washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine realizing storage space saving around a liquid agent feeding device.SOLUTION: A washing machine according to the disclosure comprises: an outer tank elastically supported in a housing; a tank for storing a liquid agent supplied to the outer tank; and a liquid agent feeding device having a pump to suck the liquid agent through a first flow channel communicated with the tank and discharge the liquid agent to a second flow channel. The pump has a pump chamber into which the liquid agent is sucked and a movable part to change an inner pressure of the pump chamber. The liquid agent feeding device has a suction side check valve to make the liquid agent pass in one direction from the first flow channel to the pump chamber, and a discharge side check valve to make the liquid agent pass in one direction from the pump chamber to the second flow channel. The pump has a face A facing in an opposite direction of a flowing direction in which the discharge side check valve makes the liquid agent pass. The face A is provided in a projection region on which the movable part is projected in a motion direction of the movable part for increasing the inner pressure in the pump chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, and particularly to a washing machine equipped with a liquid agent automatic dosing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with a tank for storing a liquid agent and a liquid agent automatic dosing device for automatically supplying the liquid agent in the tank.

[0003] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the suction water passage into the cylinder by a piston pump unit, and discharges the sucked liquid agent into the discharge water passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the suction direction and the discharge direction into the cylinder are the same. A tank is arranged upstream of the liquid agent dosing device, and a discharge water passage is arranged downstream. Therefore, in order to accommodate the tank, the liquid agent dosing device, and the discharge water passage without interference, there is a problem that either the path from the tank to the liquid agent dosing device or the path from the liquid agent dosing device to the discharge water passage, or both, must be bent.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a washing machine that realizes space saving in the storage around the liquid agent dosing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outer tub elastically supported within a casing, a tank for containing a liquid supplied to the outer tub, and a liquid dispensing device having a pump that sucks in the liquid through a first flow path communicating with the tank and discharges it into a second flow path. The pump has a pump chamber into which the liquid is sucked in, and a movable part that changes the internal pressure of the pump chamber. The liquid dispensing device has an intake-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the first flow path to the pump chamber, and a discharge-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the pump chamber to the second flow path. The pump has a surface A that faces the opposite direction of the flow direction through which the discharge-side check valve passes the liquid, and surface A is provided in a projected region obtained by projecting the movable part in the direction of movement of the movable part that increases the internal pressure of the pump chamber.

[0008] [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that achieves space saving in the storage area around the liquid dispensing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure [Figure 2] schematic front view of a washing machine [Figure 3] Perspective view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 4] Perspective view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 5] Top view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 6] Partial perspective view of the automatic feeding unit [Figure 7] Perspective view of the case [Figure 8] Partial exploded view of the tank, liquid dispensing device, and liquid discharge channel. [Figure 9] Exploded view of a single tank and liquid dispensing device. [Figure 10] Exploded view of a single tank and liquid dispensing device. [Figure 11] Longitudinal cross-section of a single tank and liquid dispensing device. [Figure 12] Vertical sectional view of the liquid agent input device [Figure 13] Perspective view of the piston [Figure 14] Exploded perspective view of the piston [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing the flow of suction and discharge of the liquid agent [Figure 16] Explanatory drawing showing the flow of suction and discharge of the liquid agent [Figure 17] Explanatory drawing showing the flow of suction and discharge of the liquid agent [Figure 18] Explanatory drawing showing the flow of suction and discharge of the liquid agent [Figure 19] Vertical sectional view of the pump according to the modified example [Figure 20] Vertical sectional view of the pump according to the modified example [Figure 21] Vertical sectional view of the automatic input unit according to the first modified example [Figure 22] Vertical sectional view of the automatic input unit according to the second modified example [Figure 23] Vertical sectional view of the liquid agent input device according to the second modified example

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is a washing and drying machine having an automatic liquid agent input function. In this specification, the liquid agent is a liquid agent used for washing laundry such as clothes, and includes detergents, fabric softeners, neutral detergents, and the like.

[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 input unit ⑥, a connecting channel ⑧, a water supply port ⑩, a drain valve ⑪, and a control unit (not shown).

[0014] <Enclosure> The casing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. The front of the casing 2 is provided with an opening 20 and a door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 20.

[0015] <Outer tank> The outer tub 3 is a roughly cylindrical member located inside the housing 2 and has the function of holding washing water. The outer tub 3 may also be called a water tank. 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 spinning are absorbed by the damper 30 and the coil spring. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and is sealed and connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for water passage. Opening 33 is an opening connected to the connecting channel 8, and opening 35 is a drain for draining water from the outer tub 3 to the outside.

