Detergent dispenser and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a detergent dispenser and washing machine that do not require a solenoid valve to switch the water supply route and that can switch the water supply route without depending on the water pressure of the tap. [Solution] The detergent case 10 includes a case body 100 having a powder detergent storage chamber 102, a fabric softener storage chamber 101, a float chamber 104 and a water passage chamber 105 adjacent to both the powder detergent storage chamber 102 and the fabric softener storage chamber 101, and a water supply path switching member 110 housed in the float chamber 104 and the water passage chamber 105, which can switch the water supply path by swinging and moving so as to tilt toward the fabric softener storage chamber 101 according to the water supply status from the outside. The water supply path switching member 110 continuously receives water from the outside to supply water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 without causing swinging movement, and after receiving water from the outside for a predetermined period, the water supply is stopped for a predetermined stop period to cause swinging movement, and after the swinging movement occurs, the water supply is restarted to supply water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0006] , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent case provided in a washing machine and a washing machine provided with the detergent case.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, a washing machine is provided with a detergent case. Detergent and softener used for washing are stored in the detergent case in advance, and the stored detergent and the like are put into the washing tub at a predetermined timing. Specifically, when water is supplied to the washing tub for performing a washing process or a rinsing process, at least a part of the water is supplied to the detergent case, and the detergent and the like stored in the detergent case are put into the washing tub together with the supplied water.

[0003] The detergent and softener put into the washing tub have different input timings to the washing tub. For example, the detergent is put into the washing tub in the washing process, and the softener is put into the washing tub in the rinsing process. Therefore, the detergent and softener put into the washing tub need to be selectively switched. The switching of the detergent and softener put into the washing tub is usually performed by switching the water supply path in the detergent case.

[0004] Conventionally, the switching of the water supply path in the detergent case has been performed by providing a solenoid valve for each water supply path. However, in this configuration, there is a problem of cost increase due to an increase in the solenoid valves used.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that enables water supply to different water supply paths with one solenoid valve. In the configuration in Patent Document 1, the water supply path is switched by the water pressure of the supplied water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Patent Document 1 states that a minimum water pressure is required to switch the water supply route. Therefore, if the water pressure of the tap connected to the washing machine is low and does not reach the minimum required water pressure, there is a risk that the water supply route cannot be switched at all.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a detergent case and washing machine that do not require a solenoid valve to switch the water supply route and that can switch the water supply route without depending on the water pressure of the tap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the detergent case of the present invention is a detergent case capable of storing detergent and clothing treatment agent, and for dispensing the stored detergent or clothing treatment agent into a washing tub together with supplied water, comprising a case body having a clothing treatment agent storage chamber for storing clothing treatment agent, a detergent storage chamber for storing detergent, and a water supply switching chamber adjacent to both the detergent storage chamber and the clothing treatment agent storage chamber, characterized in that after water from an external source is supplied to the water supply switching chamber for a predetermined period, the water supply is stopped for a predetermined stop period, thereby switching the supplied water from the detergent storage chamber to the clothing treatment agent storage chamber.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the water supply path within the detergent case can be switched according to the water supply status from the outside, eliminating the need for a solenoid valve to switch the water supply path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The detergent case and washing machine of the present invention have the advantage of not requiring a solenoid valve to switch the water supply path, and being able to switch the water supply path without depending on water pressure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a washing machine. [Figure 2] It is a top perspective view of a washing machine with the lid open. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a detergent case. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of a water supply path switching member. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the water supply path switching member that includes a float portion. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the water supply path switching member that includes a water storage portion. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of a detergent case. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a float chamber in a default state. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of a water passage chamber in a default state. [Figure 10] It is a timing chart at the time of filling the washing tub before the washing process. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber in a state where the water level in the water storage portion has reached its maximum after starting water supply from the default state. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber in a state where the water level in the float chamber has reached its maximum after starting water supply from the default state. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber in a state where the water storage portion is zero. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber in a state where the water storage portion is zero. [Figure 15] It is a timing chart at the time of filling the washing tub before the rinsing process. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber when water supply to the detergent case is restarted in a state where the water storage portion is zero. [Figure 17] It is a timing chart at the time of filling the washing tub before the rinsing process when water supply is temporarily stopped by user operation and then restarted. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a modified example of the water supply path switching member that includes a float portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, the "washing machine" means all devices that perform various processes such as washing on the laundry. As processes for the laundry, for example, washing, drying, deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. are included. The laundry is not particularly limited. Examples of the laundry include textile products. Specific examples of the laundry include, for example, clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves, belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels, bedding such as curtains, blankets, bath mats, and futon covers, carpets, stuffed toys, etc. Also, in FIG. 1, a vertical washing machine is illustrated, but the type of the washing machine in the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, a drum-type washing machine may be used.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 on which a detergent case 10 of the present disclosure can be mounted. FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the washing machine 1 with the lid 3 open. In the following description, the front side, the rear side, the width direction (left and right direction), the depth direction (front and rear direction), the height direction, etc. shall mean the directions in the state where the washing machine 1 is installed. Also, in the present embodiment, the detergent case 10 can store detergents (liquid detergents and powder detergents) and clothing treatment agents other than detergents. In the following description, a softener is exemplified as the clothing treatment agent stored in the detergent case 10.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 has a washing machine main body 2 and a lid 3 that can open and close the laundry inlet 2a on the upper surface of the washing machine main body 2. In the present embodiment, the detergent case 10 is provided as a pull-out type case behind the laundry inlet 2a. When the user puts a detergent or a clothing treatment agent into the detergent case 10, the detergent case 10 is pulled forward with the lid 3 open.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the detergent case 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent case 10 includes a case main body 100 and a water supply path switching member 110 disposed on the case main body 100.

