washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which improves supply performance of a detergent liquid when using a liquid agent input device.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: an outer tub; a washing tub provided in the outer tub rotatably; first water supply means provided openably / closably; a first path for leading water introduced from the first water supply means to the outer tub and / or the washing tub; a liquid agent tank for storing a liquid agent inside; a liquid agent input device for discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank to the first path; and a flow passage part provided communicating with the first path on the downstream side of the liquid agent input device. At the first path, a first water pouring part is formed which is provided above the flow passage part and which pours water toward the flow passage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] The washing machine in Patent Document 1 includes a liquid agent tank for storing a liquid agent, an automatic liquid agent dosing device for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the liquid agent tank into a washing tub, and a water supply valve communicating with the automatic liquid agent dosing device via a waterway. After the automatic liquid agent dosing device is driven to supply the liquid agent into the washing tub, the water supply valve is opened to supply water into the automatic liquid agent dosing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 039140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a washing machine that improves the detergent liquid supply performance when using a liquid agent dosing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine according to the present disclosure includes an outer tub, a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a first water supply means that is openable and closable, A second water supply means that can be opened and closed independently of the first water supply means; A first passage for guiding water introduced from the first water supply means to the outer tub and / or the washing tub; A second path provided independently of the first path, which guides the water introduced from the second water supply means to the outer tub and / or the washing tub;The liquid agent tank includes a liquid agent tank for storing a liquid agent therein, a liquid agent supplying device for discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank to the first path, and a flow path portion provided downstream of the liquid agent supplying device and communicating with the first path, and a first water supplying portion is provided above the flow path portion in the first path and for supplying water toward the flow path portion. A second water injection section that injects water toward the flow path section is formed in the second path, and in the flow path section, a falling position of the water injected from the second water injection section is located upstream of a falling position of the water injected from the first water injection section, and the second water injection section injects water from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid in the flow path section. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] The washing machine according to the present disclosure improves the detergent liquid supply performance when using the liquid agent dosing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine in a closed state according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine in a first embodiment with a lid body in an open state; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a water supply unit of a washing machine in a state where a detergent case, a detergent tank, and a fabric softener tank are pulled out in a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment with a water supply unit lid removed; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of an upper portion of a flow path of a water supply unit of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] AA cross-sectional view of the water supply unit shown in FIG. [Figure 9] An enlarged view of region P shown in FIG. [Figure 10] BB cross-sectional view of the water supply unit shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply unit shown in FIG. [Figure 12] An enlarged view of region Q1 shown in FIG. [Figure 13]An enlarged view of region Q2 shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the washing machine with a water supply unit and a relay section lid removed in accordance with the first embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion device shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of the water supply unit and the automatic water supply device shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a top view of a lower part of a flow path of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 18] FF cross section of the lower part of the flow channel shown in FIG. [Figure 19] Timing chart of the washing process of the washing machine in the first embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or duplicate description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0010] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Washing machine] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a cover 150, and an operation unit 160. The housing 101 includes a lower housing 110 and an upper housing 130. An outer tub (not shown) and a washing tub 112 are housed in the lower housing 110. The outer tub is elastically supported in the lower housing 110 and is provided so as to be able to store water. The washing tub 112 is a cylindrical body with an open top, and is provided so as to be able to rotate in the outer tub. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the left and right are defined as the left and right when the washing machine 100 is viewed from the front in an installed state.

[0013] Upper housing 130 is disposed above lower housing 110, and is formed with an input port 131 that communicates with washing tub 112. Lid 150 is attached to the rear of upper housing 130, and covers input port 131 in an openable and closable manner. When a user rotates lid 150 upward, washing tub 112 is exposed through input port 131. A user can input laundry into washing tub 112 through input port 131.

[0014] An operation unit 160 is disposed in upper housing 130 at a position behind input port 131. A user can operate operation unit 160 to set various operations of washing tub 112.

[0015] A water supply port 170 is provided at the rear of the operation unit 160, and a water supply hose 171 is connected to the water supply port 170 so as to introduce tap water from a water faucet.

[0016] 2, water supply unit 200 is provided at the rear of upper housing 130. Water supply unit 200 is provided so as to be able to house detergent case 600, detergent tank 650, and fabric softener tank 660. Detergent tank 650, fabric softener tank 660, and detergent case 600 are arranged such that their front faces are flush when housed in water supply unit 200.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 are operated multiple times. On the other hand, the detergent case 600 is used for the user to pour in the amount of agent required for one operation, and is provided with a powder detergent manual feed section 610, a liquid detergent manual feed section 615, and a fabric softener manual feed section 620 so that powder detergent, liquid detergent, and fabric softener can be poured in, respectively.

