Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine for washing off a liquid agent stuck to the inner bottom surface of a housing case.SOLUTION: A washing machine according to the present disclosure includes an outer tub elastically supported in a housing, a tank configured to store a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub, a storage case configured to store the tank, a liquid agent dosing device configured to suck the liquid agent from the tank via a connection portion and supply the liquid agent to the outer tub, and a discharge path configured to guide a liquid discharged from the storage case to the outer tub. The tank includes a first tank. An inner bottom surface of the housing case is provided with a first inner bottom surface that forms a region for housing the first tank, and a collection path that guides water flowing into the housing case to the discharge path at the rear of the first inner bottom surface. The collection path passes below the connection portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an automatic liquid agent dispenser including a housing case in which two tanks, namely a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank, are mounted. A backflow prevention device is also provided between the automatic liquid agent dispenser and a water supply valve connected to a water faucet. This prevents water flowing through the automatic liquid agent dispenser from flowing back into the water supply valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 044305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can wash off liquid agents adhering to the inner bottom surface of a storage case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a tank containing a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub, a storage case containing the tank, a liquid agent supplying device that draws the liquid agent from the tank via a connection and supplies it to the outer tub, and a discharge path that guides liquid discharged from the storage case to the outer tub. The tank includes a first tank. The inner bottom surface of the storage case is formed with a first inner bottom surface that forms an area for accommodating the first tank, and a recovery path behind the first inner bottom surface that guides water that has flowed into the storage case to the discharge path. The recovery path passes below the connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that washes off liquid agents adhering to the inner bottom surface of a storage case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic front view of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 4] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 5] Top view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 6] A perspective view of a part of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 7] Perspective view of the case [Figure 8A] Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 8B] Cross section of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 8C] Partially exploded view of the tank, liquid supply device, and liquid discharge flow path [Figure 9] Rear view of the tank, liquid supply device, and liquid discharge flow path [Figure 10] Top view of the case showing the water flow [Figure 11] Top view of the case showing the water flow [Figure 12] A perspective view of the case showing the flow of water and liquid [Figure 13] XIII-XIII cross-sectional view of Figure 10 [Figure 14A] Cross-sectional view of arrow AA in Figure 13 [Figure 14B] Projection of cross section BB in Figure 13 from arrow C [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the storage case seen from diagonally above DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is a washer / dryer having an automatic liquid agent dispensing function. In this specification, the liquid agent refers to a liquid agent used to wash laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergent, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connecting flow path 8, a water supply port 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12.

[0013] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0014] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member disposed inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a cylindrical portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined relative to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported by a damper 30 and a coil spring (not shown), which absorb vibrations during washing and spin-drying. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for water passage. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connecting flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining water from the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0015] In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is referred to as the front-rear direction M (FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is referred to as the width direction K (FIG. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 ​​toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a center side K2 toward the central axis V0.

[0016] <Inner tank> The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that accommodates laundry 15, such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 4 has a number of through-holes 40 formed therein. The through-holes 40 connect the inner tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing wash water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has openings 41 at positions that face the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

[0017] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the rotation of the inner tub 4. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a power unit that rotates the inner tub 4.

[0018] <Automatic feeding unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit for automatically dosing a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank that stores the liquid agent into the outer tub 3. When the liquid agent is not manually dosed, the automatic dosing unit 6 dosing an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent into the outer tub 3, for example, during a washing process, a rinsing process, or the like, depending on the amount and type of laundry 15. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3.

[0019] The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C (tanks 62B and 62C not shown), liquid agent dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (liquid agent dispensing devices 63B and 63C not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a manual dispensing section 65, and a water supply valve 66.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic dosing unit 6 is provided inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tub 3. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the tubular portion 34 of the outer tub 3. The bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the outer side K1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. The upper part of the automatic dosing unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the top surface of the housing 2.

[0021] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for flowing the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer tank 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the liquid agent outlet 81 of the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer tank 3.

[0022] <Water inlet> The water supply port 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply port 10 is provided on the top of the housing 2.

[0023] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains the water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided at the bottom of the housing 2.

