Automatic liquid dispenser for washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine achieving improvement in the function of a configuration related to the automatic feeding of a liquid agent.SOLUTION: A washing machine according to the present disclosure includes: an outer tub elastically supported within a housing; at least two tanks which each store a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub, and which are disposed along a first direction; and at least two automatic liquid agent feeding devices which are connected to connection parts formed in the respective tanks, and which are disposed along the first direction. Each of the automatic liquid agent feeding devices includes a power unit, a speed reduction mechanism engaged with the power unit, and a pump mechanism connected to an output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism. The radial direction of the speed reduction mechanism is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to Washing machine Automatic liquid injection device and Washing Concerning washing machines. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an automatic liquid agent dispenser including a container case in which two tanks, that is, a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank, are mounted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 044306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of improving the functionality of the configuration for automatically dispensing liquid agent.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an automatic liquid agent dispensing device and a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid agent dispensing device that realizes improved functionality of the configuration for automatic dispensing of liquid agents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An automatic liquid drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a motor and a pump mechanism. The pump mechanism has a piston connected to the motor, a cylinder that houses the piston, and a bracket to which the motor is attached, and the cylinder and bracket are integrally formed from resin.

[0008] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the automatic liquid agent dispenser and a tank for storing a liquid agent, and the automatic liquid agent dispenser is connected to a connection portion provided on the tank. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an automatic liquid agent dispensing device that realizes improved functionality of the configuration related to automatic dispensing of liquid agents, and a washing machine equipped with the automatic liquid agent dispensing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] Schematic front view of a washing machine [Diagram 3] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 4] Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit [Diagram 5] Top view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automatic insertion unit; [Figure 7] Case perspective view [Figure 8A] Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 8B] Cross-section of the automatic insertion unit [Figure 9] Partially exploded view of the tank, liquid supply device, and liquid discharge flow path [Figure 10] Rear view of the tank, liquid supply device, and liquid discharge flow path [Figure 11A] Exploded view of a single tank and fluid dosing device [Figure 11B] Exploded view of a single tank and fluid dosing device [Figure 12A] Schematic diagram of liquid injection device [Figure 12B] A perspective view of the cylinder, the power unit, and the reduction mechanism. [Figure 12C] Side view of cylinder [Figure 13A] Top view of the case showing the water flow [Figure 13B] Top view of the case showing the water flow [Figure 13C] A perspective view of the case showing the flow of water and liquid [Figure 14] Schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic insertion unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 15] Schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic insertion unit according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment) A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a washing and drying machine having an automatic liquid dispenser function. In this specification, the liquid is a liquid used for washing laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergent, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connecting flow path 8, a water supply port 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit (not shown).

[0014] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0015] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and has the function of storing washing water. The outer tub 3 may be called a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a cylindrical portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported by a damper 30 and a coil spring (not shown), and vibrations during washing and spin-drying are absorbed by the damper 30 and the coil spring. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for passing water. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connecting flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0016] In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is defined as the front-rear direction M (FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is defined as the width direction K (FIG. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 ​​toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 toward the central axis V0.

[0017] <Inner tank> The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably provided around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that contains laundry 15, such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 4 is formed with a large number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 communicate the inner tub 4 with the outer tub 3, allowing the wash water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

[0018] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 is a member that rotates the inner tub 4. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a power unit that rotates the inner tub 4.

[0019] <Automatic insertion unit> The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit for automatically dosing a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank storing the liquid agent into the outer tub 3. When the liquid agent is not manually dosed, the automatic dosing unit 6 dos an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent into the outer tub 3 depending on, for example, the amount and type of laundry 15 during a washing process, a rinsing process, etc. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3.

[0020] The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C (tanks 62B, 62C not shown), liquid agent dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C (liquid agent dispensing devices 63B, 63C not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a manual dispensing section 65, and a water supply solenoid valve 66.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the automatic dosing unit 6 is provided inside the housing 2, obliquely above the outer tub 3. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the tubular portion 34 of the outer tub 3. The bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the outside K1. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, the bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. An upper portion of the automatic dosing unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.

[0022] <Connection flow path> The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for flowing the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer bath 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the liquid agent outlet 81 of the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer bath 3.

[0023] <Water inlet> The water supply port 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply port 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

[0024] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2.

[0025] <Control Unit> The control unit (not shown) is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit controls components of the washing machine 1, such as the drive unit 5, the liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C of the automatic dispenser unit 6, the water inlet 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program, and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

[0026] Next, components of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are perspective views of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 5 is a top view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0027] <Case> 3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic feeding unit 6, and the manual feeding part 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 is inclined toward the outside K1 along the contour of the outer tub 3, which is shown typically by a dotted line. The upper part of the case 61 is open.

[0028] Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the case 61 is referred to as the front surface 56, and the surface of the rear side M2 ​​of the case 61 is referred to as the rear surface 57. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, to the rear surface 57 of the case 61, liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C (Fig. 6), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a water supply solenoid valve 66 (Fig. 4), and a connection flow path 8 (Fig. 4) are connected.

