Washing machine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of causing a water flow to fall with good appearance by causing liquid discharged from a discharge port into a washing tub to collectively flow down.SOLUTION: A washing machine of the present disclosure includes a washing tub configured to accommodate washings, a flow path portion configured to allow a liquid supplied to the washing tub to pass through, a first opening provided in the flow path portion and configured to discharge the liquid into the washing tub, a first wall defining a front surface or a rear surface of the first opening, and a guiding portion configured to guide the liquid flowing through the flow path portion to the first wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that puts foam and water into a washing tub.

[0003] The washing machine in Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a washing tub that accommodates laundry, a path through which water and foam pass, and a discharge unit that discharges water and foam into the washing tub at a downstream position of the path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-168130 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a washing machine that can make the water flow fall in an attractive manner by causing liquid discharged from a discharge port into a washing tub to flow down in a concentrated manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a washing tub for accommodating laundry, an upper housing formed with an inlet for loading the laundry into the washing tub, a flow path provided in the upper housing for passing a liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a discharge port provided in the flow path portion, which is an opening above the washing tub for providing vertical communication and for discharging the liquid flowing through the flow path portion into the washing tub, and a flow path in the flow path portion that slopes downward from the rear to the front toward the discharge port, and the flow path portion has a front surface defined by a first wall as the discharge port. The flow path portion has a first opening, a first surface connected to the flow path and facing the first wall, a first rib connecting the first wall and the first surface, and a protrusion provided on the first wall and protruding downwardly beyond the first rib, wherein the dimension between the first wall and the first surface in the first opening is configured to decrease from the center to the side in a front view, and the flow path portion further has a second rib extending from the first wall toward the first surface so as to be separated from the first surface between the first rib and the side surface of the first opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present disclosure provides a washing machine that can make the water flow fall in an attractive manner by causing liquid discharged from a discharge port into a washing tub to flow down in a concentrated manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine with a lid closed according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine in a first embodiment with a lid open; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment, with a detergent case, a detergent tank, and a fabric softener tank pulled out; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a top view of the water supply unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment with a water supply unit lid removed; [Figure 6]1 is a top view of a lower part of a flow path of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a lower part of a flow path of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a top view of a discharge port of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] AA cross section of the lower part of the flow channel shown in Figure 6 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the lower part of the flow channel shown in Figure 6 [Figure 11] CC cross section of the lower part of the flow channel shown in Figure 6 [Figure 12] DD cross section of the lower part of the flow channel shown in Figure 6 [Figure 13] EE cross section of the lower part of the flow channel shown in Figure 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, a washing machine was known in which a path for passing water and foam and a discharge port for discharging the water and foam that had passed through the path into the washing tub were located below the detergent case. In that washing machine, the left-right width of the path was approximately the same as the left-right width of the discharge port. The inventors discovered a problem: when a washing machine is equipped with a detergent case and an automatic dispensing unit and the path is shared by a manual detergent dispensing case and an automatic liquid dispensing unit, if the left-right width of the path is larger than the left-right width of the discharge port, the water flow from the discharge port may look unattractive when viewed from the front, depending on the shape of the path and the amount of water flowing during water injection. The unattractive appearance of the water flow from the discharge port when viewed from the front refers to a situation in which the water flow is split left and right, the water flow is biased to the left or right of the discharge port, the width of the discharged water flow is narrow, etc.

[0010] In order to improve the appearance of the water flow, it is desirable that the water flow emitted from the outlet be concentrated from approximately the center of the outlet and that the width of the emitted water flow be wide. Therefore, the inventors have come to form the subject of the present disclosure in order to solve the problem of improving the appearance of the water flow even when the width of the path is wider than the outlet.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In this embodiment, a front view is defined as a state in which the washing machine is viewed from the front (front) when the washing machine is installed. In addition, in this embodiment, the left and right sides are defined as the left and right sides when the washing machine is viewed from the front.

[0014] [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Washing machine] 1 and 2, washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a cover 150, and an operation unit 160. Housing 101 includes a lower housing 110 and an upper housing .

[0015] An outer tub (not shown) and washing tub 112 are housed within lower housing 110. The outer tub is elastically supported within lower housing 110 and is capable of storing water. Washing tub 112 is a cylinder with an open top and is rotatable within the outer tub. A balancer 113 is provided above washing tub 112. Balancer 113 is formed in an annular shape and suppresses vibration of washing tub 112 during spin-drying rotation.

[0016] Upper housing 130 is disposed above lower housing 110, and is formed with an inlet 131 that communicates with washing tub 112. Lid 150 is attached to the top of upper housing 130, and covers inlet 131 in an openable and closable manner. When a user rotates lid 150 upward, washing tub 112 is exposed through inlet 131. A user can put laundry into washing tub 112 through inlet 131.

