Drum-type washing machine equipped with a water softener

Abstract

To satisfy both of workability and convenience with a drum-type washing machine having a water-softening device.SOLUTION: A drum-type washing machine includes a cylindrically-shaped water tank 4 for rotatably housing a drum 5, a detergent case 10 disposed on a water-feeding passage 12 on a downstream side of a water-softening device 2, and the like. The detergent case 10 has a detergent container 10b constituted drawably from an upper part of a front face of a casing 3. The water-softening device 2 has a hardening constituent eliminator 20, and a regeneration agent-housing unit 60 for housing a regeneration agent to regenerate function thereof, the regeneration agent-housing unit 60 disposed beneath the detergent case 10. The hardening constituent eliminator 20 is disposed at a position apart from the regeneration agent-housing unit 60 in a state of being connected to the regeneration agent-housing unit 60 through a water-sending passage 43 capable of sending water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a drum-type washing machine equipped with a water softening device. [Background technology]

[0002] In many regions, such as Europe, tap water is hard water (containing a lot of minerals such as Ca and Mg). In such regions, the effectiveness of detergents is reduced, resulting in a decrease in cleaning power. As a result, several drum-type washing machines have been proposed that are equipped with water softening devices to soften tap water (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In the drum-type washing machine of Patent Document 1, a detergent dispenser case and a water softener are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction above the washing tub of the housing. The water softener, arranged behind the detergent dispenser case, has a salt case that contains salt and an ion exchange resin case that contains an ion exchange resin case, which are arranged one above the other. Salt water is generated by supplying tap water to the salt case, and the ion exchange resin is regenerated by flowing the salt water down.

[0004] In the drum type washing machine of Patent Document 2, a detergent dispenser case and a water softener are arranged side by side in the left-right direction above the washing tub of the housing. In detail, the detergent dispenser case and the water softener are arranged so that they can be pulled forward from the left and right sides of the front of the housing. The salt case that contains the salt of the water softener and the ion exchange resin case that contains the ion exchange resin case are arranged one above the other, similar to the drum type washing machine of Cited Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-87592 A [Patent Document 2] US 2015 / 0204005 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Detergent and salt are consumables. Therefore, when the remaining amount is low, it is necessary to add them to the detergent case or salt case. Therefore, from the viewpoint of operability, it is preferable to place the detergent case or salt case on the upper part of the housing. In particular, it is preferable to place them on the front of the housing.

[0007] However, in the case of a drum-type washing machine, a large cylindrical water tub is placed horizontally inside the housing with an inlet opening at the front of the housing. Usually, the diameter of the water tub is designed to be as large as the width of the housing, and from the viewpoint of ease of loading and unloading laundry, it is preferable that the water tub is also placed toward the upper side of the housing. As a result, in the case of a drum-type washing machine, the vertical width of the upper part of the housing above the water tub is generally narrow.

[0008] Furthermore, an operation panel is also placed on the front of the upper part of the housing of a drum-type washing machine. From the viewpoint of user convenience, the operation panel is required to have as large an area as possible, and there is also a need to secure space inside the housing behind it for installing electrical components.

[0009] That is, in the case of a drum-type washing machine, from the standpoint of workability and operability, various parts have to be arranged in a densely packed state in the upper part of the housing, which has a narrow vertical width.

[0010] On the other hand, since the detergent dispenser and salt dispenser are required to store a large amount of detergent and salt, it is preferable to make them as large in capacity as possible. Therefore, if these are placed on the front of the upper part of the housing, it becomes necessary to reduce the area of ​​the operation panel as in the drum type washing machine of Patent Document 2, which may impair user convenience.

[0011] On the other hand, in the drum-type washing machine of Patent Document 1, the salt case is disposed at the back of the detergent case, and a salt water container that detachably houses a salt container for putting salt is integrally formed behind the detergent case. In this case, when putting salt into the salt container, it is necessary to pull out the vertically long case including the detergent case far forward of the housing. Even if the salt container can be removed from the salt water container, the work is difficult. A vertically long and large case is difficult to handle and easily breaks.

[0012] A main object of the technology disclosed herein is to achieve both ease of use and convenience in a drum-type washing machine equipped with a water softening device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The disclosed technology relates to a drum-type washing machine comprising a housing having an inlet on the front through which laundry is loaded and unloaded, a cylindrical water tub installed inside the housing and rotatably housing a drum with its opening facing the inlet, a water softener installed in a water supply path that supplies wash water to the water tub, and a detergent case installed in the water supply path downstream of the water softener.

[0014] The detergent case has a detergent container that contains a detergent and is configured to be able to be pulled out from an upper part of the front surface of the housing. The water softening device has a hardness component remover that removes hardness components from the wash water, and a regenerator storage unit that contains a regenerator that regenerates the function of the hardness component remover.