[0017] The case body 100 has multiple chambers, namely a fabric softener storage chamber (clothing treatment agent storage chamber) 101, a powder detergent storage chamber 102, a liquid detergent storage chamber 103, a float chamber (part of the water supply switching chamber) 104, and a water passage chamber (part of the water supply switching chamber) 105, and these multiple chambers are separated by partition walls 106. However, at least a portion between the water passage chamber 105 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102 does not have a partition wall 106. Furthermore, the partition wall 106 between the float chamber 104 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102 is lower in height than the other partition walls 106 and serves as an overflow wall 106a for overflowing water from the float chamber 104 to the powder detergent storage chamber 102. In addition, a first drain hole 104a (see Figure 7) is provided at the bottom of the float chamber 104.

[0018] The fabric softener storage chamber 101, the powder detergent storage chamber 102, and the liquid detergent storage chamber 103 each store fabric softener, powder detergent, and liquid detergent, respectively. The float chamber 104 and the water passage chamber 105 are rooms that house and position the water supply route switching member 110.

[0019] More specifically, the fabric softener storage chamber 101 is located at one end of the case body 100 in the width direction (arrow X direction in Figure 3), and the powder detergent storage chamber 102 is located at the other end of the case body 100 in the width direction. The liquid detergent storage chamber 103, float chamber 104, and water passage chamber 105 are located between the fabric softener storage chamber 101 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102 in the width direction, and in the depth direction (arrow Y direction in Figure 3), they are located in the order of float chamber 104, water passage chamber 105, and liquid detergent storage chamber 103 from the front. As a result, the float chamber 104 and water passage chamber 105 are adjacent to both the fabric softener storage chamber 101 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102.

[0020] Furthermore, the order in which the liquid detergent storage chamber 103, float chamber 104, and water passage chamber 105 are arranged in the depth direction is not limited to the above example, and it is sufficient that at least the float chamber 104 and water passage chamber 105 are provided adjacent to each other. In addition, in this embodiment, a portion of the water supplied to the detergent case 10 can switch its water supply route between the fabric softener storage chamber 101 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102, with the powder detergent storage chamber 102 corresponding to the detergent storage chamber described in the claims.

[0021] The water supply route switching member 110 has a float section 111, a water storage section 112, and a water supply guide plate 113. The specific configuration of the water supply route switching member 110 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a plan view of the water supply route switching member 110. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply route switching member 110 including the float section 111 (cross-sectional view VV in Figure 4). Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply route switching member 110 including the water storage section 112 (cross-sectional view VI-VI in Figure 4).

[0022] The float section 111 has a shape that has a volume with only the bottom open. In a specific example of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the float section 111 has a top plate 111a and side plates 111b on all four sides, and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with only the bottom open. On the other hand, the water reservoir section 112 has a shape that has a volume with only the top open. In a specific example of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the water reservoir section 112 has a bottom plate 112a and side plates 112b on all four sides, and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with only the top open. In this embodiment, a second drain hole 112c is provided at the bottom of the water reservoir section 112. In the example of Figure 6, the second drain hole 112c is provided in the bottom plate 112a, but the second drain hole 112c may also be provided as a horizontal hole in the side plate 112b, as long as it is in contact with the bottom surface of the water reservoir section 112. The float section 111 and the water reservoir section 112 are arranged so as to be aligned along the depth direction when placed on the case body 100, and are connected via the water supply guide plate 113.