[0017] An operation unit 160 is disposed at the rear of upper housing 130, at a position behind insertion opening 131. A user can operate operation unit 160 to set various operations of washing tub 112.

[0018] A water supply port 170 is provided at the rear of the operating unit 160, and a water supply hose 171 is connected to the water supply port 170 so as to introduce tap water from a water faucet.

[0019] 2, a water supply unit 200 is provided at the rear of upper housing 130. An automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 is attached to the left rear side of water supply unit 200.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, detergent case 600, detergent tank 650, and fabric softener tank 660 are housed in water supply unit housing 220 in a removable manner. When housed in water supply unit 200, detergent tank 650, fabric softener tank 660, and detergent case 600 are flush with each other in their front faces. Detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660 are configured to be able to store enough liquid agent to perform multiple runs. Detergent case 600 is used by the user to dispense the amount of agent required for one run, and is provided with powder detergent manual dispenser 610, liquid detergent manual dispenser 615, and fabric softener manual dispenser 620 so that powder detergent, liquid detergent, and fabric softener can be dispensed, respectively.

[0021] Washing machine 100 is provided with a control device (not shown) that controls the execution of a series of washing operations including a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step. The control device controls the driving of a motor (not shown) for rotating washing tub 112 and an agitating blade (not shown) provided in washing tub 112, a water supply valve unit 210 (described later), and an automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 (described later).

[0022] [1-1-2. Water supply unit] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the water supply unit 200 mainly includes a water supply unit housing section 220 formed in an approximately box shape, a water supply unit lid section 260 covering the upper surface of the water supply unit housing section 220, a flow path lower section 300 attached to the lower section of the water supply unit housing section 220, a water supply valve unit 210, a relay section 270, and a bath pump 290.

[0023] Water supply valve unit 210 is provided on the rear right side of water supply unit 200. Water supply valve unit 210 includes first water supply valve 211, second water supply valve 212, and third water supply valve 213. First water supply valve 211, second water supply valve 212, and third water supply valve 213 are each provided so that they can be opened and closed independently, and when in the open state, water introduced from water supply port 170 is introduced into water supply unit housing 220.

[0024] Bath pump 290 is disposed in the center of the back surface of water supply unit housing 220. Bath pump 290 draws water from the outside of washing machine 100 via a hose (not shown). Bath pump 290 is fixed to water supply unit lid 260 with screws, and is directly connected to first water conduction path 410 (described below) via bath pump water inlet 291. Bath pump 290 can start its suction and discharge operations when water is supplied from first water conduction path 410.

[0025] 4, water supply unit housing 220 is formed in a generally box-like shape with an opening at the front. Water supply unit housing 220 has an internal space formed with a detergent case housing 221 and a tank housing 222. Detergent case housing 221 houses detergent case 600 in a removable manner. Tank housing 222 houses detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660 in a removable manner.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 is connected to the rear left part of water supply unit housing 220. Automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 is connected to detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660 when these tanks are housed in tank housing 222. Automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 is controlled by a control device to discharge the liquid stored in detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660 into an internal automatic dosing device path (not shown) within automatic liquid agent dosing device 500. An internal automatic dosing device path outlet 512 is provided downstream of the internal automatic dosing device path to discharge the liquid flowing through the internal automatic dosing device path.

[0027] 4, water supply unit housing 220 is provided with upper flow path 230 so as to cover the upper part of detergent case storage section 221. Upper flow path 230 is formed with first water guide path 410 and second water guide path 420, which will be described later, and a part of third water guide path 430.

[0028] Relay section 270 is connected to the rear surface of water supply unit housing section 220. Relay section 270 includes a relay section main body 274 attached to water supply unit housing section 220, and a relay section lid 275 that covers relay section main body 274. Relay section 270 has a relay path 271 (described later) provided therein, and relay path 271 connects a third water conduction path 430 provided in water supply unit housing section 220 to a path within the automatic dosing device.

[0029] [1-1-3. Water conduction route] As shown in Figure 5, the water supply unit housing 220 is provided with a water conduit 400 through which water introduced from the water supply valve unit 210 flows. The water conduit 400 includes a first water conduit 410 that communicates with the first water supply valve 211, a second water conduit 420 that communicates with the second water supply valve 212, and a third water conduit 430 that communicates with the third water supply valve 213. When the first water supply valve 211 is opened, water is introduced into the first water conduit 410. When the second water supply valve 212 is opened, water is introduced into the second water conduit 420. When the third water supply valve 213 is opened, water is introduced into the third water conduit 430.

[0030] [1-1-4. First water channel, second water channel, detergent case, third water channel] 6, first water conduction path 410 and second water conduction path 420 guide water supplied from first water supply valve 211 and second water supply valve 212 to upper flow path 230. First water conduction path 410 and second water conduction path 420 are configured to inject water into detergent case 600 and lower flow path 300, which are located below upper flow path 230.