[0015] The regenerant storage unit is disposed below the detergent case so that the regenerant can be added from the front of the housing, and the hardness component remover is disposed at a position away from the regenerant storage unit while being connected to the regenerant storage unit via a water supply path through which water can be supplied.

[0016] That is, according to this drum-type washing machine, the detergent container that contains the detergent is configured to be able to be pulled out from the upper part of the front surface of the housing, so that the work of putting the detergent into the detergent container can be performed relatively easily. Furthermore, since the detergent case and the regenerant storage unit are independent, the detergent can be put in without pulling out the regenerant storage unit when putting in the detergent. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of the detergent being erroneously put into the regenerant storage unit due to spilling, or the risk of the regenerant spilling out due to hitting the regenerant storage unit. Therefore, the user's workload can be reduced, and the workability is excellent.

[0017] The relatively large components that make up the water softening device include a hardness component remover and a regenerant storage unit. The regenerant storage unit is positioned below the detergent case so that regenerant can be added from the front of the housing, and the hardness component remover is positioned away from the regenerant storage unit.

[0018] By arranging the regenerator storage unit separately from the hardness component remover below the detergent case, the relatively large regenerator storage unit can be arranged at the top of the narrow housing, with the regenerator being able to be added from the front of the housing. The hardness component remover, which is the other relatively large member, can be arranged with a high degree of freedom by being arranged at a position away from the regenerator storage unit, so it can be arranged even in the narrow upper part of the housing. This allows a large area for the operation panel to be secured without impairing user convenience. Workability and convenience can be achieved at the same time.

[0019] The drum-type washing machine may also be configured such that the regenerant storage unit has a cross section of an approximately inverted triangle and is disposed in one of narrow gaps present at the upper left and right corners of the water tub inside the housing.

[0020] In the upper part of the housing, at the upper left and right corners of the water tank, there are narrow gaps that are roughly inverted triangular when viewed from the front and back direction. These narrow gaps are left as empty space because their shapes make it difficult to install equipment in them. Therefore, by disposing a regenerant storage unit shaped to fit the narrow gaps, it is possible to effectively utilize the narrow gaps while ensuring a large capacity for the regenerant storage unit.

[0021] The drum type washing machine may also be configured such that the hardness component remover is disposed on the other side of the narrow gap.

[0022] This allows for even more effective use of the narrow gap.

[0023] The drum type washing machine may also be configured such that the water softening device further has a pool tank between the detergent case and the hardness component remover for temporarily storing soft water, and the water supply path includes a pump for supplying soft water from the pool tank to the regenerant storage unit and for supplying treated water for regeneration from the regenerant storage unit to the pool tank.

[0024] In this way, the treated water for regeneration can be produced as soft water, and the water softening device can be used efficiently.

[0025] The drum type washing machine may also be configured such that the pump is a peristaltic pump capable of sending water in both directions, and the water sending path is formed of one water channel.

[0026] This simplifies the water supply path, making it effective for installation in a small space.

[0027] The drum-type washing machine may also be configured such that the regenerant containing unit can be pulled out from an upper portion of a front surface of the housing.

[0028] This allows easy replenishment of the regenerating agent, resulting in excellent workability.

[0029] The drum-type washing machine may also be configured such that the regenerant can be fed into the regenerant accommodating unit through a regenerant feed port that is openably and closably provided on a front surface of the housing.

[0030] This allows easy replenishment of the regenerating agent, resulting in excellent workability.

[0031] The drum-type washing machine may also be configured such that a predetermined amount of the regenerant is dispensed by attaching a predetermined dispenser aid to the regenerant dispenser port and dispensing the regenerant.

[0032] This allows the regenerator to be replenished more easily, resulting in improved operability. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to achieve both operability and convenience in a drum-type washing machine equipped with a water softening device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a drum-type washing machine to which the disclosed technology is applied, viewed from the front. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic side view showing an internal structure of a drum-type washing machine with a right side portion cut away. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the upper part of the housing by removing the top panel of the housing. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a detergent case (illustrating an automatic detergent dispenser). [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified structure of a water softening device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a hardness component remover. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the washing machine is supplying water in a normal state. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing main states in the regeneration process. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a regenerant storage unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a regenerant storage unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is essentially merely an example and does not limit the present invention, its application, or its use. The front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions used in the description are based on the case where a drum-type washing machine in a normal state is viewed from the front.

[0036] <Overall configuration of drum-type washing machine> An example of a drum-type washing machine (also simply referred to as washing machine 1) to which the disclosed technology is applied is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of washing machine 1 as seen from the front, and Figure 2 is a schematic side view of washing machine 1 with the right side largely cut away to show the internal structure.

[0037] This washing machine 1 is a fully automatic type, and is configured to automatically perform a series of processes of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. Although this washing machine 1 does not have a drying function, the washing machine 1 may be one that can perform a drying function.