[0023] Preferably, the second drain hole 112c has a larger cross-sectional area than the first drain hole 104a and a larger drainage rate per unit time than the first drain hole 104a. As will be described in detail later, the drainage rates of the first drain hole 104a and the second drain hole 112c are set such that the drainage time from full to zero in the water storage section 112 is shorter than the drainage time from full to zero in the float chamber 104. In other words, in the water supply path switching member 110, when the water level in the water storage section 112 becomes zero (zero water storage state) after the water supply is stopped, there remains a water level in the float chamber 104 that is sufficient to lift the float section 111 to the extent that the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113 tilts toward the fabric softener storage chamber 101. One example of a configuration to achieve this is to set the drainage volume (cross-sectional area) of the second drain hole 112c of the water reservoir 112 > the drainage volume (cross-sectional area) of the first drain hole 104a of the float chamber 104. However, other than this, for example, the capacity of the water reservoir 112 < the capacity of the float chamber 104 may also be set.

[0024] The water supply guide plate 113 has a roughly U-shape in plan view, with a first surface 113a and a second surface 113b connected together. The first surface 113a is the surface connected to the float section 111 and is positioned to cover the upper surface of the float section 111. The first surface 113a of the water supply guide plate 113 may also serve as the top plate 111a of the float section 111, or it may be superimposed on the top plate 111a by being attached or otherwise (Figure 5 illustrates a configuration in which the first surface 113a also serves as the top plate 111a).

[0025] The second surface 113b is connected to the first surface 113a and the water storage section 112, and is positioned on the same side in the width direction (left side in Figure 4) relative to both the first surface 113a and the water storage section 112. The side on which the second surface 113b is positioned relative to the first surface 113a and the water storage section 112 is the same side on which the softener storage chamber 101 is positioned relative to the float chamber 104 and the water passage chamber 105. In the default state described later, the second surface 113b is not parallel to the horizontal plane, but is inclined to form a predetermined angle α (see Figure 5).

[0026] Furthermore, the water supply guide plate 113 has rib-shaped engaging portions 113c and 113d on its back side, with the depth direction as the longitudinal direction and erected downwards. The engaging portion 113c is provided next to the float portion 111 in the width direction (provided at the same position as the float portion 111 in the depth direction). The engaging portion 113d is provided next to the water storage portion 112 in the width direction (provided at the same position as the water storage portion 112 in the depth direction). Also, the engaging portions 113c and 113d are provided at the same position as each other in the width direction. In the example in Figure 4, the engaging portion 113c is provided near the boundary between the first surface 113a and the second surface 113b.

[0027] Figure 7 is a plan view of the detergent case 10 (a plan view showing the water supply path switching member 110 placed on the case body 100). In the state shown in Figure 7, the float section 111 is housed in the float chamber 104, and the water storage section 112 is housed in the water passage chamber 105. However, in the float chamber 104, there is a region where the float section 111 is present and a region where the float section 111 is not present when viewed from above.

[0028] The engaging portion 113c engages with the partition wall 106b (see Figure 8) between the float chamber 104 and the fabric softener storage chamber 101 on the float chamber 104 side. The engaging portion 113d engages with the partition wall 106c (see Figure 9) between the water passage chamber 105 and the fabric softener storage chamber 101 on the water passage chamber 105 side. The engaging portions 113c and 113d restrict the movement of the water passage route switching member 110 in the width direction during the swinging motion of the water passage route switching member 110, which will be described later, and cause the area near the upper ends of the partition walls 106b and 106c to act as the pivot point for the swinging motion. A portion of the second surface 113b of the water passage guide plate 113 (the portion that is closer to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 than the engaging portions 113c and 113d) is located above the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

[0029] Water is supplied to the detergent case 10 by dropping water into the detergent case 10 from a water inlet (not shown) inside the washing machine body 2 at multiple water supply points shown in Figure 7, for example, water supply points A, B, C1-C2, D1-D3 shown in Figure 7. The water inlet inside the washing machine body 2 is connected to a water intake 4 (see Figure 1) which is connected to a water tap via a hose, and via a predetermined water supply path, and a solenoid valve (not shown) is provided in this water supply path. The water supply to the detergent case 10 can be switched on or off by opening and closing this solenoid valve. In this embodiment, water is supplied to the detergent case 10 simultaneously at all of the multiple water supply points.