[0024] <Control unit> Control unit 12 is a component that controls the operation of washing machine 1. Control unit 12 controls components of washing machine 1 such as drive unit 5, liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C of automatic dispenser unit 6, water inlet 10, and drain valve 11. Control unit 12 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

[0025] Next, components of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are perspective views of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 5 is a top view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0026] <Case> As shown in Fig. 3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that make up the automatic dosing unit 6, and the manual dosing unit 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 is inclined outward K1 along the contour of the outer tub 3, which is schematically shown by a dotted line. The case 61 has a housing case 61b that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and the manual dosing unit 65, and an upper case 61c. The upper case 61c is attached to the housing case 61b.

[0027] Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the storage case 61b is referred to as the front surface 56, and the surface of the rear side M2 ​​of the storage case 61b is referred to as the back surface 57. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Figure 6), liquid agent discharge flow path 64, water supply valve 66 (Figure 4), and connection flow path 8 (Figure 4) are connected to back surface 57 of the storage case 61b.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 , a supply channel 67 for supplying water is formed in the upper case 61c. The supply channel 67 forms multiple paths. The supply channel 67 includes a water supply channel 67a, a wash water supply channel 67b, and a manual-input water supply channel 67c. The water supply channel 67a extends along the back surface 57 of the housing case 61b. The wash water supply channel 67b extends along the water supply channel 67a toward the back surface 57 of the housing case 61b, and further extends toward the front surface 56 along the longitudinal direction of one side surface 58 of the housing case 61b. The manual-input water supply channel 67c extends toward the front surface 56 along the longitudinal direction of the other side surface 58 of the housing case 61b. The water supply channel 67a and the manual-input water supply channel 67c are each supplied with water from the same water supply valve 66, and water is supplied at the same time. The branching point between water supply channel 67a and manual-start water supply channel 67c is designed so that water is divided at a predetermined ratio. Because water is supplied to wash water supply channel 67b from a different water supply valve 66 than water supply channel 67a and manual-start water supply channel 67c, water is supplied at a different timing. Control unit 12 controls the operation of water supply valve 66 according to the selected operation mode, thereby controlling which of water supply channel 67a, wash water supply channel 67b, and manual-start water supply channel 67c to supply water to.

[0029] <Tank> The storage case 61b accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged side by side in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing the liquid agents used in the washing and rinsing processes. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are each shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped, with the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped parallel to the front-rear direction M.

[0030] Tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are removable from storage case 61b. When manual dispensing unit 65 is removed from storage case 61b, an empty space is formed on front side M1 of case 61. Therefore, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be pulled toward front side M1, removed from solution dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (FIG. 6), and then removed upward.

[0031] <Liquid drug supply device> As shown in Fig. 6, liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and discharge the liquid agent into liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, via rear surface 57 of storage case 61b. Liquid agent supplying device 63A is connected to tank 62A, liquid agent supplying device 63B is connected to tank 62B, and liquid agent supplying device 63C is connected to tank 62C. Liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged side by side in width direction K.

[0032] The detailed structures of the case 61, the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, and the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C will be described later.

[0033] <Liquid discharge flow path> As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 via the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to three liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends at an incline downward toward the outside K1. The fluid flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0034] <Manual input section> As shown in Fig. 5, manual dispenser 65 is a mechanism that allows the user to manually dispense a single dose of laundry treatment liquid each time a washing operation is performed. The dispensed amount of liquid flows from case 61 through connecting flow path 8 (Fig. 1) into outer tub 3 (Fig. 1). The liquid dispensed into manual dispenser 65 may be in liquid or powder form. Manual dispenser 65 is removably housed in case 61 on front side M1 of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

[0035] <Water supply valve> 4 and 5, the water supply valve 66 is composed of three solenoid valves, and the opening and closing of each valve changes the route of the supply flow path 67 (FIG. 5) to which water is supplied. Water flows into the outer tub 3 through the case 61.

[0036] The upper case 61c extends along the rear surface 57 and the upper edges of the two side surfaces 58 of the storage case 61b. The center of the upper case 61c is open, allowing direct access to the inside of the storage case 61b. Therefore, there is no need to remove the upper case 61c from the storage case 61b when removing the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

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

[0038] The storage case 61b has a box shape with a partial opening at the top and has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outer side K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is a surface located directly below the tank 62A (FIG. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is a surface located directly below the tank 62B (FIG. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is a surface located directly below the tank 62C (FIG. 6). In other words, the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 form areas P1, P2, and P3 that store the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively.