[0018] The washing machine 100 is provided with a control device (not shown) that controls the execution of a series of washing operations including a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step. The control device controls the driving of at least a motor (not shown) for rotating the washing tub 112 and an agitating blade (not shown) provided in the washing tub 112, a water supply valve unit 210 (described later), and an automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 (described later).

[0019] [1-1-2. Water supply unit] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the water supply unit 200 mainly includes a water supply unit housing section 220 formed in an approximately box shape, a water supply unit lid section 260 covering the upper surface of the water supply unit housing section 220, a flow path lower section 300 attached to the lower section of the water supply unit housing section 220, a water supply valve unit 210, a relay section 270, and a bus pump 290.

[0020] Water supply valve unit 210 is provided at the rear right of water supply unit 200. Water supply valve unit 210 includes a first water supply valve 211, a second water supply valve 212, and a third water supply valve 213. First water supply valve 211, second water supply valve 212, and third water supply valve 213 are each provided so as to be able to open and close independently, and when in the open state, water introduced from water supply port 170 is introduced into water supply unit housing 220.

[0021] Bath pump 290 is disposed in the center of the back surface of water supply unit housing 220. Bath pump 290 draws water from the outside of washing machine 100 via a hose (not shown). Bath pump 290 is fixed to water supply unit lid 260 with screws, and is directly connected to first water guide path 410 (described later) via bath pump water inlet 291. Bath pump 290 can start suction and discharge operations by receiving water from first water guide path 410.

[0022] 5 and 6, an automatic liquid drug dispenser 500 is connected to the rear left side of the water supply unit casing 220. The automatic liquid drug dispenser 500 will be described in detail later.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply unit housing 220 is formed in a substantially box shape with an opening at the front. The water supply unit housing 220 has a detergent case storage section 221 and a tank storage section 222 as internal spaces. The detergent case storage section 221 stores the detergent case 600 in a removable manner. The tank storage section 222 stores the detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 in a removable manner. The detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 are connected to an automatic detergent insertion port 505 (described later) and an automatic fabric softener insertion port 506 (described later) of the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 in a state in which the detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 are stored in the tank storage section 222. This allows the detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 to communicate with the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500. This allows the liquid agent stored in the detergent tank 650 and the fabric softener tank 660 to be supplied to the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500.

[0024] Water supply unit housing 220 is provided with flow path upper portion 230 so as to cover the upper side of detergent case storage portion 221. Flow path upper portion 230 is formed with first water guide path 410 (described later), second water guide path 420 (described later), and a part of third water guide path 430 (described later).

[0025] The relay section 270 is disposed on the rear surface of the water supply unit housing section 220. 2, includes a relay part main body 274 attached to the water supply unit housing part 220, and a relay part lid 275 covering the relay part main body 274. A relay path 271 described later is provided within the relay part 270, and the relay path 271 connects a third water guide path 430 provided within the water supply unit housing part 220 and an internal path 510 (described later) within the automatic liquid agent dispensing device provided within the automatic liquid agent dispensing device 500.

[0026] [1-1-3. Water conduction route] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the water supply unit housing 220 is provided with a water guide path 400 through which the water introduced from the water supply valve unit 210 flows. The water guide path 400 includes a first water guide path 410, a second water guide path 420, and a third water guide path 430. The first water guide path 410, the second water guide path 420, and the third water guide path 430 are respectively connected to the first water supply valve 211, the second water supply valve 212, and the third water supply valve 213. When the first water supply valve 211 is opened, water is introduced into the first water guide path 410. When the second water supply valve 212 is opened, water is introduced into the second water guide path 420. When the third water supply valve 213 is opened, water is introduced into the third water guide path 430.