[0030] Water supply point A drops water in the area of ​​the float chamber 104 where the float portion 111 is not present. Water supply point B drops water onto the water supply guide plate 113 near the boundary between the water passage chamber 105 and the fabric softener storage chamber 101 (near the upper part of the engagement portion 113d). Water supply points C1 to C2 drop water in the powder detergent storage chamber 102. Water supply points D1 to D3 drop water in the liquid detergent storage chamber 103. Note that there are no water supply points that directly supply water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

[0031] In washing machine 1, during the washing cycle, water is supplied to the powder detergent storage chamber 102 and the liquid detergent storage chamber 103 in the detergent case 10 to supply detergent to the washing tub, but not to the fabric softener storage chamber 101. On the other hand, during the rinsing cycle, water is supplied to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 in order to supply fabric softener to the washing tub. In other words, in washing machine 1, the water supply route within the detergent case 10 is switched so that the supply of water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 is switched between the washing and rinsing cycles. Note that in the rinsing cycle, since the detergent in the detergent storage chambers has already been used in the preceding washing cycle, there is no problem even if water is supplied to the powder detergent storage chamber 102 and the liquid detergent storage chamber 103 simultaneously.

[0032] The following describes the switching operation of the water supply path within the detergent case 10. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber 104 in the default state. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber 105 in the default state. Note that the cross-section of the float section 111 in Figure 8 is the same as the cross-section in Figure 5, and the cross-section of the water storage section 112 in Figure 9 is the same as the cross-section in Figure 6. The default state refers to the state in which no water is supplied to the detergent case 10 and no water is stored inside the detergent case 10, i.e., the initial state.

[0033] In the default state, the water supply path switching member 110 is stabilized by its own weight with the bottom of the water storage section 112 in contact with the bottom surface of the detergent case 10 (water passage chamber 105). At this time, the float section 111 may be positioned with a gap G between its lower end and the bottom surface of the detergent case 10 (float chamber 104). Providing a gap G makes it easier for the water level changes in the float chamber 104 and the water level changes in the float section 111 to track each other in real time. In other words, by providing a gap G, the float chamber 104 and the float section 111 become the same environment, and they can change water levels together. In addition, the water supply guide plate 113 has a slope such that the end on the fabric softener storage chamber 101 side is higher and the end on the opposite side (water storage section 112 side) is lower in the width direction.

[0034] Next, we will explain the relationship between the method of supplying water to the detergent case 10 and the behavior of the water supply path switching member 110 when filling the washing tub with water before the washing cycle. Figure 10 is a timing chart when filling the washing tub with water before the washing cycle. Note that the switching operation of the water supply path in the detergent case 10 is caused by supplying water to supply points A and B among the multiple supply points shown in Figure 7, and the supply of water to supply points C1-C2 and D1-D3 does not affect the switching operation of the water supply path.

[0035] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber 105 after water supply has started from the default state (time T0) and the water storage section 112 is full. As shown in Figure 11, the water supplied to the water supply point B flows along the slope of the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113 and flows into the water storage section 112 of the water supply route switching member 110. A portion of the water that flows into the water storage section 112 is drained from the second drain hole 112c, but the water level in the water storage section 112 rises because the amount of water supplied to the water supply point B is set to be greater than the amount of water drained from the second drain hole 112c.

[0036] When the water level in the water reservoir 112 reaches its maximum, water overflows from the reservoir 112, the water level does not rise any further, and the reservoir 112 becomes full (water reservoir full). In Figure 10, the timing when the water reservoir becomes full is set to time T1. Since there is no partition wall 106 between the water passage chamber 105 and the powder detergent storage chamber 102, the water drained from the second drain hole 112c and the water overflowing from the water reservoir 112 flow from the water passage chamber 105 into the powder detergent storage chamber 102, and from the powder detergent storage chamber 102 into the washing tub. In this embodiment, "water reservoir full" does not refer to the state in which the water reservoir 112 is full (the state from time T1 to time T3), but rather refers only to the state immediately after the water reservoir 112 becomes full (the state at time T1).