[0031] In the upper flow path 230, the first water conduit 410 is provided with a powder detergent water injection section 411, a liquid detergent water injection section 412, and a first lower flow path water injection section 413. The powder detergent water injection section 411 is provided above the manual powder detergent dispenser 610, and injects water flowing through the first water conduit 410 into the manual powder detergent dispenser 610. The liquid detergent water injection section 412 is provided above the manual liquid detergent dispenser 615, and injects water flowing through the first water conduit 410 into the manual liquid detergent dispenser 615. The first lower flow path water injection section 413 is provided above the first lower flow path 301 (described below), and injects water flowing through the first water conduit 410 into the first lower flow path 301.

[0032] In the upper part of the flow path 230, the second water guide path 420 includes a softener water injection section 421 and a second There is provided a flow channel lower path water injection section 422. The fabric softener water injection section 421 is provided above the fabric softener manual dispenser 620, and injects water flowing through the second water conduit 420 into the fabric softener manual dispenser 620. The second flow channel lower path water injection section 422 is provided downstream of the fabric softener water injection section 421, and injects water flowing through the second water conduit 420 into the second flow channel lower path 302 (described later).

[0033] The powder detergent manual dispenser 610, the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615, and the fabric softener manual dispenser 620 are each provided with a discharge port (not shown) for discharging liquid accumulated inside to the lower portion. The liquid discharged from the discharge port falls into the lower portion 300 of the flow path.

[0034] The third water conveyance path 430 is a path that includes a relay path 271 provided in the relay section 270 and a path within the automatic throwing device. Water introduced from the third water supply valve 213 passes through the third water conveyance path 430, the relay path 271, and the path within the automatic throwing device, and is discharged from an outlet 512 for the path within the automatic throwing device to the lower part of the flow path 300, which will be described later.

[0035] [1-1-5. Lower part of the channel] The configuration of the lower flow path portion 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] 6 , lower flow path 300 includes first lower flow path path 301, second lower flow path path 302, third lower flow path path 303, fourth lower flow path path 304, confluence 340, and discharge port 350. Lower flow path 300 also includes first partition wall 311, second partition wall 312, third partition wall 313, fourth partition wall 314, and third lower flow path path rib 315, which are provided to extend upward from the bottom surface of lower flow path 300.

[0037] The first flow path lower path 301 is a path through which liquid discharged from the path outlet 512 in the automatic dispensing device passes. Liquid discharged from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 and the outlet of the powder detergent manual dispensing section 610 also flows into the first flow path lower path 301. A foam generating section 320 is provided downstream of the first flow path lower path 301.

[0038] The foam generating unit 320 includes a plurality of pins 321 formed to protrude vertically upward from the bottom surface, a foam generating unit peripheral wall 322 that defines the right side wall of the foam generating unit 320, and a foam generating unit outlet 323 that discharges liquid from the foam generating unit 320. A foam generating water injection unit (not shown) is provided above the foam generating unit 320 and is provided in the third water guide path 430. In the foam generating unit 320, detergent foam is generated by forcefully injecting water from the foam generating water injection unit into the liquid containing detergent.

[0039] The second flow path lower path 302 is a path into which liquid injected from the second flow path lower path water injection section 422 of the second water guide path 420 flows. The second flow path lower path 302 merges with the foam generation section 320 downstream.

[0040] The third flow-path lower path 303 is a path through which liquid discharged from the outlets of the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615 and the fabric softener manual dispenser 620 passes. Liquid that has flowed through the second flow-path lower path 302 and passed over a third partition wall cutout 313d (described later) also flows into the third flow-path lower path 303. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the third flow-path lower path 303 is provided sloping downward from right to left and from rear to front.

[0041] A confluence 340 is provided downstream of the first flow path lower path 301, the foam generation section 320, and the third flow path lower path 303. As shown in FIG.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first partition wall 311 is formed on the left side wall of the lower part 300 of the flow channel. The first partition wall 311 defines the first flow path lower path 301. The second partition wall 312 extends in the left-right direction within the foam-generating section 320. The second partition wall 312 and the foam-generating section peripheral wall 322 define the flow of liquid in the foam-generating section 320.

[0043] 6 and 10 , in this embodiment, a gap 319 is provided between the first partition wall 311 and the second partition wall 312, and the first partition wall 311 and the second partition wall 312 are configured as separate members. The first partition wall 311 and the second partition wall 312 may be formed as a continuous, integrated unit. However, the gap 319 allows the liquid in the first flow-path lower path 301 to flow forward, thereby suppressing residual water in the first flow-path lower path 301, so it is desirable to provide the gap 319.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, the first partition wall 311 and the second partition wall 312 are provided with a first partition wall first portion 311a and a second partition wall first portion 312a, which are configured to be relatively low in height. As shown in FIG. 6, the first partition wall first portion 311a and the second partition wall first portion 312a are provided so as to extend rearward from left to right. This allows a portion of the liquid flowing through the first flow path lower path 301 to pass over the first partition wall first portion 311a and the second partition wall first portion 312a and flow out to the junction 340, inclined rightward relative to the front. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the first partition wall first portion 311a is formed with a first partition wall guide rib 311c extending from the front surface of the first partition wall first portion 311a toward the junction 340.