[0027] [1-1-4. First water channel, second water channel, detergent case] 6 and 7, the first water guide path 410 and the second water guide path 420 guide the water supplied from the first water supply valve 211 and the second water supply valve 212 to the upper flow path 230. The first water guide path 410 and the second water guide path 420 are configured to inject water into the detergent case 600 and the lower flow path 300 located below the upper flow path 230.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, in the upper flow path 230, the first water guide path 410 is provided with a powder detergent water injection section 411, a liquid detergent water injection section 412, and a first flow path lower path water injection section 413. The powder detergent water injection section 411 is provided above the powder detergent manual input section 610, and injects water flowing through the first water guide path 410 into the powder detergent manual input section 610. The liquid detergent water injection section 412 is provided above the liquid detergent manual input section 615, and injects water flowing through the first water guide path 410 into the liquid detergent manual input section 615. As shown in FIG. 10, the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is provided above the first flow path lower path 301 (described later). The first flow path lower path water injection section 413 injects water flowing through the first water guide path 410 into the first flow path lower path 301. 10 indicates the direction of water injected from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 into first flow path lower path 301. As indicated by arrow Z, the water injected from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is injected toward first flow path lower path 301, inclined leftward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0029] In the upper flow passage 230, the second water guide path 420 is provided with a fabric softener water injection section 421. The fabric softener water injection section 421 is connected above the manual fabric softener injection section 620 in a vertical direction.

[0030] The powder detergent manual dispenser 610, the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615, and the fabric softener manual dispenser 620 are each provided with a discharge port (not shown) for discharging liquid accumulated inside to the lower portion. The liquid discharged from the discharge port falls into the lower portion 300 of the flow path.

[0031] [1-1-5. Third water channel, relay channel, automatic insertion device] 6 to 9, third water guide path 430 is provided near the back surface of water supply unit housing 220. Hereinafter, third water guide path 430 is defined as a path including relay path 271 and automatic dosing device internal path 510 (described later).

[0032] The third water guide path 430 is provided with a third water guide path branching portion 432. The third water guide path branching portion 432 is located downstream of the third water supply valve 213 and divides the water flowing through the third water guide path 430 into The water is branched into a path leading to a foam generating nozzle 431 and a path leading to a relay path 271.

[0033] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the foam generating nozzle 431 is provided above the foam generating section 320 (described later). Arrow Y in Figure 12 indicates the direction of water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 into the foam generating section 320. As shown by arrow Y, the foam generating nozzle 431 is tilted forward with respect to the vertical direction and injects water toward the foam generating section 320.

[0034] 9, third water guide path outlet 435 is provided to open on the back side of water supply unit housing 220. Third water guide path outlet 435 is connected to relay path inlet 272 of relay path 271, and connects relay path 271 to third water guide path 430 in water supply unit housing 220.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 5, 9 and 14, relay path 271 is a path provided between relay path inlet 272, which is an upstream end, and relay path outlet 273, which is a downstream end. Relay path inlet 272 is provided downstream of third water guide path 430, and connects third water guide path 430 in water supply unit housing 220 to relay path 271. Relay path outlet 273 is connected to automatic insertion device internal path inlet 511 of automatic insertion device internal path 510 described later, and connects relay path 271 to automatic insertion device internal path 510. As a result, relay path 271 connects third water guide path 430 in water supply unit housing 220 to automatic insertion device internal path 510.

[0036] 3 to 6, 15 and 16, automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 is disposed on the rear side of tank accommodating section 222 of water supply unit casing section 220. Automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 includes an internal path 510 of the automatic liquid agent dosing device, a three-way valve 520, and a pump unit 530.

[0037] Path 510 in the automatic dispensing device has an inlet 511 in the automatic dispensing device at its upstream end, and an outlet 512 in the automatic dispensing device at its downstream end. Automatic detergent dispensing port 505 and automatic fabric softener dispensing port 506 are provided protruding forward from automatic liquid agent dispensing device 500 and provided so as to communicate with path 510 in the automatic dispensing device. Automatic detergent dispensing port 505 and automatic fabric softener dispensing port 506 are connected to detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660, respectively, when detergent tank 650 and fabric softener tank 660 are respectively accommodated in tank accommodating section 222.

[0038] The three-way valve 520 includes a detergent three-way valve 525 and a fabric softener three-way valve 526 that are independently controllable for opening and closing. The detergent three-way valve 525 is disposed so as to communicate with the automatic dispenser internal path inlet 511, the automatic detergent dispenser plug 505, and the fabric softener three-way valve 526. The fabric softener three-way valve 526 is disposed so as to communicate with the detergent three-way valve 525, the automatic fabric softener dispenser plug 506, and the pump unit 530 (described later). In this manner, the three-way valve 520 is connected to the automatic dispenser internal path 510, the automatic detergent dispenser plug 505, the automatic fabric softener dispenser plug 506, and the pump unit 530, and the detergent three-way valve 525 and / or the fabric softener three-way valve 526 are switched between open and closed to control the flows of the detergent, fabric softener, and water.

