Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine with a space saved in width direction, while suppressing overflow of water from one case toward another case.SOLUTION: A washing machine of the present disclosure includes a washing tank, a treatment agent supply case having a first case in which a liquid treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tank is accommodated and a second case lined up with the first case in the width direction, in which a powder treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tank is accommodated, a first water supply flow path through which water is supplied to the first case and the second case, a first supply flow path through which the first case and the washing tank are communicated, a second supply flow path through which the second case and the washing tank are communicated, and a communication hole disposed between a first wall part of the first case and a second wall part of the second case, communicating with the washing tank. The first wall part of the first case is lower than the second wall part of the second case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub and a treatment agent supply unit that supplies a treatment agent to the washing tub. The treatment agent supply unit has three cases that each contain a treatment agent.

[0003] In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, three cases are arranged side by side in the width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-156063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of saving space in the width direction.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to achieve space saving in the width direction while preventing water from overflowing from one case to the other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a treatment agent supply case having a washing tub, a first case containing liquid treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub, and a second case aligned widthwise with the first case and containing powder treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a first water supply flow path that supplies water to the first case and the second case, a first supply flow path that connects the first case to the washing tub, a second supply flow path that connects the second case to the washing tub, and a communication hole that is sandwiched between a first wall portion of the first case and a second wall portion of the second case and communicates with the washing tub, wherein the first wall portion of the first case is lower than the second wall portion of the second case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that achieves space saving in the width direction while preventing water from overflowing from one case to the other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Schematic cross-section of a washing machine [Figure 3] A perspective view of a treatment agent supply unit and a water supply device. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a treatment agent supply unit and a water supply device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the manual insertion case pulled out from the processing agent supply unit. [Figure 6] Perspective view of manual insertion case [Figure 7] Plan view of manual loading case [Figure 8] Perspective view of manual insertion case [Figure 9] Cross section of manual loading case [Figure 10] Cross section of manual loading case [Figure 11] Cross section of manual loading case [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the processing agent supply unit [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the processing agent supply unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, but is not limited to this. The washing machine 1 may also be a drum washing machine or a washer-dryer.

[0012] In the following drawings, the mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as the Z direction. The horizontal direction and the vertical direction are the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively, when the washing machine 1 is used in a freestanding state. The X direction may also be referred to as the width direction, and the Y direction may also be referred to as the front-rear direction.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3 (Figure 2), a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5 (Figure 2), a treatment agent supply unit 6, a water supply device 9 (Figure 2), a drain valve 11 (Figure 2), and a control unit 12 (Figure 2).

[0014] <Case> As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. The housing 2 is divided into an upper part 2A and a lower part 2B below the upper part 2A. An opening 20 and an openable / closable lid 21 that covers the opening 20 are provided on the top surface of the upper part 2A. The upper part 2A houses the treatment agent supply unit 6, the water supply device 9, and the control unit 12. The lower part 2B houses the outer tub 3, the washing tub 4, the drive unit 5, and the drain valve 11.

[0015] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member provided inside the lower portion 2B of 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 extends along the Z direction and passes through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3. The outer tub 3 has an opening 30 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2.

[0016] <Washing tub> The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatable about 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 facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 30 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, 30, and 41.

[0017] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that rotates the washing tub 4 around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

[0018] <Processing agent supply unit> The processing agent supply unit 6 has an automatic supply device 7 (FIG. 3) and a manual supply case 8 (FIG. 3).

[0019] Automatic supply device 7 is a device that automatically supplies a single dose of liquid agent from a tank that stores multiple doses of liquid agent to washing tub 4. The single dose of liquid agent is an appropriate amount and type of liquid agent determined by control unit 12 according to, for example, the contents of the operation course and the amount of laundry.

[0020] Manual dispensing case 8 is a container for storing a single dose of treatment agent manually dispensed by a user. The manually dispensed treatment agent is supplied to washing tub 4 in the dispensed amount during an operation course. The treatment agent dispensed into manual dispensing case 8 may be liquid, powder, or solid.

[0021] The treatment agent supply unit 6 is disposed on the rear side of the central axis V0 in the Y direction, and is disposed so as to overlap a part of the opening 41 of the washing tub 4.

