Treatment liquid input device

Abstract

To provide a treatment liquid input device which can generate a jet flow in a water supply pipe without providing another bypass pipeline.SOLUTION: A treatment liquid input device 10 includes: a main water supply pipe 11; at least one treatment liquid supply part (first treatment liquid supply part 20A and the like) connected to the main water supply pipe 11; and a jet flow generation part 30 provided in the main water supply pipe 11. The jet flow generation part 30 includes, for example, four first throttle flow passages 41 and two second throttle flow passages 42, and one flow rate decline suppression hole 43 which is positioned further on the lower side than these throttle flow passages, and whose cross section expands toward the downstream side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a treatment liquid supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mechanisms for generating microscopic bubbles in the water supply flow path of a washing machine or the like have been known. For example, in the device described in Patent Document 1, a water supply device applied to a washing machine or the like is provided with a protrusion in the straight section of the flow path, which locally reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path and generates microscopic bubbles in the liquid. In addition, a bypass path is provided in addition to the straight section. The reduced water supply volume due to the provision of a microscopic bubble generator configured to narrow the flow path is compensated for by water supplied via the bypass path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-25460 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional devices described above, a narrowed section is provided in the waterway, which can cause a decrease in flow rate or clogging at the narrowed section, so a bypass line consisting of a pipe separate from the straight section is required.

[0005] In order to generate a jet flow in the water supply pipe of a treatment solution dispenser for a washing machine, it is conceivable to provide a narrowed section, as in the above-mentioned device. In this case, providing a separate bypass pipe may lead to an increase in the size of the device and a more complicated configuration.

[0006] The present disclosure describes a treatment liquid dosing device that can generate a jet flow in a water supply pipe without providing a separate bypass pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A treatment liquid introduction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water supply pipe connected to a water supply source, at least one treatment liquid supply unit connected to the water supply pipe, and a jet jet generating unit provided within the water supply pipe that passes water in the water flow direction in the water supply pipe to generate a jet jet, wherein the jet jet generating unit has at least one throttle flow path that penetrates in the water flow direction and whose cross-section decreases toward the downstream side, and a flow rate reduction suppression hole that is located below the at least one throttle flow path, penetrates in the water flow direction, and whose cross-section increases toward the downstream side or whose cross-sectional area is approximately constant in the water flow direction.

[0008] According to the treatment liquid supply device of [1], when water passes through the jet flow generating unit, a portion of the water passes through at least one throttle flow path, generating a jet flow due to the effect of reducing the cross-sectional area (i.e., throttled flow path). A jet flow is a water flow state in which water foams and becomes cloudy due to an increase in water force. Meanwhile, a flow rate reduction suppression hole, which does not restrict the flow path, is located below the throttle flow path. The remaining portion of the water passes through the flow rate reduction suppression hole, allowing water (water containing treatment liquid) to be supplied at a predetermined flow rate without clogging. The jet flow generating unit is located within a single water supply pipe, eliminating the need for a separate bypass pipe. This allows for the generation of a jet flow and a sufficient water supply volume to be achieved in a space-saving and low-cost manner. Furthermore, after the water supply is stopped, the flow rate reduction suppression hole contributes to the discharge (drainage) of water remaining in the water supply pipe (especially near the bottom wall), making it easy to prevent water from accumulating in the water supply pipe. As a result, the water supply pipe remains clean even when the water supply is stopped.

[0009] [2] In the treatment liquid supply device of [1] above, the at least one throttle channel may have a plurality of throttle channels. With this configuration, the plurality of throttle channels can generate a jet flow more efficiently.

[0010] [3] In the treatment liquid introduction device of [1] or [2] above, the flow rate reduction suppression hole may be formed so as to open toward the underside of the jet flow generating unit, and a flow rate reduction suppression flow path may be formed by the flow rate reduction suppression hole and the bottom wall surface of the inner wall surface of the water supply pipe. With this configuration, the flow rate reduction suppression flow path is formed by the cooperation of the flow rate reduction suppression hole and the bottom wall surface of the water supply pipe. This simplifies the configuration of the jet flow generating unit (the portion of the flow rate reduction suppression hole). Furthermore, there is no step on the bottom wall surface at the position of the jet flow generating unit, so the above-mentioned drainage effect after the water supply is stopped can be reliably obtained.

