washing machine

Abstract

This disclosure provides a washing machine that is easy to keep clean. [Solution] The washing machine 1 in this disclosure comprises a storage section 24 for storing a processing agent, a water supply outlet 19 through which water supplied to the opening 24a of the storage section 24 passes, and a guide section 33 for guiding the water that has passed through the water supply outlet 19 to the opening 24a. The guide section 33 has an upper end 33a located above the opening 24a and a lower end 33d located inside the storage section 24, and the water supply outlet 19 is located above the opening 24a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that enables the detergent in the detergent input section to flow smoothly. This washing machine has a detergent case provided in the detergent input section, and a water supply port is formed in the wall of the detergent case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine that is easy to keep clean.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The washing machine in the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores a treatment agent, a water supply path outlet through which water supplied to the opening of the storage unit passes, and a guide unit that guides the water passing through the water supply path outlet to the opening. The guide unit has an upper end located above the opening and a lower end located inside the storage unit, and the water supply path outlet is located above the opening.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] In the washing machine in the present disclosure, the water that has passed through the water supply path outlet above the opening can be guided by the guide unit and flow into the storage unit from a position above the opening. Therefore, when water is supplied from the water supply path outlet, it is possible to suppress the water from scattering outside the storage unit, and it is easy to keep the washing machine clean.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Washing machine floor plan [Figure 3] Perspective view of the water supply unit [Figure 4] Plan view of the water supply unit [Figure 5] Front view of the water supply unit [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the VI-VI section in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Exploded perspective view of the housing unit [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of section VIII-VIII in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Floor plan of the storage unit [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived this disclosure, the field of washing machine technology was such that multiple types of treatment agents, such as detergents, bleaches, and fabric softeners, which require different timings for supply to the water tank, could be used in the washing cycle. Therefore, the industry faced the challenge of supplying each treatment agent to the water tank at the appropriate time, and a technique was used to supply the treatment agent to the water tank along with water by flowing water supplied from a water supply valve or the like into a container holding the treatment agent at the appropriate time. Under these circumstances, the inventors discovered that the cleanliness of the washing machine could be compromised due to backflow of water mixed with the treatment agent from the container to the water supply valve side, or splashing of water when supplying water to the container, and the subject matter of this disclosure was formed in order to solve this problem. This disclosure provides a washing machine that is easy to keep clean.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1.] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. In the figure, the symbol X indicates the left direction, the symbol Y indicates the front direction, and the symbol Z indicates the up direction. In this specification, the left direction refers to the direction to the left of a person who is positioned in front of the washing machine 1 and is facing the washing machine 1.

[0011] The washing machine 1 has a roughly rectangular shape. A transparent or translucent door 3 is provided on the front of the washing machine 1. The door 3 is attached to the front of the washing machine 1 so as to be openable and closable via hinges (not shown). When the door 3 is opened, the washing tub 5 located inside the washing machine 1 is exposed to the front.

[0012] The washing tub 5 is a bottomed cylindrical basket that holds laundry such as clothes and bedding. The washing tub 5 rotates driven by a motor (not shown) to wash, spin-dry, and dry the laundry. In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine with a drying function, and can wash and dry the clothes placed in the washing tub 5.

[0013] The washing tub 5 is located inside the water tank 6. The water tank 6 is a bottomed cylindrical container that houses the washing tub 5. The washing tub 5 is in communication with the water tank 6 through a water passage hole, and water supplied to the water tank 6 flows into the washing tub 5.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the washing machine 1. An outer lid 7 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine 1. The outer lid 7 is attached to the upper surface of the washing machine 1 via a hinge. The outer lid 7 opens and closes an opening 9 formed in the upper surface of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, when the outer lid 7 is opened, the water supply unit 10 is exposed upward through the opening 9.

[0015] [1-1-2. Configuration of the water supply unit] [1-1-2-1. Overall configuration of the water supply unit] The water supply unit 10 is a component that supplies water supplied from an external water supply to the water tank 6. Further, the water supply unit 10 stores the treatment agent input by the user and supplies the stored treatment agent to the water tank 6 at an appropriate timing during the washing operation. In this specification, the treatment agent means a detergent, a bleaching agent, a softening agent, a laundry fragrance, or any agent used during the washing operation, unless otherwise specified. Further, the treatment agent may be in any form such as liquid, powder, beads, or gel ball, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the water supply unit 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the water supply unit 10. In FIG. 4, the flow of water in the water supply unit 10 is shown by a virtual line. The water supply unit 10 has a water supply unit main body 10a. The water supply unit main body 10a is a container with an open upper surface. The shape of the water supply unit main body 10a is a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction in plan view.

[0017] Further, the water supply unit 10 has a hose 10b. The hose 10b is connected to the bottom of the water supply unit main body 10a. The hose 10b communicates the inside of the water supply unit main body 10a with the inside of the water tank 6.

[0018] The water supply unit 10 has an automatic supply tank 15. The automatic supply tank 15 is a tank that stores a quantity of liquid treatment agent corresponding to multiple wash cycles. In this embodiment, the water supply unit 10 has two automatic supply tanks 15 arranged side by side in the left-right direction at the rear inside of the water supply unit body 10a. The automatic supply tank 15 has a lid 15a that closes the opening for injecting the treatment agent. The automatic supply tank 15 is connected to a pump (not shown) that supplies the treatment agent inside to the water tank 6. When the washing machine 1 is set to automatically dispense the treatment agent and performs a wash cycle, the automatic supply tank 15 is driven by the pump to supply one dose of treatment agent to the water tank 6 at the appropriate timing.