[0045] 6 and 7, the third partition wall 313 extends from the right wall of the lower flow path 300 and is provided in front of the foam-generating section 320 and the second lower flow path 302 of the first lower flow path 301. The third partition wall 313 separates the foam-generating section 320 and the second lower flow path 302 from the third lower flow path 303.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10 , the third partition wall 313 includes a third partition wall first portion 313a, a third partition wall second portion 313b, and a third partition wall cutout portion 313d. The third partition wall first portion 313a extends from the right wall of the lower flow path 300. The third partition wall second portion 313b is provided on the left side of the third partition wall first portion 313a and extends in the left-right direction. In other words, the third partition wall second portion 313b is provided downstream of the third partition wall first portion 313a in the first lower flow path path 301 and the second lower flow path path 302. The height of the third partition wall second portion 313b is formed lower than the third partition wall first portion 313a, the first partition wall first portion 311a, and the second partition wall first portion 312a. The third partition wall second portion 313b is disposed at the rear right of the discharge port 350 and causes the liquid to flow leftward from the foam-generating section outlet 323. The third partition wall cutout portion 313d is formed by cutting out the upper part of the right part of the third partition wall first portion 313a. The third partition wall cutout portion 313d causes a portion of the liquid flowing through the second flow path lower path 302 to flow into the third flow path lower path 303.

[0047] As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, discharge port 350 is provided in the front center of lower flow path portion 300, and the width dimension of discharge port 350 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width dimension of lower flow path portion 300 in the left-right direction. Discharge port 350 is an opening above washing tub 112 that allows communication between the top and bottom. Discharge port 350 is located at the top center of washing tub 112 in a front view. Discharge port 350 includes main discharge port 360 provided downstream of junction portion 340 and sub-discharge port 370 provided downstream of main discharge port 360. Main discharge port 360 and sub-discharge port 370 are separated in the front-rear direction by discharge port partition wall 351 extending in the left-right direction.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the fourth partition wall 314 is provided in front of the third flow path lower path 303. The fourth partition wall 314 is provided with a gap (defined as a fourth partition wall gap 314a) between it and the right wall of the lower flow path 300. The fourth partition wall 314 is formed integrally with the outlet partition wall 351, and guides the liquid flowing through the third lower flow path 303 to the main outlet 360.

[0049] 6 and 7, the third flow path lower path rib 315 is provided between the third partition wall 313 and the fourth partition wall 314, i.e., inside the third flow path lower path 303. The height of the third flow path lower path rib 315 is formed lower than the third partition wall second portion 313b and the fourth partition wall 314. The third flow path lower path rib 315 has an upstream end connected to the right wall of the lower flow path 300 and a downstream end located rearward of the main discharge port 360, and is located closer to the center than the side end of the main discharge port 360 in a front view.

[0050] The fourth flow path lower path 304 is provided in front of the third flow path lower path 303, across the fourth partition wall 314. The fourth flow path lower path 304 is a path that guides the liquid that has flowed in from the third flow path lower path 303 through the fourth partition wall gap 314a to the sub-discharge port 370.

[0051] [1-1-6.Discharge port] 8, 12, and 13, the outlet 350 includes a main outlet 360 and a sub-outlet 370. Between the main outlet 360 and the sub-outlet 370, an outlet partition wall 351 is provided, extending in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0052] Main outlet 360 mainly causes water, which is part of the liquid flowing down through confluence 340, to fall into washing tub 112. Sub outlet 370 causes detergent foam, which is part of the liquid that has flowed down confluence 340 and has climbed over outlet partition wall 351, to fall into washing tub 112.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, the main outlet 360 is provided in an arc shape such that the width dimension of the main outlet in the front-rear direction decreases from the center to the sides in a front view.

[0054] The surface of the main outlet 360 that faces the outlet partition wall 351 is defined as a main outlet first surface 361. In this embodiment, the outlet partition wall 351 defines the front surface of the main outlet 360, and the main outlet first surface 361 defines the rear surface of the main outlet 360. The left and right surfaces of the main outlet 360 are defined as main outlet side surfaces 362. The lower end of the main outlet side surface 362 slopes downward from the main outlet first surface 361 side toward the outlet partition wall 351 side.

[0055] The main discharge port 360 is provided with a main discharge port first rib 366 and a main discharge port second rib 367 that extend from the discharge port partition wall 351 toward the main discharge port first surface 361 .