[0029] 5, a supply flow passage 67 is formed in the upper part of the case 61. The supply flow passage 67 forms a plurality of independent paths along the outer periphery of the case 61. Each path supplies water from a water supply solenoid valve 66 to the inside of the case 61.

[0030] <Tank> The case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged side by side in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents used in the washing process and the rinsing process. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped is parallel to the front-rear direction M.

[0031] Tanks 62A, 62B, 62C are removable from case 61. When manual dispensing unit 65 is removed from case 61, an empty space is formed on front side M1 of case 61. Therefore, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C can be pulled to front side M1, removed from solution dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C (FIG. 6), and taken out upward.

[0032] <Liquid injection device> 6, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck out a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, and discharge the liquid agent into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively, via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The liquid agent supplying device 63A is connected to the tank 62A, the liquid agent supplying device 63B is connected to the tank 62B, and the liquid agent supplying device 63C is connected to the tank 62C. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged side by side in the width direction K.

[0033] The detailed structures of the case 61, the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, and the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, 63C will be described later.

[0034] <Liquid discharge flow path> As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 through the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to three liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends with an inclination downward toward the outside K1. The fluid flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0035] <Manual input section> As shown in Fig. 5, manual input unit 65 is a mechanism for a user to manually input a single dose of laundry treatment agent each time a washing operation is performed. The manually input liquid flows from case 61 through connecting flow path 8 (Fig. 1) into outer tub 3 (Fig. 1) in the input amount. The liquid input into manual input unit 65 may be in liquid or powder form. Manual input unit 65 is removably housed in case 61 on front side M1 of tanks 62A, 62B, 62C.

[0036] <Water supply solenoid valve> 4 and 5, the water supply solenoid valve 66 is composed of three solenoid valves, and the route of the supply flow path 67 (FIG. 5) to which the water is supplied is changed by opening and closing each valve. Water flows into the outer tub 3 through the case 61.

[0037] Next, the structure of the case 61 of the automatic feeding unit 6 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the case 61.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, the case 61 has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outer side K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is a surface located directly below the tank 62A (Fig. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is a surface located directly below the tank 62B (Fig. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is a surface located directly below the tank 62C (Fig. 6). In other words, the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 form areas P1, P2, and P3 that accommodate the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively.

[0039] On the rear surface 57 of the case 61, tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid agent outlet 81 are formed.

[0040] Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C are openings provided for connecting tanks 62A, 62B, 62C housed in case 61 to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, 63C arranged outside case 61.

[0041] Furthermore, the first case connection port 78 is an opening that allows water flowing from the supply flow path 67 to flow into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The second case connection port 79 is an opening that allows water from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and the automatically added liquid agent to flow into the case 61. The liquid agent outlet 81 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed into the second case connection port 79 case 61 and the fluid from the manual input unit 65 toward the outer tank 3 through the connection flow path 8. The first case connection port 78 is provided at a higher position than the second case connection port 79.

[0042] The state in which the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are attached to the case 61 configured as described above will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. Figure 8A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding unit 6. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding unit 6.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the depths L1, L2, and L3 are the distances from the top surface to the deepest part of each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. The depths L1, L2, and L3 of the three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase toward the outside K1. The depth L2 of the tank 62B is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, and the depth L3 of the tank 62C is greater than the depth L2 of the tank 62B.

[0044] Here, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described. Returning to Fig. 5, the top surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape. The dimensions of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the width direction K and the front-rear direction M may be the same. Since the top surfaces have a common shape, the volumes of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase along the outer side K1 according to the depths L1, L2, and L3.

[0045] The three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may contain different or the same liquid agents. Taking into consideration the type of liquid agent and the volume of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agents may be contained in the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order of least frequent use. For example, a neutral detergent is stored in the tank 62A, a fabric softener is stored in the tank 62B, and a detergent is stored in the tank 62C.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, including the deepest parts, are aligned along the width direction K and become lower toward the outer side K1 for each tank. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are arranged in a stepped manner. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 of the case 61 are located directly below the bottom surfaces of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are also formed in a stepped manner, that is, in a stepped manner, in order of decreasing position toward the outer side K1. Therefore, the depths of the regions P1, P2, and P3 increase in order toward the outer side K1.

[0047] 8B, gaps H1, H2, and H3 are formed between the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and the inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3, respectively. The gap H3 between the inner bottom surface B3 and the bottom surface of the tank 62C is larger than the gaps H1 and H2.

[0048] The area directly below the tank 62C is close to the outside of the housing 2, and it is easier to secure vertical space compared to the tanks 62A and 62B, so a large gap H3 can be formed. Therefore, it is easy to form the input flow path 82 that flows the liquid agent and water into the outer tank 3 along the inner bottom surface B3. With this configuration, it is possible to maximize the volume of the tanks 62A and 62B while also securing space for the input flow path 82. The lower end of the input flow path 82 forms the liquid agent outlet 81 (FIG. 7), and communicates with the outer tank 3 via the liquid agent outlet 81.