[0019] The water supply unit 10 has a storage unit 20, which is a container for storing the treatment agent. The storage unit 20 stores the amount of treatment agent used for one washing cycle. When the washing cycle is started with the treatment agent in the storage unit 20, water is supplied to the storage unit 20 at the appropriate time, and the treatment agent stored in the storage unit 20 is supplied to the water tank 6 along with the water.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage unit 20 is located in the front part of the inside of the water supply unit body 10a. The storage unit 20 has a first storage section 23 located on the left side of the storage unit 20 and a second storage section 24 located on the right side of the storage unit 20. The first storage section 23 and the second storage section 24 each store different treatment agents with different appropriate supply timings to the water tank 6.

[0021] In detail, the first storage section 23 is filled with the treatment agent that will be supplied to the water tank 6 at the start of the washing cycle, for example, during the washing process. The second storage section 24 is filled with the treatment agent that will be supplied to the water tank 6 at a later time, such as during the rinsing process, before the treatment agent stored in the first storage section 23 is supplied. In this embodiment, the first storage section 23 stores detergent or bleach. In this embodiment, the second storage section 24 stores fabric softener as a liquid treatment agent.

[0022] The water supply unit 10 has a water supply valve 17. The water supply valve 17 is provided at the rear end of the water supply unit 10. The water supply valve 17 has an inlet-side connection part 17a and an outlet-side connection part 17b. The inlet-side connection part 17a is open and connected to an external water supply to receive water. The outlet-side connection part 17b is the outlet for the water that has flowed into the water supply valve 17 via the inlet-side connection part 17a. In this embodiment, the water supply valve 17 has three outlet-side connection parts 17b. The water supply valve 17 is configured to allow switching the opening and closing of each outlet-side connection part 17b, so that water flowing in from the water supply can flow through any of the outlet-side connection parts 17b.

[0023] The water supply unit 10 has a first water supply path 16. The first water supply path 16 is a cylindrical water passage. The first water supply path 16 carries water that has passed through one of the outlet-side connection parts 17b of the water supply valve 17 to the first housing section 23 of the housing unit 20. The first water supply path 16 extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the opening on the upper surface of the water supply unit body 10a. The water that has passed through the first water supply path 16 flows into the first housing section 23 through an opening (not shown) provided in the first water supply path 16.

[0024] The water supply unit 10 has a second water supply path 18. The second water supply path 18 is a cylindrical water passage. The second water supply path 18 carries water that has passed through one outlet-side connection part 17b of the water supply valve 17, different from that of the first water supply path 16, to the second housing section 24 of the housing unit 20. The second water supply path 18 has a first flow path S1. The first flow path S1 is the portion of the second water supply path 18 that is downstream from the imaginary line L0 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and includes the front end, which is the downstream end. The first flow path S1 passes to the right of the second housing section 24. The first flow path S1 extends substantially linearly in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the opening on the upper surface of the water supply unit body 10a. Therefore, the front end of the first flow path S1 is along the right edge of the second housing section 24. The water passing through the first flow path S1 flows forward. The second water supply path 18 corresponds to an example of a "water supply path". The forward direction corresponds to an example of the “first direction” in this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 is a plan view of the front of the water supply unit 10. Note that Figure 5 shows the water supply unit body 10a with the third member 13, which will be described later, removed. As shown in Figure 5, a first channel outlet 19 is formed at the downstream end of the second water supply path 18, i.e., the first channel S1. The first channel outlet 19 is the outlet for water in the second water supply path 18 and the first channel S1, and is an opening that connects the inside and outside of the second water supply path 18. The first channel outlet 19 is elongated in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the first channel outlet 19 is composed of a plurality of openings arranged in the front-to-back direction. The position occupied by the first channel outlet 19 in the front-to-back direction coincides with the position occupied by the second housing section 24 in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the position occupied by the first channel outlet 19 in the front-to-back direction is biased towards the rear side, i.e., the upstream side of the water flow in the first channel S1, within the range occupied by the second housing section 24 in the front-to-back direction. However, the location where the first channel outlet 19 is provided is not limited to a location biased towards the upstream side of the water flow in the first channel S1, but may be any location in the first channel S1 depending on the purpose. The first channel outlet 19 corresponds to an example of a "water supply channel outlet" in this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the section VI-VI in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the water supply unit body 10a includes a first member 11, a second member 12, and a third member 13. The first member 11, the second member 12, and the third member 13 are each made of resin.

[0027] The first member 11 has a shape that is recessed downwards and has an opening on its top surface. The first member 11 is also the part of the water supply unit body 10a that is connected to the hose 10b. The first member 11 and the opening on the top surface of the first member 11 have a roughly rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-back direction in a plan view. The second member 12 is a member that is attached to the first member 11 from above. The shape of the second member 12 follows the bottom 11a of the water inlet guide portion of the opening on the top surface of the first member 11. The third member 13 is a member that is placed on top of the second member 12 from above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the second water supply path 18 and the first flow path S1 are formed between the second member 12 and the third member 13.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the first channel outlet 19 opens to the left in the first channel S1, that is, toward the second housing section 24. Furthermore, the first channel outlet 19 opens in a direction intersecting the direction of water flow in the first channel S1.

