw of the fixed body in the valve of the first aspect has a pair of claw portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0127] As a valve in the third aspect, in the valve in the second aspect, a pair of claw portions have opposing surfaces facing each other, and when viewed in the axial direction, the opposing surfaces are located inside the inner surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0128] In the valve of the fourth embodiment, the cap is disposed between a pair of claws in the valve of the second or third embodiment.

[0129] As a valve in the fifth aspect, in the valve in the fourth aspect, the cap has a pair of first portions that fit into the end of the tubular portion at a circumferentially different position from the pair of claw portions, and a second portion that connects the pair of first portions, and when viewed from the axial direction, the second portion is radially recessed relative to the pair of first portions so as to allow the pair of claw portions to pass through.

[0130] A sixth aspect of the valve is the valve of the fifth aspect, wherein the second portion of the cap has a first protrusion that protrudes radially outward, and the claw has an opening that fits into the first protrusion.

[0131] As a valve in the seventh aspect, in the valve in the fifth or sixth aspect, the pair of first parts of the cap each have an axially recessed recess at the end that fits with the tubular part, and the fixed body has a pair of second protrusions that protrude axially from the end of the tubular part and fit with the recess.

[0132] As a valve in the eighth aspect, in the valve in the seventh aspect, a pair of second protrusions have protrusion opposing surfaces that face each other, and the protrusion opposing surfaces extend axially within the tubular portion and are located inside the inner surface of the tubular portion when viewed from the axial direction.

[0133] A ninth aspect of the valve is the valve of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the claws are formed of resin integrally with the tubular portion.

[0134] In a tenth aspect, the tank comprises a tank body defining an internal space for storing liquid, a cylindrical connecting portion provided on the tank body and having a connection port facing the external space, and a valve provided on the connecting portion, wherein the valve comprises a movable body that can move axially between a closed position in which the internal space and the external space are isolated and an open position in which the internal space and the external space are connected, a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction to accommodate the movable body, a fixed body having a contact surface on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion with which the movable body located in the closed position comes into contact, a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position, and a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member, wherein the fixed body has a claw that extends axially from the cylindrical portion and engages with the connecting portion.

[0135] As the tank of the 11th aspect, in the tank of the 10th aspect, the connection portion has a rib protruding radially inward at the end opposite the connection port, and the cap is positioned sandwiched between the rib and the fixed body.

[0136] A washing machine in a twelfth aspect includes a washing tub and a liquid agent supply unit that supplies liquid agent to the washing tub. The liquid agent supply unit has the tank in the tenth aspect and a liquid agent discharge device that can be connected to a connection part of the tank. The liquid agent discharge device has a protrusion. When the connection part and the liquid agent discharge device are connected, the movable body is pushed by the protrusion and positioned in an open position, and when the connection part and the liquid agent discharge device are separated, the movable body is positioned in a closed position.

[0137] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0138] The valve of the present disclosure is useful as a valve for suppressing leakage of liquid from a liquid storage tank that is removable from a main body when the tank is removed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 washing machine 3 Outer tank 4 Washing machine 6 Fluid supply unit 51A, 51B Part 1 52 Part 2 61 Tank 63 Liquid agent ejection device 67 Connection 68 Intake section 68A protrusion 70 valves 71 Fixed body 72 Cylinder part 73 Nails 73A, 73B Claw part 74 Movable body 75 springs 76 Cap 81 Recess 82 Protrusion 83 Protrusion 84 Aperture

Claims

1. A valve provided in a tank that stores a liquid, a movable body that is axially movable between a closed position and an open position; a fixed body having a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the movable body, and a contact surface on an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion that comes into contact with the movable body positioned at the closed position; a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position; a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member; The fixed body has a claw extending from the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and engaging with the tank.

2. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the claw of the fixed body has a pair of claw portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

3. The pair of claw portions have opposing surfaces facing each other, The valve according to claim 2 , wherein the opposing surface is located inside an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion when viewed in the axial direction.

4. The valve of claim 2 , wherein the cap is disposed between the pair of prongs.

5. The cap is The pair of claw portions include a pair of first portions that fit into end portions of the cylindrical portion at different positions in the circumferential direction; a second portion connecting the pair of first portions, The valve according to claim 4 , wherein the second portion is radially recessed relative to the pair of first portions when viewed in the axial direction so as to allow the pair of claws to pass through.

6. the second portion of the cap has a first projection that projects radially outward; The valve of claim 5 , wherein the pawl has an opening that mates with the first protrusion.

7. each of the pair of first portions of the cap has a recess recessed in the axial direction at an end portion that fits with the cylindrical portion; The valve according to claim 5 , wherein the fixed body has a pair of second protrusions that protrude in the axial direction from an end of the cylindrical portion and that fit into the recesses.

8. The pair of second projections have projection-facing surfaces that face each other, The valve according to claim 7 , wherein the projection-facing surface extends in the axial direction within the cylindrical portion and is located more inward than an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion when viewed in the axial direction.

9. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the claw is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion from resin.

10. a tank body defining an interior space for storing a liquid; a cylindrical connection portion provided on the tank body and having a connection port facing an external space; a valve provided at the connection portion, The valve is a movable body that is axially movable between a closed position in which the internal space and the external space are isolated from each other and an open position in which the internal space and the external space are in communication with each other; a fixed body having a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the movable body, and a contact surface on an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion that comes into contact with the movable body positioned at the closed position; a biasing member that biases the movable body toward the closed position; a cap that engages with the fixed body and receives the biasing member; The tank, wherein the fixed body has a claw extending from the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and engaging with the connecting portion.

11. The connection portion has a rib protruding radially inward at an end portion opposite the connection port, The tank according to claim 10 , wherein the cap is sandwiched between the rib and the fixed body.

12. A washing machine and a liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid to the washing tub, the liquid supply unit includes the tank according to claim 10 and a liquid discharge device connectable to the connection portion of the tank, the liquid agent ejection device has a protrusion, When the connection part and the liquid agent discharging device are connected, the movable body is pushed by the protrusion and positioned at the open position, and when the connection part and the liquid agent discharging device are separated, the movable body is positioned at the closed position.

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