[0037] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber 104 when the water level in the float chamber 104 is at its maximum after water supply has started from the default state (time T0). As shown in Figure 12, the water supplied to the water supply point A is supplied to the float chamber 104. A portion of the water that flows into the float chamber 104 is drained from the first drain hole 104a, but the water level in the float chamber 104 rises when the amount of water supplied to the water supply point A is set to be greater than the amount of water drained from the first drain hole 104a. The water drained from the first drain hole 104a is then poured into the washing tub.

[0038] When the water level in the float chamber 104 reaches its maximum, water overflows beyond the overflow wall 106a, and the overflowing water flows from the float chamber 104 into the powder detergent storage chamber 102. As a result, the water level in the float chamber 104 does not rise any further, and the float chamber 104 becomes full (float chamber full). In Figure 10, the timing of the float chamber becoming full is set as time T2, which is later than time T1. In this embodiment, "float chamber full" does not refer to the state in which the float chamber 104 is full (the state from time T2 to time T3), but rather refers only to the state immediately after the float chamber 104 becomes full (the state at time T2).

[0039] When water accumulates in the water reservoir 112, the load on the water reservoir 112 increases as the water level rises (as the amount of water increases). On the other hand, when water accumulates in the float chamber 104, if the water level exceeds the bottom of the float chamber 104, buoyancy acts on the float section 111 due to the air trapped inside the float chamber 104, and the buoyancy of the float section 111 increases as the water level in the float chamber 104 rises. The water supply path switching member 110 generates a swinging motion with the upper ends of the bulkheads 106b and 106c as the pivot point due to the balance between the load in the water reservoir 112 and the buoyancy in the float section 111.

[0040] In Figure 10, "Buoyancy vs. Load" shows the balance between the "Load" which increases due to the water storage in the water reservoir 112 and the "Buoyancy" acting on the float section 111. In Figure 10, the state where "Load" and "Buoyancy" are equal is defined as "Neutral." In the default state of the water supply path switching member 110, both "Load" and "Buoyancy" are 0, so it is in the "Neutral" state. However, in the default state, the water supply path switching member 110 is tilted towards the float chamber 104 and water passage chamber 105 due to its own weight (a state in which no oscillating movement occurs).

[0041] When water is supplied to the detergent case 10 from the default state, the "load" increases as the water level in the reservoir 112 rises, and the "buoyancy" increases as the water level in the float chamber 104 rises. From the default state until the reservoir is full (from time T0 to time T1), the increase in "load" is greater than the increase in "buoyancy," and the position of the water supply path switching member 110 is maintained in the default position.

[0042] From the time the reservoir is full until the float chamber is full (from time T1 to time T2), overflow occurs in the reservoir 112, preventing the "load" from increasing further, and only the "buoyancy" increases. As a result, the balance between "load" and "buoyancy" approaches "neutrality" somewhat, but remains biased towards "load". After the float chamber is full, overflow also occurs in the float chamber 104, preventing the "buoyancy" from increasing further, and the balance between "load" and "buoyancy" remains biased towards "load".

[0043] After the float chamber is full (from time T2 onwards), the water supply route switching member 110 is maintained in the state shown in Figures 11 and 12. That is, the water supply route switching member 110 does not tilt toward the fabric softener storage chamber 101 ("tilt of the switching member"), and the water supplied to water supply point B continues to flow toward the water storage section 112 along the slope of the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113. As a result, no water is supplied to the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

[0044] As described above, when filling the washing tub with water before the washing process, by continuing to supply water to the detergent case 10 from the default state, water is not supplied to the fabric softener storage chamber 101, but water is supplied to the powder detergent storage chamber 102 and the liquid detergent storage chamber 103. In this embodiment, the water supplied to water supply points A, B and C1-C2 becomes the water supplied to the powder detergent storage chamber 102, and the water supplied to water supply points D1-D3 becomes the water supplied to the liquid detergent storage chamber 103.

[0045] The supply of water to the detergent case 10 ends (water supply stops) when the detergent stored in the detergent storage chamber has been sufficiently poured into the washing tub (time T3). After the water supply to the detergent case 10 stops, the water level in the water storage section 112 decreases due to drainage from the second drain hole 112c, and the "load" also decreases. In addition, the water level in the float chamber 104 decreases due to drainage from the first drain hole 104a, and the "buoyancy" of the float section 111 also decreases.