[0038] The washing machine 1 is roughly composed of a housing 3, a water tub 4, a drum 5, and the like. The housing 3 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by assembling plate-shaped panels to a rectangular frame. A circular input port 3b that is opened and closed by a door 3a is provided on the front side of the housing 3. Laundry is put in and taken out through this input port 3b.

[0039] From the viewpoint of workability, the inlet 3b is positioned toward the upper side of the housing 3. As a result, the upper part of the housing 3, specifically the part of the housing 3 above the water tub 4, has a smaller height (vertical width) in the up-down direction. In the upper part of the housing 3, which has a narrow vertical width, an operation panel 6, an automatic detergent dispenser (an example of a detergent case) 10, a water softener 2, a water supply pipe 12, etc. are installed, which will be described later.

[0040] The water tank 4 is a cylindrical container with a bottom capable of storing water that is installed inside the housing 3. The water tank 4 is placed horizontally inside the housing 3 so that its central axis J extends in the front-to-rear direction, and the opening of the water tank 4 is connected to the input port 3b.

[0041] The water tub 4 is elastically supported by the housing 3 with multiple springs and dampers (not shown). Therefore, the water tub 4 swings during washing. A certain amount of space is provided around the water tub 4, including the housing 3, so that there is no interference even if the water tub 4 swings.

[0042] Drum 5 is a cylindrical container with a bottom that is slightly smaller than water tub 4, and is placed in water tub 4 with its opening facing inlet 3b. A large number of water holes penetrating from the inside to the outside are formed over the entire surface of the peripheral wall of drum 5. A bearing 7 that rotatably supports shaft 7a that penetrates the bottom of water tub 4 is installed at the rear of housing 3. The bottom of drum 5 is supported by shaft 7a, allowing drum 5 to rotate around central axis J.

[0043] In this washing machine 1, a motor 8 is installed at the bottom of the housing 3. The drive shaft of the motor 8 is connected to the shaft 7a via a transmission mechanism 8a consisting of a supply pulley, a belt, and a main pulley. The drum 5 rotates when the motor 8 is driven. Note that the drum 5 may be directly driven by the motor 8 by directly connecting the motor 8 to the shaft 7a.

[0044] A drainage path is provided at the bottom of the housing 3. The drainage path is composed of a drainage hose 9, a drainage pump (not shown), etc. The upper end of the drainage hose 9 is connected to a drain outlet 4a provided at the bottom end of the water tank 4.

[0045] (Upper structure of housing 3) In the upper part of the housing 3, parts for the water supply system and parts for the operation system are arranged in a densely packed state.

[0046] Specifically, in this washing machine 1, as described above, the operation panel 6, the automatic detergent dispenser 10, the water softener 2, etc. are arranged on the upper part of the housing 3. In particular, the parts for performing these operations are arranged on the front side of the housing 3.

[0047] 3 shows the upper part of the housing 3. In this washing machine 1, a water supply connection port 11 is provided in the rear left corner of the housing 3. Usually, this connection port 11 is connected to a water faucet via a hose. Water to be used for washing (washing water) is thereby taken into the washing machine 1. A water supply pipe 12 (forming a water supply path) is connected to the connection port 11. A water supply valve 13 that is opened when water is supplied is provided at the upstream end of the water supply pipe 12.

[0048] Water supply pipe 12 is mainly routed in the upper part of housing 3 and connected to a tub water supply port (not shown) that opens in the upper part of water tub 4. Water softener 2 and automatic detergent dispenser 10 are installed in the middle of water supply pipe 12 (details will be described later). As a result, washing water (tap water) taken into washing machine 1 is supplied to water tub 4 through water softener 2 and automatic detergent dispenser 10.

[0049] The operation panel 6 is a panel for operating the washing machine 1, and is composed of horizontally long band-shaped parts as shown in Fig. 1. A display 6a, an operation dial 6b, and the like are provided on the operation panel 6. In the case of this washing machine 1, the operation panel 6 is disposed in a range from approximately the center to the right end on the upper part of the housing 3, facing the front side of the housing 3, for easy operation. A power distribution case 6c is provided behind the operation panel 6, which houses electrical devices such as electronic boards and electrical wiring.

[0050] (Automatic detergent dispenser 10) The automatic detergent dispenser 10 is a device that automatically dispenses detergent and the like during washing. As shown in Fig. 4, the automatic detergent dispenser 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped part that is long in the front-to-rear direction and short in the up-to-down direction, and is composed of a detergent storage case 10a, a detergent container 10b, etc. The automatic detergent dispenser 10 is disposed in the left corner of the upper part of the housing 3, adjacent to the left side of the operation panel 6.

[0051] Note that the automatic detergent dispensing device 10 may be replaced by a manual detergent case without an automatic dispensing function. In the case of a manual detergent case, the user manually dispenses the amount of detergent and other ingredients required for one wash. Therefore, the manual detergent case has a smaller capacity than the automatic detergent dispensing device 10, especially in terms of the size in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the manual detergent case is more advantageous than the automatic detergent dispensing device 10 in terms of installation space, but its size in the up-down direction is similar to that of the automatic detergent dispensing device 10.