[0039] The downstream side of the three-way valve 520 is connected to a pump unit 530 via an internal path 510 of the automatic dosing device. The pump unit 530 includes an internal path 531 of the pump provided between a pump unit inlet 532 and a pump unit outlet 533, a cylinder 534 provided midway along the internal path 531 of the pump, a piston 535 that moves up and down within the cylinder 534, and a pump motor 536 that drives the piston 535.

[0040] The pump unit inlet 532 and the pump unit outlet 533 are provided with an inlet side check valve 532a. and an outlet side check valve 533a are provided.

[0041] The inlet check valve 532a is configured to open when the piston 535 is operated under negative pressure, and the outlet check valve 533a is configured to open when the piston 535 is operated under positive pressure.

[0042] The automatic dosing device internal path outlet 512 is provided downstream of the pump unit 530 and discharges the liquid flowing through the automatic dosing device internal path 510 to the flow path lower portion 300.

[0043] In this embodiment, the pump internal path 531 is a part of the automatic insertion device internal path 510.

[0044] [1-1-6. Lower part of the flow channel] The configuration of lower flow path portion 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 17, the lower flow path 300 includes a first lower flow path 301 , a second lower flow path 302 , a junction 340 , and a discharge port 350 .

[0046] The first flow path lower path 301 is a path through which liquid discharged from the path outlet 512 in the automatic dispensing device and liquid overflowing from the rear end of the powder detergent manual dispenser 610 and the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615 flows. The first flow path lower path 301 includes a foam generating unit 320 provided downstream of the first flow path lower path 301.

[0047] 18, the portion of the first flow path lower path 301 upstream of the foam generating section 320 is provided so as to incline downward from the upstream to the downstream. This allows the detergent liquid to flow down the first flow path lower path 301 by its own weight. In this embodiment, the detergent liquid is defined as a liquid containing detergent and / or water.

[0048] The foam generating section 320 is provided so that its bottom surface is approximately horizontal in the left-right direction. The foam generating section 320 is provided with a plurality of pins 321 formed to protrude vertically upward from its bottom surface. The foam generating section 320 is provided in a recessed shape in the flow path lower section 300, and a foam generating section peripheral wall 322 is formed at the right end portion of the foam generating section 320 as viewed from the front. The foam generating section peripheral wall 322 and a second wall section 312 described later determine the direction in which the detergent liquid flows in the foam generating section 320.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 17, the second flow path lower route 302 is a route through which the liquids discharged from the powder detergent manual dispenser 610, the liquid detergent manual dispenser 615, and the fabric softener manual dispenser 620 flow.

[0050] The junction 340 is provided downstream of the first flow path lower path 301 and the second flow path lower path 302. At the junction 340, the liquid flowing through the first flow path lower path 301 and the liquid flowing through the second flow path lower path 302 join together.

[0051] Discharge outlet 350 is provided above washing tub 112 and is an opening that communicates the top and bottom. Discharge outlet 350 discharges the liquid flowing through junction 340 into washing tub 112. Discharge outlet 350 includes main discharge outlet 351 and sub discharge outlet 352. Main discharge outlet 351 is located upstream of discharge outlet 350, and sub discharge outlet 352 is provided downstream of main discharge outlet 351.

[0052] Flow path lower portion 300 is provided with first wall portion 311, second wall portion 312, third wall portion 313, and fourth wall portion 314, which extend vertically upward from the bottom surface of flow path lower portion 300.

[0053] The first wall portion 311 is provided in front of the upstream portion of the first flow path lower path 301. It defines a road sub-path 301 .

[0054] The second wall 312 extends upward from the bottom surface of the lower flow path 300 between the right end of the lower flow path 300 as viewed from the front and the foam generation section 320. The second wall 312 separates the foam generation section 320 from the second lower flow path 302. The second wall 312 is provided with a second wall first portion 312a that is inclined forward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first lower flow path 301, in front of the foam generation section 320.

[0055] The third wall portion 313 is provided in the foam generating portion 320. The third wall portion 313 determines the direction in which the liquid flows in the foam generating portion 320.

[0056] A gap 319 is provided between the first wall portion 311 and the third wall portion 313. The gap 319 allows a portion of the liquid flowing through the first flow path lower path 301 to flow to the junction 340 without passing through the foam generating portion 320. This suppresses residual water in the first flow path lower path 301, and also suppresses the backflow of liquid into the tank accommodation portion 222 or the like provided above the first flow path lower path 301, which would otherwise occur if a large amount of liquid flows through the first flow path lower path 301 and the water level in the first flow path lower path 301 rises.