[0029] The first channel outlet 19 is formed in the first channel S1, which extends in the front-rear direction, from the lower part to the bottom of the wall on the side closer to the second housing 24. In addition, in the first channel S1, a roughly L-shaped bend 19a is formed on the wall on the side farther from the second housing 24, extending downward and with its lower end curved in the direction in which the second housing 24 is located. Therefore, water flowing forward in the first channel S1 flows along the bend 19a towards the second housing 24 and easily passes through the first channel outlet 19 towards the second housing 24. The first channel outlet 19 and the bend 19a are formed in the second member 12.

[0030] A water inlet 14 is formed downstream of the first channel outlet 19. The water inlet 14 opens toward both the second housing 24 side and the first channel outlet side, directing the water flowing in from the first channel outlet 19 toward the second housing 24 side. The opening 14a of the water inlet 14 on the first channel outlet side opens opposite the first channel outlet 19. The opening 14b of the water inlet 14 on the second housing 24 side opens toward the second housing 24. In other words, the water inlet 14 opens to the left, which is a direction intersecting the forward direction of flow in the first channel S1. More specifically, the water inlet 14 is formed between the water inlet guide bottom 11a formed on the first member 11 and the lower part 12a of the second member 12, which is located on the side of the first channel outlet 19 closer to the second housing 24 and faces the water inlet guide bottom 11a. In other words, the bottom portion 11a of the water inlet guide portion constitutes the bottom portion facing the lower portion 12a, which is above the inside of the water inlet 14. The left direction corresponds to an example of the "second direction" in this disclosure.

[0031] The bottom 11a of the water inlet guide section is located below the first flow channel outlet 19 and the bend 19a. Furthermore, the bottom 11a of the water inlet guide section is provided in the left-right direction, including the area from the position occupied by the bend 19a to the position occupied by the left end of the lower part 12a. In other words, the bottom 11a of the water inlet guide section is provided in the direction of water flow at the water inlet 14, extending from upstream of the first flow channel outlet 19 and the bend 19a to the opening 14b, which is the downstream end of the water inlet 14. For this reason, water that has passed through the first flow channel outlet 19 to the housing side easily flows onto the bottom 11a of the water inlet guide section, which is the bottom surface of the water inlet 14.

[0032] Furthermore, the bottom portion 11a of the water inlet guide is inclined downward toward the direction in which the second housing portion 24, which is downstream of the water inlet 14, is located. As a result, water flowing into the water inlet 14 is less likely to stagnate inside the water inlet 14 and is more likely to pass through the opening 14b. In this embodiment 1, the bottom portion 11a of the water inlet guide is formed on the first member 11. However, the bottom portion 11a of the water inlet guide is not limited to the first member 11, but may also be formed on the second member 12 or on the housing case 21.

[0033] [1-1-2-2. Configuration of the housing unit] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the storage unit 20. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the storage unit 20 includes a storage case 21 and a lid member 31. The storage case 21 and the lid member 31 are each made of resin.

[0034] The storage case 21 is a container-shaped member with an open top and a recessed bottom. The storage case 21 has a partition 22 that divides the inside of the storage case 21 into a first storage section 23 and a second storage section 24. The partition 22 is formed approximately in the center of the storage case 21 in the left-right direction and is a plate-like structure that is approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction. However, the position where the partition 22 is provided is not limited to approximately in the center of the storage case 21, but may be at any position on the storage case 21 depending on the purpose.

[0035] The first storage section 23 is formed to the left of the partition section 22. The first storage section 23 has a first input opening 23a on its upper surface that opens upward and has a recessed structure that is recessed downward.

[0036] The second storage section 24 is formed to the right of the partition section 22. The second storage section 24 has a second opening 24a on its upper surface that opens upward and has a structure that is recessed downward. Figure 6 shows a dashed line L1 indicating the height of the second opening 24a. The second storage section 24 corresponds to an example of a "storage section" in this disclosure. The second opening 24a corresponds to an example of an "opening" in this disclosure.

[0037] When the liquid level in the second storage section 24 is about to exceed the height of the second opening 24a, i.e., the height of the imaginary line L1, the water in the second storage section 24 overflows from the second opening 24a into the first storage section 23, etc. In other words, the height of the second opening 24a is approximately equal to the maximum liquid level in the second storage section 24. The height of the second opening 24a is equal to the height of the lowest part of the side surface of the second storage section 24. In this embodiment, the height of the second opening 24a is equal to the height of the partition 22 that constitutes the left side surface of the second storage section 24.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the water inlet 14 and the first flow channel outlet 19 are formed at a higher position than the second opening 24a. Therefore, if water in the second storage section 24 overflows from the second opening 24a, the overflowing water flows into the first storage section 23, thus preventing the water from reaching the water inlet 14, and even if it does reach the water inlet 14, it will not reach the first flow channel outlet 19.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the second housing section 24 has a first side surface 24b. The first side surface 24b is the right side of the second housing section 24, that is, the side closer to the water inlet 14. The first side surface 24b extends in the front-rear direction and is inclined so that its lower side is located to the left. The first side surface 24b extends upward to a position higher than the partition section 22 and the second opening 24a.

[0040] Furthermore, the second housing section 24 has an upper edge portion 24c. The upper edge portion 24c is located on the upper part of the second housing section 24. The upper edge portion 24c is formed on the upper part of the first side surface 24b and is bent to the right of the first side surface 24b, that is, toward the water inlet 14. The upper edge portion 24c is adjacent from above to the stepped portion 11b formed on the left side of the bottom portion 11a of the water guide section of the first member 11, that is, on the side closer to the second housing section 24 when viewed from the bottom portion 11a of the water guide section. The stepped portion 11b is located below the lower end of the bottom portion 11a of the water guide section and is an upward-facing surface. Therefore, the upper edge portion 24c adjacent to the stepped portion 11b is located below the water inlet 14. In other words, the water inlet 14 is located above the upper edge portion 24c located on the upper part of the second housing section 24. The upper edge portion 24c corresponds to an example of an "inflow portion" in this disclosure.