[0056] The main outlet first rib 366 is provided in the center of the main outlet 360 when viewed from the front, and connects the outlet partition wall 351 and the main outlet first surface 361. On the other hand, the main outlet second ribs 367 are provided on both sides of the main outlet 360 when viewed from the front, and are spaced apart from the main outlet first surface 361.

[0057] In the sub-outlet 370, the surface facing the outlet partition wall 351 is defined as the sub-outlet first surface 371. In this embodiment, the outlet partition wall 351 forms the rear surface of the sub-outlet 370, and the sub-outlet first surface 371 forms the front surface of the sub-outlet 370.

[0058] The sub outlet 370 is provided with a sub outlet first rib 376 that extends from the outlet partition wall 351 towards the sub outlet first surface 371. The sub outlet first rib 376 is provided over the entire sub outlet 370.

[0059] The width of the sub outlet 370 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the main outlet 360. A sub outlet guide portion 380 is provided on the side of the sub outlet 370.

[0060] The sub-outlet guide portion 380 guides the liquid flowing through the fourth flow path lower passage 304 to the outlet partition wall 351. As shown in Figures 8 and 13, the sub-outlet guide portion 380 includes a sub-outlet guide portion slope 381, a sub-outlet guide portion wall 382, ​​and a sub-outlet guide portion gap 383.

[0061] The sub outlet guide slope 381 is inclined downward from the front to the rear. In other words, the sub outlet guide slope 381 is inclined downward toward the outlet partition wall 351.

[0062] The sub-outlet guide wall 382 extends upward between the sub-outlet 370 and the sub-outlet guide slope 381. The sub-outlet guide gap 383 is a gap provided between the sub-outlet guide wall 382 and the outlet partition wall 351. Liquid flowing along the sub-outlet guide slope 381 is discharged from the sub-outlet guide gap 383 and guided to the outlet partition wall 351. The sub-outlet guide wall 382 prevents the liquid flowing along the sub-outlet guide slope 381 from falling directly onto the sub-outlet 370, so that the liquid is discharged from the sub-outlet guide gap 383.

[0063] 12 and 13, the outlet partition wall 351 includes a partition wall protrusion 351a. The partition wall protrusion 351a is provided at the connection between the outlet partition wall 351 and the main outlet side surface 362, protruding downward from the main outlet side surface 362.

[0064] In this embodiment, lower flow channel portion 300 is provided with a guide portion that guides the liquid flowing through lower flow channel portion 300 to outlet partition wall 351. The guide portion includes partition wall protrusion 351a and sub-outlet guide portion 380.

[0065] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as above will be described below.

[0066] [1-2-1. Water flow through the lower path of the first channel and the lower path of the second channel] Liquid discharged from the outlet 512 of the path in the automatic dispensing device, the water injection section 413 of the first path lower section, and the outlet of the manual powder detergent dispensing section 610 flows into the first path lower section 301.

[0067] The liquid that flows into the first flow path lower path 301 is divided into a flow (referred to as the first flow) that passes over the first partition wall first part 311a and the second partition wall first part 312a and flows into the confluence part 340, tilting forward and to the right; a flow (referred to as the second flow) that flows into the foam generation part 320, is guided to the third partition wall second part 313b, and flows out to the left from the foam generation part outlet 323; and a flow (referred to as the third flow) that passes over the third partition wall second part 313b and flows forward into the confluence part 340.

[0068] The second flow joins with the first flow at the confluence 340, is guided by the first partition wall guide rib 311c, and flows toward the left side of the main outlet 360. On the other hand, the third flow joins with the first flow at the confluence 340, and flows toward the right side of the main outlet 360. As a result, the liquid that has flowed into the first flow path lower path 301 is discharged evenly at the main outlet 360, and the width of the water flow discharged from the main outlet 360 can be widened.

[0069] The water level in the first flow path lower path 301 is Even when the second partition wall second portion 313b is lower than the second partition wall first portion 312a, the width of the flow area of ​​the liquid flowing through the first flow path lower path 301 at the confluence portion 340 is widened by the third partition wall second portion 313b, and the width of the water flow discharged from the main discharge port 360 is widened. The same explanation can be given when liquid injected from the second flow path lower path water injection portion 422 flows into the second flow path lower path 302.

[0070] When a large amount of liquid flows into the junction 340, the liquid flowing down the junction 340 hits the outlet partition wall 351 and splits to form wide streams, which are then discharged from the main outlet 360. If the main outlet second rib 367 provided on the main outlet 360 connects the outlet partition wall 351 and the main outlet first surface 361, the water streams discharged from the sides of the main outlet 360 may be further split, causing the sides of the water streams discharged from the main outlet 360 to split. In this embodiment, the main outlet second rib 367 is provided at a distance from the main outlet first surface 361, which prevents the water streams discharged from the main outlet 360 from splitting at the sides when the water volume is large.