[0039] Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid agent outlet 81 are formed on the rear surface 57 of the storage case 61b.

[0040] Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C are openings provided for connecting tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C contained in storage case 61b to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C arranged outside storage case 61b.

[0041] Furthermore, first case connection port 78 is an opening that allows water flowing from water supply flow path 67a to flow into liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Second case connection port 79 is an opening that allows water from liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and the automatically dispensed liquid agent to flow into storage case 61b. Liquid agent outlet 81 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed into storage case 61b from second case connection port 79 and the fluid from manual dispenser 65 toward outer tank 3 through connection flow path 8. First case connection port 78 is provided at a higher position than second case connection port 79.

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

[0043] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, depths L1, L2, and L3 are the distances from the top surface to the deepest part of each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. The depths L1, L2, and L3 of the three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase toward the outside K1. The depth L2 of the tank 62B is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, and the depth L3 of the tank 62C is greater than the depth L2 of the tank 62B.

[0044] Here, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described. Returning to Figure 5, the top surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape. The dimensions of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the width direction K and the front-rear direction M may be the same. Because the top surfaces have a common shape, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase along the outer side K1 according to the depths L1, L2, and L3.

[0045] The three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may contain different or the same liquid agents. Taking into consideration the type of liquid agent and the capacity of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agents may be stored in the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order of least frequently used liquid agent. For example, a neutral detergent may be stored in the tank 62A, a fabric softener may be stored in the tank 62B, and a detergent may be stored in the tank 62C.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, including their deepest portions, are aligned along the width direction K and become lower toward the outer side K1 of each tank. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are arranged in a stepped manner. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 of the storage case 61b are located directly below the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are also formed in a stepped manner, lowering in order toward the outer side K1. Therefore, the depths of the regions P1, P2, and P3 increase in order toward the outer side K1.

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

[0048] Tank 62A is disposed closer to the approximate center of outer tank 3 than tank 62C. The area directly below tank 62C is closer to the outside of housing 2, and it is easier to secure vertical space compared to tanks 62A and 62B, allowing a large gap H3 to be formed. This makes it easy to form input flow path 82 along inner bottom surface B3, which allows the liquid agent and water to flow into outer tank 3. This configuration maximizes the volume of tanks 62A and 62B while also ensuring space for input flow path 82. The lower end of input flow path 82 forms liquid agent outlet 81 (FIG. 7), which communicates with outer tank 3 via liquid agent outlet 81.

[0049] The rear side M2 ​​surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, i.e., the surfaces including the short side direction, form connecting portions 76A, 76B, and 76C. The connecting portions 76A, 76B, and 76C are structured to be connected to the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The connecting portions 76A, 76B, and 76C each include a check valve (not shown) and a connecting port. The check valve opens when the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are attached, thereby connecting the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C to the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The connecting port is an opening through which the liquid agent is sucked out, and faces the tank connecting ports 77A, 77B, and 77C shown in FIG. 7. The connecting portions 76A, 76B, and 76C may further include other structures. The connecting portions 76A, 76B, 76C are formed at the deepest parts of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C. Thus, the depths L1, L2, L3 of the connecting portions 76A, 76B, 76C increase toward the outside K1.

[0050] Next, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 8C and 9. Figure 8C is a partially exploded view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Figure 9 is a rear view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Here, the tank 62, the liquid agent supply device 63, and the connection part 76 will collectively refer to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C, respectively.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 8C and 9 , the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are positioned toward the outer side K1 in accordance with the change in the depth of the connection portion 76 of the tank 62. The liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged so that the liquid agent inlet 91 of the liquid agent supply device 63 faces the connection portion 76 formed on the surface including the short side of the tank 62. In this embodiment, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a stepped manner, and the liquid agent supply devices 63, the tank 62, and the connection portion 76 in the stepped manner have equal pitches in the depth direction. This structure allows the liquid agent to flow the same distance from the connection portion 76 to the liquid agent supply device 63 for the three tanks 62. This reduces the variation in pressure loss that occurs in the path between the connection portion 76 and the liquid agent supply device 63 when the pump mechanism 73 (described later) is driven. This reduces the variation in the amount of liquid agent supplied by the liquid agent supply device 63.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8C , the tank 62 includes a main body 87 and a lid 88. The top of the main body 87 is open and covered with the lid 88. The lid 88 is removably held by the main body 87. As described above, the top surfaces of the tanks 62 have a common shape, and therefore the top surfaces of the main bodies 87 also have a common shape. Furthermore, the structure for holding the lid 88 is also common. Therefore, the lids 88 of the tanks 62 can be formed in common, and the lids 88 are interchangeable. More specifically, the lid 88 of any one of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can also be attached to the other tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. However, the color, pattern, letters, and other markings on the lid 88 that improve the identification of the tanks 62 may be different. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A on the front side M1 of the tank 62 that can be opened and closed relative to the lid 88.