[0041] The second housing section 24 has a first bottom surface 24d. The first bottom surface 24d constitutes a part of the bottom surface of the second housing section 24, on the right side, that is, the side closer to the water inlet 14. The first bottom surface 24d is inclined so that the left side is downward. Therefore, water flowing on the first bottom surface 24d tends to flow towards the left. In addition, the lower end of the first bottom surface 24d extends approximately horizontally to the left. Furthermore, a flow path forming recess 25, which is the inlet for the siphon structure described later, is connected to the left side of the lower end of the first bottom surface 24d, and water flowing on the first bottom surface 24d tends to flow into the flow path forming recess 25 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0042] The second housing section 24 has a second bottom surface 24e. The second bottom surface 24e constitutes the front part of the left side of the bottom surface of the second housing section 24, that is, the side furthest from the water inlet 14. The second bottom surface 24e is approximately horizontal, and its right side is connected to the flow path forming recess 25. The second bottom surface 24e is connected to the lower end of the first bottom surface 24d. Furthermore, the second bottom surface 24e is connected to the left side of the second bottom surface 24e via the flow path forming recess 25. Therefore, water that has flowed to the left on the first bottom surface 24d flows onto the second bottom surface 24e.

[0043] The lid member 31 is a member inserted from above into the second storage section 24 in the storage unit 20. The lid member 31 covers a portion of the second storage section 24 from above.

[0044] The lid member 31 has a hook portion 32. The hook portion 32 is provided at the left end of the lid member 31 and covers the partition portion 22 from above.

[0045] The storage unit 20 has a guide section 33. The guide section 33 is a plate-like structure provided on the left side of the water inlet 14, that is, on the downstream side of the water inlet 14, facing the opening 14b on the left side of the water inlet 14. The guide section 33 extends in the front-rear direction and is provided over substantially the entire length of the second storage section 24 in the front-rear direction. The guide section 33 is also provided in an inclined position so that the discharge path 40 side is located downward. In this embodiment, the guide section 33 is integrally molded with the lid member 31 as part of the lid member 31 in the storage unit 20. However, the guide section 33 does not have to be integrally molded with the lid member 31, and may be integrally molded with the storage case 21.

[0046] The upper end 33a of the guide section 33 is located above the second opening 24a. Furthermore, the upper end 33a is located above the water inlet 14. Also, in the left-right direction, the upper end 33a is located near the opening 14b of the water inlet 14. In other words, in the left-right direction, the position occupied by the upper end 33a of the guide section 33 is adjacent to the end of the second housing section 24 that is closer to the water inlet 14.

[0047] The guide section 33 has a curved section 33b that curves from the upper right to the lower left, starting from the upper end 33a, and extends downward to a position lower than the water inlet 14. The curved section 33b extends downward to the left at an angle that is roughly in line with the upper edge 24c of the second housing section 24. The distance between the curved section 33b and the upper edge 24c is approximately constant. As a result, a second flow path S2 with approximately constant width is formed between the curved section 33b and the upper edge 24c.

[0048] The guide portion 33 has an extended portion 33c that extends downward from the lower end of the curved portion 33b. The extended portion 33c is inclined so that its lower side is positioned to the left and extends substantially parallel to the first side surface 24b. Furthermore, the distance between the extended portion 33c and the first side surface 24b in the left-right direction is substantially constant. As a result, a third flow channel S3 is formed between the extended portion 33c and the first side surface 24b, which is a space with substantially constant width in the left-right direction.

[0049] The extension portion 33c extends downward to the lower end 33d of the guide portion 33. The lower end 33d is located below the upper edge portion 24c of the second housing portion 24. The lower end 33d is located inside the second housing portion 24. Furthermore, the lower end 33d is located below the second opening 24a provided on the upper surface of the second housing portion 24 and is located inside the second housing portion 24. In addition, the guide portion 33 is located below the upper end portion 43 of the discharge path 40, which will be described later. Therefore, the third flow path S3 extends below the upper edge portion 24c, the second opening 24a, and the upper end portion 43.

[0050] The lid member 31 has a flow path forming cover 35. The flow path forming cover 35 has a structure with a recess extending from bottom to top. The flow path forming cover 35 is provided between the guide portion 33 and the hook portion 32 in the left-right direction. The flow path forming cover 35 covers the flow path forming protrusion 26, which will be described later, formed on the housing case 21, from above, thereby forming the discharge path 40, which will be described later, between the flow path forming protrusion 26 and the flow path forming protrusion 26.

[0051] The lid member 31 has a front portion 36 and a rear portion 37. The front portion 36 and the rear portion 37 are flat, plate-like structures that intersect in the front-to-back direction. The front portion 36 and the rear portion 37 connect the hook portion 32 and the guide portion 33 from left to right. The rear portion 37 is also connected to the flow path forming cover 35 via a knob 38. The knob 38 is a plate-like structure that rises upward from the flow path forming cover 35 and intersects in the left-to-right direction. The knob 38 ensures the rigidity of the lid member 31. The user can use the knob 38 as a handle when attaching or removing the lid member.