[0071] On the other hand, when the amount of liquid flowing into junction 340 is small, the liquid that has flowed down junction 340 flows down main outlet first surface 361 at the center of main outlet 360 in a front view. Main outlet first rib 366 that connects outlet partition wall 351 and main outlet first surface 361 is provided at the center of main outlet 360. The liquid that flows down main outlet first surface 361 is guided by main outlet first rib 366 and falls toward outlet partition wall 351 into washing tub 112. This prevents the liquid that has flowed down main outlet first surface 361 from bending backward and falling from main outlet first surface 361 and hitting balancer 113.

[0072] [1-2-2. Water flow in the lower part of the third flow path and on the side of the main outlet] The third flow path lower path 303 is supplied with liquid discharged from the outlets of the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615 and the fabric softener manual dispenser 620, as well as liquid that is poured into the first flow path lower path 301 or the second flow path lower path 302 and has passed over the third partition wall cutout 313d.

[0073] When the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is small, the liquid is guided by the third flow path lower path rib 315 and flows out from near the center of the main discharge port 360 when viewed from the front.

[0074] On the other hand, when the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is large, some of the liquid climbs over the third flow path lower path rib 315 and flows along the fourth partition wall 314. The fourth partition wall 314 guides the liquid to the main discharge port side surface 362. As a result, when the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is small, the third flow path lower path rib 315 causes the liquid to flow out from the center of the main discharge port 360 in a front view, and when the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is large, the liquid flows out across the entire width of the main discharge port 360 in the left-right direction.

[0075] If the amount of liquid guided to main outlet side surface 362 along fourth partition wall 314 is small, when the liquid drops from the lower end of main outlet side surface 362 into the washing tub, it may fall along the outer side in a front view. In this embodiment, the lower end of main outlet side surface 362 is inclined downward toward outlet partition wall 351, and partition wall protrusion 351a is connected to protrude downward from main outlet side surface 362. Since liquid has the tendency to flow downward along an object, the liquid that flows down main outlet side surface 362 is guided along the lower end of main outlet side surface 362 toward outlet partition wall 351, and is guided downward along partition wall protrusion 351a from the connection between main outlet side surface 362 and outlet partition wall 351. The liquid flowing along partition wall protrusion 351a flows along partition wall protrusion 351a toward the center in a front view and falls into washing tub 112. This allows the water to merge with the liquid that hits discharge port partition wall 351 from confluence 340 and falls into washing tub 112, thereby preventing the water flow discharged from main discharge port 360 from splitting.

[0076] [1-2-3. Water flow in the lower channel of the fourth channel] A portion of the liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 flows from the third flow path lower path 303 through the fourth partition wall gap 314a into the fourth flow path lower path 304. The liquid that has flowed through the fourth flow path lower path 304 flows into the sub-discharge port guide portion 380.

[0077] The liquid that has flowed into sub-discharge outlet guide section 380 flows down sub-discharge outlet guide section slope 381 toward discharge outlet partition wall 351. The liquid that has flowed down sub-discharge outlet guide section slope 381 reaches discharge outlet partition wall 351, and flows along discharge outlet partition wall 351 and out from sub-discharge outlet guide section gap 383. The liquid that has flowed out from sub-discharge outlet guide section gap 383 flows down discharge outlet partition wall 351, joins with the liquid discharged from main discharge outlet 360 at the lower end of partition wall protrusion 351a, and falls into washing tub 112.

[0078] The sub-outlet guide gap 383 is located more inward than the main outlet side surface 362 in a front view. This allows the sub-outlet guide 380 to guide the liquid more inward than the main outlet side surface 362 in a front view, thereby preventing the water flow discharged from the outlet 350 from splitting.

[0079] Furthermore, in the sub-outlet guide part 380, a sub-outlet guide part wall 382 is provided between the sub-outlet guide part slope 381 and the sub-outlet 370. This prevents liquid flowing down the sub-outlet guide part slope 381 from falling directly onto the sub-outlet 370.

[0080] [1-3.Effects] As described above, in the present embodiment, washing machine 100 includes washing tub 112 that stores laundry, lower flow path 300 that passes liquid supplied to washing tub 112, main discharge port 360 that is provided in lower flow path 300 and discharges liquid into washing tub 112, discharge port partition wall 351 that defines the front face of main discharge port 360, and a guide part that guides the liquid flowing through lower flow path 300 to discharge port partition wall 351.

[0081] As a result, when the amount of liquid flowing through the lower flow path 300 is small, the liquid that has flowed down the lower flow path 300 is guided to the discharge port partition wall 351 by the guide portion.