[0011] [4] In the treatment liquid introduction device of any one of [1] to [3] above, the flow rate reduction suppression hole may be formed so that the upper end of the flow rate reduction suppression hole is located lower than the lower end of at least one throttle flow path. With this configuration, the areas (divisions in the height direction) of the two types of flow paths are clearly separated, allowing water to pass through the jet flow generating section as a whole more smoothly.

[0012] [5] In any one of the treatment liquid introduction devices [1] to [4] above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the flow rate reduction suppression hole may be half or less of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of at least one throttle channel. This configuration ensures the generation of a sufficient jet flow. If the flow rate reduction suppression hole is too large, a sufficient jet flow cannot be obtained. However, by limiting the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow rate reduction suppression hole to the above ratio, a sufficient jet flow can be obtained.

[0013] [6] In any one of the treatment liquid introducing devices [1] to [5] above, the water supply pipe may be provided with an outside air suction hole near the downstream side of the jet flow generating section. With this configuration, outside air is sucked in through the outside air suction hole and mixed with the jet flow, so that foaming (cloudiness) becomes more pronounced. Even if water flows back, leakage to the outside of the device is prevented.

[0014] [7] In any one of the treatment liquid supply devices [1] to [6] above, the jet flow generating unit may be configured by a single block-shaped member installed inside the water supply pipe. The jet flow generating unit can be constructed simply by installing the block-shaped member inside the water supply pipe (by fitting, bonding, welding, etc.), and the configuration is simple. A jet flow function can be added to the water supply pipe at low cost. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to generate a jet flow and ensure a sufficient amount of water supply in a space-saving manner and at low cost without providing a separate bypass pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a washing machine to which a treatment liquid supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a piping diagram of the processing liquid supply device in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of three treatment liquid supply units and a jet flow generating unit provided for a water supply pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a block-shaped member that constitutes the jet flow generating section, as viewed from the rear side (back side or outlet side). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the jet flow generating section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the jet flow generating section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the jet flow generating portion taken along a vertical plane passing through the throttle flow path and the flow rate reduction suppression hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. The dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description.

[0018] The basic configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment and a treatment liquid dispenser 10 applied to the washing machine will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 1 may be used to describe the washing machine 1. The X, Y, and Z directions correspond to the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and height directions (or the up-down or vertical direction) in the installation state of the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1. Terms indicating directions such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are terms based on the installation state of the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine. Washing machine 1 has a housing 2. Housing 2 forms the outer shell of washing machine 1. Housing 2 has a hollow body 2a with open top and bottom. An outer tub 5a and an inner tub (washing tub) 5b are arranged inside body 2a. The top surface of body 2a is covered with top panel 2b, and a base 2c is attached to the bottom surface of body 2a. When viewed from the Z direction, body 2a has a quadrangular (rectangular or square) shape.

[0020] A laundry loading port is formed in the top panel 2b. The loading port is located above the inner tub 5b housed in the housing 2 and is covered by the top lid 3. The top lid 3 is attached to the top panel 2b so that it can be opened and closed freely. An operation panel 4 is provided on the front of the top panel 2b. A plurality of buttons and the like for operating the washing machine 1 are arranged on the operation panel 4. A control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of each part of the washing machine 1 is installed at an appropriate location at the top of the housing 2. The operation panel 4 is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit controls the washing machine 1 in accordance with user instructions input through the operation panel 4.