[0049] The rear side M2 ​​surface of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, i.e., the surface including the short side direction, forms the connection parts 76A, 76B, 76C. The connection parts 76A, 76B, 76C are structured to be connected to the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The connection parts 76A, 76B, 76C each include a check valve (not shown) and a connection port. The check valve is opened when the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, 63C are attached, and the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C communicate with the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The connection port is an opening through which the liquid agent is sucked out, and faces the tank connection ports 77A, 77B, 77C shown in FIG. 7. The connection parts 76A, 76B, 76C may further include other structures. The connections 76A, 76B, 76C are formed at the deepest parts of the tanks 62A, 62B, 62C. Thus, the depths L1, L2, L3 of the connections 76A, 76B, 76C increase towards the outside K1.

[0050] Next, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a partial exploded view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Here, the tanks 62, the liquid agent supplying device 63, and the connection part 76 are collectively referred to as the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and the connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C, respectively.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are lowered toward the outside K1 according to the change in the depth of the connection part 76 of the tank 62. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged so that a liquid agent inlet 91 described later of the liquid agent supplying device 63 faces the connection part 76 formed on the surface including the short side direction of the tank 62. In this embodiment, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a stepped manner, and the liquid agent supplying device 63, the tank 62, and the connection part 76 in the stepped manner have equal pitches in the depth direction. With this structure, it is possible to equalize the distance over which the liquid agent flows from the connection part 76 to the liquid agent supplying device 63 in the three tanks 62. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in pressure loss that occurs when the pump mechanism 73 described later is driven in the path between the connection part 76 and the liquid agent supplying device 63. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the variation in the amount of liquid agent supplied by the liquid agent supplying device 63.

[0052] Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the tank 62 includes a main body 87 and a lid 88. The top of the main body 87 is open and covered with the lid 88. The lid 88 is removably held by the main body 87. As described above, the top surfaces of the tanks 62 have a common shape, and therefore the top surfaces of the main bodies 87 have a common shape. In addition, the structure for holding the lid 88 is also common. Therefore, the lids 88 of the tanks 62 can be formed in common, and the lids 88 are replaceable. More specifically, the lids 88 of any of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can also be attached to the other tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. On the other hand, the color, pattern, characters, and other indications that improve the identification of the tanks 62, which are attached to the lid 88, may be different. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A that can be opened and closed relative to the lid 88, on the front side M1 of the tank 62.

[0053] Taking a liquid drug supplying device 63 connected to one arbitrary tank 62 as an example, the structure of one liquid drug supplying device 63 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 11A, 11B and 12A. Figure 11A is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63. Figure 11B is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63. Figure 12A is a schematic view of the liquid drug supplying device 63, with some components omitted so that the inside of the liquid drug supplying device 63 can be seen.

[0054] 11A and 11B , the liquid drug supplying device 63 is detachably connected to the rear surface 90 of the tank 62 along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63 connected to the tank 62 are each disposed along the front-rear direction M.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11A, the liquid agent dosing device 63 includes a power unit 71, a speed reduction mechanism 72, and a pump mechanism 73. The power unit 71 is an electronic component that rotates around a rotation axis V1. The speed reduction mechanism 72 is disposed around the power unit 71, and is a mechanism that includes an output shaft V2 (FIG. 12A) that rotates at a lower rotation speed than the power unit 71. The output shaft V2 is parallel to the rotation axis V1. The pump mechanism 73 is a positive displacement pump that is connected to the output shaft V2 and sucks up and discharges the liquid agent from the tank 62. When the rotation axis V1 of the power unit 71 rotates, the output shaft V2 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 rotates, and a piston 83 (described later) in the pump mechanism 73 moves up and down.

[0056] The arrangement of the liquid agent supplying device 63 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 11A, the reduction mechanism 72 and the power unit 71 extend in a radial direction R1. The radial direction R1 means a horizontal direction away from the output shaft V2 in a plane perpendicular to the output shaft V2. The radial direction R1 is parallel to the plane in which the power unit 71 and the reduction mechanism 72 rotate. The radial direction R1 is approximately perpendicular to the width direction K. The angle formed between the radial direction R1 and the width direction K is 60° or more and 120° or less. In this embodiment, the radial direction R1 is perpendicular to the width direction K, and the radial direction R1 is parallel to the front-rear direction M. Furthermore, the radial direction R1 is parallel to the direction in which the liquid agent supplying device 63 is connected to the tank 62, that is, the direction in which the liquid agent flows into the liquid agent supplying device 63.

[0057] Moreover, the dimension D1 of the reduction mechanism 72 in the radial direction R1 is larger than the thickness T1 of the reduction mechanism 72 extending to the rotation axis V1. By disposing the reduction mechanism 72, the dimension of the liquid drug supply device 63 in the width direction K can be reduced when the liquid drug supply device 63 is connected to the tank 62. Meanwhile, the dimension D1 of the reduction mechanism 72 in the radial direction R1 is larger than the dimension D2 of the tank 62 in the width direction K. Therefore, compared to the case where the radial direction R1 of the reduction mechanism 72 is disposed in the width direction K, the dimension in the width direction K of the configuration in which the liquid drug supply device 63 is connected to the tank 62 can be reduced, and the pitch between the tanks 62 can be reduced. The small pitch arrangement makes it possible to dispose, for example, three tanks 62 in the limited space above the outer tank 3 (FIG. 2) without impairing the volume of each tank 62.