[0016] Furthermore, in the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 will be defined as the front-rear direction M (Figure 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane containing the central axis V0 will be defined as the width direction K (Figure 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 roughly cylindrical member that is rotatable around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and accommodates laundry 15 such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be called a drum. The inner tub 4 has a number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 connect the inner tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the laundry water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3 and from the outer tub 3 to the inner tub 4. The inner tub 4 also has openings 41 at positions facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

[0018] <Drive Unit> The drive unit 5 is a component that rotates the inner tank 4. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a power unit that rotates the inner tank 4. The power unit has, for example, a motor.

[0019] <Automatic feeding unit> The automatic dispensing unit 6 is a unit for automatically dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid from a liquid storage tank into the outer tub 3. When liquid is not manually dispensed, the automatic dispensing unit 6 dispenses the appropriate type and amount of liquid into the outer tub 3 during washing, rinsing, etc., depending on the amount and type of laundry 15, for example. The automatic dispensing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting channel 8 in order to supply the liquid to the outer tub 3.

[0020] The automatic dispensing unit 6 comprises a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C (Figure 3), liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C (liquid dispensing devices 63B, 63C are not shown), a liquid discharge channel 64, a manual dispensing section 65, and a water supply solenoid valve 66.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the automatic feeding unit 6 is located inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tank 3. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has a shape that follows the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tank 3. The bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the outside K1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the bottom surface 55 is inclined downward toward the rear M2. The upper part of the automatic feeding unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 provided on the top surface of the housing 2.

[0022] <Connection channel> The connecting channel 8 is a channel for flowing liquid from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer tank 3. The connecting channel 8 extends downward from the liquid outlet 81 of the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer tank 3.

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

[0024] <Drain valve> The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, it is a valve for draining the water stored in the outer tank 3 through the opening 35 of the outer tank 3. The drain valve 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 2.

[0025] <Department Head> The control unit (not shown) is a component 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 dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C of the automatic dispensing unit 6, the water inlet 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit may, for example, include a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and the processor may function as these elements by executing the program.

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

[0027] <Case> As shown in Figure 3, the case 61 is a component that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic dispensing unit 6, and the manual dispensing unit 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 is inclined outward K1 along the outer casing of the outer tank 3, which is schematically shown by the dotted line. The top of the case 61 is open.

[0028] Here, the front surface M1 of case 61 is referred to as the front surface 56, and the rear surface M2 of case 61 is referred to as the back surface 57. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the back surface 57 of case 61 is connected to the liquid injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Figure 6), the liquid discharge channel 64, the water supply solenoid valve 66 (Figure 4), and the connecting channel 8 (Figure 4).

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, a supply channel 67 is formed in the upper part of the case 61. The supply channel 67 forms multiple independent paths along the outer circumference of the case 61. Each path supplies water from the water supply solenoid valve 66 into the interior of the case 61.

[0030] <tank> Case 61 houses three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged side by side in the width direction K. Tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquids used in the washing and rinsing processes. Tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, with the longitudinal direction of the roughly rectangular parallelepiped

[0031] Tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are removable from case 61. With the manual dispensing unit 65 removed from case 61, there is space at the front M1 of case 61. This allows tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C to be pulled out from the front M1 and removed from the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Figure 6), and then removed upwards.

[0032] <Liquid dispensing device> As shown in Figure 6, the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that draw a predetermined amount of liquid from tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and discharge it into the liquid dispensing channel 64. The liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to their respective tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. Liquid dispensing device 63A is connected to tank 62A, liquid dispensing device 63B is connected to tank 62B, and liquid dispensing device 63C is connected to tank 62C. The liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged side by side in the width direction K.

[0033] The detailed structure of case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, and liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C will be described later.

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

[0035] <Manual input section> As shown in Figure 5, the manual dispensing unit 65 is a mechanism for the user to manually dispense a single dose of laundry detergent liquid for each wash cycle. The dispensed liquid flows from the case 61 through the connecting channel 8 (Figure 1) into the outer tub 3 (Figure 1) in the dispensed amount. The liquid dispensed into the manual dispensing unit 65 may be in liquid or powder form. The manual dispensing unit 65 is removably housed in the case 61 at the front M1 of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

[0036] <Water supply solenoid valve> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water supply solenoid valve 66 is composed of three solenoid valves, and the opening and closing of each valve changes the path of the water supply channel 67 (Figure 5) to which the water is supplied. The water flows into the outer tank 3 via the case 61.