[0021] The outer tub 5a has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The outer tub 5a is made of, for example, resin. The outer tub 5a is elastically suspended from the housing 2 by a plurality of (for example, four) suspension rods having vibration-isolating devices. The outer tub 5a is configured so that laundry treatment liquid is supplied to the outer tub 5a through a water supply channel provided in the housing 2, and the treatment liquid can be discharged from the outer tub 5a through a drain channel provided in the housing 2. In this specification, the term "treatment liquid" refers to a liquid appropriate for each process, such as the washing process and rinsing process, of the laundry. Therefore, in the washing process, the treatment liquid may be a liquid containing a liquid agent such as a detergent, and in the rinsing process, the treatment liquid may be water or a liquid containing a liquid agent such as a fabric softener.

[0022] The inner tub 5b has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The inner tub 5b is smaller than the outer tub 5a and is arranged inside the outer tub 5a coaxially with the outer tub 5a. The inner tub 5b can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. The inner tub 5b is made of, for example, metal. The inner tub 5b is a tub for washing or spin-drying laundry placed in the inner tub 5b. Multiple through holes are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tub 5b, allowing the washing liquid to move back and forth between the outer tub 5a and the inner tub 5b. A rotating blade 6, also known as a pulsator, is rotatably provided at the bottom of the inner tub 5b.

[0023] A drive unit 7 is also housed within the housing 2 to drive and rotate the inner tub 5b and the rotor 6. The drive unit 7 is located below the outer tub 5a. The drive unit 7 generates power (torque) to drive the inner tub 5b and the rotor 6. The drive unit 7 uses the power to rotate the inner tub 5b and the rotor 6. For example, in the washing and rinsing processes, the drive unit 7 transmits the power only to the rotor 6, causing only the rotor 6 to rotate, and in the spin-drying process, the drive unit 7 transmits the power only to the rotor 6 and the inner tub 5b, causing the rotor 6 and the inner tub 5b to rotate together.

[0024] The washing machine 1 is provided with a treatment liquid supply device 10 for supplying a treatment liquid to the inner tub 5b. FIG.

[0025] The treatment liquid supply device 10 is installed in the upper rear portion of the housing 2 so that the front portion of the treatment liquid supply device 10 is exposed when the top lid 3 is open. As shown in FIG. 2 , the treatment liquid supply device 10 includes, for example, three water supply pipes: a main water supply pipe 11, and auxiliary water supply pipes 12 and 13, which are connected to a water supply source 9 (such as a tap) outside the washing machine 1. These water supply pipes constitute the water supply path. The diameters (cross-sectional areas) of the pipes are set so that the water supply flow rate in the main water supply pipe 11 is greater than the water supply flow rates in the auxiliary water supply pipes 12 and 13. The main water supply pipe 11 is provided with, for example, a first automatic valve V1 and a check valve 14, and the auxiliary water supply pipes 12 and 13 are provided with, for example, a second automatic valve V2 and a third automatic valve V3, respectively. The opening and closing operations of the first automatic valve V1, the second automatic valve V2, and the third automatic valve V3 are controlled by the control unit. The processing liquid supply device 10 can also be called an automatic processing liquid supply device.

[0026] The treatment solution supply device 10 is equipped with a water inlet 25 for supplying the treatment solution toward the inner tank 5b. The water inlet 25 is disposed so as to be located above the inner tank 5b. Inside the water inlet 25, for example, a first treatment agent container 26 and a second treatment agent container 27 are provided, which are connected to the auxiliary water supply pipe 12 and the auxiliary water supply pipe 13, respectively.