[0058] The power unit 71 and the reduction gear mechanism 72 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 12A, the power unit 71 has a coil 71A, a magnet 71B, and a connector terminal 71C. When a voltage is applied to the connector terminal 71C, a current flows in the coil 71A. The current causes the coil 71A to generate a magnetic field around it. The magnet 71B receives the magnetic field generated by the coil 71A, generating a torque and rotating around the rotation axis V1. The rotation of the magnet 71B is transmitted to the reduction gear mechanism 72.

[0059] The reduction mechanism 72 is composed of a plurality of reduction gears 102. Since one of the reduction gears 102 is engaged with the magnet 71B, the rotation of the magnet 71B is transmitted to the output shaft V2 via the reduction gear 102. On the other hand, the rotation of the output shaft V2 is converted into up and down motion via the eccentric cam 89 and transmitted to the pump mechanism 73.

[0060] By providing the speed reducing mechanism 72, a general-purpose power section 71 can be applied to the liquid agent dispensing device 63, and the cost of the automatic dispensing unit 6 can be reduced.

[0061] Moreover, the power unit 71 and the reduction mechanism 72 may be collectively referred to as the motor 70.

[0062] The pump mechanism 73 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 12A, the pump mechanism 73 has a piston 83, a cylinder 84, an inlet flow path 85, and an outlet flow path 86. The piston 83 is a member connected to the output shaft V2 of the speed reducing mechanism 72 and reciprocates vertically with the rotation of the output shaft V2. The cylinder 84 is a member that accommodates the piston 83 and forms a space into which the liquid agent is sucked up. The inlet flow path 85 is a flow path that connects the tank 62 and the lower end of the cylinder 84 to suck up the liquid agent from the tank 62 through the liquid agent inlet 91. The liquid agent inlet 91 is inserted into the connection part 76 of the tank 62. The outlet flow path 86 is a flow path that connects the lower end of the cylinder 84 and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to discharge the liquid agent in the cylinder 84 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0063] Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the cylinder 84 and the speed reduction mechanism 72. Fig. 12C is a side view of the cylinder 84.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12B, the cylinder 84 is formed integrally with a bracket 92 for mounting the power unit 71 and the reduction gear mechanism 72 (i.e., the motor 70) to the cylinder 84. The bracket 92 forms an attachment guide 92A and a screw hole 92B. The attachment guide 92A is inserted into a guide hole 72A formed in the reduction gear mechanism 72 to position the reduction gear mechanism 72. A screw is inserted into the screw hole 92B while facing the screw hole 72B formed in the reduction gear mechanism 72, thereby fixing the cylinder 84 and the reduction gear mechanism 72. Two attachment guides 92A and two screw holes 92B are formed in positions facing each other in the radial direction of the reduction gear mechanism 72.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 12C, the cylinder 84 forms a gap 84A with the bracket 92 along the range Z1 in which the piston 83 (Fig. 12A) slides up and down. Therefore, the cylinder 84 has a uniform thickness in the range Z1 in which the piston 83 slides. This structure makes it possible to suppress shrinkage during resin molding. Therefore, in the range Z1, the piston 83 is sealed, and the necessary dimensional accuracy can be ensured for the cylinder 84.

[0066] 12A, the motor 70 is attached to the bracket 92 (FIG. 12C) with the power unit 71 in an orientation away from the inlet flow passage 85 with respect to the output shaft V2. Therefore, the speed reduction mechanism 72 protrudes farther in a direction away from the inlet flow passage 85 than the central axis of the cylinder 84, so that the tank 62 and the cylinder 84 can be disposed close to each other. Furthermore, interference between the flow passage and electronic components such as connectors included in the power unit 71 can be suppressed.

[0067] [Operation] Next, an example of the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 6 in the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 12A and Fig. 13A to Fig. 13C. Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are top views of the case 61 showing the flow of water. Fig. 13C is a perspective view of the case 61 showing the flow of water and the liquid agents S1 and S2.

[0068] The automatic dosing unit 6 operates during the washing and rinsing processes of the washing machine 1. The operation of the automatic dosing unit 6 is controlled by a control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 66, the type of liquid agent to be dispensed, the amount to be dispensed, the timing of dispense, and the like.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the automatic dispenser unit 6 supplies water and a liquid agent to the outer tub 3 in the washing process and the rinsing process.

[0070] Here, the flow of water will be described in more detail. Water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 66 to the path indicated by the arrows X1 to X3. The path runs from the water supply solenoid valve 66 through the supply flow path 67 and the case 61 to the outer tub 3.

[0071] 13A, in the washing step, in order to execute automatic or manual supply of detergent, a first solenoid valve (not shown) of water supply solenoid valve 66 is opened. In this state, water branches from water supply solenoid valve 66 to flow in supply flow passage 67 along paths indicated by arrows X1 and X2.