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

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, 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 surface K1. Inner bottom surface B1 is the surface located directly below tank 62A (Figure 6), inner bottom surface B2 is the surface located directly below tank 62B (Figure 6), and inner bottom surface B3 is the surface located directly below tank 62C (Figure 6). In other words, inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 each form the respective regions that accommodate tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

[0039] The back surface 57 of case 61 is formed with tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid outlet 81.

[0040] The tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C are openings provided for connecting the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C housed in the case 61 to the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C located outside the case 61.

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

[0042] Now, let's describe the volumes of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Returning to Figure 5, the top surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape. The dimensions of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the width direction K and the front-to-back direction M may be the same. Because the top surface shape is common, the volumes of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase along the outer edge K1 according to their respective depths.

[0043] The three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may contain different or identical liquids. Taking into account the type of liquid and the volume of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquids may be stored in tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order from least frequently used to least frequently used. For example, neutral detergent may be stored in tank 62A, fabric softener in tank 62B, and detergent in tank 62C.

[0044] Next, the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C connected to tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a partially exploded view of tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C, and liquid discharge channel 64. Figure 9 is a rear view of tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C, and liquid discharge channel 64. Here, tank 62, liquid dispensing device 63, and connection part 76 are collectively referred to as tanks 62A, 62B, 62C, liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, 63C, and connection parts 76A, 76B, 76C, respectively.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are positioned lower outwards towards K1 in accordance with the change in depth of the connection portion 76 of the tank 62. The liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged such that the liquid inlet 91 of the liquid dispensing device 63, described later, faces the connection portion 76 formed on the surface of the tank 62 including the short side. In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a stepped manner.

[0046] Furthermore, the tank 62 comprises a body 87 and a lid 88. The top of the body 87 is open and covered by the lid 88. The lid 88 is detachably held by the body 87. As mentioned above, the top surface of the tanks 62 has a common shape, and therefore the top surface of the body 87 has a common shape. The structure for holding the lid 88 is also common. Therefore, it is possible to form the lid 88 of each tank 62 in common, and the lid 88 is interchangeable. More specifically, the lid 88 of any tank 62A, 62B, or 62C can be attached to any other tank 62A, 62B, or 62C. On the other hand, the color, pattern, letters, and other markings on the lid 88 that improve the identifiability of the tank 62 may differ. The lid 88 has a small lid 88A on the front side M1 of the tank 62 that can be opened and closed relative to the lid 88.

[0047] Using a liquid dispensing device 63 connected to an arbitrary tank 62 as an example, the structure of a single liquid dispensing device 63 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. Figure 9 is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and liquid dispensing device 63. Figure 10 is an exploded view of a single tank 62 and liquid dispensing device 63. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device 63 as seen from the outside K1.

[0048] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the liquid dispensing device 63 is detachably connected to the rear surface 90 of the tank 62 along the front-to-back direction M. In other words, the tank 62 and the liquid dispensing device 63 connected to the tank 62 are each arranged along the front-to-back direction M.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, the liquid dispensing device 63 comprises a power unit 71, a reduction mechanism 72, a pump 73, and a connecting member 94. The power unit 71 is an electronic component that rotationally drives the reduction mechanism 72 around a rotation axis V1. The reduction mechanism 72 is arranged around the power unit 71 and comprises a plurality of reduction gears (not shown) and an output shaft V2 that rotates at a lower rotational speed than the power unit 71. The output shaft V2 is parallel to the rotation axis V1. By providing the reduction mechanism 72, a general-purpose power unit 71 can be applied to the liquid dispensing device 63, thereby reducing the cost of the automatic dispensing unit 6. The power unit 71 and the reduction mechanism 72 may together be referred to as a motor. The output shaft V2 of the reduction mechanism 72, i.e., the motor, is connected to the pump 73 from the width direction K via an eccentric cam. The pump 73 is a positive displacement pump that draws up and discharges liquid from the tank 62. When the rotating shaft V1 of the power unit 71 rotates, the output shaft V2 of the reduction mechanism 72 rotates, causing the piston 83 of the pump 73, which will be described later, to move up and down.