[0027] The treatment liquid supply device 10 further includes, for example, three treatment liquid supply units, namely, a first treatment liquid supply unit 20A, a second treatment liquid supply unit 20B, and a third treatment liquid supply unit 20C, connected to the main water supply pipe 11. The first treatment liquid supply unit 20A, the second treatment liquid supply unit 20B, and the third treatment liquid supply unit 20C each include a first treatment liquid tank 21A, a second treatment liquid tank 21B, and a third treatment liquid tank 21C, which store various liquid agents, and a first pump unit 22A, a second pump unit 22B, and a third pump unit 22C, which inject the various liquid agents into the main water supply pipe 11 and mix them with water. Examples of liquid agents applied to these multiple treatment liquid supply units include, but are not limited to, liquid detergent, fabric softener, and other liquid agents.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the main water supply pipe 11 of the treatment liquid introduction device 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main water supply pipe 11 includes a horizontal extension portion 11a to which the first treatment liquid supply unit 20A, the second treatment liquid supply unit 20B, and the third treatment liquid supply unit 20C are respectively connected. The piping shape of the portion of the main water supply pipe 11 where the first automatic valve V1 and the like are provided is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a circular cross section. On the other hand, the piping shape of the horizontal extension portion 11a is, for example, a rectangular cross section. The cross section of the horizontal extension portion 11a perpendicular to the water flow direction D is, for example, a slightly horizontally elongated rectangle. The horizontal extension portion 11a extends, for example, horizontally and linearly. The horizontal extension portion 11a may be curved or bent along the way, or may be slightly inclined.

[0029] The treatment liquid introducing device 10 is provided in the horizontally extending portion 11a of the main water supply pipe 11 and includes a jet flow generating unit 30 that generates a jet flow by passing water through the horizontally extending portion 11a in a water flow direction D. The jet flow generating unit 30 is provided in the upstream portion of the horizontally extending portion 11a. More specifically, the jet flow generating unit 30 is provided upstream of a first connecting portion 24A, a second connecting portion 24B, and a third connecting portion 24C, which are connecting portions between the first treatment liquid supply portion 20A, the second treatment liquid supply portion 20B, and the third treatment liquid supply portion 20C, respectively, and the horizontally extending portion 11a. Of these three connecting portions, the first connecting portion 24A is located most upstream. The jet flow generating unit 30 is provided, for example, at a position slightly upstream of the first connecting portion 24A (see FIG. 3). The water supply flow rate in the main water supply pipe 11 is set in advance within a predetermined range of values ​​depending on the pipe diameter (cross-sectional area) and the opening of the first automatic valve V1, etc. A jet flow refers to a water flow state in which the water foams and becomes cloudy due to an increase in water pressure. In other words, the jet flow generating unit 30 sprays water with force and causes bubbles, thereby agitating the liquid agent and water. The treatment liquid containing the liquid agent is supplied in a cloudy state from the water inlet 25 into the inner tank 5b.

[0030] The jet flow generating unit 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the jet flow generating unit 30. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the jet flow generating unit 30 as viewed from the rear side (back side or outlet side). As shown in FIG. 5, the jet flow generating unit 30 is formed of a single block-shaped member. The jet flow generating unit 30 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The jet flow generating unit 30 includes a front surface 31 located on the upstream side in the water flow direction D, a rear surface 32 located on the downstream side, a top surface 33 and a bottom surface 35 connecting the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32, and a pair of side surfaces 34 connecting the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32. The front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 are, for example, parallel to each other. The top surface 33 and the bottom surface 35 are also parallel to each other, and the pair of side surfaces 34 are also parallel to each other. However, the outer shape of the jet flow generating unit 30 (block-shaped member) is not particularly limited.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the jet flow generating unit 30 is fitted inside the main water supply pipe 11. The jet flow generating unit 30 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the main water supply pipe 11 by, for example, heat welding. The flat bottom surface 35 forms a planar contact surface with the bottom wall surface 11e of the inner wall surface of the main water supply pipe 11 (excluding the area of ​​the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43). The flat top surface 33 forms a planar contact surface with the top wall surface 11d of the inner wall surface of the main water supply pipe 11. The top surface 33 is embedded (fitted) within the pipe wall of the top wall surface 11d. Although not shown, a pair of side surfaces 34 also form planar contact surfaces with the side wall surfaces of the inner wall surface of the main water supply pipe 11. All of these contact surfaces form the fixing parts of the jet flow generating unit 30 to the main water supply pipe 11.

[0032] 5 to 7, the jet flow generating unit 30 has a portion for generating a jet flow and a portion for maintaining a predetermined flow rate required for the main water supply pipe 11 (preventing clogging and a decrease in the water volume). The jet flow generating unit 30 has two different functional portions.