[0046] After the water supply to the detergent case 10 is stopped, the water level in the water reservoir 112 becomes zero first (water reservoir zero) (time T4), and then the water level in the float chamber 104 becomes zero (float chamber zero) (time T5). During this time, from the time the water supply is stopped until the water reservoir becomes zero (time T3 to time T4), the "buoyancy vs. load" ratio shifts from a state leaning towards "load" to a state leaning towards "buoyancy" beyond "neutral," and becomes most "buoyant" at the point when the water reservoir becomes zero (time T4). When the "buoyancy vs. load" ratio becomes leaning towards "buoyancy," the water supply path switching member 110 swings and moves so as to tilt toward the fabric softener storage chamber 101 side around the pivot point. In this embodiment, "water reservoir zero" does not refer to the state in which the water reservoir 112 has zero water (the state from time T4 to time T5), but rather refers only to the state immediately after the water reservoir 112 has zero water (the state at time T4). Similarly, "float chamber zero" refers only to the state immediately after the float chamber 104 has zero water (the state at time T5).

[0047] The "tilting of the switching member" occurs shortly after the "buoyancy vs. load" ratio exceeds "neutral," and the amount of tilt is then maximized when the water level in the reservoir is zero (time T4). Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber 105 when the water level in the reservoir is zero. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber 104 when the water level in the reservoir is zero. In the zero water level state shown in Figures 13 and 14, the "tilting of the switching member" is maximized, causing the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113 to be inclined such that the end on the fabric softener storage chamber 101 side is lower and the opposite end is higher in the width direction. In the zero water level state described above, it is not strictly required that the water level in the reservoir 112 be completely zero, and as shown in Figure 14, it is permissible for a small amount of water to remain in the reservoir 112 depending on the position of the second drain hole 112c.

[0048] Between the point where the water level in the reservoir is zero and the point where the float chamber is zero (from time T4 to time T5), the water level in the float chamber 104 continues to decrease due to drainage from the first drain hole 104a. As the water level in the float chamber 104 decreases, the "buoyancy vs. load" ratio approaches "neutral," and the "tilt of the switching member" approaches zero. As a result, the "buoyancy vs. load" ratio eventually becomes "neutral," and the "tilt of the switching member" becomes zero, returning the water supply route switching member 110 to its default state. If there was any water remaining in the reservoir 112 when the reservoir was zero, all of that remaining water will be drained from the second drain hole 112c when the water supply route switching member 110 returns to its default state.

[0049] As described above, during the water filling of the washing tub before the washing process, water is continuously supplied to the detergent case 10 (from time T0 to time T3 in Figure 10), so that the "tilting of the switching member" does not occur during water supply. In other words, water can be supplied to the powder detergent storage chamber 102 (and liquid detergent storage chamber 103) without supplying water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101. As a result, only detergent (powder detergent or liquid detergent) can be put into the washing tub.

[0050] Next, we will explain the relationship between the water supply method to the detergent case 10 and the behavior of the water supply path switching member 110 when filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process. Figure 15 is a timing chart for filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process. Note that the water supply operation to the detergent case 10 when filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process is the same from time T0 to time T4 in Figure 10. In this case, the period from time T0 to time T3 in Figure 10 is the predetermined period during which water is supplied from the outside. For this reason, the timing chart in Figure 15 is shown starting from time T3, and the explanation up to that point is omitted.

[0051] Even when filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process, the water supply to the detergent case 10 is stopped at time T3 (water supply pause). Due to this pause in water supply, the water levels in the reservoir 112 and the float chamber 104 decrease, and at the point when the reservoir reaches zero (time T4), the "tilt of the switching member" is tilted towards the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

[0052] When filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing cycle, water supply to the detergent case 10 is resumed when the water level in the reservoir reaches zero (time T4). In this case, the period from time T3 to time T4 is a predetermined stop period during which the supply of water from the outside is stopped. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the water passage chamber 105 when water supply to the detergent case 10 is resumed when the water level in the reservoir reaches zero. At this point, the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113 is sloped such that the end on the fabric softener storage chamber 101 side is lower and the opposite end is higher in the width direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16, the water supplied to the water supply point B flows along the slope of the second surface 113b of the water supply guide plate 113 and flows into the fabric softener storage chamber 101. Note that the timing of the resumption of water supply to the detergent case 10 does not have to be exactly when the water level reaches zero (time T4), but may be slightly earlier or later. Specifically, it is sufficient if the second surface 113b of the water supply guide board 113 is tilted toward the fabric softener storage chamber 101, but it is desirable that the tilt is such that it is not eliminated by the water supply to water supply point B.