[0052] The detergent containing case 10a is a container having an opening on its front surface, and is attached to the housing 3 so that the opening faces the front surface of the housing 3. A hollow plate-shaped diverter 10c is provided on the top surface of the detergent containing case 10a. A water supply pipe 12 is connected to the diverter 10c. The diverter 10c is configured to divert the incoming washing water to the detergent container 10b and allow it to flow downward.

[0053] A water inlet 10d is opened at the bottom end of the detergent containing case 10a. The upper end of a connection hose 10e (constituting a water supply path) is connected to the water inlet 10d. The lower end of the connection hose 10e is connected to the tub water supply port of the water tub 4.

[0054] The detergent container 10b is a tray-shaped container that is inserted into and removed from the detergent storage case 10a. As shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 1, the detergent container 10b is configured to be able to be pulled out toward the front of the housing 3. A pull-out cover 10f having a handle opening is provided on the front surface of the detergent container 10b.

[0055] Although not shown in the drawings, the inside of the detergent container 10b is configured to accommodate detergent, fabric softener, and other washing chemicals in a compartmented state. When the detergent, etc. is accommodated in the detergent container 10b, the washing water flows into the diverter 10c, and the detergent, etc. are supplied to the water tub 4 together with the washing water.

[0056] As described above, the water tub 4 swings during washing. To suppress this swinging, large weights 14 (weights) are attached to the water tub 4 at multiple locations symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis J. In the case of this washing machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, a water supply connection port 11 is disposed in the rear corner on the left side of the housing 3, and an automatic detergent dispenser 10 is disposed in front of it. For this reason, there is no space to install large parts on the upper left side of the housing 3. Therefore, one of the weights 14 is disposed on the rear side of the upper right side of the housing 3.

[0057] (Water softener 2) The water softener 2 is a device that softens washing water. The water softener 2 is installed in a water supply pipe 12 upstream of the automatic detergent dispenser 10, and supplies softened washing water to the automatic detergent dispenser 10. In general, the water softener 2 includes a hardness component remover 20 and a regenerant storage unit 60.

[0058] The hardness component remover 20 contains an ion exchange resin, and softens the washing water by removing hardness components from the washing water passed through it. The function of the ion exchange resin decreases as the amount of water passing through increases. The regenerant containing unit 60 contains a regenerant (usually a particulate salt) used to regenerate the function of the ion exchange resin.

[0059] The regenerant is a consumable item and must be replenished. Therefore, from the viewpoint of easiness of the replenishment work, it is preferable to place the water softener 2 on the upper part of the housing 3, particularly on the front part of the housing 3. However, as described above, the upper part of the housing 3 is narrow in vertical width, and various parts are arranged in a dense state. Therefore, the only space available on the upper part of the housing 3 where the water softener 2 can be installed is between the weight 14 and the operation panel 6 on the right side.

[0060] However, it is difficult to install the water softener 2 with only that space. Even if the water softener 2 can be installed, it is difficult to make it possible to replenish the regenerant. Therefore, the water softener 2 of this washing machine 1 is configured so that the hardness component remover 20 and the regenerant storage unit 60, which are relatively large parts, can be separated and arranged efficiently, so that the limited space can be effectively utilized and the arrangement can be efficient.

[0061] That is, at the upper left and right corners of the water tub 4 inside the housing 3, there are gaps (referred to here as narrow gaps 15) that are generally inverted triangular or V-shaped when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. Since narrow gap 15 is narrowed at the bottom, it is difficult to install equipment therein, and the gap is relatively open. In particular, it is difficult to install equipment in the front portion of narrow gap 15 on the left side, because automatic detergent dispenser 10 is disposed above it.

[0062] Therefore, the regenerant-containing unit 60 is given a specific shape, thereby making effective use of the narrow gap 15. By disposing the regenerant-containing unit 60 of a specific shape in the narrow gap 15 below the automatic detergent dispensing device 10, a regenerant-containing unit 60 with a relatively large capacity is realized, and the regenerant can be dispensed from the front of the housing 3.

[0063] On the other hand, the hardness component remover 20 was placed in the right narrow gap 15 while being connected to the regenerant storage unit 60 via the regenerated water piping (constituting the water supply path). More specifically, it was placed in the right narrow gap 15 behind the operation panel 6 and in front of the weight 14.

[0064] Furthermore, the water softening device 2 of this embodiment includes a pool tank 40 and a pump 70 in addition to the hardness component remover 20 and the regenerant storage unit 60. The pool tank 40 and the pump 70 are small parts compared to the regenerant storage unit 60 and the hardness component remover 20, and therefore are arranged side by side in the left-right direction behind the operation panel 6 and in front of the weight 14.