[0033] The jet flow generating section 30 has a total of six throttle channels as a section for generating a jet flow. The jet flow generating section 30 has a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) horizontally elongated first throttle channels 41 and a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) vertically elongated second throttle channels 42. The first throttle channels 41 and the second throttle channels 42 penetrate the jet flow generating section 30 in the water flow direction D from the front surface 31 to the rear surface 32. When viewed from the front side (the front surface 31 side shown in FIG. 6 ), the four first throttle channels 41 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and in two rows in the width direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the water flow direction D. The four first throttle channels 41 are arranged in the center in the width direction, and two second throttle channels 42 are arranged on both sides in the width direction. 6, the short sides of the first throttle flow passage 41 and the long sides of the second throttle flow passage 42 are adjacent and parallel to each other, but the length of the short sides of the two first throttle flow passages 41 is approximately equal to the length of the long side of one second throttle flow passage 42. The inlet lower end 41c of the inlet 41a of the first throttle flow passage 41 and the inlet lower end 42c of the inlet 42a of the second throttle flow passage 42 are located at approximately the same position (height) in the up-down direction.

[0034] 6 and 7 show the chamfered portions (portions machined into a rounded curved surface) on the inlet side of the first throttle channel 41 and the second throttle channel 42. The inlets 41a, 42a are defined as being located at the end of the chamfered portion on the inner side of the hole, i.e., the starting point of the straight portion in the cross section shown in FIG. 7. The inlet lower ends 41c, 42c are defined as being located at the intersection line between the chamfered portion and the front surface 31. If the chamfered portion is omitted, the inlets 41a, 42a will also be located on the front surface 31.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, since the upper surface 33 is embedded in the pipe wall of the upper wall surface 11d, the inlets 41a of the two first throttle flow paths 41 arranged above are smoothly connected to the upper wall surface 11d without any steps.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, each first throttle channel 41 is formed so that its cross section perpendicular to the water flow direction D decreases toward the downstream side. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​each first throttle channel 41 decreases toward the downstream side. Each second throttle channel 42 is formed so that its cross section perpendicular to the water flow direction D decreases toward the downstream side. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​each second throttle channel 42 decreases toward the downstream side. As shown in Figure 7, on the back surface 32 side (outlet side), the arrangement of the first throttle channel 41 and the second throttle channel 42 is the same as on the front surface 31, but the size of the outlet 41b of the first throttle channel 41 and the size of the outlet 42b of the second throttle channel 42 are smaller than the sizes of the inlets 41a, 42a.

[0037] In each first throttle flow path 41, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 41b (cross-sectional area S1b shown in FIG. 8) is, for example, less than half and more than one-fourth of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 41a (cross-sectional area S1a shown in FIG. 8). Similarly, in each second throttle flow path 42, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 42b is, for example, less than half and more than one-fourth of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 42a. Since the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42 are narrowed toward the downstream side, as shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the front face 31 side (inlet side), the outlet 41b (the reference numeral for the outlet is omitted in FIG. 6) can be seen within the inlet 41a.

[0038] The jet flow generating section 30 has one flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 as a portion for maintaining a predetermined flow rate. The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 penetrates the jet flow generating section 30 in the water flow direction D from the front surface 31 to the back surface 32. The cross section of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 perpendicular to the water flow direction D is, for example, a wide tunnel shape. The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is disposed in the center in the width direction. The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is disposed, for example, directly below the centers of the first throttle flow paths 41 arranged in two rows in the width direction. The area in which the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is formed is narrower in the width direction than the areas in which the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42 are formed.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is located below the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42. In this embodiment, the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is particularly formed to open toward the bottom surface 35 (lower surface) of the jet flow generating section 30. The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 and the bottom wall surface 11e of the main water supply pipe 11 form a flow rate reduction suppression flow path 45 with a closed cross section. The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is formed so that its cross section perpendicular to the water flow direction D expands toward the downstream side. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 increases toward the downstream side. Here, with regard to the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43, the "cross section" or "cross-sectional area" is defined by the circumferential surface of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 and the bottom wall surface 11e.