[0050] The connecting member 94 is a member that connects the liquid injection device 63 to the tank 62. The connecting member 94 contains a first flow path 85a inside, which is part of the inlet flow path 85 through which the liquid flows from the tank 62 to the pump chamber 84 of the pump 73. The inlet flow path 85 consists of the first flow path 85a formed inside the connecting member 94 and a third flow path 84f formed inside the pump case 93.

[0051] One end of the connecting member 94 is fixed to the pump case 93 of the pump 73, and the other end is detachably attached to the connection part 76 of the tank 62. In this way, when the connecting member 94 is directly connected to the pump case 93, the first flow path 85a can be made shorter.

[0052] The connecting member 94 has a pin 94a that moves the tank discharge valve 62d, which is located in the connecting portion 76 of the tank 62 and also functions as a discharge portion from which the liquid is discharged, from a closed state to an open state. When the connecting member 94 is attached to the connecting portion 76 of the tank 62, the pin 94a of the connecting member 94 moves the tank discharge valve 62d, which is a check valve, toward the front side of the tank 62. As a result, the tank discharge valve 62d changes from a closed state to an open state, and the liquid in the tank 62 flows from the connecting portion 76 to the first flow path 85a due to the pressure of the liquid inside the tank 62.

[0053] Pump 73 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 12. Pump 73 comprises a piston 83, a pump chamber 84, a pump case 93, an intake check valve 95, and a discharge check valve 96.

[0054] The piston 83 is connected to the output shaft V2 of the reduction mechanism 72 and reciprocates within the pump chamber 84 in a first direction of motion N1 and a second direction of motion N2 as the output shaft V2 rotates. For example, the first direction of motion N1 is upward and the second direction of motion N2 is downward, so the reciprocating direction N of the piston 83 is vertical. Furthermore, the reciprocating direction N of the piston 83 is not limited to vertical, but may also be horizontal or inclined. The internal pressure in the pump chamber 84 fluctuates due to the reciprocating motion of the piston 83 as a movable part. The piston 83 is connected to the pump case 93 via a seal 83e.

[0055] The fixed part, the pump case 93, has a pump chamber 84 inside and further has a third flow path 84f and a second flow path 86 in which a discharge-side check valve 96 is located. The pump chamber 84 is a space surrounded by the pump case 93 and the piston 83, and has a space S1 in which the liquid is drawn up and a third flow path 84f in which the suction-side check valve 95 is located. The pump case 93 has a cylinder 84a facing the sliding surface 83d of the piston 83 and a bottom surface 84b facing the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83. In the pump chamber 84, the liquid is drawn up from the third flow path 84f into the space surrounded by the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83, the cylinder 84a, and the bottom surface 84b.

[0056] The inlet passage 85 is a passage that connects the tank 62 and the lower part of the pump chamber 84 in order to draw up liquid from the tank 62 through the liquid inlet 91. The liquid inlet 91 is inserted into the connection part 76 of the tank 62. The second passage 86 is a passage that connects the lower part of the pump chamber 84 and the liquid discharge passage 64 in order to discharge the liquid in the pump chamber 84 to the liquid discharge passage 64, and extends in the vertical direction. Since the inlet passage 85 is arranged in a straight line from the connection part 76 of the tank 62 to the suction-side check valve 95, the inlet passage 85 can be made shorter. In this embodiment, the inlet passage 85 is arranged horizontally, but it may be arranged with an incline of a few degrees. The suction-side check valve 95 allows the liquid to pass in only one direction from the first passage 85a to the pump chamber 84. The discharge-side check valve 96 also allows the liquid to pass in only one direction from the pump chamber 84 to the second passage 86.

[0057] In the pump chamber 84, an suction-side opening 84c communicating with a third flow path 84f is formed in a part of the cylinder 84a and a part of the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93. In cross-sectional view, one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is located between the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 and the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83 at its bottom dead center. In other words, the radial piston 83-side end of the third flow path 84f, the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, and the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83 at its bottom dead center are at approximately the same height. This allows the third flow path 84f to be shortened, reducing the suction head of the liquid, and thus enabling a stable discharge rate of the liquid even with highly viscous liquids. Furthermore, the space between the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 and the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83 at its bottom dead center includes the position of the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 and the position of the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83 at its bottom dead center. Therefore, this also includes cases where one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is coplane with the bottom surface 84b of the piston 83 at its bottom dead center, or where one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is coplane with the bottom surface 84b of the pump chamber 84 that is opposite to the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83.