[0053] The flow of water in the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figures 10 and 11 are top views of the case 61 showing the flow of water. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the case 61 showing the flow of water and the liquid agents S1 and S2.

[0054] The automatic dispensing unit 6 operates during the washing process and the rinsing process of the washing machine 1. The operation of the automatic dispensing unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls, for example, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 66, the type of liquid agent to be dispensed, the amount to be dispensed, the timing of dispense, etc.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the automatic dispenser unit 6 supplies water and a liquid agent to the outer tub 3 in the washing step and the rinsing step.

[0056] Here, the flow of water will be described in more detail. Water is supplied from the water supply valve 66 to the path indicated by the arrows X1 to X3. The path runs from the water supply valve 66 through the supply flow path 67 and the case 61 to the outer tub 3.

[0057] 10, in the washing process, a first solenoid valve (not shown) of the water supply valve 66 is opened to execute automatic or manual addition of detergent. In this state, water flows from the water supply valve 66 and branches into paths indicated by arrows X1 and X2 in the supply flow path 67.

[0058] Water flowing through the water supply passage 67a along the arrow X1 flows into the case 61 from a water outlet 94 formed above the back surface 90 of the tank 62. Water flowing through the manual-addition water supply passage 67c along the arrow X2 passes through an opening 95 formed near the manual insertion unit 65, and flows downward toward the case 61 together with the manually-added detergent from a water insertion opening 96 formed in the manually-added agent case 65a disposed in the manual insertion unit 65. The detergent manually added to the manually-added agent case 65a may be a powdered agent or a liquid agent.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11 , water flowing into the case 61 along arrow X1 further branches into two paths indicated by arrows X11 and X12. The water flowing along arrow X11 flows from the housing case 61b into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 via the first case connection port 78. The water flows along the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64 along gravity and flows into the input flow path 82 of the housing case 61b via the second case connection port 79. The water flowing through flow path 105b along arrow X12 flows along the inner bottom surface of the housing case 61b, passing sequentially under the tips of the three liquid agent supply devices 63 connected to the tank 62. This flow washes away any liquid agent that has leaked and adhered to the inner bottom surface of the housing case 61b due to the attachment / detachment of the tank 62. The water flowing through flow path 105b along arrow X12 merges with the water flowing along arrow X11 at the input flow path 82. The water that flows into the case 61 along the arrow X2 flows through the input flow path 82 toward the connecting flow path 8. The water flowing along the arrow X2 merges in the input flow path 82 with the water flowing along the arrows X11 and X12.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 12, the water flowing through the input flow path 82 flows from the liquid agent outlet 81 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 11) into the outer tank 3.

[0061] 10, in order to manually add fabric softener during the rinsing cycle, the second solenoid valve (not shown) of the water supply valve 66 is opened. In this state, water flows along the path indicated by arrow X3 in the supply flow path 67. The water flowing along arrow X3 passes through an opening 97 formed near the manual insertion portion 65 and flows from the manual insertion portion 65 into the storage case 61b together with the manually added fabric softener.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, water flowing into the case 61 along the arrow X3 flows along the inner bottom surface B4 of the storage case 61b toward the input flow path 82. The inner bottom surface B4 is formed in front of the inner bottom surfaces B1 to B3 formed directly below the tank 62, and is inclined downward in the direction from the inner bottom surface B1 toward the inner bottom surface B3. Due to the inclination, the water flows along the inner bottom surface B4 according to gravity. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, the water flows from the liquid agent outlet 81 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 11) into the outer tank 3.