[0057] The fourth wall portion 314 is provided in front of the second flow path lower path 302 and the main discharge port 351. A part of the fourth wall portion 314 is located between the main discharge port 351 and the sub discharge port 352. The fourth wall portion 314 is provided so as to discharge water, which is among the liquid flowing through the junction portion 340, from the main discharge port 351 to the washing tub 112, and discharge the detergent foam flowing through the junction portion 340 from the sub discharge port 352.

[0058] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as above will be described below.

[0059] [1-2-1. Washing operation when using the automatic loading function] 9, 10, and 12, arrow X represents the flow of detergent liquid in the first flow path lower path 301, arrow Y represents the flow of water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431, and arrow Z represents the flow of water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413.

[0060] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the washing step of the washing operation when the automatic liquid detergent dispensing function is used.

[0061] When the washing stroke starts, the control device controls the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 to automatically dispense liquid detergent in the detergent tank 650. The control device opens the detergent three-way valve 525, and while communicating the detergent tank 650 with the pump unit 530, rotates and drives the pump motor 536 to move the piston 535 up and down, sucking the liquid detergent from the pump unit inlet 532 and discharging it from the pump unit outlet 533. The liquid detergent discharged from the pump unit outlet 533 is discharged from the automatic dispenser internal path outlet 512 to the first flow path lower path 301 of the flow path lower part 300. After operating the piston 535 for a predetermined time, the control device closes the detergent three-way valve 525 to block the path between the detergent tank 650 and the pump unit 530.

[0062] Next, the control device opens the third water supply valve 213 to introduce water into the third water conduit 430. The water flowing through the third water conduit 430 is branched at the third water conduit branching section 432 into water flowing out from the third water conduit outlet 435 and water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431 into the foam generation section 320.

[0063] The water flowing out from the third water guide path outlet 435 flows into the relay path 271 from the relay path inlet 272. The water flows into the automatic dosing device 510 and flows out from the relay path exit 273. The water that flows out from the relay path exit 273 flows into the automatic dosing device 510 through the automatic dosing device 511, flows through the pump 531, and is discharged from the automatic dosing device 512 to the first flow path lower path 301. The water discharged into the first flow path lower path 301 flows down the first flow path lower path 301 as shown by the arrow X, and reaches the foam generating unit 320. The water that reaches the foam generating unit 320 contains the detergent remaining in the automatic dosing device 510 and the detergent discharged into the first flow path lower path 301. The foam generating unit 320 is formed as a recess in the flow path lower portion 300, and is provided with a plurality of pins 321 that protrude vertically from the bottom surface. As a result, the detergent liquid that flows into the foam generating unit 320 is retained in the foam generating unit 320.

[0064] The water flowing into the foam generating nozzle 431 from the third water guide path branching portion 432 is poured into the foam generating portion 320 with great force. The water poured with great force from the foam generating nozzle 431 collides with the detergent liquid stored in the foam generating portion 320, generating a large amount of detergent foam. The detergent liquid containing the detergent foam generated in the foam generating portion 320 flows down the junction portion 340 and falls into the washing tub 112 from the discharge port 350. When the detergent liquid flowing down the junction portion 340 contains a small amount of detergent foam, the water and the detergent foam fall into the washing tub 112 from the main discharge port 351. On the other hand, when the detergent liquid flowing down the junction portion 340 contains a large amount of detergent foam, the detergent foam has a lower density than water, and therefore some of the detergent foam is not discharged from the main discharge port 351, but climbs over the fourth wall portion 314 and falls into the washing tub 112 from the sub discharge port 352.

[0065] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the third feed water valve 213 was opened, the control device closes the third feed water valve 213 and opens the first feed water valve 211 to start supplying water to the first water path 410. Note that the control device may open the first feed water valve 211 and then close the third feed water valve 213.

[0066] The control device drives the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 to discharge liquid detergent from the detergent tank 650 during part or all of the time that the first water supply valve 211 is open. As will be described in detail later, while the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 is being driven, water is injected from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 into the first flow path lower path 301, causing the detergent liquid attempting to flow down the first flow path lower path 301 to accumulate upstream of the foam generation section 320.

[0067] After operating piston 535 for a predetermined time, the control device stops driving automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 and closes first water supply valve 211. Thereafter, the control device stops water supply from water supply valve unit 210 for a predetermined time (time T). As a result, detergent liquid that has been retained due to water injection from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 flows down first flow path lower path 301 and moves to foam generation section 320. Note that the length of time T may be determined experimentally, but it is desirable that the time for detergent liquid to move to foam generation section 320 is 5 seconds or more. More preferably, time T is 10 seconds or more.