[0052] The lid member 31 has a treatment agent inlet 34. The treatment agent inlet 34 is an opening facing vertically and penetrates the lid member 31 vertically. In a plan view, the treatment agent inlet 34 is positioned to overlap vertically with the second opening 24a of the second storage section 24. The treatment agent inlet 34 is located below the second opening 24a of the second storage section 24.

[0053] The lid member 31 has an input restriction section 39 (see Figure 5). The input restriction section 39 functions as a guide for the maximum liquid level of the treatment agent that is permitted to be poured into the second storage section 24. In this embodiment, the input restriction section 39 has a substantially horizontal plate-like structure, and the height of the input restriction section 39 indicates the maximum liquid level of the treatment agent that is permitted to be poured into the second storage section 24. In this embodiment, the input restriction section 39 is formed on the edge of the treatment agent inlet 34. The input restriction section 39 and the treatment agent inlet 34 are located below the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is located at a height below the treatment agent inlet 34 and the input restriction section 39.

[0054] [1-1-2-3. Configuration of the discharge route] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the section VIII-VIII in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 8, a discharge path 40 is formed inside the second storage section 24. The discharge path 40 is a path for discharging the treatment agent and water stored in the second storage section 24 from the second storage section 24. As will be described later, the discharge path 40 discharges the treatment agent and water from the second storage section 24 by a siphon structure. A siphon structure is a structure in which the inlet 41, which is the inlet for the treatment agent and water in the discharge path 40, is located at a higher position than the outlet 45, and the discharge path 40 has an upper end portion 43 located at a higher position than the inlet between the inlet 41 and the outlet 45. The discharge path 40 does not discharge the treatment agent and water from the second storage section 24 until the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end portion 43. Furthermore, the discharge path 40 is filled with the treatment agent and water when the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end 43, and all of the treatment agent and water in the second storage section 24 are discharged by the principle of siphon. In other words, a siphon structure means a structure that can discharge the treatment agent and water in the second storage section 24 by utilizing the principle of siphon.

[0055] The discharge path 40 has an inlet 41. The inlet 41 is the inlet for the treatment agent and water in the discharge path 40. The inlet 41 is formed in a position biased toward the front side of the second containment section 24, that is, downstream side of the flow in the first flow path S1. The inlet 41 opens upward on the second bottom surface 24e and the first bottom surface 24d of the second containment section 24 (see Figure 6 and Figure 9 described later).

[0056] The discharge path 40 has an upper end portion 43. The upper end portion 43 is formed at the highest position in the discharge path 40. That is, the upper end portion 43 is located higher than the inlet portion 41. Also, the height of the upper end portion 43 is lower than the height of the second opening 24a indicated by the dashed line L1.

[0057] The discharge path 40 has an outlet 45. The outlet 45 is the outlet for the treatment agent and water in the discharge path 40. The outlet 45 is formed in the discharge path 40 below and downstream of the upper end 43. The outlet 45 opens above the first member 11 and outside the second housing 24. The treatment agent and water discharged above the first member 11 through the outlet 45 flow into the water tank 6 via the hose 10b.

[0058] The containment case 21 and the lid member 31 constitute the discharge path 40. The containment case 21 has a flow path forming recess 25, a flow path forming protrusion 26, and an outlet forming section 27. The flow path forming recess 25 is a recess that is recessed downward from the second bottom surface 24e and the first bottom surface 24d. The flow path forming recess 25 constitutes the inlet 41. The flow path forming protrusion 26 is a projection with a substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section that rises upward from the rear edge of the flow path forming recess 25. The outlet forming section 27 is a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section formed downward from the upper end of the flow path forming protrusion 26, and penetrates the second bottom surface 24e downward. The outlet forming section 27 constitutes the outlet 45.

[0059] When the lid member 31 is attached to the storage case 21, the flow path forming cover 35 covers the flow path forming protrusion 26 and the outlet forming part 27 from above. As a result, each part of the discharge path 40, including the upper end portion 43, is formed between the flow path forming protrusion 26 and the flow path forming cover 35.

[0060] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the washing machine 1, configured as described above, will be explained below. Below, we will explain the operation of the washing machine 1, which is set to manually dispense the processing agent, when it dispenses the processing agent stored in the second storage section 24 into the water tank 6.

[0061] First, the washing machine 1 controls the water supply valve 17, opening the outlet connection 17b that connects to the second water supply path 18. As a result, tap water flows into the second water supply path 18 via the water supply valve 17. The water that flows into the second water supply path 18 flows into the first flow path S1 and flows linearly forward (see the dashed arrow F1 in Figure 9). The water that has flowed through the first flow path S1 flows into the water inlet 14 via the first flow path outlet 19 which opens to the left of the first flow path S1. Here, the water flowing through the water inlet 14 retains the forward velocity component from when it flowed through the first flow path S1. Therefore, the water passing through the water inlet 14 which opens to the left flows diagonally forward to the left (see the dashed arrow F2 in Figure 9).

[0062] Water flowing into the water inlet 14 passes through the opening 14b of the water inlet 14 and flows into the second storage section 24. At this time, the guide section 33, which is opposite the opening 14b and whose upper end 33a is located above the water inlet 14, restricts the upward flow of the water that has passed through the opening 14b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of water supplied from the water inlet 14 to the second storage section 24 outside the second storage section 24.