[0072] Water flowing along the arrow X1 flows into the case 61 from an opening 94 formed above the rear surface 90 of the tank 62. Water flowing along the arrow X2 passes through an opening 95 formed near the manual insertion portion 65, and flows downward toward the case 61 from a water insertion opening 96 formed in the manual insertion portion 65 together with the detergent that has been manually inserted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13B, the water flowing into the case 61 along the arrow X1 further branches into two paths indicated by the arrows X11 and X12. The water flowing along the arrow X11 flows from the case 61 into the liquid agent discharge flow passage 64 (not shown) through the first case connection port 78. The water flows along the inclined liquid agent discharge flow passage 64 according to gravity, and flows into the input flow passage 82 of the case 61 through the second case connection port 79. The water flowing along the arrow X12 flows along the inner bottom surface of the case 61 so as to pass under the tips of the three liquid agent input devices 63 in order. This flow makes it possible to wash off the liquid agent that has leaked out and adhered to the inner bottom surface of the case 61 due to the attachment and detachment operation of the tank 62. The water flowing along the arrow X12 merges with the water flowing along the arrow X11 at the input flow passage 82. The water flowing into the case 61 along the arrow X2 flows through the input flow passage 82 toward the connection flow passage 8. The water flowing along the arrow X2 merges in the input flow channel 82 with the water flowing along the arrows X11 and X12.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 13C, the water flowing through input flow channel 82 flows from liquid agent outlet 81 through connecting flow channel 8 (FIG. 13B) into outer tank 3.

[0075] 13A, in order to manually add fabric softener in the rinsing step, the second solenoid valve (not shown) of the water supply solenoid valve 66 is opened. In this state, water flows through the path indicated by the arrow X3 in the supply flow path 67. The water flowing along the arrow X3 passes through an opening 97 formed near the manual insertion portion 65, and flows from the manual insertion portion 65 into the case 61 together with the manually added fabric softener.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13B, water that has flowed into case 61 along arrow X3 flows along inner bottom surface B4 of case 61 toward input flow path 82. Inner bottom surface B4 is formed in front of inner bottom surfaces B1-B3 that are formed directly below tank 62, and is inclined downward in a direction from inner bottom surface B1 toward inner bottom surface B3. Due to the inclination, water flows along inner bottom surface B4 according to gravity. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13C, the water flows from solution outlet 81 through connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 13B) into outer tank 3.

[0077] Next, the flow of the automatically dispensed liquid agent will be described in more detail. The operation of the control unit in the washing process drives a liquid agent dispenser 63C (FIG. 9) connected to a tank 62C (FIG. 9) in which a detergent is stored. As shown in FIG. 12A, a power unit 71 in the liquid agent dispenser 63C rotates, and the rotation of the power unit 71 is decelerated via a decelerating mechanism 72 and transmitted to a piston 83 of a pump mechanism 73. When the piston 83 rises from the bottom dead center, the detergent S1 in the tank 62C is sucked up into a cylinder 84 through an inlet flow path 85. When the piston 83 reaches the top dead center and starts to descend, the detergent S1 in the cylinder 84 is discharged through an outlet flow path 86 to a liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

[0078] 13C, the detergent S1 flows along the gravity in the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The detergent S1 may merge with water flowing along the arrow X11 in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The detergent S1 flows from the second case connection port 79 into the input flow path 82 of the case 61, is guided to the liquid agent outlet 81 by the inclination of the input flow path 82, and flows into the outer tub 3 via the connection flow path 8.

[0079] Furthermore, the liquid agent to be dispensed into the outer tub 3 is determined based on the selected operation course and / or the user's selection operation. When delicate washing is selected as the operation course, a neutral detergent may be dispensed into the outer tub 3. In this case, the liquid agent dispenser 63A of the tank 62A containing the neutral detergent is driven instead of the liquid agent dispenser 63C of the tank 62C containing the detergent S1.

[0080] By the operation of the control unit in the rinsing step, the liquid agent dosing device 63B of the tank 62B in which the fabric softener S2 is stored is driven.

[0081] When the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle are repeated, the amount of liquid agent contained in the tank 62 decreases. A user of the washing machine 1 can refill the tank 62 with liquid agent. When the tank 62 is placed in the case 61, the liquid agent can be refilled by opening the small lid 88A as shown in Fig. 9. On the other hand, when the tank 62 is removed from the case 61, the liquid agent can be refilled by removing the lid 88 or opening the small lid 88A.

[0082] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0083] In the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the liquid agent dosing device 63 and the tank 62 are arranged so that the radial direction R1 of the reduction mechanism 72 and the width direction K are perpendicular to each other. With this configuration, firstly, the dimension of the liquid agent dosing device 63 in the width direction K can be reduced, and the tanks 62 can be arranged at small intervals. Therefore, the automatic dosing unit 6 is space-saving in the width direction K, and three tanks 62 can be provided in the limited space in the housing 2. Secondly, it is possible to provide individual liquid agent dosing devices 63 for each tank 62. Compared to the case where a plurality of tanks 62 share one liquid agent dosing device 63, when the liquid agent dosing device 63 is connected to one tank 62, restrictions on the arrangement of the liquid agent dosing device 63 due to the relationship with the other tanks 62 are suppressed. Therefore, the tank 62 and the liquid agent dosing device 63 can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, pressure loss in the path between the tank 62 and the liquid agent dosing device 63 can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the distance between the tank 62 and the liquid agent feeding device 63 is constant, it is possible to suppress variations in pressure loss between the tank 62 and the liquid agent feeding device 63. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency and stability of the liquid agent feeding by the liquid agent feeding device 63.