[0082] Therefore, the water flow discharged from the main discharge port 360 is prevented from splitting, and the liquid discharged into the washing tub 112 can flow down together, so that the water flow can fall in an attractive manner.

[0083] As in this embodiment, the guide portion includes a partition wall protrusion 351a provided at the lower part of the outlet partition wall 351, and the partition wall protrusion 351a may protrude downward from the main outlet side surface 362 at the connection point between the outlet partition wall 351 and the main outlet side surface 362.

[0084] As a result, liquid flowing down the main outlet side surface 362 is guided from the connection between the first wall and the main outlet side surface 362 to the partition wall protrusion 351a, and the liquid flows down toward the center of the main outlet 360 when viewed from the front.

[0085] Therefore, even if the amount of liquid flowing down the main discharge port side surface 362 is small, the water flow discharged from the main discharge port 360 is prevented from splitting, and the liquid discharged into the washing tub 112 can be made to flow down in a stream that looks attractive.

[0086] As in the present embodiment, washing machine 100 further includes sub-outlet 370, which is provided in lower flow path 300 adjacent to main outlet 360 with outlet partition wall 351 in between, and discharges liquid into washing tub 112, and guide portion 381 is adjacent to sub-outlet 370 and slopes downward toward outlet partition wall 351, and sub-outlet guide portion wall 382 is provided with sub-outlet guide portion gap 383 between outlet partition wall 351 and sub-outlet 370, and extends upward from the bottom surface of lower flow path 300 between sub-outlet 370 and sub-outlet guide portion slope 381.

[0087] This allows the liquid flowing out from the secondary outlet 370 to pass through the secondary outlet guide section slope 381 and secondary outlet guide section gap 383 of the guide section and be guided to the outlet partition wall 351, allowing it to merge with the liquid being discharged from the main outlet 360.

[0088] Therefore, even if the amount of liquid discharged from the sub outlet 370 is small, the water flow can be made to fall in an attractive manner.

[0089] As in this embodiment, the lower flow path portion 300 has a first main outlet surface 361 that faces the outlet partition wall 351 at the main outlet 360, The main outlet first surface 361 has a main outlet second rib 367 extending from the outlet partition wall 351 toward the main outlet first surface 361 on the side of the main outlet 360 when viewed from the front, and the main outlet second rib 367 is spaced apart from the main outlet first surface 361. This makes it possible to prevent the water flow discharged from the main discharge port 360 from splitting at the side of the main discharge port 360 .

[0090] Therefore, even when a large amount of liquid is discharged from the main discharge port 360, the water flow can be prevented from splitting at the side of the main discharge port 360, and the water flow can be made to fall in an attractive manner.

[0091] As in this embodiment, the width dimension in the front-rear direction of the main outlet 360 may be set to decrease from the center to the sides in a front view.

[0092] As a result, the liquid that has flowed into the center of the main outlet 360 flows to the side of the main outlet 360 due to capillary action.

[0093] Therefore, the width of the water flow of the liquid discharged from the main discharge port 360 can be increased.

[0094] As in this embodiment, the lower flow path 300 has a first lower flow path 301 for passing liquid and a foam generating section 320, and a third partition wall 313 extending upward from the bottom surface of the lower flow path 300 in front of the foam generating section 320, and the third partition wall 313 includes a third partition wall first portion 313a and a third partition wall second portion 313b adjacent to the third partition wall first portion 313a downstream of the foam generating section 320 from the third partition wall first portion 313a, and when viewed from the front, the third partition wall second portion 313b may be located closer to the center of the main outlet 360 than the third partition wall first portion 313a.

[0095] As a result, the liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 is divided into liquid that is guided to the left part of the main outlet 360 by the second part 313b of the third partition wall, and liquid that passes over the top of the second part 313b of the third partition wall and is guided to the right part of the main outlet 360.

[0096] Therefore, the liquid can be discharged evenly from the main discharge port 360, improving the appearance of the water flow.

[0097] The lower flow path 300 has a third lower flow path path 303 that allows liquid to pass through, a fourth partition wall 314 that is provided in front of the third lower flow path path 303 and guides the third lower flow path path 303 to the side of the main discharge port 360, and a third lower flow path path rib 315 that extends upward from the bottom surface of the third lower flow path path 303, and the third lower flow path path rib 315 is provided at a lower height than the fourth partition wall 314, and the downstream end of the third lower flow path path rib 315 may be located closer to the center of the main discharge port 360 in a front view than the downstream end of the fourth partition wall 314.

[0098] As a result, when the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is small, the liquid is guided along the third flow path lower path rib 315 to the center of the main discharge port 360, and when the amount of liquid flowing through the third flow path lower path 303 is large, the liquid passes over the third flow path lower path rib 315 and is guided along the fourth partition wall 314 to the side of the main discharge port 360.

