Washing machine and liquid supply unit

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of stably supplying a specified quantity of a liquid agent.SOLUTION: A washing machine of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a washing tub rotatably disposed in the housing, a liquid agent supply unit attached to the housing, having a case in which a liquid agent to be fed can be accommodated and a supply opening through which the liquid agent accommodated in the case is supplied to the washing tub, and a liquid agent feeding device attached to the liquid agent supply unit, having a tank in which plural doses of the liquid agent can be accommodated and a pump unit that feeds a predetermined amount of the liquid agent accommodated in the tank into the case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a liquid dispensing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a liquid agent supply unit.

[0003] In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, when a liquid agent is poured into a tank that stores the liquid agent, a check valve provided at the outlet of the tank opens, and a predetermined amount of the liquid agent is supplied to the washing tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 53-55266 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in terms of stably supplying a predetermined amount of liquid to the washing tub.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to stably supply a predetermined amount of liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a washing tub rotatably provided within the housing, a case capable of containing a liquid agent to be dispensed, a supply opening for supplying the liquid agent contained in the case to the washing tub, and a liquid agent supply unit attached to the housing, a tank capable of containing multiple doses of the liquid agent, and a pump unit for dispensing a predetermined amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank into the case.

[0008] A liquid agent supply unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a liquid agent supply section having a case capable of containing the liquid agent to be dispensed and a supply opening for supplying the liquid agent contained in the case to a washing machine, a tank capable of containing multiple doses of the liquid agent, and a pump section for dispensing a predetermined amount of the liquid agent contained in the tank into the case, and a liquid agent dispenser attached to the liquid agent supply section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine capable of stably supplying a predetermined amount of liquid agent can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Perspective view of the top of the washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the top of the washing machine [Figure 4] Top view of the top of the washing machine [Figure 5] A diagram showing the top of the washing machine with the liquid supply unit removed. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid agent supply unit, a water supply valve, and a water supply flow path member; [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid agent supply unit, a water supply valve, and a water supply flow path member; [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid agent supply unit, a water supply valve, and a water supply flow path member; [Figure 7A] Perspective view of the liquid supply unit [Figure 7B] Perspective view of the liquid supply unit [Figure 7C] Top view of the fluid supply unit [Figure 8] Exploded view of the fluid supply unit [Figure 9] Exploded view of the fluid supply unit [Figure 10] Tank side view [Figure 11] A perspective view of a flow path member [Figure 12] Exploded view of the fluid supply unit showing fluid flow [Figure 13] Cross section of the pump [Figure 14] Diagram showing the siphon structure in the case DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In washing machines where the liquid agent is manually dispensed, the user visually measures and dispenses the appropriate amount of liquid agent, thereby supplying a predetermined amount of liquid agent to the washing tub. In such a configuration, the amount of liquid agent dispensed tends to vary, making it difficult to stably supply the predetermined amount of liquid agent to the washing tub.

[0012] On the other hand, there are washing machines equipped with an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid from a tank storing the liquid into the washing tub during washing operation. However, such washing machines have a complex structure and are expensive. Therefore, there is a demand for a washing machine that can stably supply a predetermined amount of liquid while reducing the cost of the washing machine.

[0013] To solve these problems, the inventors of the present invention have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) A washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] [Overall configuration] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine. FIG. 1A shows the washing machine 1 with a lid 21 of a housing 2 closed. In FIG. 1B, the lid 21 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 1B, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub 3, a washing tub 4, a liquid agent supply unit 5, and a control unit C.

[0018] <Case> The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. On the top surface of the housing 2, a housing opening 20 (FIG. 1B) and an openable and closable lid 21 (FIG. 1A) that covers the housing opening 20 are provided.

[0019] <Aquarium> 1B, water tub 3 is provided inside housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member with one end closed to store wash water. Water tub 3 may also be referred to as an outer tub. Water tub 3 does not rotate when washing machine 1 is in operation.

[0020] <Washing tub> Washing tub 4 is a roughly cylindrical member that is rotatably provided inside water tub 3 and that accommodates laundry such as clothes. Washing tub 4 has a number of through-holes 40 that communicate with the water tub. Through-holes 40 allow the movement of wash water and detergent between water tub 3 and washing tub 4. Washing tub 4 also has opening 41 at a position facing housing opening 20. Laundry is placed into washing tub 4 through opening 41. Washing tub 4 may also be called a drum or an inner tub.

[0021] <Liquid supply unit> The liquid agent supply unit 5 is a unit that supplies laundry treatment agents such as liquid agents and powder detergent to the washing tub 4. The liquid agents are used to wash laundry such as clothes, and may include detergent, fabric softener, and neutral detergent.

[0022] In this specification, "supplying a laundry treatment agent" means discharging the laundry treatment agent downward toward the washing tub 4. The supply is performed automatically under the control of the control unit C of the washing machine 1. To distinguish from "supplying", "adding a laundry treatment agent" means putting the laundry treatment agent into the liquid agent supply unit 5 to make it ready for supply. Adding is performed manually by a user's operation.

[0023] <Control unit> The control unit C is a component that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit C may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) that corresponds to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

[0024] The structure of the upper part of the washing machine 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the upper part of the washing machine 1. Figure 2 shows the liquid agent supply unit 5 in a stored position, and Figure 3 shows the liquid agent supply unit 5 in a pulled-out position (arrow P1). Figure 4 shows a top view of the upper part of the washing machine 1.