[0022] <Water supply device> Water supply device 9 is connected to a water source such as a tap, and supplies water to washing tub 4. Specifically, water supply device 9 supplies water to washing tub 4 via treatment agent supply unit 6. In the first embodiment, water supply device 9 has a water supply valve.

[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 provided at the bottom of the lower part 2B.

[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 treatment agent supply unit 6 , the water supply device 9 , and the drain valve 11 .

[0026] 3 and 4 are perspective views of the treatment agent supply unit 6 and the water supply device 9. FIG.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the processing agent supply unit 6 has an automatic supply device 7 and a manual supply case 8.

[0028] The automatic supply device 7 has a unit case 61, a plurality of liquid agent tanks 62 (FIG. 3), a plurality of liquid agent pumps 63, and a mixing pipe 64 (FIG. 4).

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the unit case 61 is a member that houses a plurality of liquid agent tanks 62. Each of the plurality of liquid agent tanks 62 is a container that stores a plurality of doses of liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub 4 in an operation course. Each of the liquid agent tanks 62 may house different types of liquid agent or the same type of liquid agent.

[0030] 4, a plurality of liquid agent pumps 63 and a mixing pipe 64 are provided on the rear side (+Y side) of the unit case 61. The liquid agent pump 63 is a device that sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the liquid agent tank 62 and discharges it toward the mixing pipe 64 connected below. The mixing pipe 64 is a tubular member that connects the water supply device 9 and the unit case 61, and causes the water supplied from the water supply device 9 to merge with the discharged liquid agent and flow into the unit case 61.

[0031] The unit case 61 has a flow path at the bottom that guides the water and treatment agent that have flowed in to the washing tub 4.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 3, the unit case 61 also accommodates the manual insertion case 8.

[0033] 5 is a perspective view of the manual insertion case 8 pulled out from the processing agent supply unit 6. In FIG. 5, the lid 61A of the unit case 61 has been removed from the unit case 61.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the user can pull out the manual insertion case 8 in the Y direction relative to the unit case 61.

[0035] The manual input case 8 has a first case 81, a second case 82, and a third case 83. The first case 81, the second case 82, and the third case 83 each contain a single dose of the treatment agent that has been manually input. Before starting an operating course, the user pulls out the manual input case 8, inputs a single dose of the treatment agent into the first case 81, the second case 82, and the third case 83, and then stores the manual input case 8 in the unit case 61.

[0036] Liquid processing agent is placed in the first case 81 and the third case 83. Powder processing agent is placed in the second case 82. In the first embodiment, liquid detergent is placed in the first case 81, powder detergent in the second case 82, and liquid fabric softener in the third case 83.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the type of treatment agent dispensed into the first case 81 and the second case 82 is the same, so the user selects either liquid detergent or powder detergent and dispenses it into the corresponding first case 81 or second case 82. That is, before a predetermined operating course begins, detergent is dispensed into only one of the first case 81 or the second case 82. When detergent is dispensed into the first case 81, bleach may be dispensed into the second case 82, or the second case 82 may be empty. Conversely, when detergent is dispensed into the second case 82, bleach may be dispensed into the first case 81, or the first case 81 may be empty.

[0038] A user may choose liquid or powder detergent depending on the type of driving course, application, or preference.

[0039] The manual dispensing case 8 has a shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction (Y direction). The dimension D1 in the X direction of the manual dispensing case 8 is smaller than the dimension D2 in the Y direction. By reducing the dimension D1 in the X direction of the manual dispensing case 8, it becomes easier to ensure space in the processing agent supply unit 6 for arranging the liquid agent tanks 62 of the automatic supply devices 7 side by side in the X direction.

[0040] When the manual insertion case 8 is housed in the unit case 61, the flow path member 90 is located above the manual insertion case 8.

[0041] The flow path member 90 is a part of the unit case 61 and is a member that defines the water supply flow paths 91 and 92. The water supply flow paths 91 and 92 are flow paths for supplying water from the water supply device 9 toward the manual insertion case 8 from above.

[0042] The first water supply flow path 91 is connected to the first case 81 and the second case 82, and is a flow path for supplying water from the water supply device 9 to both the first case 81 and the second case 82. In the first embodiment, the first water supply flow path 91 supplies water to the first case 81 and the second case 82 simultaneously. That is, the water flowing through the first water supply flow path 91 flows into both the first case 81 and the second case 82 at the same time.