[0084] In addition, in order to further increase the volume of the tank 62, the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tank 62 are increased on the outside K1. With this configuration, the total volume of the tank 62 can be increased inside the case 61. This reduces the number of times the user needs to refill the tank 62. Also, the liquid can be stored in an appropriate volume depending on the frequency of use of the liquid. This improves the usability of the automatic dispensing unit 6. As described above, the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment can improve the function of the automatic dispensing unit 6.

[0085] [Effect 1] The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0086] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the outer tub 3, at least two tanks 62, and at least two liquid agent dispensers 63 (automatic liquid agent dispensers). The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The at least two tanks 62 contain a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3, and are arranged along the width direction K (first direction). The at least two liquid agent dispensers 63 are connected to connecting parts 76 formed in the respective tanks 62, and are arranged along the width direction K. Each liquid agent dispenser 63 includes a power unit 71, a reduction mechanism 72 engaged with the power unit 71, and a pump mechanism 73 connected to the output shaft of the reduction mechanism 72. The radial direction R1 of the reduction mechanism 72 is approximately perpendicular to the width direction K.

[0087] With this configuration, in a configuration in which two liquid agent dosing devices 63 are provided, the dimension of the liquid agent dosing devices 63 in the width direction K can be reduced, and therefore the tanks 62 can be arranged with a small interval between them. This allows for space saving in the width direction K of the automatic dosing unit 6. Furthermore, since each tank 62 has its own liquid agent dosing device 63, it is possible to arrange the tanks 62 and the liquid agent dosing devices 63 closer to each other than when the tanks 62 share one liquid agent dosing device. This allows for reduced pressure loss between the tanks 62 and the liquid agent dosing devices 63, and improves the efficiency and stability of dosing the liquid agent by the liquid agent dosing devices 63. This allows for improved functionality of the automatic dosing unit 6.

[0088] Moreover, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, three tanks 62 and three liquid agent dosing devices 63 are provided.

[0089] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the liquid agent supplying device 63 in the width direction K, so that three tanks 62, each having an individual liquid agent supplying device 63, can be provided even in a limited space.

[0090] In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the connection portion 76 formed in the tank 62 is formed on the rear surface 90 of the tank 62.

[0091] With this configuration, the liquid agent dosing device 63 is disposed so as to face the rear surface 90 of the tank 62 forming the connection portion 76. By disposing the liquid agent dosing device 63 equipped with the pump mechanism 73 immediately behind the rear surface 90 of the tank 62, it is possible to dispose the tanks 62 and the pump mechanism 73 at equal distances. This makes it possible to suppress pressure loss caused by the liquid agent dosing device 63 and to dosing a predetermined amount of liquid agent with higher accuracy. In addition, by shortening the distance between the tank 62 and the liquid agent dosing device 63, it is possible to reduce the torque required in the power unit 71. Therefore, it is possible to employ a power unit 71 having a smaller dimension in the width direction K. This makes it possible to realize space saving and cost reduction in the width direction K of the power unit 71.

[0092] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the installed state of the tanks 62, the connection parts 76 formed on the respective tanks 62 are disposed at different heights.

[0093] With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the liquid agent supplying devices 63 connected to the connection parts 76 at different heights and provide a configuration in which the flow paths downstream of the liquid agent supplying devices 63 (for example, the liquid agent discharge flow paths 64) are inclined. The inclination of the flow paths can promote the flow of the fluid.

[0094] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the rotation shaft V1 of the power unit 71 and the output shaft V2 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 are aligned along the width direction K.

[0095] With this configuration, the radial direction R1 of the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 is aligned along a direction perpendicular to the width direction K. Even if the power unit 71 and the speed reduction mechanism 72 have large dimensions in the radial direction R1, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the solution dosing device 63 in the width direction K.

[0096] In addition, in washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, pump mechanism 73 includes piston 83 that is connected to speed reduction mechanism 72 and reciprocates up and down, and cylinder 84 that accommodates piston 83.

[0097] The liquid supply device includes an outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, at least two tanks 62 which contain a liquid to be supplied to the outer tank 3 and are arranged along a width direction K (first direction), and at least two liquid supply devices 63 (automatic liquid supply devices) which are connected to connection portions 76 formed on each tank 62 and arranged along the width direction K, each liquid supply device 63 having a motor 70 and a pump mechanism 73 which is driven by the motor 70 to suck in and discharge the liquid from the tank 62, and the motor 70 is connected to the pump mechanism 73 from the width direction K.

[0098] With this configuration, even if the motor 70 has a large dimension in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it is connected to the pump mechanism 73, the tanks 62 can be arranged with a small distance between them.

[0099] The device comprises an outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, at least two tanks 62 which contain a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank 3 and are arranged along a width direction K (first direction), and at least two liquid agent supplying devices 63 (automatic liquid agent supplying devices) which are connected to connection portions 76 formed on each tank 62 and arranged along the width direction K, the connection portions 76 being formed on a surface including the short side of the tank 62, and each liquid agent supplying device 63 being arranged to face the surface including the short side of the tank 62 on which the connection portions 76 are formed.