[0025] 2 and 3, the liquid drug supply unit 5 is accommodated so as to be retractable from the housing 2. Specifically, the liquid drug supply unit 5 is provided so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction M between a retracted position and a retracted position.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid agent supply unit 5 has a liquid agent supply part 6 and a liquid agent dosing device 7 attached to the liquid agent supply part 6.

[0027] The liquid agent supply unit 6 is a mechanism for receiving a single load of laundry treatment agent each time the washing machine 1 is operated and supplying it to the washing tub 4. The laundry treatment agent dispensed into the liquid agent supply unit 6 is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the dispensed amount.

[0028] The liquid agent supplying device 7 stores a quantity of liquid agent for multiple uses, and is a mechanism for supplying one quantity of liquid agent to the liquid agent supplying unit 6 by operation by the user every time the washing machine 1 is operated.

[0029] The liquid agent supply section 6 and the liquid agent dosing device 7 are aligned in the front-rear direction M. Specifically, the liquid agent supply section 6 is provided on the rear side M2 ​​of the liquid agent dosing device 7. In this arrangement, when the liquid agent supply unit 5 is located in the extended position, the liquid agent supply section 6 is exposed to the housing 2 (FIG. 3), and when the liquid agent supply unit 5 is located in the retracted position, the liquid agent supply section 6 is retracted into the housing 2 (FIG. 2). On the other hand, the liquid agent dosing device 7 is exposed to the housing 2 regardless of whether the liquid agent supply unit 5 is located in the extended position or the retracted position.

[0030] The top of the liquid agent supply section 6 is open. Therefore, when the liquid agent supply unit 5 is in the pulled-out position, the user can manually add laundry treatment agent to the liquid agent supply section 6. When the liquid agent supply unit 5 is in the stored position, the liquid agent supply section 6 communicates with water supply means (a water supply valve 10 and a water supply flow path member 11, which will be described later) inside the housing 2, allowing water to be supplied to the liquid agent supply section 6.

[0031] Here, a brief description will be given of how to use the liquid agent supply unit 5. With the liquid agent supply unit 5 in the housed position, the user presses a button (buttons 78 and 79 described below) provided on the front of the liquid agent supply device 7. When the button is pressed, a predetermined amount of liquid agent is supplied to the liquid agent supply section 6 by a pump (pump sections 72 and 73 described below) of the liquid agent supply device 7. Alternatively, the user may directly supply the liquid agent to the liquid agent supply section 6 with the liquid agent supply unit 5 in the withdrawn position.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4 , the liquid agent dispenser 7 is located inside the outer periphery of the housing opening 20. More specifically, the liquid agent dispenser 7 extends in the width direction K and is shaped to fit part of the outer periphery of the housing opening 20. With this configuration, even in a washing machine 1 equipped with the liquid agent dispenser 7, it is possible to reduce the protruding shape that obstructs the loading of laundry in the front-to-rear direction M. Furthermore, because the liquid agent dispenser 7 extends in the width direction K, is thin in the front-to-rear direction M, and is located at the rear of the housing opening 20, laundry can be easily loaded into the washing tub 4 while ensuring the volume of the liquid agent dispenser 7. Because the space of the housing opening 20 can be effectively utilized in the front-to-rear direction M, the liquid agent dispenser 7 is particularly suitable for use in a top-loading washing machine.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the upper part of the washing machine 1 with the liquid agent supply unit 5 removed. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 2 is formed with a storage section 22 for storing the liquid agent supply section 6 (FIG. 3). The storage section 22 is formed in a wall section on the rear side M2 ​​facing the housing opening 20, and extends from the housing opening 20 to the rear side M2. Inside the storage section 22, a rail (not shown) is provided along the front-rear direction M. The rail supports the liquid agent supply section 6 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction M.

[0034] The entirety of solution dosing device 7 protrudes from container 22 (FIG. 4). Therefore, when solution dosing device 7 is later attached to solution supply unit 6, there is no need to modify the structure of container 22.

[0035] Inside the housing 2, above the storage section 22, water supply means (a water supply valve 10 and a water supply flow path member 11, which will be described later) are provided.

[0036] 6A to 6C are perspective views showing the liquid drug supply unit 5, the water supply valve 10, and the water supply passage member 11. Figures 6A to 6C show the liquid drug supply unit 5 located at the storage position.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6A, the water supply valve 10 is a mechanism that supplies water to the liquid agent supply unit 5 via a water supply passage member 11. The water supply valve 10 has two valves 12 and 13 that can be opened and closed. The destination of the water supply can be changed by opening and closing the valves 12 and 13. Specifically, when one valve 12 is opened, water is supplied to the detergent and powder detergent. When the other valve 13 is opened, water is supplied to the fabric softener. The water supply passage member 11 is a member that connects the valves 12 and 13 to the case.

[0038] 6B, the water supply valve 10 forms a water supply port 10A. The water supply port 10A is a connection port for connecting the water supply valve 10 to an external water supply source.

[0039] 6C, liquid agent supply unit 6 is disposed below water supply channel member 11. Liquid agent supply unit 6 forms a plurality of cases for receiving water supplied from water supply channel member 11.