[0043] The second water supply passage 92 is connected to the third case 83 and is a passage for supplying water from the water supply device 9 to the third case 83. In an operating course, the supply of water to the second water supply passage 92 is performed at a different timing from the supply of water to the first water supply passage 91. That is, the supply of water to the third case 83 is performed at a different timing from the supply of water to the cases 81 and 82. For example, in an operating course performed to remove stains from laundry, the supply of water to the first water supply passage 91 is performed in the washing process, and the supply of water to the second water supply passage 92 is performed in the subsequent rinsing process.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the manual feeding case 8. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the manual feeding case 8. In Fig. 6, the tablet case 88 has been removed from the manual feeding case 8.

[0045] 6 and 7, the first case 81 extends in the front-to-rear direction (Y direction), the second case 82 is aligned with a front portion 85 of the first case 81 in the width direction (X direction), and the third case 83 is aligned with a rear portion 86 of the first case 81 in the width direction. The front portion 85 and the rear portion 86 are in communication with each other.

[0046] That is, on the +X side of the first case 81, the second case 82 and the third case 83 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction, and the second case 82 is located forward of the third case 83 (-Y side).

[0047] As shown in Fig. 6, cases 81 and 83 have recessed notches 53 and 54 on the rear (+Y) wall. Water supplied to cases 81 and 83 overflows from notches 53 and 54 to the rear. A flow path extending to the rear is connected to second case 82. The water flowing rearward from cases 81 to 83 falls downward and flows into unit case 61 (Fig. 5) located below manual loading case 8, and is guided to washing tub 4 by unit case 61.

[0048] 7, when viewed from above, first case 81 has a generally trapezoidal shape whose width (dimension in the X direction) decreases toward the front. Specifically, a width W12 of a rear portion 86 of first case 81 is generally constant, and a width W11 of a front portion 85 is smaller than width W12 and decreases toward the front.

[0049] On the other hand, when viewed from above, the second case 82 has a substantially rectangular shape. The width W2 of the second case 82 is substantially constant. Since the corners 87 have curvature, the width W2 of the second case 82 becomes smaller at the corners 87.

[0050] The width W2 of the second case 82 is larger than the width W11 of the front portion 85. In the first embodiment, the width W2 is larger than the width W12 of the rear portion 86 of the first case 81. Therefore, while the dimension of the second case 82 in the front-rear direction is reduced, the opening area of ​​the second case 82 is ensured, making it easier to pour in the powder processing agent.

[0051] Because the width W11 of the front portion 85 decreases while the width W2 is constant, a communication hole 84 is provided as a gap between the front portion 85 of the first case 81 and the second case 82. The communication hole 84 is provided between the wall portion 51 of the front portion 85 and the wall portion 52 of the second case 82.

[0052] Communication hole 84 is a through-hole that passes through manual throw-in case 8 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and communicates with unit case 61 located below manual throw-in case 8 (FIG. 10). Therefore, when an excessive amount of water is supplied to first case 81, the water passes over wall portion 51, falls into communication hole 84, and flows into unit case 61. The water that flows into unit case 61 from communication hole 84 is supplied to washing tub 4.

[0053] On the other hand, wall portion 52 is higher than wall portion 51, that is, the upper end of wall portion 52 is located at a higher position than the upper end of wall portion 51. Therefore, water that has flowed over the upper end of wall portion 51 can be prevented from flowing over the upper end of wall portion 52 and into second case 82.

[0054] Here, the significance of suppressing the inflow of water from the first case 81 to the second case 82 will be explained. When the powdered processing agent is poured into the second case 82, if water flows into the second case 82 from the first case 81 in addition to the water supplied from the first water supply passage 91, the flow rate and force of the water supplied to the second case 82 increases. As a result, the powdered processing agent is pushed out of the second case 82 before it can completely dissolve in the water. In other words, the powdered processing agent flows into the washing tub 4 in powder form, making it difficult to achieve a satisfactory cleaning effect. By making the wall 52 higher than the wall 51 and suppressing excessive water supply to the second case 82 due to overflow from the first case 81 flowing into the second case 82, the powdered processing agent can be prevented from flowing out of the second case 82 in powder form.