[0058] One end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is connected to the cylinder 84a of the pump case 93, and the other end 84fb of the third flow path 84f is connected to the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, which is facing the second direction of motion N2 of the piston 83. The pump case 93 has a bent portion 84e that is facing the opening and closing direction of the suction-side check valve 95. Therefore, the bent portion 84e is also facing the first flow direction F1. The bent portion 84e is, for example, a curved surface and has a connecting portion 84ea and the other end 84fb at both ends. In cross-sectional view, the connecting portion 84ea of ​​the bent portion 84e, which is connected to the surface 84g of the pump case 93 parallel to the first flow direction F1, has curvature. The other end 84fb, which is also the connecting portion of the bent portion 84e, is connected to the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, which is facing the second direction of motion N2 of the piston 83, and also has curvature.

[0059] Since both ends of the bent portion 84e have curvature, separation of the liquid flowing from the third flow path 84f to the piston 83 side can be prevented. In other words, the generation of vortices at both ends of the bent portion 84e can be suppressed, and the increase in pressure loss can be reduced. Furthermore, since the bent portion 84e is formed with a curved surface, abrupt changes in the path cross-sectional area can be prevented compared to when it is formed with a straight slope, and the increase in pressure loss can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, a discharge-side opening 84d communicating with the second flow path 86 is formed in a part of the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93. In cross-sectional view, one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is located closer to the piston 83 than the end of the discharge-side check valve 96 on the pump chamber 84 side when it is closed. As a result, the end 84fa of the third flow path 84f, the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83, and the end of the discharge-side check valve 96 on the pump chamber 84 side can be brought into close proximity, shortening the path from the outlet of the third flow path 84f to the discharge-side check valve 96 and reducing the pressure loss of the liquid. Consequently, the load on the piston 83 can be reduced, and the discharge rate of the liquid can be more stabilized. In addition, since the suction-side opening 84c is larger than the discharge-side opening 84d, the pressure loss when the liquid is drawn into the pump chamber 84 can be reduced.

[0061] The suction-side check valve 95 opens when the pressure inside the pump chamber becomes negative as the piston 83 rises from its bottom dead center. When the suction-side check valve 95 is open, the liquid flows from the first passage 85a into the third passage 84f inside the pump case 93 and is then drawn up into the pump chamber 84. As the piston 83 descends from its top dead center, the pressure inside the pump chamber 84 becomes positive, and the suction-side check valve 95 closes.

[0062] A discharge-side check valve 96 is located in the second flow path 86. The discharge-side check valve 96 closes when the pressure in the pump chamber 84 becomes negative as the piston 83 rises from its bottom dead center. As the piston 83 descends from its top dead center, the pressure in the pump chamber 84 becomes positive, and the discharge-side check valve 96 opens. When the discharge-side check valve 96 is open, the liquid drawn up into the pump chamber 84 is discharged into the liquid discharge flow path 64.

[0063] In the pump 73, the direction of suction of the liquid by the suction-side check valve 95 and the direction of discharge of the liquid by the discharge-side check valve 96 intersect. Therefore, the path bent from the suction direction of the liquid toward the piston 83 can be shortened compared to bending the path midway through the first flow path 85a, and the suction head of the liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, if the inlet flow path 85 from the tank 62 to the pump chamber 84 and the second flow path 86 from which the liquid is discharged from the pump chamber 84 are on the same plane, and the inlet flow path 85 and the second flow path 86 are not parallel, the suction-side check valve 95 can be positioned along the linear flow of the liquid from the tank 62, and the suction head of the liquid can be reduced. In this embodiment, the direction of suction of the liquid by the suction-side check valve 95 and the direction of discharge of the liquid by the discharge-side check valve 96 are perpendicular to each other.

[0064] In the open or closed state, a portion of the suction-side check valve 95 is included in the projected region Ar obtained by projecting the piston 83 in the second direction of motion N2. This allows the distance between the piston 83 and the suction-side check valve 95 to be shortened, and the suction head of the liquid from the third flow path 84f into the space S1 between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 84b can be reduced.

[0065] Next, the piston 83 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the piston, and Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the piston.

[0066] The piston 83 has a piston body 83b and a lid 83c. The piston body 83b has a recess 83ba at its bottom. The lid 83c is fixed so as to cover the recess 83ba. Both the piston body 83b and the lid 83c are made of resin, for example, polyacetal resin (POM).