[0040] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the structure of the liquid drug supply unit 5. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of the liquid drug supply unit 5. Figure 7C is a top view of the liquid drug supply unit 5.

[0041] 7A, 7B, and 7C, the liquid agent supply unit 6 has a plurality of cases 60, 61, and 62. Each of the cases 60, 61, and 62 contains a single dose of laundry treatment agent. In the first embodiment, the cases 60, 61, and 62 contain a single dose of detergent, fabric softener, and powder detergent, respectively.

[0042] The cases 61, 60, and 62 are arranged in order along the width direction K.

[0043] The upper part of each of the cases 60, 61, 62 forms an upwardly opening opening 66, 67, 68. When the liquid supply unit 5 is in the pulled-out position, the openings 66, 67, 68 are partially or entirely exposed, allowing the user to manually add liquid or powder detergent through the openings 66, 67, 68.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 7B, cases 60, 61 each have supply openings 60B, 61B at their bottoms, which communicate with washing tub 4. Case 62 has notch 62B recessed from top to bottom in the wall of rear side M2. Liquid detergent or powder detergent put into cases 60, 61, 62 is supplied to washing tub 4 together with supplied water through supply openings 60B, 61B and notch 62B.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7A, a liquid drug supplying device 7 is connected to the front side M1 of the liquid drug supplying section 6.

[0046] The liquid agent dosing device 7 has tanks 70 and 71 and pump units 72 and 73. The tanks 70 and 71 each contain multiple doses of laundry treatment agent. In an embodiment, the tank 70 contains multiple doses of detergent, and the tank 71 contains multiple doses of fabric softener. The pump units 72 and 73 are mechanisms that suck up a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 70 and 71 and discharge it toward the liquid agent supply unit 6. In an embodiment, the pump units 72 and 73 are manually operated volumetric pumps. The pump units 72 and 73 discharge a predetermined amount of liquid agent through manual operation by the user.

[0047] In this configuration, there are two routes for introducing the liquid into the cases 60 and 61: a route through the upper inlets 66 and 67, and a route through the pump units 72 and 73. The user can select which of the two routes to use to introduce the liquid.

[0048] A pump unit 72 is connected to the tank 70, and the pump unit 72 is in communication with the case 60 of the liquid agent supply unit 6. A pump unit 73 is connected to the tank 71, and the pump unit 73 is in communication with the case 61. One tank corresponds to one pump unit and one case. In other words, between the liquid agent dosing device 7 and the liquid agent supply unit 6, a path for the detergent and a path for the fabric softener are formed independently.

[0049] Pump units 72 and 73 each have a depressible button 78 or 79 on the front surface. By pressing buttons 78 or 79 in pressing direction P2, a predetermined amount of liquid agent is dispensed from pump units 72 or 73. Pressing direction P2 corresponds to the direction toward rear side M2. The pressing direction (rear side M2) of liquid agent supply unit 6 and the pressing direction (rear side M2) of button 78 are aligned, so that when button 78 is pressed, force is prevented from being applied in a direction that would cause the liquid agent dosing device 7 to move away from liquid agent supply unit 6. When button 78 is pressed, pump unit 72 sucks a predetermined amount of detergent from tank 70 and dispenses it toward case 60. When button 79 is pressed, pump unit 73 sucks a predetermined amount of fabric softener from tank 71 and dispenses it toward case 61. Buttons 78 and 79 are pressed in front-rear direction M.

[0050] The pump portions 72 and 73 are disposed between the two tanks 70 and 71. The tanks 70 and 71 and the pump portions 72 and 73 are aligned in the width direction K. Specifically, the front surfaces of the buttons 78 and 79 and the front surfaces of the tanks 70 and 71 are positioned on approximately the same plane.

[0051] The tanks 70 and 71 have open tops and are covered with lids (lids 70D, which will be described later). When the lids are opened, the internal spaces that contain the detergent or fabric softener are exposed.

[0052] When the liquid in the tanks 70, 71 becomes low by repeatedly operating the pump units 72, 73, the user can open the lid and refill the liquid into the tanks 70, 71. To distinguish from "adding", "adding liquid" means putting multiple doses of liquid into the tanks 70, 71 and making it ready to be added to the cases 60, 61.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid drug supply unit 5 further includes a connection member 8 between the liquid drug dosing device 7 and the liquid drug supply part 6.

[0054] The connecting member 8 attaches the liquid agent dosing device 7 to the liquid agent supply unit 6 and also connects the liquid agent dosing device 7 to the liquid agent supply unit 6. The connecting member 8 has therein flow paths extending from the pump units 72 and 73 to the cases 60 and 61.

[0055] 8 and 9, the connections between the tanks 70, 71, the pump units 72, 73, the connection member 8, and the liquid agent supply unit 6 will be described.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 8, the liquid agent dosing device 7 is connected to the liquid agent supply unit 6 by a connecting member 8. Specifically, the liquid agent dosing device 7 is connected to the connecting member 8 in an attachment direction F1. The connecting member 8 is attached to the liquid agent supply unit 6 in an attachment direction F2 while holding the liquid agent dosing device 7. The attachment directions F1 and F2 correspond to the front-rear direction M. Meanwhile, the pump units 72 and 73 are connected to the tanks 70 and 71 in a connecting direction F3 (i.e., from above).