[0055] The width W4 of the communication hole 84 increases toward the front. Specifically, the wall 51 of the front portion 85 of the first case 81 is inclined with respect to the Y direction so as to move away from the opposing wall 52 toward the front. Therefore, the width W11 of the front portion 85 decreases and the width W4 increases.

[0056] The width W4 of the communication hole 84 becomes even larger at the front end. Because the corners 87 of the second case 82 have curvature, the front ends of the wall portions 52 of the second case 82 curve away from the opposing wall portions 51 of the first case 81. This increases the distance between the walls 51, 52, and increases the width W4.

[0057] In the second case 82, the curvature of the front corners 87 is greater than the curvature of the rear corners 87. That is, the front corners 87 are rounder than the rear corners 87.

[0058] The length L4 (dimension in the Y direction) of the communication hole 84 is greater than the width W11 of the front end of the first case 81. With this configuration, it is easier to ensure the length L4 of the communication hole 84 compared to when the communication hole 84 is provided between the first case 81 and the front surface 65 of the manual throwing case 8.

[0059] The front surface 65 of the manual insertion case 8 is the part that is exposed from the unit case 61 when the manual insertion case 8 is stored in the unit case 61, and is the part that the user pulls to withdraw the manual insertion case 8 from the unit case 61.

[0060] The front ends of the first case 81 and the second case 82 contact the front surface 65 of the manual insertion case 8. In other words, there is no gap between the front ends of the cases 81, 82 and the front surface 65. This configuration makes it easier to insert the processing agent into the cases 81, 82.

[0061] When viewed from above, the third case 83 has a substantially rectangular shape. The width W3 of the third case 83 in the X direction is substantially constant.

[0062] On the other hand, width W3 is smaller than width W2 of second case 82. This makes it easy to provide tablet case 88 between first case 81 and third case 83. Tablet case 88 is a container that contains tablets manually inserted by the user. The user inserts one tablet into tablet case 88 per operating cycle. Note that manual insertion case 8 does not necessarily have to have tablet case 88.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the depth of the third case 83 is greater than the depth of the second case 82. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the width W3 of the third case 83 while still ensuring a volume for storing the treatment agent and water.

[0064] The first case 81 and the third case 83 are provided with siphon structures 57 and 59, respectively. The siphon structures 57 and 59 are tubular structures that define a flow path therein, which extends upward from the bottom of the respective case 81 and 83, then turns around and extends downward again. The siphon structures 57 and 59 allow the liquid in the case 81 and 83 to be retained within the case 81 and 83 until the liquid level exceeds the turning point of the flow path.

[0065] Since second case 82 contains a powder processing agent rather than a liquid processing agent, second case 82 is not provided with a siphon structure.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the manual insertion case 8 as seen from the rear side.

[0067] 8, the wall 42 of the rear portion 86 of the first case 81 has a notch 53 recessed downward from the top in the portion facing the Y direction. The wall 43 of the third case 83 has a notch 54 recessed downward from the top in the portion facing the Y direction. In other words, the height of the walls 42, 43 at the notches 53, 54 is lower than the height of the surrounding walls 42, 43.

[0068] When the liquid level in the first case 81 and the third case 83 exceeds the height of the wall portions 42 and 43 at the notches 53 and 54, the water in the first case 81 and the third case 83 overflows from the notches 53 and 54.

[0069] A part of the water overflowing from the notches 53 and 54 flows into the receiving part 45 located below the notches 53 and 54. The receiving part 45 is a container having a plurality of openings at the bottom. The receiving part 45 receives the water overflowing from the notches 53 and 54 and drops it downward through the openings. The water dropping from the receiving part 45 flows into the unit case 61 and is guided to the washing tub 4 through a flow path defined at the bottom of the unit case 61 (FIG. 12). The remaining water overflowing from the notches 53 and 54 drops directly into the unit case 61.

[0070] The space behind the first case 81, including the notch 53 and the receiving portion 45, defines a supply flow path R1 that connects the first case 81 to the unit case 61. The space behind the first case 81, including the notch 54 and the receiving portion 45, defines a supply flow path R3 that connects the third case 83 to the unit case 61. The supply flow paths R1 and R3 are flow paths for supplying the treatment agent stored in the cases 81 and 83 and the supplied water to the unit case 61.