[0063] The water, whose upward flow is restricted by the guide section 33, flows through the second channel S2 along the curved section 33b that curves downward. As a result, the water flowing through the second channel S2 has its direction of flow changed downward without suffering a large pressure loss and is less likely to splash back. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of water outside the second housing section 24. Because the guide section 33 has a curved section 33b that extends downward and to the left at an angle roughly aligned with the upper edge 24c of the second housing section 24, the force of the water is not easily suppressed in the guide section 33.

[0064] The water that has passed through the second channel S2 flows into the third channel S3 and flows downward along the extension 33c. The water that has flowed through the third channel S3 flows into the first bottom surface 24d, the channel forming recess 25, and the second bottom surface 24e of the second housing section 24.

[0065] Figure 9 is a plan view of the containment unit 20, and the flow of water flowing into the second containment section 24 is indicated by dashed arrows. As described above, the water that passes through the water inlet 14 flows diagonally to the left due to the remaining forward velocity component (arrow F2). For this reason, the water that flows through the third flow path S3 also tends to retain a forward velocity component, and as shown in Figure 9, the water that flows into the first bottom surface 24d, the flow path forming recess 25, and the second bottom surface 24e tends to generate a swirling flow as indicated by arrow F3. For this reason, the treatment agent stored on the first bottom surface 24d and the second bottom surface 24e can be stirred up, so that the treatment agent does not adhere to or settle on the second containment section 24 and does not remain in the second containment section 24 without being supplied to the water tank.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is located below the input restriction section 39. Therefore, for example, when the liquid level of the treatment agent is at a height near the input restriction section 39, the lower end 33d is located below the liquid level. In this case, the water flowing through the third channel S3 flows directly below the liquid level, stirring up the treatment agent from the first bottom surface 24d and the second bottom surface 24e. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the treatment agent from adhering to or settling on the second storage section 24 and remaining in the second storage section 24 without being supplied to the water tank.

[0067] While the outlet connection portion 17b of the water supply valve 17, which corresponds to the second water supply path 18, is open, water is supplied to the second storage section 24 via the second water supply path 18, the first flow path S1, the water inlet 14, the second flow path S2, and the third flow path S3. As a result, the liquid level in the second storage section 24 continues to rise until it reaches the upper end portion 43 of the discharge path 40. Hereafter, the liquid mixture of tap water and treatment agent will be referred to as the mixed liquid.

[0068] In this embodiment, the lower end 33d of the guide portion 33 is located below the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40, and the third flow path S3 extends below the upper end 43. Therefore, before the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40, the lower end 33d is located below the liquid level, and the third flow path S3 extends below the liquid level. In this state, the water that has passed through the third flow path S3 is guided by the guide portion 33 to the vicinity of the bottom of the second storage section 24, so that the treatment agent is easily stirred up from the first bottom surface 24d and the second bottom surface 24e.

[0069] When the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40, the entire discharge path 40 is filled with the mixed liquid. As a result, the mixed liquid in the second storage section 24 passes through the discharge path 40 by the principle of siphon and flows into the inside of the first member 11 via the outlet 45. The mixed liquid that has flowed into the inside of the first member 11 is supplied to the water tank 6 via the hose 10b.

[0070] In this embodiment, the third bottom surface 24f, which is the bottom surface on the left rear side of the second storage section 24, is inclined so that the front side, that is, the side closer to the inlet 41, is positioned downwards. As a result, the mixed liquid can easily reach the inlet 41, and the mixed liquid is less likely to remain in the second storage section 24.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inlet 41, which is the entrance to the discharge path 40, opens upward at the second bottom surface 24e. Therefore, after the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40, the mixed liquid in the second storage section 24 is discharged. Also, in this embodiment, the inlet 41 is located in the second storage section 24 at a position biased toward the front side, which is the downstream side of the first flow path S1. That is, the inlet 41 is located in a place where the flow velocity is high in the swirling flow generated in the second storage section 24 (see Figure 9). Therefore, even when the amount of water flowing into the second storage section 24 is small, the water easily reaches the inlet 41, and less processing agent remains in the second storage section 24. In addition, turbulence is created by the newly flowing water and the returning water, and the turbulence carries the clothing processing agent between the siphon and the partition and around the third bottom surface 24f, and since the recess around the inlet 41 is located downstream of the water flow, less processing agent remains in the second storage section 24.

[0072] After discharge via the discharge path 40 begins, the liquid level in the second containment section 24 normally decreases. However, depending on the amount, form, or viscosity of the treatment agent, for example, the flow rate of water flowing into the second containment section 24 may be greater than the flow rate in the discharge path 40, causing the liquid level in the second containment section 24 to continue rising. In such cases, when the liquid level of the mixed liquid rises to the height of the second opening 24a, the mixed liquid begins to overflow from the second containment section 24, and the rise in liquid level stops. As a result, it is difficult for the mixed liquid to reach the water inlet 14, which is located above the second opening 24a, and the first flow channel outlet 19 is located even higher, making it even more difficult for the mixed liquid to reach it. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the cleanliness of the water inlet 14 and the first flow channel outlet 19.

[0073] Furthermore, since the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is located below the second opening 24a, when the liquid level rises to the vicinity of the second opening 24a, the lower end 33d is located below the liquid level, and the third flow path S3 extends below the liquid level. In this state, the water that has passed through the third flow path S3 flows directly below the liquid surface in the second storage section 24, so that the treatment agent can be stirred up from the first bottom surface 24d and the second bottom surface 24e.

[0074] Subsequently, the outlet connection portion 17b of the water supply valve 17, which corresponds to the second water supply path 18, is closed, thereby stopping the supply of water to the second storage section 24. After the water supply is stopped, the mixed liquid in the second storage section 24 is discharged through the discharge path 40.