[0057] 8 and 9, the tanks 70 and 71 have a shape that is recessed downward from the upper surface so as to accommodate the pump units 72 and 73. Specifically, the upper surface of the tank 70 has a first portion 70A and a second portion 70B that is formed at a lower position than the first portion 70A. A step is formed in the tank 70 by the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B.

[0058] Pump unit 72 is disposed on second portion 70B and is housed in a step of tank 70. When pump unit 72 is housed in the step, the upper surface of pump unit 72 is substantially flush with first portion 70A, thereby saving space in the vertical direction of liquid agent dosing device 7.

[0059] 8, the first portion 70A is provided with a refill opening 70C. The refill opening 70C is openably and closably covered by a lid 70D. By opening the lid 70D, the user can refill the tank 70 with the liquid agent through the refill opening 70C.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a side view of the tank 70. As shown in FIG. 10, the lid 70D moves between a closed position where the opening angle θ is 0° and an open position where the opening angle θ is 90° or more. The opening angle θ is the angle between the refill opening 70C (i.e., horizontal) and the inner surface of the lid 70D. The maximum opening angle of the lid 70D is 90° or more and 180° or less. With this structure, even if a user accidentally splashes liquid medicine on the lid 70D along arrow E1, the liquid medicine will flow down the inner surface of the lid 70D along arrow E2 and into the tank 70.

[0061] Returning to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second portion 70B is provided with a pump connection port 74 that opens upward so as to connect the tank 70 and the pump section 72 to each other.

[0062] The descriptions regarding the first part 70A, second part 70B, refill opening 70C (FIG. 8), lid 70D, and pump connection port 74 of tank 70 also apply to the first part 71A, second part 71B, refill opening 71C (FIG. 8), lid 71D, and pump connection port 75 of tank 71. In the embodiment, tanks 70 and 71 have a symmetrical structure.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, pump section 72 has suction port 72A and discharge port 72B. Suction port 72A is an opening for sucking up the liquid agent from tank 70. The suction direction is upward. Discharge port 72B is an opening for discharging the liquid agent from pump section 72. The discharge direction is backward M2. Similarly, pump section 73 has suction port 73A and discharge port 73B. In the embodiment, pump sections 72 and 73 are common components.

[0064] Suction port 72A is inserted from above into pump connection port 74. Suction port 73A is inserted from above into pump connection port 75. This structure makes it easier to arrange suction ports 72A, 73A near the bottom surfaces of tanks 70, 71, respectively, and can reduce the amount of liquid left behind in tanks 70, 71.

[0065] The tanks 70 and 71 and the pump sections 72 and 73 connected to the tanks 70 and 71 are supported by a connecting member 8.

[0066] 8 and 9, the connection member 8 has a holding member 81 and a flow path member 82. The holding member 81 is a member that holds the tanks 70, 71 and the pump units 72, 73. The flow path member 82 is a member that incorporates a flow path for connecting the pump units 72, 73 with the cases 60, 61. The holding member 81 and the flow path member 82 are fixed to each other by, for example, screws.

[0067] The holding member 81 has a U-shaped cross section that is open on the front side M1, and forms a recess 83 that is recessed rearward M2. The liquid drug dosing device 7 fits into the recess 83 from the front side M1.

[0068] More specifically, the recess 83 is defined by a side wall 81A, an upper wall 81B, and a lower wall 81C. The side wall 81A faces the mounting direction F1 (FIG. 8) of the tanks 70, 71 and the pump units 72, 73. The upper wall 81B contacts the upper surfaces (first portions 70A, 71A) of the tanks 70, 71, and the lower wall 81C contacts the lower surfaces of the tanks 70, 71. With this configuration, the holding member 81 can sandwich the tanks 70, 71 from above and below and firmly hold them.

[0069] Openings 84 and 85 are formed in the side wall 81A at positions corresponding to the discharge ports 72B and 73B of the pump sections 72 and 73. The openings 84 and 85 are openings for connecting the pump sections 72 and 73 to the flow path member 82.

[0070] As described above, the connection direction F3 between the pump units 72, 73 and the tanks 70, 71 is the up-down direction, whereas the attachment direction F1 between the pump units 72, 73 and the connecting member 8 is the front-rear direction M, which intersects with the connection direction F3. With this configuration, the pump units 72, 73 are less likely to come off the solution feeding device 7.

[0071] Flow path member 82 has inlets 86A and 87A (FIG. 8) that communicate with openings 84 and 85. Detergent flows into inlet 86A and flows out through outlet 86B (FIG. 9). Fabric softener flows into inlet 87A and flows out through outlet 87B (FIG. 9). Inside flow path member 82, a flow path extending from inlet 86A to outlet 86B and a flow path extending from inlet 87A to outlet 87B are formed.

[0072] Inlets 60A, 61A are formed on the front surfaces of the cases 60, 61 at positions corresponding to the outlets 86B, 87B of the flow path member 82. The inlets 60A, 61A are openings for introducing liquid agents into the cases 60, 61. Detergent is introduced into the case 60 through the inlet 60A, and fabric softener is introduced into the case 61 through the inlet 61A.

[0073] The flow path member 82 has recesses 88 and 89 formed on a rear surface 82A of the rear side M2 ​​for receiving the cases 60 and 61. With this configuration, the flow path member 82 can support the liquid agent supply unit 6.