[0071] The height of the wall 42 at the notch 53 is approximately the same as the height of the wall 51 of the first case 81. Therefore, the water in the first case 81 overflows from the notch 53, climbs over the wall 51 and falls into the communication hole 84.

[0072] If first case 81 were provided with only wall 51 without notch 53, wall 51 would need to be lowered to ensure the overflow flow rate, reducing the volume of water that first case 81 could hold. By providing first case 81 with notch 53 along with wall 51, it is possible to ensure the holding volume of first case 81 while maintaining the same overflow flow rate.

[0073] The notches 53 and 54 and the wall portion 51 may be referred to as an overflow structure.

[0074] Next, the flow of water and processing agent in the manual dispensing case 8 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views of the manual dispensing case 8 showing different YZ cross sections in Figure 8.

[0075] In the following description, the second case 82 contains a powder processing agent, and the first case 81 and the third case 83 are empty. Note that the first case 81 may contain bleach.

[0076] 9, first case 81 has guide portion 55 for guiding the treatment agent being added and the water being supplied into first case 81. Guide portion 55 has opening 56 that opens in the X direction at the bottom. Water being supplied to first case 81 is guided to opening 56 by guide portion 55 and flows into first case 81 through opening 56 (arrow A).

[0077] When water is supplied to the first case 81, the liquid level inside the first case 81 rises. When the liquid level exceeds the height of the wall portion 42 at the notch 53, the water flows over the notch 53 and out of the first case 81 toward the bottom of the unit case 61 and the receiving portion 45 (arrow B). After flowing over the notch 53, the water also flows over the wall portion 51 of the front portion 85 and falls into the communication hole 84 (arrow C). Note that because the wall portion 52 of the second case 82 is higher than the wall portion 51, water is prevented from flowing into the second case 82.

[0078] At the same time that water is supplied to the first case 81, water is also supplied to the second case 82 (arrow D). As the water is supplied, the powdered processing agent contained in the second case 82 mixes with the water and dissolves in the water. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the supplied water is high, the powdered processing agent will flow out of the second case 82 before it is completely dissolved in the water. By restricting the inflow of water from the first case 81 to the second case 82, excessive water supply to the second case 82 is restricted, and the powdered processing agent becomes more easily soluble in water.

[0079] 10, the communication hole 84 communicates with a supply flow path R4 sandwiched between the wall portion 51 (FIG. 9) of the first case 81 and the wall portion 52 of the second case 82. The supply flow path R4 communicates with the unit case 61.

[0080] An inclined surface 58 is provided at the front portion of the supply flow path R4, extending between the wall 51 of the first case 81 and the wall 52 of the second case 82. The inclined surface 58 faces the communication hole 84 in the vertical direction and is inclined downward toward the rear. Therefore, the inclined surface 58 guides water that falls into the communication hole 84 to the rear, causing it to fall toward the unit case 61. By having the water that falls into the communication hole 84 hit the inclined surface 58, the force of the water can be weakened.

[0081] 11, an opening 89 is provided in the rear wall of second case 82. Opening 89 is connected to supply flow path R2, which extends rearward to receiving portion 45. Supply flow path R2 is a flow path for supplying the powdered processing agent contained in second case 82 and the supplied water to unit case 61. The powdered processing agent flowing out of second case 82 passes through the multiple openings in receiving portion 45, thereby preventing the powdered processing agent from flowing into unit case 61 as a clump.

[0082] The supply flow path R2 passes below the tablet case 88 between the rear part 86 of the first case 81 and the third case 83.

[0083] 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of a portion of the treatment agent supply unit 6. FIG.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, when the manual insertion case 8 is housed in the unit case 61, the supply flow path R0 at the bottom of the unit case 61 is located below the manual insertion case 8.

[0085] Supply flow path R0 is a flow path for guiding wash water (treatment agent and water) that has flowed into unit case 61 to washing tub 4. Wash water that has flowed out from cases 81 to 83 (FIG. 5) flows into supply flow path R0 via receiver 45 or directly downward. That is, supply flow paths R1, R2, and R3 (FIGS. 8 and 11) merge with supply flow path R0.

[0086] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the water that falls into the communication hole 84 and flows into the supply flow path R4 joins with the supply flow path R0 before the supply flow paths R1, R2, and R3.