[0067] The piston body 83b has a recess 83ba at its bottom, which allows for high dimensional accuracy even when the piston body 83b is manufactured by mold forming. However, when the piston body 83b reciprocates alone, air accumulates in the recess 83ba, which is one of the factors causing variations in the amount of liquid drawn up. Therefore, by welding a lid 83c to the recess 83ba using ultrasonic waves, the recess 83ba where air accumulates can be closed, and variations in the amount of liquid drawn up can be reduced.

[0068] [Operation] With the above configuration, an example of the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 6 will now be explained with reference to Figures 4, 6, and 15-18. Figures 15-18 are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of liquid suction and discharge.

[0069] The automatic dispensing unit 6 operates during the washing and rinsing cycles of the washing machine 1. The operation of the automatic dispensing unit 6 is controlled by the control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 66, as well as the type of liquid agent to be dispensed, the amount dispensed, and the timing of the dispensed agent.

[0070] During the washing and rinsing processes, the automatic dispensing unit 6 supplies water and detergent to the outer tank 3. In the washing process, to perform automatic or manual dispensing of detergent, the first solenoid valve (not shown) of the water supply solenoid valve 66 is opened in Figure 4. In Figure 6, the water flowing into the case 61 flows into the outer tank 3 through the connecting channel 8 from the detergent outlet 81.

[0071] Next, the flow of the automatically dispensed liquid will be explained in detail. Based on the selected operating course, a command from the control unit drives the liquid dispensing device 63 connected to the tank 62 containing the corresponding liquid. As shown in Figure 12, the power unit 71 in the liquid dispensing device 63 rotates, and the rotation of the power unit 71 is reduced via the reduction mechanism 72 and transmitted to the piston 83 of the pump 73.

[0072] As shown in Figure 15, when the piston 83 is at the bottom dead center P1, the suction-side check valve 95 is closed due to the pressure from the liquid in the pump chamber 84, so the liquid in the first passage 85a cannot flow from the suction-side check valve 95 to the third passage 84f.

[0073] As shown in Figure 16, when the piston 83 rises from bottom dead center P1 in the first direction of motion N1, negative pressure is created inside the pump chamber 84, causing the suction-side check valve 95 to open and the discharge-side check valve 96 to close. As a result, the liquid in the first passage 85a of the connecting member 94 flows into the third passage 84f inside the pump case 93, and is then drawn up into the pump chamber 84 through the opening 84c. The drawn-up liquid is stored in the pump chamber 84.

[0074] As shown in Figure 17, when the piston 83 rises to top dead center P2, the suction of the liquid into the pump chamber 84 stops.

[0075] As shown in Figure 18, when the piston 83 descends from top dead center P2 in the second direction of motion N2, the inside of the pump chamber 84 becomes positively pressurized, causing the suction-side check valve 95 to close and the discharge-side check valve 96 to open. As a result, the liquid drawn up into the pump chamber 84 cannot flow into the third flow path 84f, and is instead discharged from the pump chamber 84 through the opening 84d to the second flow path 86. The liquid discharged into the second flow path 86 then flows into the liquid discharge flow path 64.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, the liquid flows along the inclined liquid discharge channel 64 in accordance with gravity. The liquid may merge with the flowing water in the liquid discharge channel 64. The liquid is guided from the second case connection port 79 shown in Figure 7 through the input channel (not shown) of case 61 to the liquid outlet 81, and flows into the outer tank 3 via the connection channel 8.

[0077] When the piston 83 of the pump 73 descends to the bottom dead center P1, the discharge of the liquid into the second flow path 86 stops again, as shown in Figure 15.

[0078] Furthermore, the liquid to be dispensed into the outer tub 3 is determined based on the selected operating course. When "wash" is selected as the operating course, the operation of the control unit 12 during the washing process drives the liquid dispenser 63C (Figure 9) connected to the tank 62C (Figure 9) that contains the detergent. When "delicate wash" is selected as the operating course, neutral detergent may be dispensed into the outer tub 3. In this case, the liquid dispenser 63A of the tank 62A that contains the neutral detergent is driven. During the rinsing process, the operation of the control unit drives the liquid dispenser 63B of the tank 62B that contains the fabric softener S2.

[0079] As the washing and rinsing processes are repeated, the amount of liquid contained in the tank 62 decreases. The user of the washing machine 1 can replenish the liquid in the tank 62. When the tank 62 is placed in the case 61, the liquid can be replenished by opening the small lid 88A, as shown in Figure 8. On the other hand, when the tank 62 is removed from the case 61, the liquid can be replenished by removing the lid 88 or by opening the small lid 88A.