[0075] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 has a second storage section 24 for storing the processing agent, a water inlet 14 through which water supplied to the second opening 24a of the second storage section 24 passes, and a guide section 33 facing the water inlet 14. The water inlet 14 is provided above the upper edge 24c, and the upper end 33a of the guide section 33 is located above the water inlet 14. As a result, in a configuration where the water inlet 14 is located above the upper edge 24c, the guide portion 33 can regulate the flow of water supplied from the water inlet 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress water splashing outside the second storage portion 24 when water is supplied from the water inlet 14. Consequently, it is easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1.

[0076] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes a second storage section 24 for storing a processing agent, a first flow path outlet 19 through which water supplied to the second opening 24a of the second storage section 24 passes, and a guide section 33 for guiding the water that has passed through the first flow path outlet 19 to the second opening 24a. The guide section 33 has an upper end 33a located above the second opening 24a and a lower end 33d located inside the second storage section 24, and the first flow path outlet 19 is located above the second opening 24a. As a result, water that has passed through the first flow channel outlet 19, which is above the second opening 24a, is guided by the guide section 33 from a position above the second opening 24a and can flow into the second storage section 24. Therefore, when water is supplied from the first flow channel outlet 19, splashing of water outside the second storage section 24 can be suppressed. Consequently, it is easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1.

[0077] As in this embodiment, in the washing machine 1, the second storage section 24 may be configured such that it opens upward, the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is located inside the second storage section 24, and the guide section 33 extends below the second opening 24a. This allows the water flowing in from the second opening 24a to be guided further down, making it easier for the water flowing along the guide section 33 to flow down to the bottom of the second storage section 24. As a result, the treatment agent adhering to the second storage section 24 and the settled treatment agent can be stirred. Consequently, less treatment agent remains in the second storage section 24, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, for example, even if the radius of curvature of the corner between the first bottom surface 24d and the first side surface 24b is reduced, the treatment agent is less likely to remain in the corner, making it easier to reduce the radius of curvature of the corner to secure the volume of the second storage section 24 and to reduce the external dimensions of the second storage section 24.

[0078] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that the water supplied to the second opening 24a of the second storage section 24 passes through a water inlet 14 downstream of the first flow path outlet 19, the water inlet 14 is provided above the second opening 24a, and the upper end 33a of the guide section 33 is located above the water inlet 14. This allows the guide section 33 to restrict the flow of water that passes through the water inlet 14, which is located above the second opening 24a. As a result, splashing of water outside the second storage section 24 when water is supplied from the water inlet 14 can be suppressed. Consequently, it becomes easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1.

[0079] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may have a discharge path 40 for draining water from the second storage section 24 by a siphon structure, the discharge path 40 having an inlet 41 for introducing water into the discharge path 40 and an upper end 43 located above the inlet 41 and at the upper end of the discharge path 40, and the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 being located below the upper end 43. As a result, when the liquid level in the second storage section 24 reaches the upper end 43 of the discharge path 40 and the water in the second storage section 24 is drained, the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is positioned below the liquid surface. This allows the water flowing in from the second opening 24a to be guided below the liquid surface, and the treatment agent at the bottom inside the second storage section 24 can be agitated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the residue of the treatment agent remaining unagitated in the second storage section 24. Consequently, less treatment agent remains in the second storage section 24, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, for example, even if the radius of curvature of the corner between the first bottom surface 24d and the first side surface 24b is reduced, the treatment agent is less likely to remain in the corner, making it easier to reduce the radius of curvature of the corner to secure the volume of the second storage section 24 and to reduce the external dimensions of the second storage section 24.

[0080] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may have a lid member 31 that covers the second storage section 24 from above and is equipped with a treatment agent inlet 34, and the lower end 33d of the guide section 33 is located below the treatment agent inlet 34. As a result, the guide section 33 guides the water flowing in from the second opening 24a down to a height below the treatment agent inlet 34. This makes it easier for the water flowing along the guide section 33 to flow down to the lower part of the second storage section 24, and the water pressure does not slow down easily. Therefore, the treatment agent adhering to the second storage section 24 and the settled treatment agent can be agitated more strongly and for a longer period of time. Consequently, less treatment agent remains in the second storage section 24, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1.

[0081] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may be configured to include a second water supply path 18 that guides water supplied to the second storage section 24, the second water supply path 18 having a first flow path S1 through which water flowing forward passes, the first flow path S1 extending along the edge of the second opening 24a, and the water inlet 14 opening to the left, intersecting with the front. As a result, a forward flow remains in the water flowing into the second containment section 24, making it easier to agitate the treatment agent in a swirling motion within the second containment section 24. This makes it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1.

[0082] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may have a lid member 31 that covers the second storage section 24 from above, and the guide section 33 may be integrally molded with the lid member 31. This allows for a simple configuration to suppress water splashing. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine 1 with a simple configuration.

[0083] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0084] In Embodiment 1, a drum-type washing machine with a drying function was described as an example of a washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 can be any washing machine that uses a processing agent for washing. Therefore, the washing machine 1 is not limited to a drum-type washing machine with a drying function. For example, the washing machine 1 may be a top-loading washing machine or any other type of washing machine.

[0085] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the washing machine 1 is equipped with an automatic supply tank 15 in the water supply unit 10 for automatically supplying the treatment agent, but this is just one example. The washing machine 1 may not be equipped with an automatic supply tank 15 and may not support automatic supply of the treatment agent.