[0040] The upper end of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is located below the lower end of the first throttle passage 41 and below the lower end of the second throttle passage 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , at the inlet 43a of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43, the inlet upper end 43c is located below the inlet lower end 41c of the first throttle passage 41 and below the inlet lower end 42c of the second throttle passage 42. As shown in FIG. 7 , the outlet upper end 43d is also located below the outlet lower end of the first throttle passage 41 and below the outlet lower end of the second throttle passage 42. As shown in FIG. 8 , the entire flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is located below the first throttle passage 41. Although a cross section of the second throttle passage 42 is not shown in FIG. 8 , the entire flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is located below the second throttle passage 42.

[0041] Since the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 expands toward the downstream side, as shown in FIG. 7, when viewed from the rear surface 32 side (the outlet side), the inlet 43a can be seen inside the outlet 43b.

[0042] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 43a of one flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 (cross-sectional area S3a shown in FIG. 8) is less than half of the total cross-sectional area obtained by adding together the cross-sectional areas of the inlets 41a of the four first throttle passages 41 (cross-sectional area S1a shown in FIG. 8) and the cross-sectional areas of the inlets 42a of the two second throttle passages 42. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 43a of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 may be approximately one-third of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlets 41a, 42a of the first throttle passage 41 and the second throttle passage 42. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 43a of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 may be more than one-quarter of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlets 41a, 42a of the first throttle passage 41 and the second throttle passage 42. If the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is too small, the overall flow rate (amount of water supplied) will decrease, but by maintaining the above ratio, the amount of water supplied can be ensured.

[0043] On the other hand, the ratio on the outlet side is larger than that on the inlet side. As shown in Fig. 7, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 43b of one flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 (cross-sectional area S3b shown in Fig. 8) is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the total cross-sectional area obtained by adding together the cross-sectional areas of the outlets 41b of the four first throttle passages 41 (cross-sectional area S1b shown in Fig. 8) and the cross-sectional areas of the outlets 42b of the two second throttle passages 42.

[0044] 3 and 4, an outside air suction hole 11f is provided in the horizontal extending portion 11a of the main water supply pipe 11 near the downstream side of the jet jet generating unit 30. The outside air suction hole 11f is formed, for example, as a through-hole penetrating the pipe wall of the upper wall surface 11d between the back surface 32 of the jet jet generating unit 30 and the first connection portion 24A of the first treatment liquid supply unit 20A. The shape of the outside air suction hole 11f is not particularly limited. The outside air suction hole 11f may be a square hole or a round hole. The center line or wall surface of the outside air suction hole 11f may be inclined so as to form an angle with respect to the water flow direction D (for example, an acute angle facing upstream in the water flow direction D). Only one outside air suction hole 11f may be provided for the jet jet generating unit 30, or multiple outside air suction holes 11f may be provided so as to be aligned in the width direction of the jet jet generating unit 30. "Near the downstream side" means that the entire outside air suction hole 11f is close enough in the water flow direction D to fit within the size of the jet jet generating section 30 (the distance between the front surface 31 and the back surface 32) from the back surface 32 of the jet jet generating section 30.