[0063] Next, the flow of the automatically dispensed liquid agent will be described in more detail. The operation of control unit 12 during the washing process drives liquid agent dispenser 63C (FIG. 8C), which is connected to tank 62C (FIG. 8C) containing detergent. As shown in FIG. 12A, power unit 71 in liquid agent dispenser 63C rotates, and the rotation of power unit 71 is decelerated via deceleration mechanism 72 and transmitted to piston 83 of pump mechanism 73. When piston 83 rises from the bottom dead center, detergent S1 in tank 62C is sucked up into cylinder 84 through inlet flow path 85. When piston 83 reaches the top dead center and begins to descend, detergent S1 in cylinder 84 is discharged through outlet flow path 86 to liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0064] 9, the detergent S1 flows along the direction of gravity in the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the detergent S1 may merge with water flowing along the arrow X11. The detergent S1 flows from the second case connection port 79 into the input flow path 82 of the containing case 61b, is guided by the inclination of the input flow path 82 to the liquid agent outlet 81, and flows into the outer tub 3 via the connecting flow path 8.

[0065] Furthermore, the liquid agent to be dispensed into the outer tub 3 is determined based on the selected operation mode and / or the user's selection. When delicate laundry washing is selected as the operation mode, a neutral detergent may be dispensed into the outer tub 3. In this case, the liquid agent dispenser 63A of the tank 62A containing the neutral detergent is driven instead of the liquid agent dispenser 63C of the tank 62C containing the detergent S1.

[0066] By the operation of the control unit 12 in the rinsing step, the liquid agent dosing device 63B of the tank 62B that contains the fabric softener S2 is driven.

[0067] As the washing and rinsing cycles are repeated, the amount of liquid agent stored in tank 62 decreases. A user of washing machine 1 can refill tank 62 with liquid agent. When tank 62 is placed in storage case 61b, as shown in FIG. 8C , the user can refill tank 62 with liquid agent by opening small lid 88A. On the other hand, when tank 62 is removed from storage case 61b, the user can remove lid 88 or open small lid 88A to refill tank 62 with liquid agent.

[0068] <Air gap> Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 15, a configuration for preventing the liquid supplied from the liquid dosing device 63 from flowing back into the water supply port 10 will be described in more detail. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 10, and Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 13. Figure 14B is a projection view taken along the line BB in Figure 13, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the storage case 61b as seen from diagonally above.

[0069] The water supply flow path 67a guides water supplied from the water supply port 10 via the water supply valve 66 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The water supply flow path 67a has a first flow path 101 communicating with the water supply valve 66, a water outlet 94 provided near the downstream end of the first flow path 101, a flow path 102a for guiding water flowing out from the water outlet 94 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and an air gap 68 located below the water outlet 94 and above the flow path 102a and serving as a space through which air can enter and exit. The second flow path 102 is composed of the air gap 68 and the flow path 102a. A first case connection port 78 is located at the downstream end of the flow path 102a. A recovery path 105 is formed in the storage case 61b to guide water overflowing from the second flow path 102 to below the connection part 63d of the liquid agent dosing device 63.

[0070] First flow path 101 is formed in upper case 61c, and its upper part is covered with case cover 61a, so that water flows under pressure through first flow path 101. Second flow path 102 is formed by bottom surface 55 of storage case 61b and wall 104 standing upright from bottom surface 55. Water flowing through third flow path 103 flows along arrow X12 in FIG. 11 as described above.

[0071] The water discharge port 94 has a first opening 94a and a second opening 94b that connect the first flow path 101 and the air gap 68. In the first flow path 101, the first opening 94a is located upstream of the second opening 94b, and the opening area of ​​the second opening 94b is larger than the opening area of ​​the first opening 94a. The water discharge port 94 is located closer to the approximate center of the outer tub 3 than the tanks 62A to 62C.