[0099] Therefore, when the amount of liquid is small, the liquid is discharged from the center of the main discharge port 360, and when the amount of liquid is large, the liquid is discharged from the entire main discharge port 360, so that the water flow can be made to fall in an attractive manner.

[0100] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made, and the values, shapes, components, operations, order of operations, etc. may be changed. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0101] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0102] In the first embodiment, lower flow path 300 provided with discharge port 350 that discharges liquid into washing tub 112 has been described as an example of a flow path section. The flow path section is not limited to lower flow path 300 as long as it is a path having a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the discharge port in the left-right direction. The left and right configuration of lower flow path 300 in the first embodiment may be reversed, and the arrangement of the components on lower flow path 300 may be changed. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, lower flow path 300 is provided below detergent case housing 221 and tank housing 222, but it may be configured to be provided below only the detergent case without including a tank housing.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the main outlet 360 has been described as an example of the first opening. The first opening may be any opening that discharges liquid into the washing tub, and is not limited to the main outlet 360. The first opening may be the sub outlet 370.

[0104] In the first embodiment, as an example of the first wall provided with a protruding portion, outlet partition wall 351 that defines the front surface of main outlet 360 has been described. The first wall may define the front surface or rear surface of the first opening that discharges liquid into the washing tub, and is therefore not limited to outlet partition wall 351. The first wall may also define the rear surface of the outlet, and may be main outlet first surface 361 in the first embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to top-loading washing machines, drum-type washing machines, and twin-tub washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 washing machines 101 Case 110 Lower housing 112 washing machine tub 130 Upper case 131 Inlet 150 Lid 160 Operation section 170 Water inlet 171 Water supply hose 200 Water Supply Unit 210 Water supply valve unit 211 First water supply valve 212 Second water supply valve 213 Third water supply valve 220 Water supply unit housing 221 Detergent case storage section 222 Tank housing section 230 Upper part of the channel 260 Water supply unit lid 270 Relay Section 274 Relay unit body 275 Relay section cover 290 Bath Pump 291 Bath pump inlet 300 Lower part of flow path (flow path section) 301 Lower path of first flow channel (first path) 302 Lower path of second flow path (first path) 303 Lower path of the third flow channel (second path) 304 Lower Passage of the 4th Channel 311 First Partition Wall 311a First Partition Wall, First Section 311c First partition wall guide rib 312 Second Partition Wall 312a Second partition wall, first part 313 Third Partition Wall (Third Wall) 313a Third Partition Wall, First Part (First Part) 313b Third Partition Wall, Second Part (Second Part) 313d Third partition wall cutout 314 Fourth Partition Wall (Fourth Wall) 314a Fourth Partition Wall Gap 315 Third channel lower path rib (fifth wall) 320 Foam generation section (first route) 321 pins 322 Bubble generation part peripheral wall 323 Foam generation section outlet 340 Junction 350 outlet 351 Outlet partition wall (first wall) 351a Partition wall protrusion (protrusion) 360 Main discharge port (1st opening) 361 Main discharge port 1st surface (1st surface) 362 Main discharge port side (side) 366 Main outlet first rib 367 Main outlet second rib (first rib) 370 Sub-discharge port (second opening) 371 Sub-discharge port 1st surface 380 Sub-outlet guide part 381 Sub-outlet guide slope (inclined section) 382 Secondary outlet guide wall (second wall) 383 Sub-outlet guide gap 400 Water Conduit 410 First Water Channel 411 Powder detergent water injection unit 412 Liquid detergent water injection section 413 First flow path lower channel water injection section 420 Second Water Channel 421 Softener water injection section 422 Second flow path lower path water injection section 430 Third Water Channel

Claims

1. a washing tub for storing laundry; an upper housing having an inlet through which the laundry is put into the washing tub; a flow path provided in the upper housing for passing liquid supplied to the washing tub; a discharge port that is provided in the flow path portion and communicates the upper and lower parts of the washing tub above the flow path portion, and that discharges the liquid flowing through the flow path portion into the washing tub; a flow path inclined downward from the rear to the front toward the discharge port in the flow path portion; Equipped with The flow path portion is a first opening having a front surface defined by a first wall as the discharge port; a first surface connected to the flow path and facing the first wall; a first rib connecting the first wall and the first surface; a protrusion provided on the first wall and protruding downward beyond the first rib; and In the first opening, a dimension between the first wall and the first surface is gradually reduced from a central portion to a lateral portion in a front view, The flow path portion further includes a second rib extending from the first wall toward the first surface between the first rib and a side surface of the first opening so as to be spaced apart from the first surface. washing machine.

2. The first wall is provided to extend linearly, The first surface is provided in an arc shape such that a dimension between the first wall and the first surface decreases from a central portion to a side portion in a front view. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The protrusion protrudes downward from the side surface at least at a connection point between the first wall and the side surface of the first opening. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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