[0100] With such a configuration, the liquid drug supply device 63 can be disposed immediately behind a surface including the short side direction of the tank 62, and the distance between each tank 62 and the liquid drug supply device 63 can be made equal.

[0101] The tank 62 is provided detachably to the liquid agent supplying device 63 along the front-rear direction M (second direction), and the tank 62 and the liquid agent supplying device 63 are disposed along the front-rear direction M.

[0102] With such a configuration, each tank 62 and the liquid agent supply device 63 can be disposed close to each other.

[0103] The tank 62 is formed so that the front-rear direction M is the longitudinal direction.

[0104] With this configuration, the dimension of the tank 62 in the width direction K can be reduced.

[0105] [Effect 2] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes an outer tub 3, a tank 62A (first tank), and a tank 62B (second tank). The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The tank 62A contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The tank 62B contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3, and is arranged next to the tank 62A. The depth of the tank 62B is greater than the depth of the tank 62A along the outer periphery of the outer tub 3.

[0106] This configuration makes it possible to increase the total volume of the two tanks 62A and 62B. Also, different types of liquid agents can be stored in different amounts in the housing 2. Therefore, the functionality of the automatic dispensing unit 6 can be improved.

[0107] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62B is disposed on the outer side K1 (along the first direction away from the central axis V0 passing through the bottom portion 36 of the outer tub 3) with respect to the tank 62A.

[0108] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the total volume of the two tanks 62A, 62B along the outer periphery of the outer tank 3 descending to the outside K1.

[0109] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a liquid agent dispenser 63A (first automatic liquid agent dispenser) and a liquid agent dispenser 63B (second automatic liquid agent dispenser). The liquid agent dispenser 63A is connected to a connection part 76A (first connection part) formed on the tank 62A. The liquid agent dispenser 63B is connected to a connection part 76B (second connection part) formed on the tank 62B.

[0110] With this configuration, since each tank 62 has its own individual liquid agent feeding device 63, it is possible to configure the tanks 62 and the liquid agent feeding device 63 closer to each other than when the tanks 62 share one liquid agent feeding device. It is possible to suppress pressure loss between the tanks 62 and the liquid agent feeding device 63 and to feed a predetermined amount of liquid agent with higher accuracy.

[0111] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the depth of the connection part 76B is greater than the depth of the connection part 76A.

[0112] With this configuration, the volume of the tank 62B can be increased while facilitating the discharge of the liquid agent in the tank 62B. Also, it becomes possible to provide a configuration in which the flow paths (for example, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64) on the downstream side of the tanks 62A and 62B are inclined.

[0113] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the tank 62A and the tank 62B have covers formed in a common shape that cover the upper portions of the tanks.

[0114] With this configuration, the lid 88 is compatible with the tanks 62A and 62B, improving the usability of the tanks 62A and 62B.

[0115] Moreover, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a tank 62C (third tank) and a liquid agent dispenser 63C (third automatic liquid agent dispenser). The tank 62C contains a liquid agent and is disposed on the opposite side of the tank 62A with respect to the tank 62B. The liquid agent dispenser 63C is connected to a connection part 76C (third connection part) formed in the tank 62C. The depth of the tank 62C is greater than the depth of the tank 62B.

[0116] With this configuration, the total volume of the three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be further increased.

[0117] The device comprises an outer tank 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, a tank 62A (first tank) for accommodating the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank 3, a tank 62C (second tank) for accommodating the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank 3 and arranged relative to the tank 62A along a width direction K (first direction) away from a central axis V0 passing through the bottom of the outer tank 3, a case 61 for accommodating the tank 62A and the tank 62C, and a water supply solenoid valve 66 (water injection section) for supplying water to the case 61. The case 61 includes an area P1 (first area) for accommodating the tank 62A and an area P3 (second area) for accommodating the tank 62C, the depth of the area P3 being greater than the depth of the area P1, and an input flow path 82 through which water injected from the water injection section flows down is formed on the inner bottom surface B3 of the area P3.

[0118] With this configuration, the input flow path 82 is formed, and the space directly below the tank 62C can be effectively utilized.

[0119] The gap between input flow path 82 and the bottom surface of tank 62C is larger than the gap between inner bottom surface B1 of region P1 and the bottom surface of tank 62A.

[0120] With this configuration, even when the depth L3 of the tank 62C is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A, the input flow path 82 can be easily formed.

[0121] A manual input section 65 for accommodating a manually input liquid agent is provided upstream of the input flow path 82 , and a water supply solenoid valve 66 supplies water to the manual input section 65 .

[0122] With this configuration, the liquid agent can be automatically or manually added. Furthermore, by supplying water to the manual insertion unit 65, the liquid agent can be prevented from remaining in the manual insertion unit 65.

[0123] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0124] In the embodiment, the automatic dosing unit 6 has three tanks 62, but is not limited to this. The automatic dosing unit 6 may have two tanks 62 or four or more tanks 62.

[0125] In the embodiment, the tank 62 is arranged along the width direction K, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the outer tank 3 is elastically supported so as to be inclined downward toward the rear side M2 ​​with respect to the installation surface of the housing 2, the tank 62 may be arranged along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62B may be arranged along the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tank 3 with respect to the tank 62A. In this case, the stepped arrangement of the tank 62 becomes lower toward the rear side M2, and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. With such a configuration, the total volume of the tank 62 can be increased.