[0087] Returning to Figure 12, the supply flow path R0 is provided with a group of multiple protrusions 67 that protrude upward from the inner bottom surface of the unit case 61. The multiple protrusions 67 are structures for foaming the wash water. When the wash water collides with the multiple protrusions 67, the wash water foams.

[0088] The supply flow path R0 is further provided with a plurality of walls 68 for guiding the foamed wash water. The wash water collides with the walls 68 and is deflected. The wash water deflected by the walls 68 falls into the washing tub 4 through an opening (not shown) provided in the bottom of the unit case 61.

[0089] If the treatment agent is a type that foams easily, if a large amount of treatment agent is used, or if the water pressure is strong, the wash water may foam excessively, and the foam may overflow the wall 68.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the bubbles that have climbed over the wall portion 68 reach the lower part of the communication hole 84. A nozzle 69 of the flow path member 90 is disposed above the communication hole 84. The nozzle 69 communicates with a first water supply flow path 91 and opens downward. When water is supplied from the water supply device 9 (Figure 5) to the first water supply flow path 91, the water is discharged downward from the nozzle 69 into the communication hole 84.

[0091] The water discharged from the nozzle 69 hits the inclined surface 58 opposite the nozzle 69 and then falls downward through the supply flow path R4. The falling water hits the wash water and breaks the foam. By hitting the inclined surface 58 and then the foam, the force of the water is weakened, and the defoaming effect of the water can be improved compared to when the water hits the foam directly.

[0092] [summary] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0093] In the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, in order to increase the number of liquid agent tanks 62 in the automatic supply device 7 while maintaining the overall dimensions of the treatment agent supply unit 6, it is necessary to reduce the space in the width direction of the manual dispensing case 8. In order to reduce the space in the width direction of the manual dispensing case 8 according to the first embodiment, of the three cases that are aligned in the width direction in the conventional structure, the second case 82 and the third case 83 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction.

[0094] On the other hand, compared to liquid processing agents, powder processing agents are more difficult to dispense into second case 82. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the width of second case 82 and to increase the opening area. In the first embodiment, width W2 of second case 82 is greater than width W11 of adjacent first case 81.

[0095] While the width W2 of the second case 82 is large and the width W11 of the first case 81 is small, a communication hole 84 is provided between the cases 81 and 82 to prevent water supplied to the first case 81 from overflowing into the second case 82. When the liquid level in the first case 81 rises, water falls downward from the communication hole 84 in addition to the rear notch 53. By falling from the communication hole 84, water in the first case 81 is prevented from flowing into the second case 82. This prevents excessive water supply to the second case 82. When the second case 82 contains a powdered processing agent, preventing excessive water supply prevents the powdered processing agent from not completely dissolving in water and flowing out of the second case 82 in powder form.

[0096] Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the first case 81 toward the second case 82, and to achieve space saving in the width direction of the manual throw-in case 8.

[0097] Furthermore, since the communication hole 84 communicates with the unit case 61, the communication hole 84 can be used as a flow path for discharging water to eliminate excess bubbles generated in the supply flow path R0 of the unit case 61.

[0098] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0099] Washing machine 1 of embodiment 1 includes washing tub 4, manual dispenser case 8 (treatment agent supply case), first water supply passage 91, supply passages R1 and R0 (first supply passage), supply passages R2 and R0 (second supply passage), and communication hole 84. Manual dispenser case 8 has first case 81 that contains liquid treatment agent to be supplied to washing tub 4, and second case 82 that is aligned widthwise with first case 81 and contains powder treatment agent to be supplied to washing tub 4. First water supply passage 91 supplies water to first case 81 and second case 82. Supply passages R1 and R0 connect first case 81 to washing tub 4. Supply passages R2 and R0 connect second case 82 to washing tub 4. Communication hole 84 is disposed between wall 51 (first wall) of first case 81 and wall 52 (second wall) of second case 82, and communicates with washing tub 4. Wall 51 of first case 81 is lower than wall 52 of second case 82.

[0100] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the first case 81 toward the second case 82, while also realizing space saving in the width direction of the manual throw-in case 8.

[0101] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, the direction intersecting the width direction is defined as the front-rear direction. First case 81 has front portion 85 (first portion) aligned with second case 82 in the width direction, and rear portion 86 (second portion) extending from front portion 85 in the front-rear direction and having a width greater than that of the front portion. Communication hole 84 is located between front portion 85 of first case 81 and second case 82.