[0065] 5 shows a simplified structure of the water softener 2. As described above, the water softener 2 is installed in the water supply pipe 12 upstream of the automatic detergent dispenser 10. The hardness component remover 20 is installed midway through the water supply pipe 12, and the pool tank 40 is installed in the water supply pipe 12 downstream of the hardness component remover 20.

[0066] 6 specifically shows the structure of the hardness component remover 20. The hardness component remover 20 is made of one integrally molded part. The hardness component remover 20 has a resin case 21 that is substantially elliptical in top view and substantially rectangular in side view. Inside the resin case 21, a water passage space 22 is formed through which water flows from the bottom to the top. The water passage space 22 has a substantially elliptical cross section, and its size (area) is substantially the same from the bottom end to the top end.

[0067] In the water passage space 22, an upstream buffer space 22a, a resin-filled chamber 22b, and a downstream buffer space 22c are defined in that order from the bottom. The resin-filled chamber 22b is densely filled with a predetermined ion exchange resin 23 (a collection of particles) that adsorbs hardness components. The upstream buffer space 22a and the resin-filled chamber 22b are defined by an upstream water passage surface 24L. The downstream buffer space 22c and the resin-filled chamber 22b are defined by a downstream water passage surface 24H.

[0068] As shown enlarged in Fig. 6, each of the upstream and downstream water passing surfaces 24L, 24H is made of a sheet-like mesh member. The mesh member is made of, for example, polyester, and has an elliptical frame portion 24a and a water passing portion 24b that spreads in a mesh-like shape inside the frame portion 24a. The size of the mesh (holes) of the water passing portion 24b is smaller than the particle size of the ion exchange resin 23. Therefore, there is no risk of the ion exchange resin 23 passing through the water passing portion 24b.

[0069] Each mesh member constituting the water passage surfaces 24L, 24H of the resin filling chamber 22b has elasticity (e.g., 7% to 17% as an elongation rate). The water passage surfaces 24L, 24H face the buffer space. Therefore, the resin filling chamber 22b is expandable toward both the upstream and downstream sides. As a result, the volume of the resin filling chamber 22b is set to be able to increase by about 10%, at least 5% or more.

[0070] A water supply port 25 is provided on a side surface of the upstream buffer space 22a. The water supply pipe 12 is connected to the water supply port 25. Washing water flows from the water supply port 25 into the upstream buffer space 22a.

[0071] A reclaimed water discharge port 27 is provided on the bottom surface of the upstream buffer space 22a. The upstream end of a reclaimed water discharge pipe 28 is connected to this reclaimed water discharge port 27. The downstream end of the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28 is connected to the water tank 4. A drain valve 29 that can be opened and closed is provided in the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28.

[0072] A soft water outlet 30 is provided on the side of the downstream buffer space 22c. The soft water outlet 30 is connected to a pool tank 40 via a water supply pipe 12. The pool tank 40 is a substantially sealed container capable of storing water. The pool tank 40 temporarily stores washing water that has been softened by the hardness component remover 20, i.e., soft water.

[0073] The pool tank 40 is disposed at a higher position than the hardness component remover 20. A water stop valve 32 that can be opened and closed is installed in the water supply pipe 12 between the pool tank 40 and the hardness component remover 20. The upstream end of the water supply pipe 12 that is connected to the automatic detergent dispenser 10 is connected to the upper part of the pool tank 40.

[0074] The pool tank 40 is equipped with a sensor 42 that measures the electrical conductivity inside the pool tank 40. This sensor 42 can measure the water level and hardness of the water stored in the pool tank 40. The pool tank 40 is connected to the regenerant storage unit 60 through a regenerated water pipe 43 (water supply path).

[0075] (Water supply path, regenerant storage unit 60) The regenerant storage unit 60 has a dissolution tank 61 capable of storing water, and a regenerant container 62 contained in the dissolution tank 61. The regenerant container 62 contains an appropriate amount of regenerant S as required. The specific structure of the regenerant storage unit 60 will be described later.

[0076] The regenerant S is a water-soluble agent that regenerates the ion exchange resin 23, and is usually granular salt (NaCl). The regenerant S contained in the regenerant container 62 dissolves in water when the water accumulates in the dissolution tank 61. As a result, an aqueous solution (regenerated water) in which the regenerant S is dissolved, that is, highly concentrated salt water, is generated in the dissolution tank 61.

[0077] One end of the reclaimed water pipe 43 is connected to the bottom of the dissolution tank 61. The other end of the reclaimed water pipe 43 is connected to the bottom of the pool tank 40. A tube pump 70 (an example of a peristaltic pump) is installed in the middle of the reclaimed water pipe 43 as the pump 70 of this embodiment. The tube pump 70 is a known pump, and is composed of a tube 71 extending along a circular peripheral wall, a plurality of rollers 72 that press the tube 71 against the circular peripheral wall, and a rotor 73 that rotates these rollers 72 along the peripheral wall.