[0074] The structure of the flow path member 82 will now be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the flow path member 82.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 11, two independent flow paths 86, 87 are formed inside the flow path member 82. Flow path 86 is a path corresponding to the pump unit 72 and the case 60, and flow path 87 is a path corresponding to the pump unit 73 and the case 61 (Fig. 9). Flow path 86 extends between an inlet 86A and an outlet 86B and is a flow path for adding detergent. Flow path 87 extends between an inlet 87A and an outlet 87B and is a flow path for adding fabric softener.

[0076] The flow paths 86, 87 have a curved shape. Therefore, when viewed from the front-rear direction M, the inlet 86A is offset from the outlet 86B, and the inlet 87A is offset from the outlet 87B. Specifically, the inlets 86A, 87A are formed near the center of the flow path member 82, and the outlets 86B, 87B are formed on one side of the flow path member 82. Therefore, even when the pump units 72, 73 are disposed in the center of the liquid agent feeding device 7 and the cases 60, 61 are disposed offset from the center, the liquid agent can be easily fed into the cases 60, 61. The arrangement of the cases 60, 61 relative to the pump units 72, 73 can be freely designed, thereby improving the design freedom of the liquid agent supply unit 5.

[0077] Furthermore, inlet 86A, which is the upstream end, is formed at a higher position than outlet 86B, which is the downstream end. Inlet 87A is formed at a higher position than outlet 87B. With this configuration, the liquid agent can easily flow toward outlet 87B, and adhesion of the liquid agent within flow paths 86 and 87 can be suppressed.

[0078] Next, the flow of the liquid medicine in the liquid medicine supply unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the liquid medicine supply unit 5 showing the flow of the liquid medicine.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 12, detergent is poured from tank 70 into case 60 along arrow A (solid line), and fabric softener is poured from tank 71 into case 61 along arrow B (dotted line).

[0080] The liquid agent is sucked up from the tanks 70 and 71 by the pump units 72 and 73, respectively, and then discharged in the backward direction M2. The liquid agent passes through openings 84 and 85 of the holding member 81 and flows into the flow paths 86 and 87 (FIG. 11). The liquid agent is guided by the flow paths 86 and 87 to the inlets 60A and 61A and is introduced into the cases 60 and 61.

[0081] The flow of the liquid agent in the pump sections 72 and 73 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 72.

[0082] As shown in Figure 13, the pump unit 72 defines a pump chamber 72C therein having a predetermined volume. A predetermined amount of detergent is stored in the pump chamber 72C. When the user manually presses the button 78 in the direction of arrow C1, the predetermined amount of liquid in the pump chamber 72C is discharged from the discharge port 72B along the arrow D1. When the user releases the button 78, the button 78 returns to its original position, and the predetermined amount of liquid flows from the tank 70 through the suction port 72A into the pump chamber 72C (arrow D2).

[0083] The number of times buttons 78, 79 are operated is determined according to the amount of liquid required for one washing operation. For example, the number of times buttons 78, 79 are operated may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of housing 2 according to the weight of the laundry.

[0084] By operating pump units 72, 73, water is supplied to cases 60, 61 with a single dose of liquid agent in cases 60, 61. Discharge of water and liquid agent from cases 60, 61 is suppressed until a certain amount of water has been supplied to cases 60, 61.

[0085] 14, the operation of storing a certain amount of water in the cases 60 and 61 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a siphon structure 65 in the case 60.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 14, a siphon structure 65 is provided in the case 61. The siphon structure 65 has a pipe member 65A that communicates with the supply opening 61B of the case 61, and an outer member 65B that covers the pipe member 65A. The pipe member 65A has a predetermined height H. When water is supplied to the case 61, the liquid agent and water flow from the case 61 into a flow path between the outer member 65B and the pipe member 65A. Until the liquid level in the case 61 exceeds the predetermined height H, the liquid agent and water cannot exceed the pipe member 65A and are retained within the case 61. With this configuration, the timing of the supply of the liquid agent can be controlled.

[0087] (summary) The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0088] In addition to the liquid supply unit 6, the washing machine 1 has a liquid supply device 7. The liquid supply device 7 has tanks 70 and 71 that store multiple doses of liquid, and pump units 72 and 73 connected to the tanks 70 and 71. Therefore, the user can stably supply a predetermined amount of liquid to the washing tub 4 by operating the pump units 72 and 73 without having to measure out a single dose of liquid. Furthermore, compared to cases where a complex structure such as a motor is provided, a simple structure can stably supply a predetermined amount of liquid. On the other hand, it is also possible to directly supply a single dose of liquid to the liquid supply unit 6, so the user can select the method of supplying the liquid.

[0089] The liquid dispensed from the liquid dispenser 7 to the liquid supply unit 6 by pressing a button is supplied to the washing tub 4 at the same time that water is supplied to the liquid supply unit 6, i.e., detergent during the washing process and fabric softener during the rinsing process.