[0102] With this configuration, the space in the front-to-rear direction is utilized to ensure the volume of the first case 81 in the wide area, and in the narrow area where water is likely to overflow, a communication hole 84 is provided to prevent water from flowing into the second case 82.

[0103] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, front portion 85 is disposed forward of rear portion 86. Wall 42 of rear portion 86 has notch 53 recessed downward from the top.

[0104] With this configuration, by providing notches 53 in the rear portion 86 as well as the communication holes 84, the flow rate of water flowing into the communication holes 84 can be reduced, and water can be prevented from reaching the wall portion 52.

[0105] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, wall portion 42 of rear portion 86 in notch 53 is lower than wall portion 52 of second case 82 .

[0106] This configuration can prevent water from climbing over the wall portion 52 before climbing over the notch 53.

[0107] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the width W2 of the second case 82 is larger than the width W11 of the front portion 85 of the first case 81.

[0108] This configuration makes it easy to pour the powder processing agent into the second case 82.

[0109] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the width W4 of the communication hole 84 increases toward the front side.

[0110] With this configuration, the width W11 of the front portion 85 of the first case 81 can be made small, and water can be further prevented from overflowing from the front portion 85 of the first case 81.

[0111] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, the front end of wall portion 52 has a shape that curves in a direction away from wall portion 51 when viewed from above.

[0112] This configuration further prevents water from overflowing from front portion 85 of first case 81. In addition, compared to when corners 87 do not have a curvature, accumulation or residue of the powder processing agent near wall 52 can be prevented.

[0113] In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the dimension D1 in the width direction of the manual throwing case 8 is smaller than the dimension D2 in the front-rear direction.

[0114] Such a configuration makes it easier to reduce the dimensions of the manual insertion case 8 and the processing agent supply unit 6 in the width direction.

[0115] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, manual throwing case 8 has third case 83 behind second case 82, and further includes second water supply passage 92 that supplies water to third case 83.

[0116] This configuration makes it possible to utilize the space behind second case 82. In addition, since water is supplied at a different timing from cases 81 and 82, treatment agent supplied to washing tub 4 in a different process from that in cases 81 and 82 can be poured into third case 83.

[0117] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, first water supply channel 91 is disposed above first case 81 and second case , and has nozzle 69 (opening). Nozzle 69 is located above communication hole .

[0118] With this configuration, water can be intentionally discharged into the communication hole 84 to eliminate foam that is generated below the communication hole 84. Therefore, the foam can be prevented from overflowing from the manual insertion case 8.

[0119] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, communication hole 84 communicates with supply flow path R4 (third supply flow path) sandwiched between wall portion 51 of first case 81 and wall portion 52 of second case 82. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, supply flow path R4 is provided with inclined surface 58 that overlaps with nozzle 69 and communication hole 84.

[0120] This configuration can reduce the force of the water flowing through the supply flow path R4.

[0121] In washing machine 1 of embodiment 1, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, length L4 (front-rear dimension) of communication hole 84 is greater than width W11 (width dimension) of first case 81.

[0122] With this configuration, the communication hole 84 can be made larger than when a communication hole is provided along the width direction on the front side of the first case 81.

[0123] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0124] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the height of wall portion 42 at notch 53 is approximately the same as that of wall portion 51, but this is not limiting. Wall portion 42 at notch 53 may be lower than wall portion 52. This configuration can prevent wash water in first case 81 from flowing into second case 82 before overflowing from notch 53.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the second case 82 is positioned in front of the third case 83, but the present invention is not limited to this. The third case 83 may be positioned in front of the second case 82.

[0126] The washing machine in a first aspect comprises a treatment agent supply case having a washing tub, a first case containing liquid treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub, and a second case aligned widthwise with the first case and containing powder treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a first water supply flow path that supplies water to the first case and the second case, a first supply flow path that connects the first case to the washing tub, a second supply flow path that connects the second case to the washing tub, and a communication hole that is sandwiched between a first wall portion of the first case and a second wall portion of the second case and communicates with the washing tub, and the first wall portion of the first case is lower than the second wall portion of the second case.