[0078] Each end of the tube 71 is connected to the reclaimed water pipe 43. The rotation of the rotor 73 causes the water inside the tube 71 to be pumped. The rotor 73 can rotate forward or backward. Thus, the tube pump 70 can pump water in both directions. The tube pump 70 that is not in operation has a water-stopping function. In other words, the flow of water is blocked. As a result, in this water softening device 21, no opening / closing valve is provided to control the flow of water through the reclaimed water pipe 43. An opening / closing valve may be provided to improve the water-stopping function.

[0079] According to this configuration, water can be transported in both directions through one path. Therefore, only one water transport path is provided between the pool tank 40 and the regenerant storage unit 60. This avoids a complicated structure. Water can be transported at an appropriate flow rate and with appropriate quantitative accuracy. The regenerant storage unit 60 can be installed anywhere relative to the pool tank 40. It can be placed in any location. With only one water transport path, the installation of the regenerated water piping 43 is also simple, and residual water accumulating in the water transport path can be suppressed.

[0080] (Operation of water softener 2) 7 shows the state when the washing machine 1 is supplying water with the water softening device 21 having an appropriate water softening performance (normal state). Arrow Y indicates the flow of water (same below). The stop valve 32 is open, and the drain valve 29 is closed. The tube pump 70 is stopped. When the water supply valve 13 is opened, washing water flows into the water supply pipe 12 at a predetermined water pressure.

[0081] The washing water flows into the hardness component remover 20. As the washing water passes through the resin filled chamber 22b, the hardness components in the washing water are adsorbed by the ion exchange resin 23, and the washing water becomes soft water.

[0082] The softened washing water (also called soft water) flows into the pool tank 40. When the amount of the softened water exceeds the amount of water stored in the pool tank 40, the water is sent to the automatic detergent dispenser 10.

[0083] A sensor 42 is installed in the pool tank 40, and from the measured value, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the performance of the hardness component remover 20. When the performance of the hardness component remover 20 deteriorates, a regeneration process is performed.

[0084] 8 shows the main states in the regeneration process. In the regeneration process, regenerated water is produced in the pool tank 40, and the regenerated water is passed through the hardness component remover 20. The soft water stored in the pool tank 40 is used in the regeneration process. The stop valve 32 is closed, and the tube pump 70 is operated (rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow R1) to send the soft water stored in the pool tank 40 to the regenerant storage unit 60. As a result, the soft water is stored in the dissolution tank 61, the regenerant dissolves in the soft water, and regenerated water, i.e., highly concentrated salt water, is produced in the dissolution tank 61.

[0085] Thereafter, the tube pump 70 is operated in the reverse direction at a predetermined timing to send the reclaimed water stored in the dissolution tank 61 to the pool tank 40. As a result, the reclaimed water is stored in the pool tank 40.

[0086] Next, the drain valve 29 and the stop valve 32 are opened. As a result, the reclaimed water stored in the pool tank 40 flows into the hardness component remover 20 by gravity, and is drained into the water tank 4 through the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28. The ion exchange resin 23 is regenerated by the reclaimed water passing through the resin filling chamber 22b.

[0087] (Specific structure of the regenerant storage unit 60) 9 and 10 show the regenerant storage unit 60 of this embodiment. As described above, the regenerant storage unit 60 has the dissolving tank 61 capable of storing water and the regenerant container 62 contained in the dissolving tank 61.

[0088] The regenerant storage unit 60 is made of a horizontally long member having a substantially inverted triangular cross section. Therefore, each of the dissolving tank 61 and the regenerant container 62 also has a horizontally long shape having a substantially inverted triangular cross section. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the regenerant storage unit 60 is disposed below the automatic detergent dispensing device 10 in the upper left part of the housing 3, and is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction along the narrow gap 15.

[0089] The dissolution tank 61 has an opening 61a on its front side, and is attached to the housing 3 so that the opening 61a faces the front surface of the housing 3. This allows the regenerant container 62 to be taken in and out of the dissolution tank 61 through the opening 61a. As shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 2, the regenerant container 62 is configured to be able to be pulled out forward from the front surface of the housing 3.

[0090] The regenerant container 62 has a regenerant storage section 62a that stores the regenerant and has an open top, a handle 62b provided on the front side of the regenerant storage section 62a, and a lid 62c that opens and closes the opening of the regenerant storage section 62a. The inside of the regenerant storage section 62a is divided into an upper space 60U and a lower space 60D by a partition wall 63 having multiple slits 63a that are narrower than the regenerant (granular salt). An inner water pipe 64 that protrudes rearward is provided at the rear of the lower space 60D.

[0091] A water collection tank 61b is provided below the front part of the dissolution tank 61. The upper end of a saltwater drain pipe 65 is connected to the bottom of the water collection tank 61b. The lower end of the saltwater drain pipe 65 is connected to the water tank 4.