[0072] The second flow path 102 is disposed below the first flow path 101 and receives water dropped from the water outlet 94. The downstream side of the second flow path 102 is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The air gap 68 is a space in which water is open to atmospheric pressure, and is configured to allow atmospheric air to flow in and out, as shown in FIG. 14B . The central part of the housing case 61b has a structure in which the tank 62 is detachable, so that air flow paths Af1 and Af2 are formed for the atmosphere around the washing machine 1 to flow from the tank housing portion of the housing case 61b to the air gap 68. In addition, because there is no airtight sealing between the upper case 61c and the housing case 61b, air can also flow in and out between the upper case 61c and the housing case 61b through the air flow path Af3.

[0073] In the embodiment, the air gap 68 is configured to discharge water vertically downward from the water outlet 94. However, it is sufficient that a certain level difference is provided between the upstream water outlet 94 and the downstream flow path 102a, and that the flow of air is not hindered. The level difference in the flow path in the air gap 68 may be formed not only by a vertical drop but also by a slope or the like. The air gap 68 is disposed upstream of the point where the liquid agent is introduced into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 by the liquid agent introduction device 63. This prevents the liquid agent supplied from the liquid agent introduction device 63 from flowing back into the water supply port 10. The length La of the air gap 68 is, for example, 20 mm or more. Furthermore, by providing the air gap 68 with the length La within the container case 61b, it is possible to prevent the water dropping from the water outlet 94 from flowing back into the first flow path 101.

[0074] Recovery path 105 has a flow path 105a that guides water overflowing from second flow path 102 to the side of storage case 61b where tank 62 is accommodated, and a flow path 105b that has one end connected to flow path 105a and the other end connected to input flow path 82. Flow path 105b passes below connection portion 63d.

[0075] See FIG. 15. The housing case 61b has a wall 104 that separates the second flow path 102 and the flow path 105a from the bottom surface 55. The wall 104 has a first region 104a and a second region 104b, which are of different heights. The second region 104b is lower than the first region 104a. Because the pressure is higher downstream of the first flow path 101, arranging the first region 104a below the second opening 94b and the second region 104b below the first opening 94a can prevent water from splashing off the bottom surface 55 of the housing case 61b. This eliminates the need for a labyrinth structure at the joint between the upper case 61c and the housing case 61b or the need for a gasket, thereby saving space and reducing costs. Excess water flowing into the second flow path 102 can flow above the second region 104b toward the flow path 105a.

[0076] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0077] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the outer tub 3, the tank 62, the liquid agent dosing device 63 (automatic liquid agent dosing device), the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and the water supply flow path 67a. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The tank 62 contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The liquid agent dosing device 63 sucks the liquid agent from the tank 62 and supplies it to the outer tub 3. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 guides the liquid agent supplied from the liquid agent dosing device 63 to the outer tub 3. The water supply flow path 67a is provided upstream of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and guides water supplied from the water supply port 10 via the water supply valve 66 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Water supply flow path 67a includes a first flow path 101 communicating with water supply valve 66, a second flow path 102 configured to allow air to pass in and out and connected to liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and a water outlet 94 that discharges water from first flow path 101 to second flow path 102. Second flow path 102 is disposed below first flow path 101 and receives water dropped from water outlet 94.

[0078] Water supply flow path 67a, which guides water to liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to which the liquid agent is supplied from liquid agent dosing device 63, has second flow path 102 configured to allow air to enter and exit, thereby preventing the liquid agent from flowing back from liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to the water supply port. Furthermore, by arranging second flow path 102 in water supply flow path 67a, pressure loss can be reduced compared to arranging a branch for negative pressure suction or a check valve, and reductions in the amount of water supplied can be suppressed. Therefore, liquid agent discharge flow path 64 can be sufficiently flushed, and the time required for water supply can be suppressed from being extended.

[0079] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a control unit 12 that controls the washing operation, and a washing water supply passage 67b that supplies water to the outer tub 3 during the washing operation. A water supply valve 66 supplies water to the water supply passage 67a and the washing water supply passage 67b.

[0080] When water is used as a diversion from the wash water supply valve, the effect of suppressing the reduction in the amount of water supplied can be applied to the entire washing process, thereby suppressing the extension of washing time due to long water supply times.

[0081] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a manually-added agent case that stores manually-added agents and a manually-added water supply passage 67c that supplies water to the manually-added agent case. The water supply valve 66 supplies water to the water supply passage 67a and the manually-added water supply passage 67c.

[0082] This can also be applied to supplying water to a manual dispenser case, thereby reducing the amount of powder detergent remaining undissolved.