[0127] In the second aspect of the washing machine, in the washing machine of the first aspect, the direction intersecting the width direction is the front-to-rear direction, and the first case has a first part that is aligned with the second case in the width direction, and a second part that extends in the front-to-rear direction from the first part and has a width greater than that of the first part, and the communicating hole is located between the first part of the first case and the second case.

[0128] A third aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the second aspect, in which the first part is positioned forward of the second part, and the wall of the second part has a notch recessed downward from the top.

[0129] A fourth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the third aspect, wherein the wall of the second portion of the cutout is lower than the second wall of the second case.

[0130] A fifth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the width of the second case is greater than the width of the first portion of the first case.

[0131] A sixth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the width of the communication hole increases toward the front.

[0132] A seventh aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the sixth aspect, wherein when viewed from above, the front end of the second wall portion has a shape that curves in a direction away from the first wall portion.

[0133] In the washing machine of the eighth aspect, in the washing machine of any of the first to seventh aspects, the dimension of the treatment agent supply case in the width direction is smaller than the dimension in the front-to-rear direction, with the direction intersecting the width direction being the front-to-rear direction.

[0134] As a washing machine in a ninth aspect, in the washing machine in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the treatment agent supply case has a third case behind the second case, and further includes a second water supply flow path that supplies water to the third case.

[0135] As a washing machine in a tenth aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to ninth aspects, the first water supply flow path is arranged above the first case and the second case and has an opening, which is located above the communicating hole.

[0136] As a washing machine in an 11th aspect, in the washing machine in the 10th aspect, the communication hole communicates with a third supply flow path sandwiched between the first wall portion of the first case and the second wall portion of the second case, and when viewed from the top and bottom, the third supply flow path has an inclined surface that overlaps with the opening and the communication hole.

[0137] A washing machine according to a twelfth aspect is the washing machine according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the dimension of the communication hole in the front-rear direction is greater than the dimension of the first case in the width direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0138] 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]

[0139] When equipped with a treatment agent supply unit, the washing machine of the present disclosure can achieve space saving in the width direction of the treatment agent supply unit, and is therefore useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Washing machine 5 Drive unit 6. Processing agent supply unit 7 Automatic feeding device 8 Manual Input Case 9 Water supply device 51~52 Wall part 53~54 Notch 58 Slope 61 Unit Case 81~83 cases 84 Communication hole 85 Front part 86 Posterior part

Claims

1. A washing machine and a treatment agent supply case including a first case for accommodating a liquid treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub, and a second case arranged widthwise with the first case for accommodating a powder treatment agent to be supplied to the washing tub; a first water supply flow path that supplies water to the first case and the second case; a first supply flow path that connects the first case and the washing tub; a second supply flow path that connects the second case and the washing tub; a communication hole that is sandwiched between a first wall portion of the first case and a second wall portion of the second case and communicates with the washing tub, The first wall portion of the first case is lower than the second wall portion of the second case.

2. The direction intersecting the width direction is the front-rear direction, the first case has a first portion aligned with the second case in the width direction, and a second portion extending from the first portion in the front-rear direction and having a width greater than that of the first portion, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the communication hole is located between the first portion of the first case and the second case.

3. the first portion is disposed forward of the second portion, The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the wall of the second portion has a notch recessed downward from the top.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein a wall portion of the second portion in the notch is lower than the second wall portion of the second case.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein the width of the second case is greater than the width of the first portion of the first case.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the communication hole increases toward the front side.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, when viewed from above, a front end of the second wall portion has a shape that curves in a direction away from the first wall portion.

8. The direction intersecting the width direction is the front-rear direction, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the width dimension of the treatment agent supply case is smaller than the front-rear dimension of the treatment agent supply case.

9. the treatment agent supply case has a third case behind the second case, The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a second water supply passage for supplying water to the third case.

10. the first water supply passage is disposed above the first case and the second case and has an opening; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is located above the communication hole.

11. the communication hole communicates with a third supply flow path sandwiched between the first wall portion of the first case and the second wall portion of the second case, The washing machine according to claim 10 , wherein the third supply flow path is provided with an inclined surface that overlaps with the opening and the communication hole when viewed from above.

12. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a dimension of the communication hole in a front-rear direction is larger than a dimension of the first case in a width direction when viewed from above.

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