[0092] A sensor (not shown) is provided on the upper rear side of the dissolving tank 61. This sensor detects whether the regenerant container 62 is housed in the dissolving tank 61 in a predetermined closed position.

[0093] An outer water passage pipe 66 protruding rearward is provided below the rear of the dissolution tank 61. One end of the regenerator water piping 43 is connected to the outer water passage pipe 66. The inner water passage pipe 64 is configured to be inserted into the outer water passage pipe 66 by storing the regenerator container 62 in the closed position of the dissolution tank 61. A sealant is attached to the inner surface of the outer water passage pipe 66, and the inner water passage pipe 64 is inserted into and removed from the outer water passage pipe 66 in a watertight state.

[0094] By storing the regenerant container 62 in the closed position of the dissolution tank 61, the regenerant water piping 43 communicates with the inside of the regenerant container 62 through the inner water passage pipe 64. This allows the regenerant water to pass through the regenerant container 62. When the lower space 60D is filled with the regenerant water, the regenerant water flows into the upper space 60U through the slit 63a. This produces highly concentrated salt water.

[0095] The regenerant container 62 is taken in and out of the dissolution tank 61. At that time, the regenerated water may leak out. In such a case, the regenerated water contains a high concentration of salt, so wiping it down or the like is necessary. The regenerant is also wasted.

[0096] In contrast, the regenerant storage unit 60 has a cross section of a substantially inverted triangle, so that the regenerant water flows easily and does not easily leak out. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the regenerant container 62 is formed so as to be inclined more greatly toward the rear than the bottom surface of the dissolution tank 61.

[0097] By appropriately installing the washing machine 1, the bottom surface of the regenerant container 62 is configured to be inclined downward toward the rear. The inner water passage pipe 64, the outer water passage pipe 66, and the regenerated water pipe 43 are also configured to be inclined downward toward the rear.

[0098] In this way, each of the dissolution tank 61 and the regenerant container 62 is designed to prevent regenerated water from accumulating. Therefore, even when the regenerant container 62 is taken out and put back in, leakage of the regenerated water can be suppressed.

[0099] (Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the regenerant container 62 of the regenerant storage unit 60 is configured to be removable from the front upper portion of the housing 3. Alternatively, an openable and closable regenerant inlet 80 may be provided on the front surface of the housing 3, so that the regenerant S can be introduced into the regenerant storage unit 60 through the regenerant inlet 80.

[0100] The modified example is shown in Figure 11. The arrangement and main structure of the regenerant containing unit 60 are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, only the different configurations will be described, and the same configurations will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The regenerant storage unit 60 of this modified example is composed of a regenerant inlet 80 and an integrated dissolving tank 81. The regenerant inlet 80 is provided at a handle opening of the drawer cover 10f of the detergent container 10b. A slider 80a having a U-shaped cross section is supported at the lower edge of the regenerant inlet 80 so as to be swingable, and the regenerant inlet 80 is opened and closed by swinging the slider 80a.

[0102] By opening the slider 80a, its inner surface is held in a forward inclined state, so that the regenerant can be dropped into the regenerant inlet 80 from the front of the handle opening of the drawer cover 10f.

[0103] The integrated dissolving tank 81 is made of a horizontally long member having a cross section of a substantially inverted triangle corresponding to the narrow gap 15, and is attached to the housing 3 while being placed in the narrow gap 15. The integrated dissolving tank 81 has a regenerant receiving port 81a at its upper part. The regenerant receiving port 81a is configured to be located below the regenerant charging port 80 and to communicate with the regenerant charging port 80 by storing the detergent container 10b in the storage case 10a.

[0104] Although not shown, the interior of the integrated dissolution tank 81 is divided into an upper space 60U and a lower space 60D by a partition wall 63 having a plurality of slits 63a, similar to the above-mentioned regenerant container 62. A water pipe (not shown) protruding downward is provided at the bottom of the lower space 60D. One end of the regenerated water pipe 43 is connected to the water pipe.

[0105] 11(b), the regenerant agent inlet 80 can be opened by operating the slider 80a while the detergent container 10b is housed therein. Then, by injecting the regenerant agent S through the regenerant agent inlet 80, the regenerant agent S can be stored in the upper space 60U of the integrated dissolution tank 81. When the lower space 60D is filled with regenerated water, the regenerated water flows into the upper space 60U through the slit 63a. This produces highly concentrated salt water.

[0106] Furthermore, in the case of this modified example, it is preferable to provide the regenerant-containing unit 60 with a predetermined dosing aid 90 .

[0107] 11(c) shows the charging aid 90. The charging aid 90 is made of a cylindrical member and configured to be insertable and removable from the regenerant charging port 80. Specifically, the charging aid 90 has an insertion part 90a that is inserted into the upper space 60U through the regenerant receiving port 81a, a support part 90b that is supported by the slider 80a, and a receiving part 90c that has a funnel mouth that opens upward at its upper end.