[0086] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0087] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed. (Technical 1) A washing machine comprising: a storage section for storing a processing agent; a water supply path outlet through which water supplied to the opening of the storage section passes; and a guide section for guiding the water that has passed through the water supply path outlet to the opening, wherein the upper end of the guide section is located above the opening and the lower end is located inside the storage section, and the water supply path outlet is located above the opening. As a result, water that has passed through the water supply outlet above the opening is guided by the guide section to flow into the storage area from a position above the opening. Therefore, when water is supplied from the water supply outlet, splashing outside the storage area is suppressed, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine.

[0088] (Technical 2) The washing machine according to Technical 1, wherein the water supplied to the opening of the housing has a water inlet through which the water passes downstream of the water supply outlet, the water inlet is provided above the opening, and the upper end of the guide is located above the water inlet. This allows the guide to restrict the flow of water that passes through the water inlet, which is located above the opening. As a result, splashing of water outside the storage area when water is supplied from the water inlet can be suppressed, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine.

[0089] (Technology 3) A washing machine according to Technology 1 or 2, having a discharge path for draining water from the storage section by a siphon structure, wherein the discharge path has an inlet for introducing water into the discharge path and an upper end located above the inlet and at the upper end of the discharge path, and the lower end of the guide section is located below the upper end. As a result, when the liquid level in the containment reaches the upper end of the water guide path and the water in the containment is drained, the lower end of the guide is positioned below the water surface. This allows the water flowing in from the inlet to be guided below the water surface, and the treatment agent at the bottom of the containment can be agitated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the treatment agent from remaining unagitated in the containment.

[0090] (Technical 4) A washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, having a lid member that covers the housing section from above and is equipped with a processing agent inlet, wherein the lower end of the guide section is located below the processing agent inlet. This allows the water flowing in from the inlet to be guided by the guide to a height below the treatment agent input port, making it easier for the water flowing along the guide to flow down to the bottom of the containment section, and preventing the water flow from slowing down. As a result, the treatment agent adhering to the containment section and the settled treatment agent can be agitated more strongly and for a longer period of time.

[0091] (Technical 5) A washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, comprising a water supply path for guiding water supplied to the housing, wherein the water supply path has a first flow path through which water flowing in a first direction passes, the first flow path extends along the edge of the opening, and the water inlet opens in a second direction intersecting the first direction. This allows the water flowing into the containment to retain a flow in the first direction, making it easier to agitate the treatment agent in a swirling motion within the containment. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine.

[0092] (Technical 6) A washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, having a lid member that covers the housing section from above, and the guide section being integrally molded with the lid member. This allows for a simpler design to suppress water splashing. Therefore, it makes it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine with a simpler design. [Industrial applicability]

[0093] This disclosure is applicable to washing machines. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to any washing machine, such as a drum-type washing machine or a top-loading washing machine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Washing machine 3 doors 5. Washing tub 6 Aquariums 7 Outer lid 9 aperture 10 Water supply unit 10a Water supply unit body 10b Hose 11. First Member 11a Bottom of water injection guide 11b Stepped section 12 Second Member 12a Bottom side 13 Third Member 14 Water inlet 14a aperture 14b opening 15 Automatic supply tank 15a Lid 16. First water supply route 17 Water supply valve 17a Inlet side connection 17b Outlet side connection 18. Second water supply route (water supply route) 19. First channel outlet (water supply route outlet) 19a Bend part 20 storage units 21 storage cases 22 Partition section 23. First Detention Unit 23a 1st input opening 24. Second Detention Unit (Detention Unit) 24a 2nd opening (opening) 24b 1st side 24c Upper edge (inflow part) 24d 1st bottom 24e 2nd bottom 24f 3rd bottom 25 Channel-forming recess 26 Flow channel forming protrusion 27 Outlet forming part 31 Lid member 32 Hook section 33 Information Department 33a top end 33b Curved section 33c Extension part 33d bottom edge 35 Flow channel forming cover 36 Front part 37 Rear part 38 picks 39 Input regulation department 40 Emission routes 41 Inlet 43 Upper end 45 Outlet L1 virtual line S1 First channel S2 Second channel S3 Third channel

Claims

1. A container for containing the treatment agent, A water supply path outlet through which water supplied to the opening of the aforementioned housing section passes, A guide unit that guides the water that has passed through the water supply route outlet to the opening, Equipped with, The guide portion has its upper end located above the opening and its lower end located inside the housing portion. The water supply route outlet is located above the opening. washing machine.

2. The water supplied to the opening of the housing has an inlet through which it passes downstream of the water supply route outlet. The water inlet is provided above the opening, The upper end of the guide section is located above the water inlet. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned storage section has a discharge path that drains the water from the storage section using a siphon structure. The aforementioned discharge path is The aforementioned discharge path includes an inlet for introducing water, An upper end located above the inlet and at the upper end of the discharge path, It has, The lower end of the guide portion is located below the upper end portion. The washing machine according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned storage section is covered from above and has a lid member equipped with a processing agent inlet, The lower end of the guide portion is located below the processing agent inlet. The washing machine according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned storage section is equipped with a water supply path that guides the water supplied to it. The water supply path has a first channel through which water flows in a first direction, The first flow path extends along the edge of the opening, The water inlet opens in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The storage section has a lid member that covers it from above, The guide portion is integrally molded with the lid member. The washing machine according to claim 1.

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