[0083] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 includes at least a tank 62A (first tank) and a tank 62C (second tank). The liquid agent dosing device 63 includes at least a liquid agent dosing device 63A connected to the tank 62A and a liquid agent dosing device 63C connected to the tank 62C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is disposed tilted downward, and a point P4 at which the liquid agent dosing device 63A and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected is disposed above a point P6 at which the liquid agent dosing device 63C and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected and a point P5 at which the liquid agent dosing device 63B and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected. The second flow path 102 is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 above a point P4 at which the liquid agent dosing device 63A and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 are connected.

[0084] As a result, the water introduced from the second flow path 102 flows down the downwardly inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and is therefore less likely to flow back through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Therefore, with efficient component arrangement, it is possible to prevent the liquid flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from flowing back into the water supply flow path 67a.

[0085] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62C has a greater depth than the tank 62A. The tank 62A is disposed closer to the approximate center of the outer tub 3 than the second tank 62C, i.e., on the K2 side toward the central axis V0 of the outer tub 3, and the water outlet 94 is disposed closer to the approximate center of the outer tub 3 than the tank 62A.

[0086] This allows the tank 62A to be arranged approximately on the central side of the outer tub 3 where the space inside the housing 2 is small, i.e., on the K2 side toward the central axis V0 of the outer tub 3, and the tank 62C to be arranged approximately on the central side of the outer tub 3 where the space inside the housing 2 is large, i.e., on the K1 side away from the central axis V0 of the outer tub 3. Therefore, in addition to efficient component arrangement, it is possible to prevent the liquid flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from flowing back into the water supply flow path 67a.

[0087] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a storage case 61b and a discharge path that guides liquid discharged from the storage case 61b to the outer tub 3 and is composed of an input flow path 82 and a connection flow path 8. The storage case 61b is formed with a second flow path 102 and a recovery path 105 that guides water overflowing from the second flow path 102 to the discharge path.

[0088] This allows overflow water to be collected and used for washing and rinsing, making it possible to use water resources without waste. Also, even if the discharge path is blocked for some reason, water can be collected within the accommodating case 61b, preventing water leakage to the outside of the washing machine 1 and preventing unsafe malfunctions such as water getting on the live section. Also, the second flow path 102 and the discharge path can be formed as an integrated part.

[0089] In addition, in washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, storage case 61b stores at least tank 62. Tank 62 is connected to liquid agent dosing device 63 via connection part 63d, and recovery path 105 passes through a position below connection part 63d when tank 62 is stored in storage case 61b.

[0090] By using the water overflowing from the second flow path 102 as water for washing the area below the connection part 63d, it is possible to prevent detergent from remaining below the connection part 63d and to make effective use of the overflowing water.

[0091] In addition, in washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, storage case 61b has wall 104 formed therein, which extends vertically from bottom surface 55 to a position lower than water outlet 94 and separates second flow path 102 and recovery path 105.

[0092] As a result, water that exceeds the capacity of the second flow path 102 flows over the wall 104 and into the recovery path 105. In addition, the wall 104 keeps the level of overflow water low, preventing it from flowing back into the first flow path 101 from the water discharge port 94.

[0093] In addition, in washing machine 1 of this embodiment, wall 104 has first region 104a and second region 104b which are different in height, and second region 104b is lower than first region 104a.

[0094] With this configuration, the wall can prevent the water that falls in the first region 104a from scattering and can guide the water to the recovery path in the second region 104b. The amount of water flowing into the second flow path 102 can be adjusted depending on the sizes of the first region 104a and the second region 104b.

[0095] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the water outlet 94 includes a first opening 94a and a second opening 94b disposed downstream of the first opening 94a.

[0096] With this configuration, the water falling from the second opening 94b of the first flow path 101 and the water falling from the first opening 94a of the first flow path 101 collide with each other, thereby reducing the rebound of each water.

[0097] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the second opening 94b is larger than the opening area of ​​the first opening 94a.

[0098] Because the opening area of ​​the second opening 94b on the downstream side where the water pressure is high is larger than that of the first opening 94a, the amount of water falling from the second opening 94b is greater than the amount of water falling from the first opening 94a. Therefore, the water that falls from the second opening 94b and passes through the air gap 68 bounces back inside the storage case 61b. This bounced back water can collide with the water falling from the first opening 94a, thereby reducing the force of the falling water and reducing water leakage from the case 61 to the outside.