[0108] The charging aid 90 can be attached to the regenerant storage unit 60 in a predetermined state by inserting the plug-in portion 90a into the open regenerant charging port 80. By attaching the charging aid 90 to the regenerant storage unit 60, the funnel mouth is configured to be located above the regenerant charging port 80 and in front of the drawer cover 10f. Therefore, by using the charging aid 90, the charging operation of the regenerant S becomes easier.

[0109] Furthermore, by attaching the dosing aid 90 to the regenerant dosing port 80 and dosing the regenerant, a preset amount of regenerant S is dosed.

[0110] Specifically, the position of the lower end of the insertion portion 90a in the upper space 60U is set so that when the insertion aid 90 is attached to the regenerant inlet 80, a volume (remaining internal volume) that is a predetermined amount larger than or approximately the same as the volume of the insertion aid 90 remains in the upper space 60U.

[0111] As a result, when the regenerant S is added using the introduction aid 90, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 11(c), the regenerant S is filled into the upper space 60U up to the position of the lower end of the insertion part 90a, but the regenerant S is not filled into the upper space 60U any further. After that, the regenerant S is filled into the introduction aid 90.

[0112] When it is visually confirmed that the regenerant S is accumulating in the dosing aid 90, the dosing of the regenerant S is stopped and the dosing aid 90 is removed. When the dosing aid 90 is removed, the regenerant S accumulated inside it flows down into the upper space 60U. Since the remaining internal volume is equal to or larger than the volume of the dosing aid 90, the regenerant S that flows down is contained in the upper space 60U and does not spill out. An appropriate amount of regenerant S can always be dosed without measuring it.

[0113] The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various other configurations.

[0114] For example, in the above-described embodiment, one water supply path using a peristaltic pump is shown, but the form of the water supply path is not limited to this. For example, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 12, the water supply path may be configured by combining a centrifugal pump 95, a check valve 96, an electromagnetic valve 97, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Drum type washing machine 2 Water softener 3. Chassis 4. Aquarium 5 Drums 6 Operation Panel 7 Bearing section 8 Motor 10 Automatic detergent dispenser 10a Detergent storage case 10b Detergent container 10f Drawer cover 11 Connection port 12 Water supply piping (water supply route) 13 Water supply valve 14 Weight 15 Narrowed gap 20 Hardness component remover 23 Ion exchange resin 40 Pool Tank 43 Reclaimed water piping (water supply route) 60 Regenerant Storage Unit 61 Dissolving Tank 62 Regenerant container 70 Tube pump (peristaltic pump) 80 Regenerant inlet 90 Feeding aid S Regenerant

Claims

1. A drum-type washing machine, A housing having an input port on a front side through which laundry is inserted and removed; A cylindrical water tank is installed inside the housing and rotatably accommodates a drum with an opening facing the insertion port; a water softener disposed in a water supply path for supplying washing water to the water tub; a detergent case disposed in the water supply path downstream of the water softening device; Equipped with the detergent case includes a detergent container that is configured to accommodate a detergent and be removable from an upper portion of the front surface of the housing; The water softening device is a hardness remover for removing hardness components from the washing water; a regenerating agent storage unit for storing a regenerating agent for regenerating the function of the hardness component remover; having the regenerant storage unit is disposed below the detergent case and configured to allow the regenerant to be poured in from a front surface of the housing; the hardness component remover is connected to the regenerant storage unit via a water supply path capable of supplying water, and is disposed at a position away from the regenerant storage unit; The water softening device further includes a pool tank for temporarily storing soft water between the detergent case and the hardness component remover, The pool tank is disposed at a higher position than the hardness component remover, A drum-type washing machine, wherein a distance between the pool tank and the hardness component remover is shorter than a distance between the pool tank and the recycled material storage unit.

2. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1, The regenerant storage unit has a cross section of an approximately inverted triangle and is disposed in one of narrow gaps present at the upper left and right corners of the water tub inside the housing.

3. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 2, The drum type washing machine, wherein the hardness component remover is disposed on the other side of the narrow gap.

4. In the drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The water supply path includes a pump, and supplies soft water from the pool tank to the regenerant storage unit and also supplies treated water for regeneration from the regenerant storage unit to the pool tank.

5. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 4, The drum-type washing machine, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump capable of bidirectionally delivering water, and the water delivery path is composed of one water channel.

6. In the drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The regenerant storage unit is configured to be able to be pulled out from an upper portion of the front surface of the housing.

7. In the drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The drum-type washing machine is configured so that the regenerant can be introduced into the regenerant storage unit through a regenerant introduction port that is openably and closably provided on a front surface of the housing.

8. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 7, The drum-type washing machine is configured to add a predetermined amount of the regenerant by attaching a predetermined dosing aid to the regenerant dosing port and dosing the regenerant.

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