[0045] According to the treatment liquid supply device 10 of this embodiment, when water from the water supply source 9 passes through the jet flow generating unit 30, a portion of the water passes through the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42, generating a jet flow within the horizontally extending portion 11a due to the effect of reducing the cross-sectional area (i.e., narrowing the flow path). The treatment liquid supplied into the inner tank 5b through the water inlet 25 becomes cloudy, creating a visually appealing effect. Meanwhile, below the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42, there are flow rate reduction suppression holes 43, which do not have a narrowed flow path. The remaining portion of the water passes through the flow rate reduction suppression holes 43, allowing water (water containing treatment liquid) to be supplied at a predetermined flow rate without clogging. In other words, the flow rate reduction suppression holes 43 can also be considered relief holes. The jet flow generating unit 30 is provided within the main water supply pipe 11, which is a single pipe, eliminating the need for a separate bypass pipe or the like. This allows for the generation of a jet flow and a sufficient water supply volume to be achieved in a space-saving and low-cost manner. Furthermore, after the water supply is stopped, the flow rate reduction suppression holes 43 contribute to the discharge (drainage) of water remaining in the main water supply pipe 11 (particularly near the bottom wall surface 11e), making it easier to prevent water from accumulating in the main water supply pipe 11. Water accumulating in the main water supply pipe 11 can cause mold to grow and freezing (in winter). By preventing water from accumulating in the main water supply pipe 11, the inside of the water supply pipe is kept clean even when the water supply is stopped.

[0046] The jet flow generating unit 30 is provided upstream of the first treatment liquid supply unit 20A, the second treatment liquid supply unit 20B, and the third treatment liquid supply unit 20C (at least one treatment liquid supply unit). In other words, the first treatment liquid supply unit 20A, the second treatment liquid supply unit 20B, and the third treatment liquid supply unit 20C are provided downstream of the jet flow generating unit 30 in the water flow direction D. This configuration enables good foaming to be achieved.

[0047] Furthermore, since the jet jet generating section 30, the first processing liquid supply section 20A, the second processing liquid supply section 20B, and the third processing liquid supply section 20C are provided on a single horizontally extending section 11a, sufficient foaming can be achieved while maintaining water force.

[0048] A configuration including a plurality of throttle channels (a plurality of first throttle channels 41 and a plurality of second throttle channels 42) makes it possible to generate a jet flow more efficiently.

[0049] A flow rate reduction suppression flow path 45 is formed by the cooperation of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43, which is open to the bottom surface 35 side, and the bottom wall surface 11e of the main water supply pipe 11. The configuration of the jet flow generating section 30 (specifically, the portion of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43) can be simplified. Furthermore, there is no step on the bottom wall surface 11e at the position of the jet flow generating section 30, so the drainage effect after the water supply is stopped can be reliably obtained.

[0050] The flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is formed completely below the first throttle flow path 41 and the second throttle flow path 42. The areas (partitions in the height direction) of the two types of flow paths that constitute the two functional parts are clearly separated. This allows water to pass through the jet flow generating section 30 as a whole more smoothly. Furthermore, if the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43, which is a hole larger than each of the first throttle flow path 41 and each of the second throttle flow path 42, is provided below, drainage performance will be even better.

[0051] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 43a of the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is equal to or less than half the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlets 41a, 42a of the first throttle passage 41 and the second throttle passage 42. This ensures the generation of a sufficient jet flow. If the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 is too large, a sufficient jet flow cannot be obtained, but by keeping the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 within the above ratio, a sufficient jet flow can be obtained.

[0052] With the configuration provided with the outside air suction hole 11f, outside air is sucked in through the outside air suction hole 11f and mixed into the jet stream, resulting in more pronounced foaming (cloudiness). Because the outside air suction hole 11f is connected to a hole located within the inner diameter of the inner tub 5b (specifically, at the top of the inner diameter), even if water flows back, the water will be drained into the inner tub 5b through the hole. Therefore, even if water flows back, leakage to the outside of the device is prevented.

[0053] The jet flow generating unit 30 can be constructed simply by installing (by fitting, gluing, welding, etc.) a single block-shaped member inside the main water supply pipe 11. With a simple configuration and a small number of parts, jet flow functionality can be added to the main water supply pipe 11.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the water supply pipe may be provided with only one or two treatment liquid supply units.

[0055] For example, the jet flow generating section 30 may have only one (single) throttle flow path. The flow rate reduction suppression hole may not be open toward the bottom surface, but may be formed as a through-hole with a surrounding wall surface. In this case, a thin wall portion exists between the flow rate reduction suppression hole and the bottom surface 35. In this case, the bottom surface 35 of the block-shaped member may be somewhat embedded in the pipe wall (thickness) of the main water supply pipe 11, similar to the upper surface 33 in the above embodiment. By matching the embedded depth with the thickness of the thin wall portion, it is possible to eliminate the step with the bottom wall surface 11e.