[0099] In addition, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a case 61 having a storage case 61b that stores the tank 62 and an upper case 61c arranged on top of the storage case 61b, and the first flow path 101 of the water supply flow path 67a is arranged in the upper case 61c, and the second flow path 102 is arranged in the storage case 61b.

[0100] The storage case 61b that stores the tank 62 has the water supply flow path 67a, which simplifies the layout of the flow path and allows for a smaller space.

[0101] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the air gap 68 is arranged upstream of the point where the liquid agent is introduced into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 by the liquid agent introduction device 63.

[0102] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0103] In the embodiment, the case where the automatic dosing unit 6 has three tanks 62 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The automatic dosing unit 6 may have two tanks 62 or four or more tanks 62.

[0104] In the embodiment, the tank 62 is disposed along the width direction K, but this is not limiting. For example, if the outer tank 3 is elastically supported so as to tilt downward toward the rear side M2 ​​relative to the installation surface of the housing 2, the tank 62 may be disposed along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62B may be disposed along the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tank 3 relative to the tank 62A. In this case, the stepped arrangement of the tank 62 becomes lower toward the rear side M2, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. This configuration also makes it possible to increase the total volume of the tanks 62.

[0105] In the embodiment, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid agent supplying device 63 is described as the front-rear direction M, but is not limited to this. For example, as in Modification 1 described below, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid agent supplying device 63 may be along the up-down direction.

[0106] 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]

[0107] The washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid agent dispensing, and is therefore useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a domestic drum washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Inner tank 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic feeding unit 8 Connecting Channels 10 Water inlet 11 Drain valve 61 cases 62 Tank 63 Liquid injection device 64 Liquid discharge flow path 65 Manual input section 66 Water supply valve 71 Power section 72 Reduction mechanism 73 Pump mechanism 76 Connection 77, 78, 79 Connection ports 83 Piston 84 cylinders 91 Liquid inlet 94 Outlet 94a First opening 94b 2nd opening 104 Wall 104a 1st area 104b Second area 105 Recovery Route 105a Flow path 105b flow channel K Width direction M Anteroposterior direction

Claims

1. an outer tank elastically supported within a housing; a tank for storing the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank; a storage case that stores the tank; a liquid agent supplying device that sucks the liquid agent from the tank via a connection part and supplies the liquid agent to the outer tank; a discharge path that guides the liquid discharged from the container case to the outer tank, The tank includes a first tank, The inner bottom surface of the storage case is a first inner bottom surface that forms an area for accommodating the first tank; a recovery path that guides water that has flowed into the storage case to the discharge path is formed at the rear of the first inner bottom surface, The recovery path passes below the connection portion. washing machine.

2. The tank further includes a second tank, the first tank is disposed closer to the center of the outer tank than the second tank, a first connection portion that is the connection portion connected to the first tank is provided at a higher position than a second connection portion that is the connection portion connected to the second tank, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the collection path passes through a position below the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

3. The tank further includes a second tank, a second inner bottom surface that forms an area for accommodating the second tank is formed on an inner bottom surface of the housing case; the first tank is disposed closer to the center of the outer tank than the second tank, The first inner bottom surface is provided at a higher position than the second inner bottom surface, The recovery path is provided behind the first inner bottom surface and the second inner bottom surface. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. The recovery path does not pass through the first inner bottom surface, but passes through a position below the connection portion. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a liquid agent discharge flow path that guides the liquid agent supplied from the liquid agent supply device to the outer tank; a first flow path in communication with the water supply valve; a second flow path that guides the water that has flowed through the first flow path to the liquid agent discharge flow path; Furthermore, Water flows into the recovery path from the second flow path. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a wall is formed on the inner bottom surface of the storage case to separate the second flow path from the recovery path; The water flowing into the recovery path flows from the second flow path over the wall and into the recovery path. The washing machine according to claim 5.

7. the second flow path is provided below the first flow path, An air gap configured to allow atmospheric air to pass through is provided between the first flow path and the second flow path. The washing machine according to claim 5 or 6.

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