[0068] After time T has elapsed, the control device opens the third water supply valve 213, causing the liquid detergent remaining in the automatic dispenser internal path 510 and the first flow path lower path 301 to flow downstream, and also foams the detergent liquid in the foam generating section 320 by injecting water from the foam generating nozzle 431.

[0069] When a certain time has elapsed since the third water supply valve 213 was opened, the control device closes the third water supply valve 213 and opens the first water supply valve 211 to start supplying water from the first water guide path 410. When the water level in the outer tub reaches a predetermined water level, the control device closes the first water supply valve 211 and ends the water supply in the washing process. Note that water may be supplied to the outer tub up to the predetermined water level by the third water supply valve 213, or by both the first water supply valve 211 and the third water supply valve 213.

[0070] [1-2-2. Water injection using a bubble generating nozzle] 9 and 12, water is poured from the foam generating nozzle 431 into the foam generating unit 320. The flow will be explained.

[0071] The foam generating nozzle 431 is provided so as to inject water vertically forward as indicated by the arrow Y. In the vicinity of the water injection position from the foam generating nozzle 431, the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 flows in a direction from rear to front as indicated by the arrow X. As indicated by the arrow Y, the foam generating nozzle 431 injects water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 indicated by the arrow X. In other words, the foam generating nozzle 431 injects water in a direction along the direction of the flow of detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320.

[0072] If the foam generating nozzle 431 is provided to inject water vertically or against the flow of the detergent liquid, waves generated by the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 push the detergent liquid back upstream, preventing the detergent liquid from reaching the water injection position from the foam generating nozzle 431, and there is a risk that a sufficient amount of detergent foam will not be generated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the foam generating nozzle 431 is provided to inject water in a direction along the direction in which the detergent liquid flows, so that the detergent liquid can be prevented from being pushed back upstream by the injection of water from the foam generating nozzle 431. Therefore, new detergent liquid can be sent to the water injection position from the foam generating nozzle 431, so that the detergent foam can be efficiently generated in the foam generating unit 320.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, in front of the water pouring position from the foam generating nozzle 431, the second wall first portion 312a is provided so as to move forward from the right to the left as viewed from the front. In other words, the second wall first portion 312a is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the direction of the water poured from the foam generating nozzle 431. When the foam generating section 320 has a narrow front-to-rear width, if the second wall first portion 312a is provided so as to be perpendicular to the direction of the water poured from the foam generating nozzle 431, the water poured from the foam generating nozzle 431 may bounce off the second wall first portion 312a and hinder the flow of the detergent liquid in the foam generating section 320. In this embodiment, the second wall first portion 312a is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the direction of the water poured from the foam generating nozzle 431, so that the detergent liquid can be efficiently caused to flow downstream.

[0074] In this embodiment, the foam generating nozzle 431 is provided in the third water conduit 430. By supplying water to be supplied to the foam generating nozzle 431 and water to send the liquid detergent discharged by the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 to the foam generating section 320 from the third water supply valve 213, it is possible to apply a greater tap water pressure to the third water conduit 430 than when water is supplied from another water supply valve. Furthermore, the first water conduit 410 is provided with a number of openings communicating with the atmosphere, such as the powder detergent water injection section 411, the liquid detergent water injection section 412, and the first flow path lower path water injection section 413, while the third water conduit 430 communicates with the atmosphere downstream of the third water supply valve 213 at two openings, the automatic dispenser internal path outlet 512 and the foam generating nozzle 431.

[0075] As a result, a greater tap water pressure can be applied to the third water conduit 430 than to the first water conduit 410. Therefore, by providing the foam generating nozzle 431 to the third water conduit 430, water can be poured from the foam generating nozzle 431 with greater force than when provided to the first water conduit 410.

[0076] Furthermore, by providing the foam generating nozzle 431 in the third water guide path 430, new detergent liquid that has not yet been foamed can be continuously sent to the position where the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 falls.

[0077] As a result, the foam generating unit 320 generates foam in the new detergent liquid that has not yet been foamed. Water can be injected with great force from the foaming nozzle 431. Therefore, a large amount of detergent foam can be efficiently generated in the foam generating section 320.

[0078] [1-2-3. Water injection through the lower channel water injection section of the first flow path] 9 and 10, the flow of water when it is injected from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 into foam generation section 320 will be described.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is provided so that the water injection position from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is located upstream of the water injection position from foam generation nozzle 431.