[0090] Furthermore, the liquid agent dosing device 7 is structured to be attached to the liquid agent supply unit 6. Therefore, even if the internal structure and arrangement of the housing 2 are not significantly modified, the liquid agent dosing device 7 can be easily retrofitted to the washing machine 1. In the case of retrofitting, a connecting member 8 is provided to attach the liquid agent dosing device 7 to the liquid agent supply unit 6 and communicate with it. The connecting member 8 forms flow paths 86 and 87 therein, allowing the liquid agent contained in the tanks 70 and 71 to flow into the cases 60 and 61.

[0091] (effect) The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0092] As described above, washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes housing 2, washing tub 4, liquid agent supply unit 6, and liquid agent dispenser 7. Washing tub 4 is rotatably provided within housing 2. Liquid agent dispenser 6 has case 60 capable of containing the liquid agent to be dispensed and supply opening 60B through which the liquid agent contained in case 60 is supplied to washing tub 4, and is attached to housing 2. Liquid agent dispenser 7 has tank 70 capable of containing multiple doses of liquid agent, and pump unit 72 that dispenses a predetermined amount of the liquid agent contained in tank 70 into case 60, and is attached to liquid agent dispenser 6.

[0093] With this configuration, by using liquid agent dosing device 7, a predetermined amount of liquid agent can be stably dosed into liquid agent supply unit 6 and supplied to washing tub 4. Furthermore, because liquid agent dosing device 7 does not directly supply the liquid agent to housing 2 but does dosing device 7 into liquid agent supply unit 6, liquid agent dosing device 7 can be easily retrofitted to liquid agent supply unit 6 without modifying the structure or arrangement of housing 2.

[0094] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a connecting member 8 for attaching the liquid agent dosing device 7 to the liquid agent supply unit 6.

[0095] With this configuration, the liquid agent supply device 7 can be easily attached, and can also be easily retrofitted.

[0096] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the connection member 8 forms a flow path 86 that connects the pump section 72 and the case 60 to each other.

[0097] With this configuration, the liquid agent can be introduced into the case 60 using the pump unit 72.

[0098] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the inlet 86A (upstream end) of the flow path 86 is formed at a position higher than the outlet 86B (downstream end) of the flow path 86.

[0099] With this configuration, the liquid agent in the flow path 86 can easily flow from the inlet 86A to the outlet 86B, and it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining or adhering in the flow path 86. Therefore, a predetermined amount of the liquid agent can be stably introduced into the liquid agent supply unit 6 through the flow path 86.

[0100] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the attachment directions F1 and F2 in which the liquid agent dosing device 7 is attached to the liquid agent supply section 6, the inlet 86A and the outlet 86B are offset in the width direction K (lateral direction).

[0101] With this configuration, the flow path 86 can be bent and the liquid agent can be guided to any position in the liquid agent supply unit 6, regardless of the positions of the pump unit 72 and the inlet 86A.

[0102] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the connection member 8 has a pair of walls made up of an upper wall 81B and a lower wall 81C that sandwich the upper and lower surfaces of the tank 70 therebetween.

[0103] With this configuration, the holding member 81 firmly holds the tank 70 and the pump portion 72, and can prevent the tank 70 and the pump portion 72 from becoming detached from the liquid agent supply portion 6.

[0104] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 70 has a first portion 70A and a second portion 70B that is shorter in height than the first portion 70A, and the pump section 72 is connected to a pump connection port 74 provided on the upper surface of the second portion 70B.

[0105] With this configuration, pump unit 72 can be supported from below by tank 70 while being in communication with tank 70. Furthermore, the vertical dimension of solution dosing device 7 can be reduced compared to when pump unit 72 is disposed in first portion 70A.

[0106] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the connecting direction F3 between the pump unit 72 and the tank 70 intersects with the attachment directions F1, F2 between the pump unit 72 and the liquid supply unit 6.

[0107] With this configuration, the pump portion 72 is supported from two intersecting directions, and the pump portion 72 can be prevented from detaching from the liquid agent supply portion 6.

[0108] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the first section 70A is provided with an openable and closable lid 70D, and the maximum opening angle of the lid 70D is restricted to be between 90° and 180° relative to the horizontal.

[0109] With this configuration, by opening the lid 70D, the liquid can be refilled into the tank 70. By closing the lid 70D, foreign matter such as dust is less likely to get mixed into the liquid contained in the tank 70. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally splashes the liquid on the lid 70D when pouring the liquid into the tank 70, the liquid will flow down the lid 70D into the tank 70.

[0110] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the pump unit 72 has a button 78 that is manually operated to supply the liquid agent to the liquid agent supply unit 6. The button 78 is pushed from the front side M1 (front) to the rear side M2 ​​(rear) to supply the liquid agent to the liquid agent supply unit 6.

[0111] With this configuration, the user can supply the liquid agent to the liquid agent supply unit 6 with a simple manual operation. Furthermore, since the pushing direction (rear side M2) of the liquid agent supply unit 6 and the pushing direction (rear side M2) of the button 78 are the same, when the button 78 is pressed, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied in a direction that would cause the liquid agent supply device 7 to come off from the liquid agent supply unit 6.

[0112] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the front surface of the button 78 and the front surface of the tank 70 are formed flush with each other.

[0113] This configuration ensures a space on the front side M1 of the liquid agent dispenser 7. Therefore, compared to when button 78 protrudes toward the front side M1 of the tank 70, the laundry is less likely to get caught on button 78 when being dispensed into washing tub 4.