[0056] The flow rate reduction suppression holes may be formed so that their upper ends are located at the same height as or above the lower end of at least one throttle channel. That is, the lower part of at least one throttle channel may overlap the upper part of the flow rate reduction suppression holes in the height direction (vertical direction). Even in this case, the lower end of the flow rate reduction suppression holes is located below the lower end of the throttle channel, and the flow rate reduction suppression holes as a whole are located below the throttle channel.

[0057] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the flow rate reduction suppression hole may be larger than half the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of one or more throttle channels, provided that the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the flow rate reduction suppression hole does not exceed the total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the throttle channel.

[0058] The outside air suction hole 11f may be formed so as to penetrate the pipe wall of the side wall surface of the laterally extending portion 11a, instead of the pipe wall of the upper wall surface 11d. The outside air suction hole 11f may be omitted on the downstream side of the jet flow generating portion 30.

[0059] The jet flow generating section 30 may be configured with a plurality of members instead of a single block-shaped member. Alternatively, the jet flow generating section 30 may be integrally formed with the main water supply pipe 11 (or a part of the main water supply pipe 11) when the main water supply pipe 11 is manufactured.

[0060] The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow rate reduction suppression hole may be approximately constant in the water flow direction D. A flow rate reduction suppression hole that is straight rather than tapered can also achieve the same effects as the flow rate reduction suppression hole 43 (flow rate reduction suppression flow path 45) in the above embodiment.

[0061] In addition to the throttle flow path, one or more other flow paths having a substantially constant cross-sectional area (or widening toward the downstream side) may be formed at the same position as the throttle flow path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1...washing machine, 10...treatment liquid feeding device, 11...main water supply pipe (water supply pipe), 11d...upper wall surface, 11e...bottom wall surface, 11f...outside air suction hole, 20A...first treatment liquid supply section, 20B...second treatment liquid supply section, 20C...third treatment liquid supply section, 30...jet flow generating section, 41...first throttle flow path, 41a...inlet, 41b...outlet, 41c...lower end of inlet, 42...second throttle flow path, 42a...inlet, 42b...outlet, 42c...lower end of inlet, 43...flow rate reduction suppression hole, 43a...inlet, 43b...outlet, 43c...upper end of inlet, 43d...upper end of outlet, 45...flow rate reduction suppression flow path, D...water flow direction.

Claims

1. a water supply pipe connected to a water supply source; at least one treatment liquid supply unit connected to the water supply pipe; a jet flow generating unit provided in the water supply pipe for passing water in a water flow direction of the water supply pipe to generate a jet flow, The jet flow generating unit is At least one throttle flow path that penetrates in the water flow direction and whose cross section decreases toward the downstream side; a flow rate reduction suppression hole that is located below the at least one throttle flow path, penetrates the water flow direction, and has a cross-sectional area that expands toward the downstream side or has a cross-sectional area that is approximately constant in the water flow direction.

2. The treatment liquid supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one throttle channel has a plurality of throttle channels.

3. The treatment liquid supply device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow rate reduction suppression hole is formed so as to open toward the underside of the jet flow generating section, and a flow rate reduction suppression flow path is formed by the flow rate reduction suppression hole and the bottom wall surface of the inner wall surface of the water supply pipe.

4. 3. The treatment liquid input device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate reduction suppression hole is formed so that an upper end of the flow rate reduction suppression hole is positioned lower than a lower end of the at least one throttle flow path.

5. 3. The treatment liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the flow rate reduction suppression hole is equal to or less than half of a total cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the at least one throttle flow path.

6. 3. The treatment liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water supply pipe is provided with an outside air suction hole in the vicinity of the downstream side of the jet flow generating section.

7. 3. The treatment liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the jet flow generating section is configured by a single block-shaped member installed inside the water supply pipe.

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