[0053] After water supply to the detergent case 10 is resumed (from time T4 onwards), the water level in the float chamber 104 rises again and reaches its maximum at time T6 (the float chamber is full). On the other hand, since no water flows into the water reservoir 112, the water level in the water reservoir 112 remains at zero. As a result, the "tilt of the switching member" reaches its maximum state, and water supply to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 continues.

[0054] The water supply to the detergent case 10, which resumed at time T4, ends (water supply stops) at time T7 when the fabric softener stored in the fabric softener storage chamber 101 has been sufficiently poured into the washing tub. When the water supply to the detergent case 10 stops, the water level in the float chamber 104 drops due to drainage from the first drain hole 104a. At time T8, the water level in the float chamber 104 becomes zero, and the water supply path switching member 110 returns to its default state.

[0055] As described above, when filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process, water is supplied to the detergent case 10 for a predetermined time until both the water reservoir 112 and the float chamber 104 are full. Then, the water supply is stopped for a certain period of time, and the drainage from the water reservoir 112 and the float chamber 104 is used to create a "tilt in the switching member". After the "tilt in the switching member" is created, the water supply is restarted, allowing water to be supplied to the fabric softener storage chamber 101. This allows fabric softener to be added to the washing tub.

[0056] The switching of the water supply path within the detergent case 10 described above can be performed solely by controlling the ON / OFF switching of the water supply to the detergent case 10. In other words, the washing machine 1 does not need to be equipped with multiple solenoid valves for switching the water supply path within the detergent case 10, and a configuration that allows switching the water supply path within the detergent case 10 can be realized at low cost.

[0057] Furthermore, the time for which water supply to the detergent case 10 is stopped when filling the washing tub with water before the rinsing process is determined solely by the design elements of the detergent case 10 (dimensions of the water reservoir 112 and float chamber 104, sizes of the first drain hole 104a and second drain hole 112c, etc.), and does not depend on the water pressure or volume of the water supply source. This ensures that the switching operation of the water supply path within the detergent case 10 can be reliably performed.

[0058] Furthermore, we will explain the operation when, during the water filling of the washing tub before the washing cycle, the water supply to the detergent case 10 is temporarily suspended by user operation (e.g., pausing the operation) after the float chamber is full (time T2) but before the water supply is completed (time T3), and then the water supply is resumed. Figure 17 is a timing chart for the water filling of the washing tub before the rinsing cycle when the water supply is temporarily suspended by user operation and then resumed. Note that the timing chart in Figure 17 is described starting from time T2 because the operation from time T0 to time T2 is the same as the timing chart in Figure 10.

[0059] In Figure 17, after the float chamber is full (time T2), the timing of the user-initiated temporary suspension of water supply is set to time T9. From time T9 onward, the same operation as from time T3 onward in Figure 10 occurs due to the decrease in water levels in the water storage section 112 and the float chamber 104. Specifically, the operation from time T9 to time T11 in Figure 17 is the same as the operation from time T3 to time T5 in Figure 10.

[0060] Now, let's consider the case where, between time T9 and time T11, a user input is received to restart the water supply to the detergent case 10 (user restart instruction). Between time T9 and time T11, the "buoyancy vs load" balance is biased towards "buoyancy," and there is a period during which "tilting of the switching member" occurs. If the water supply to the detergent case 10 is restarted during this period, water will be supplied to the fabric softener storage chamber 101.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the period from time T9 to time T11 is set as a mask time during which water supply to the detergent case 10 is not resumed, and time T11 is set as the time when water supply can be resumed. That is, if a user inputs a restart instruction between time T9 and time T11, the period from this input to time T11 is set as a waiting time, and water supply to the detergent case 10 is resumed at time T11. At time T11, when the float chamber is zero, there is no "tilting of the switching member," so water supply to the fabric softener storage chamber 101 does not occur.

[0062] After water supply to the detergent case 10 resumes at time T11, water supply continues without supplying water to the fabric softener storage chamber 101, and the storage chamber becomes full at time T12, and the float chamber becomes full at time T13. The state at time T12 and time T13 in Figure 17 is the same as the state at time T1 and time T2 in Figure 10. Therefore, the operation after water supply is completed from time T13 onwards is the same as the operation after water supply is completed from time T3 onwards in Figure 10.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not to be interpreted solely by the embodiments described above, but is determined based on the claims.