[0080] The first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is provided so as to inject water vertically toward the left as indicated by the arrow Z. Near the water injection position from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413, the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 flows in a direction from the left to the right as indicated by the arrow X. The first flow path lower path water injection section 413 injects water as indicated by the arrow Z from the downstream side to the upstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 as indicated by the arrow X. In other words, the foam generating nozzle 431 injects water in a direction against the direction of the flow of the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320.

[0081] As a result, the water injected from first flow path lower path water injection section 413 pushes back the liquid detergent discharged from automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 upstream, so that the liquid detergent can be retained upstream of the water injection position from first flow path lower path water injection section 413. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from being discharged into washing tub 112 through the water injection position from foam generating nozzle 431 before being foamed by the water injection from foam generating nozzle 431.

[0082] [1-3. Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes an outer tub, a washing tub 112 rotatably provided in the outer tub, a third water supply valve 213 provided so as to be openable and closable, a third water guide path 430 for guiding water introduced from the third water supply valve 213 to the outer tub and / or the washing tub 112, a detergent tank 650 for storing a liquid agent therein, an automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 for discharging the liquid agent stored in the detergent tank 650 to the third water guide path 430, and a lower flow path 300 provided downstream of the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 and communicating with the third water guide path 430. The third water guide path 430 includes a foam generating nozzle 431 provided above the lower flow path 300 and for injecting water toward a foam generating section 320 of the lower flow path 300. This allows detergent liquid to be continuously fed into foam generating section 320, and then water to be forcefully poured into the fed detergent liquid from foam generating nozzle 431, thereby generating a large amount of detergent foam.

[0083] Therefore, the cleaning efficiency when the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 is used can be improved.

[0084] As in this embodiment, foam generating nozzle 431 may be formed to inject water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of detergent liquid in foam generating section 320.

[0085] This makes it possible to prevent the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 from being pushed back toward the upstream side of the foam generating section 320 by the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431.

[0086] Therefore, the detergent liquid can be more reliably sent to the position where the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 falls.

[0087] As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a first water supply valve 211 that is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed independently of the third water supply valve 213, and a third water guide path 430 that is provided independently of the first water supply valve 211. and a first water guide path 410 that guides the water introduced from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 that injects water toward the flow path lower section 300, and in the flow path lower section 300, the fall position of the water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 may be located upstream of the fall position of the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431.

[0088] As a result, even if liquid is dispensed from the automatic liquid dispenser 500 while water is being introduced from the first water supply valve 211, the detergent liquid can be retained upstream of the falling position of the water dispensed from the foam generating nozzle 431.

[0089] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from flowing into the outer tub or the washing tub 112 without being foamed.

[0090] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 is equipped with a control device (not shown) that controls the first water supply valve 211, the third water supply valve 213, and the automatic liquid agent dosing device 500, and the control device may open the first water supply valve 211 to supply water to the first water conduit 410 while driving the automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 to inject the liquid agent, close the first water supply valve 211 to stop the supply of water to the first water conduit 410, and then open the third water supply valve 213 to start supplying water to the third water conduit 430.

[0091] This prevents the detergent liquid flowing through the lower part 300 of the flow path from flowing into the outer tub or washing tub 112 before water is injected from the foam generating nozzle 431, and then by starting the supply of water from the third water guide path 430, the stagnant detergent liquid can be foamed and supplied to the outer tub or washing tub 112.

[0092] Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing through the lower flow passage 300 can be foamed before being supplied to the outer tub or the washing tub 112.

[0093] As in this embodiment, the control device may close the first water supply valve 211 to stop the supply of water to the first water conduit 410, and then wait for a time T4 before opening the third water supply valve 213 to start supplying water to the third water conduit 430.

[0094] This allows the detergent liquid, which has been stagnant due to the injection from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413, to wait until it moves to the falling position of the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431, and then water can be injected forcefully from the foam generating nozzle 431 into the detergent liquid.

[0095] Therefore, the detergent liquid can be efficiently foamed in the lower part 300 of the flow passage.

[0096] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments.

[0097] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the lower flow path 300 including the first lower flow path route 301 has been described as an example of the flow path section. The flow path section is not limited to the lower flow path 300 as long as it is a path that is provided so as to be able to foam the liquid detergent discharged from the automatic liquid agent dispenser. For example, the flow path section may be configured so that water is poured from above into a path that causes the detergent liquid to flow downward.