[0114] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment has a case 60 (first case), a case 61 (second case), a tank 70 (first tank), and a tank 71 (second tank). The washing machine 1 has a pump unit 72 (first pump unit) connected to the tank 70 and feeding the liquid agent into the case 60, and a pump unit 73 (second pump unit) connected to the tank 71 and feeding the liquid agent into the case 61.

[0115] With this configuration, different liquid agents can be stored in the tanks 70 and 71 and fed to the liquid agent supply unit 6.

[0116] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the pump unit 72 and the pump unit 73 are disposed between the tank 70 and the tank 71.

[0117] This configuration makes it easier for the user to operate the pump units 72 and 73 compared to an arrangement in which the tanks 70 and 71 are sandwiched between the pump units 72 and 73.

[0118] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, housing 2 has housing opening 20 on the top surface thereof, which communicates with washing tub 4. Housing 2 has storage section 22 formed therein, which opens to face the outer periphery of housing opening 20 and stores liquid agent supply section 6. Liquid agent dosing device 7 protrudes outward from storage section 22 and is located inside housing opening 20.

[0119] With this configuration, the space formed by the housing opening 20 can be effectively utilized, and the liquid agent supply device 7 can be attached to the liquid agent supply unit 6 later.

[0120] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tanks 70 and 71 and the pump units 72 and 73 are arranged along the outer periphery of the housing opening 20.

[0121] With this configuration, even when liquid agent dispenser 7 is located inside housing opening 20, laundry is less likely to get caught on liquid agent dispenser 7.

[0122] The liquid supply unit 5 of the present embodiment includes a liquid supply section 6 and a liquid dosing device 7. The liquid supply section 6 has a case 60 capable of containing the liquid to be dispensed, and a supply opening 60B through which the liquid contained in the case 60 is supplied to the washing machine 1. The liquid dosing device 7 has a tank 70 capable of containing multiple doses of the liquid, and a pump section 72 that dispenses a predetermined amount of the liquid contained in the tank 70 into the case 60, and is attached to the liquid supply section 6.

[0123] With this configuration, by using the liquid agent supply device 7, a predetermined amount of liquid agent can be stably supplied to the liquid agent supply part 6.

[0124] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0125] In the embodiment, an example in which the liquid agent supply unit 5 is a part of the configuration of the washing machine 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid agent supply unit 5 may be sold separately and configured to be exchangeable with a normal liquid agent supply unit.

[0126] In the embodiment, the example in which the liquid agent supplying device 7 has two tanks 70, 71 and two pump units 72, 73 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid agent supplying device 7 may have one tank 70 and one pump unit 72. Furthermore, the liquid agent supplying device 7 may have three or more tanks and pump units.

[0127] In the embodiment, an example in which the washing machine 1 has one liquid agent supply unit 5 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the washing machine 1 may have a liquid agent supply unit that is replaceable with the liquid agent supply unit 5 and has a structure different from that of the liquid agent supply unit 5.

[0128] In the embodiment, the liquid agent dosing device 7 is fixedly attached to the liquid agent supply unit 6, but this is not limiting. The liquid agent dosing device 7 may be detachably attached to the liquid agent supply unit 6. For example, the washing machine 1 has a first liquid agent dosing device and a second liquid agent dosing device different from the first liquid agent dosing device, and the first liquid agent dosing device and the second liquid agent dosing device can be selectively attached. With this configuration, the user can select and replace the liquid agent dosing device to be used depending on the application.

[0129] The washing machine in a first aspect includes a housing, a washing tub rotatably mounted within the housing, a case capable of containing the liquid to be dispensed, a supply opening for supplying the liquid contained in the case to the washing tub, and a liquid supply unit attached to the housing, a tank capable of containing multiple loads of liquid, and a pump unit for dispensing a predetermined amount of the liquid contained in the tank into the case.

[0130] A second aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the first aspect, further comprising a connecting member for attaching the liquid agent dosing device to the liquid agent supply unit.

[0131] As a washing machine according to a third aspect, in the washing machine according to the second aspect, the connecting member forms a flow path that connects the pump section and the case.

[0132] A fourth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the third aspect, wherein the upstream end of the flow path is formed at a position higher than the downstream end of the flow path.

[0133] In a fifth aspect of the washing machine, when viewed from the direction in which the liquid agent dosing device is attached to the liquid agent supply unit in the washing machine in the fourth aspect, the upstream end and the downstream end are laterally offset from each other.

[0134] As a washing machine according to a sixth aspect, in the washing machine according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the connecting member has a pair of walls that sandwich the upper and lower surfaces of the tank.

[0135] As a washing machine in a seventh aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to sixth aspects, the tank has a first part and a second part that is lower in height than the first part, and the pump section is connected to a pump connection port provided on the upper surface of the second part.

[0136] In the washing machine of the eighth aspect, in the washing machine of the seventh aspect, the connecting direction of the pump unit and the tank intersects with the mounting direction of the pump unit and the liquid agent supply unit.

[0137] As a washing machine in a ninth aspect, in the washing machine in the seventh or eighth aspect, an openable and closable lid is provided in the first part, and the maximum opening angle of the lid is regulated to be between 90° and 180° relative to the horizontal.

[0138] As a washing machine in a tenth aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to ninth aspects, the pump section has a button that is manually operated to add liquid to the liquid supply section, and the button is pushed from the front to the rear to add the liquid to the liquid supply section.