[0064] For example, in the above description, the water supply path is switched by the oscillating motion of the water supply path switching member 110, which utilizes buoyancy. However, the switching of the water supply path is not limited to that performed by an oscillating motion. For example, the water supply path to the detergent storage chamber and the water supply path to the clothing treatment agent storage chamber may be arranged vertically, and the water supply path may be switched by the water level of the float.

[0065] Furthermore, in the water supply path switching member 110 shown in Figure 5, the top plate 111a of the float section 111 is almost horizontal in the default state. However, as shown in Figure 18, the top plate 111a may be tilted so that the tip side (opposite the engaging portion 113c) is higher in the default state. By tilting the top plate 111a in this way, it becomes easier to store air at the tip side of the float section 111, and it becomes easier to generate buoyancy in the float section 111 when water is injected into the float chamber 104. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Washing machine 2. Washing machine unit 3 Lid 10 detergent cases 100 Case Body 101 Fabric softener storage room (clothing treatment agent storage room) 102 Powder detergent storage chamber (detergent storage chamber) 103 Liquid detergent storage room 104 Float chamber (part of the water supply switching chamber) 104a First drain hole 105 Water supply room (part of the water supply switching room) 106 Bulkhead 106a Overflow wall 110 Water supply route switching member 111 Float section 112 Water storage section 112c Second drain hole 113 Water supply information board 113a 1st page 113b 2nd side 113c,113d Engagement part A. Water supply point (first water supply point) B. Water supply point (second water supply point)

Claims

1. A detergent case capable of storing detergent and garment treatment agent, and for dispensing the stored detergent or garment treatment agent into the washing tub together with supplied water, The case body comprises a garment treatment agent storage chamber for storing garment treatment agents, a detergent storage chamber for storing detergent, and a water supply switching chamber adjacent to both the detergent storage chamber and the garment treatment agent storage chamber. A detergent case characterized in that, after water from an external source is supplied to the water supply switching chamber for a predetermined period, the water supply is stopped for a predetermined stop period, thereby switching the supplied water from the detergent storage chamber to the garment treatment agent storage chamber.

2. A detergent case according to claim 1, The water supply switching chamber is housed and equipped with a water supply path switching member that can switch the water supply path by swinging and moving so as to tilt toward the clothing treatment agent storage chamber in accordance with the water supply status from the outside, The water supply route switching member is If water is continuously supplied from an external source, the water will be supplied to the detergent storage chamber without causing the aforementioned oscillating movement. A detergent case characterized in that, after receiving water from an external source for a predetermined period, the water supply is stopped for a predetermined stop period to generate the oscillating motion, and while the oscillating motion is occurring, water is supplied to the garment treatment agent storage chamber.

3. A detergent case according to claim 2, The water supply switching chamber includes a float chamber having an overflow wall for allowing water to overflow from the detergent storage chamber and a first drain hole at its bottom, and a water passage chamber that does not have a partition wall in at least a portion of the space between it and the detergent storage chamber. The water supply route switching member includes a float portion housed in the float chamber, a water reservoir portion housed in the water passage chamber and having a second drain hole at its bottom, and a water supply guide plate connected to the clothing treatment agent storage chamber side relative to the float portion and the water reservoir portion. The water supply path switching member engages the water supply guide plate with the float chamber and the water passage chamber and the clothing treatment agent storage chamber on the partition wall, thereby serving as the pivot point for the swinging movement. The system can receive water from an external source simultaneously from at least a first water supply point that drops water into the float chamber, and a second water supply point that drops water onto the water supply guide plate at the boundary between the water passage chamber and the clothing treatment agent storage chamber. The water supplied from the first water supply point raises the water level in the float chamber, thereby generating buoyancy in the float. The water supplied from the second water supply point flows along the water supply guide plate toward the water storage section when the water supply path switching member is not oscillating, and flows along the water supply guide plate toward the clothing treatment agent storage chamber when the water supply path switching member is oscillating. When both the water reservoir and the float chamber are full of water, the load on the water reservoir prevents the water supply path switching member from swinging. A detergent case characterized in that when the water supply from the outside is stopped while both the water storage section and the float chamber are full of water, the buoyancy of the float section causes the water supply path switching member to oscillate during the process of drainage from the first and second drain holes.

4. A washing machine characterized by comprising a detergent case according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images