[0126] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the depths L1, L2, and L3 of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C change stepwise toward the outer side K1 along the width direction K, but the present invention is not limited to this. The depths of the tanks 62B and 62C may be greater than the depth of the tank 62A. For example, the depths of the tanks 62B and 62C may be equal. On the other hand, if the depths of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are different, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the mounting positions of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the case 61.

[0127] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the extending direction (vertical direction) of the pump mechanisms 73, i.e., the direction in which the pistons 83 move, is aligned in the three liquid agent dosing devices 63, but this is not limiting. For example, the extending direction of any pump mechanism 73 may be the front-rear direction M. On the other hand, if the extending directions of the pump mechanisms 73 are aligned, the power unit 71 can be disposed in the gap between adjacent pistons 83, and the space can be used effectively.

[0128] The motor 70 may be attached from the center side K2 or from the outside K1 to the pump mechanism 73. Also, a motor 70 attached from the outside K1 and a motor 70 attached from the center side K2 may be mixed.

[0129] In the embodiment, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63 has been described as the front-rear direction M, but is not limited thereto. For example, as in Modification 1 described below, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid drug supplying device 63 may be along the up-down direction.

[0130] [Variation 1] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic dosing unit 106 according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 14, the first modification is different from the automatic dosing unit 6 of the embodiment in that the tank 162 is removed from the case 161 in the vertical direction (Z direction). In order to remove the tank 162 in the vertical direction, a connection part 176 that connects to the liquid drug dosing device 163 is formed on the bottom surface of the tank 162. Even in this configuration, the radial direction R1 of the speed reduction mechanism 72 can be made perpendicular to the width direction K to realize a small pitch arrangement of the tanks 62 and improved functionality of the automatic dosing unit 6. In addition, the cylinder 184 extends along the horizontal direction (X direction), and the piston 183 moves along the horizontal direction. With this configuration, an increase in the vertical dimension of the automatic dosing unit 106 can be suppressed.

[0131] In the embodiment, the example in which the liquid agent supplying device 63 is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 at the outlet side has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in Modification 2 described later, the liquid agent supplying device 63 may be connected to the case 61 immediately below the tank 62 at the outlet side.

[0132] [Variation 2] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic dosing unit 206 according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 15, the second modification differs from the automatic dosing unit 6 of the embodiment in that the liquid agent dosing device 263 is directly connected to the case 261 at the outlet side. Even in this configuration, the radial direction R1 of the speed reducing mechanism 72 is orthogonal to the width direction K, so that the tanks 62 can be arranged at a small pitch and the function of the automatic dosing unit 6 can be improved. Also, instead of providing the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 of the embodiment, in the case 261, the inner bottom surface B200 directly below the tank 262 forms the liquid agent discharge flow path 264. With this configuration, the structure of the automatic dosing unit 206 can be simplified and the number of parts and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0133] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0134] The washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid injection, and is therefore useful as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a home drum washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Washing machine 2. Chassis 3 Outer tank 4 Inner tank 5 Drive unit 6 Automatic insertion unit 8 Connection Channel 10 Water inlet 11 Drain valve 61 cases 62 Tank 63 Liquid injection device 64 Liquid discharge flow path 65 Manual input section 66 Water supply solenoid valve 71 Power section 72 Reduction mechanism 73 Pump Mechanism 76 Connection 77, 78, 79 Connection ports 83 Piston 84 Cylinders K Width direction M Anteroposterior direction

Claims

1. An automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine having a tank for storing a liquid, A motor having a power unit that rotates around a rotation axis; a pump mechanism connected to an output shaft of the motor, the output shaft extending parallel to the rotation shaft and spaced apart from the rotation shaft in a radial direction of the motor; Equipped with The pump mechanism includes: a piston connected to the output shaft of the motor; A cylinder that accommodates the piston; a bracket to which the motor is attached; having The cylinder and the bracket are integrally formed from resin, The pump mechanism includes: A liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the pump mechanism; an inlet flow passage extending parallel to a radial direction of the motor, connecting the liquid agent inlet and the cylinder, through which the liquid agent flowing into the cylinder passes; an outlet flow path through which the liquid agent discharged from the cylinder passes; and When viewed from a direction in which the output shaft extends, the motor is attached to the bracket in such a manner that the rotation shaft is farther from the inlet flow passage than the output shaft is in a direction in which the inlet flow passage extends. Automatic liquid dispenser for washing machines.

2. The inlet passage extends in a direction different from a direction of movement of the piston within the cylinder.

2. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to claim 1.

3. the motor has a connector terminal protruding radially from the motor, The connector terminal protrudes from the cylinder in a direction opposite to a direction in which the inlet flow passage extends.

3. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inlet flow path and the outlet flow path are provided vertically. The automatic liquid agent dispenser for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The automatic liquid dispenser for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A tank for storing a liquid agent; Equipped with The automatic liquid injection device is connected to a connection part provided on the tank. washing machine.

6. The automatic liquid injection device is connected horizontally to the tank. The washing machine according to claim 5.

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