[0139] In the washing machine of the eleventh aspect, in the washing machine of the tenth aspect, the front surface of the button and the front surface of the tank are formed flush with each other.

[0140] A washing machine in a twelfth aspect is a washing machine in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the case has a first case and a second case, the tank has a first tank and a second tank, and the pump unit has a first pump unit connected to the first tank and injecting liquid into the first case, and a second pump unit connected to the second tank and injecting liquid into the second case.

[0141] A washing machine according to a thirteenth aspect is the washing machine according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the first pump unit and the second pump unit are disposed between the first tank and the second tank.

[0142] As a washing machine in a 14th aspect, in the washing machine in any of the first to 13th aspects, a housing opening communicating with the washing tub is provided on the top surface of the housing, a storage section that opens facing the outer periphery of the housing opening and stores a liquid agent supply section is formed in the housing, and the liquid agent dosing device protrudes outward from the storage section and is located inside the housing opening.

[0143] A washing machine according to a fifteenth aspect is the washing machine according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the tank and the pump section are aligned along the outer periphery of the housing opening.

[0144] A washing machine in a 16th aspect is a washing machine in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, in which the liquid agent dosing device is detachably attached to the liquid agent supply unit, and the liquid agent dosing device has a first liquid agent dosing device and a second liquid agent dosing device different from the first liquid agent dosing device, and the first liquid agent dosing device and the second liquid agent dosing device can be selectively attached.

[0145] The liquid supply unit in a seventeenth aspect includes a liquid supply section having a case capable of containing the liquid to be added and a supply opening for supplying the liquid contained in the case to the washing machine, a tank capable of containing multiple doses of the liquid, and a pump section for adding a predetermined amount of the liquid contained in the tank to the case, and a liquid supply device attached to the liquid supply section.

[0146] 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 are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0147] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to top-loading washing machines, top-loading washer-dryers, drum-type washing machines, drum-type washer-dryers, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3. Aquarium 4 Washing machine 5 Fluid supply unit 6 Liquid supply section 7 Liquid injection device 8 Connecting members 22 Storage section 60 cases 61 cases 62 cases 60A Inlet 61A Inlet 60B Supply opening 61B Supply opening 66 Inlet 67 Inlet 68 Inlet 70 Tank 71 Tank 72 Pump section 73 Pump section 81 Retaining member 82 Flow path member 86 Flow path 87 Flow path

Claims

1. The housing and a washing tub rotatably provided within the housing; a liquid agent supply unit attached to the housing, the liquid agent supply unit having a case capable of containing a liquid agent to be added and a supply opening for supplying the liquid agent contained in the case to the washing tub; a liquid agent supplying device attached to the liquid agent supply unit, the liquid agent supplying device including a tank capable of storing a plurality of doses of the liquid agent and a pump unit configured to supply a predetermined amount of the liquid agent stored in the tank into the case; Equipped with The pump unit has a manually operated button, and when the button is pushed from the front to the rear, the liquid agent is injected into the liquid agent supply unit.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a connecting member for attaching the liquid dosing device to the liquid supply unit.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the connecting member forms a flow path that connects the pump unit and the case.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein an upstream end of the flow path is formed at a position higher than a downstream end of the flow path.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end are laterally offset from each other when viewed from a direction in which the liquid agent dosing device is attached to the liquid agent supply unit.

6. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the connecting member has a pair of wall portions sandwiching an upper surface and a lower surface of the tank.

7. The tank has a first portion and a second portion that is shorter in height than the first portion, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the pump unit is connected to a pump connection port provided on an upper surface of the second portion.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein a connecting direction between the pump unit and the tank intersects with an attachment direction between the pump unit and the liquid supply unit.

9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the first portion is provided with an openable lid, and the maximum opening angle of the lid is restricted to be between 90° and 180° relative to the horizontal.

10. A washing machine as described in claim 1, wherein the number of times the button is pressed from front to rear is determined according to the liquid required for one washing operation, and the number of times is displayed on a display unit provided on the housing.

11. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a front surface of the button and a front surface of the tank are formed flush with each other.

12. the case includes a first case and a second case, The tank includes a first tank and a second tank, 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pump unit includes a first pump unit connected to the first tank and configured to inject the liquid into the first case, and a second pump unit connected to the second tank and configured to inject the liquid into the second case.

13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the first pump unit and the second pump unit are disposed between the first tank and the second tank.

14. A housing opening communicating with the washing tub is provided on the top surface of the housing, a housing portion that opens to face the housing opening and that houses the liquid agent supply portion is formed in the housing; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid agent dispenser protrudes outward from the storage portion and is positioned inside the housing opening.

15. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the tank and the pump unit are aligned along an outer periphery of the housing opening.

16. the liquid agent supply device is detachably attached to the liquid agent supply unit, the liquid agent supplying device includes a first liquid agent supplying device and a second liquid agent supplying device different from the first liquid agent supplying device, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first liquid agent supplying device and the second liquid agent supplying device are selectively attachable.

17. The pump section forming a pump chamber therein having a predetermined volume; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the button is pushed from the front to the rear to supply a predetermined amount of the liquid agent that has flowed into the pump chamber to the liquid agent supply unit.

Images