[0099] In the first embodiment, an automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 in which a pump unit 530 is provided in a path 510 in the automatic dosing device through which water passes has been described as an example of a liquid agent dosing device. The liquid agent dosing device is not limited to the automatic liquid agent dosing device 500 as long as it can discharge a predetermined amount of liquid agent stored in a liquid agent tank. For example, a pump unit may be provided downstream of the liquid agent tank, and the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit may be discharged into a path through which water passes (path in the automatic dosing device). The pump unit may be provided downstream of both the detergent tank and the fabric softener tank. The liquid agent tank may include not only a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank, but also a neutral detergent tank in which a neutral detergent is stored.

[0100] In the first embodiment, first flow path lower path water injection section 413 provided in first water guide path 410 has been described as an example of the second water injection section. The second water injection section may be any section that injects water into the flow path section, and is not limited to first flow path lower path water injection section 413. The second water injection section may be provided in a path (second water guide path 420) that supplies water to the manual softener dispenser section, or may be provided in a dedicated path that supplies water only to the second water injection section. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100 Washing Machine 101 Case 110 Lower case 112 Washing tub 130 Upper case 131 Inlet 150 Lid 160 Operation section 170 Water inlet 171 Water supply hose 200 Water Supply Unit 210 Water supply valve unit 211 First water supply valve (second water supply means) 212 Second water supply valve 213 Third water supply valve (first water supply means) 220 Water supply unit housing 221 Detergent case storage section 222 Tank housing 230 Upper part of the channel 260 Water supply unit lid 270 Relay Section 271 Relay Route 272 Relay Route Entrance 273 Transit Route Exit 274 Relay unit body 275 Relay section cover 290 Bath Pump 291 Bath pump inlet 300 Lower part of flow path (flow path section) 301 First flow path lower section (flow path section) 302 Lower part of second flow channel 311 1st wall section 312 2nd wall section 312a 2nd wall 1st part 313 Third wall section 314 4th wall 320 Foam generating section (flow path section) 321 Pin 322 Bubble generation part peripheral wall 340 Junction 350 outlet 351 Main outlet 352 Sub-discharge port 410 First Water Channel (Second Water Channel) 411 Powder detergent water injection unit 412 Liquid detergent water injection section 413 First flow path lower route water injection section (second water injection section) 420 Second Water Channel 421 Softener water injection section 430 Third Water Channel (First Channel) 431 Foam generating nozzle (first water injection section) 432 Third Water Supply Route Branch 435 Third Water Channel Exit 500 Automatic liquid feeder (liquid feeder) 505 Automatic detergent dispenser 506 Automatic fabric softener dispenser 510 Automatic insertion device internal route 511 Automatic Insertion Device Route Entrance 512 Automatic insertion device internal route exit 520 Three-way valve 525 Detergent three-way valve 526 Three-way valve for fabric softener 530 Pump Unit 531 Pump Internal Path 532 Pump unit inlet 532a Inlet check valve 533 Pump unit outlet 533a Outlet side check valve 534 Cylinder 535 Piston 600 Detergent Case 610 Powder detergent manual dispenser 615 Liquid detergent manual dispenser 620 Fabric softener manual dispenser 650 Detergent tank (liquid tank) 660 Fabric Softener Tank

Claims

1. The outer tank and A washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub; A first water supply means that is provided so as to be openable and closable; A second water supply means that can be opened and closed independently of the first water supply means; A first passage for guiding water introduced from the first water supply means to the outer tub and / or the washing tub; A second path that is provided independently of the first path and guides the water introduced from the second water supply means to the outer tub and / or the washing tub; A liquid tank for storing a liquid therein; a liquid supply device that discharges the liquid stored in the liquid tank to the first path; a flow path portion provided downstream of the liquid drug supply device and communicating with the first path; Equipped with The first path is provided with a first water injection section that is provided above the flow path section and injects water toward the flow path section, A second water injection section that injects water toward the flow path section is formed in the second path, In the flow path section, a falling position of the water injected from the second water injection section is located upstream of a falling position of the water injected from the first water injection section, The second water injection section injects water from a downstream side to an upstream side of a flow of the detergent liquid in the flow path section. washing machine.

2. The first water injection section is formed to inject water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid in the flow path section. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. A control unit is provided to control the first water supply means, the second water supply means, and the liquid agent supplying device, the control unit being The second water supply means is opened to supply water to the second path while the liquid agent injection device is driven to inject the liquid agent; and closing the second water supply means to stop the supply of water to the second path, and then opening the first water supply means to start the supply of water to the first path. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit closes the second water supply means to stop the supply of water to the second path, waits for a predetermined time, and then opens the first water supply means to start the supply of water to the first path. The washing machine according to claim 3.

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