[0080] [effect] The washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0081] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer tub 3, a tank 62, and a liquid dispensing device 63 (automatic liquid dispensing device). The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The tank 62 contains the liquid supplied to the outer tub 3. The liquid dispensing device 63 has a pump 73 that draws in the liquid via a first flow path 85a communicating with a connection 76 from which the liquid is discharged from the tank 62 and discharges it into a second flow path 86. The pump 73 has a pump chamber 84 that communicates with the first flow path 85a and the second flow path 86 respectively, an intake-side check valve 95 that opens and closes the communication between the first flow path 85a and the pump chamber 84 and allows the liquid to flow from the first flow path 85a to the pump chamber 84, and a discharge-side check valve 96 that opens and closes the communication between the pump chamber 84 and the second flow path 86 and allows the liquid to flow from the pump chamber 84 to the second flow path 86. The pump chamber 84 is surrounded by a pump case 93 and a piston 83 that is sealedly connected to the pump case 93 and expands and contracts the volume of the pump chamber 84 by reciprocating in a first direction of motion N1 and a second direction of motion N2. In the first relationship between the first flow direction F1, through which the liquid flows from the first passage 85a to the suction-side check valve 95, and the first direction of motion N1, and in the second relationship between the second flow direction F2, through which the liquid flows from the discharge-side check valve 96 to the second passage 86, and the second direction of motion N2, the first flow direction F1 and the first direction of motion N1 are different from those in the first relationship.

[0082] This configuration allows for space savings in the housing of the tank 62, the liquid dispensing device 63, and the downstream path from the second flow path 86 by incorporating the opposite direction of motion of the first flow path 85a and the piston 83 within the pump 73 itself. Furthermore, by incorporating the opposite direction configuration within the pump 73 itself, it is possible to select an optimal layout for the pump 73 that reduces pressure loss of the liquid flowing from the tank 62 through the pump 73 to the second flow path 86. Additionally, by using such a pump 73 for the washing machine 1, space savings can be achieved in the housing of the tank 62, the liquid dispensing device 63, and the downstream path from the second flow path 86.

[0083] Furthermore, the pump chamber 84 has a third flow path 84f that connects the space between the piston 83 and the pump case 93 with the first flow path 85a. When the first flow direction F1 and the first motion direction N1 in the first relationship are different, one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is connected to the cylinder 84a of the pump case 93, and the other end 84fb of the third flow path 84f is connected to the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 facing the second motion direction N2 side of the piston 83. The one end 84fa of the third flow path 84f is located between the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 facing the second motion direction N2 side of the piston 83 and the second motion direction N2 side of the piston 83 at the bottom dead center of the piston 83.

[0084] This configuration allows for a reduction in the distance between the suction-side check valve 95 and the piston 83, or between the discharge-side check valve 96 and the piston 83, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the liquid flowing through the flow path. This stabilizes the discharge rate of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispenser 63.

[0085] When the first flow direction F1 and the first motion direction N1 in the first relationship are different, a portion of the intake check valve 95, in its open or closed state, is included in the projected region Ar obtained by projecting the piston 83 into the second motion direction N2.

[0086] This configuration allows the suction-side check valve 95, the bottom surface 83a of the piston 83, and the pump chamber 84-side end of the discharge-side check valve 96 to be brought into close proximity. This shortens the path from the outlet of the third flow path 84f to the discharge-side check valve 96, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the liquid. As a result, the load on the piston 83 can be reduced, and the discharge rate of the liquid can be more stabilized.

[0087] When the first flow direction F1 and the first motion direction N1 in the first relationship are different, the pump case 93 has a bent portion 84e facing the first flow direction F1. The connection portion 84ea of ​​the bent portion 84e with the surface 84g parallel to the first flow direction F1 in the pump case 93, and the other end portion 84fb which is the connection portion of the bent portion 84e with the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, have curvature.

[0088] With this configuration, since both ends of the bent portion 84e have curvature, it is possible to prevent the liquid flowing from the third flow path 84f to the piston 83 side from separating. In other words, it is possible to suppress the generation of vortices at both ends of the bent portion 84e and reduce the increase in pressure loss.

[0089] When the second flow direction F2 and the second motion direction N2 in the second relationship are the same, a discharge-side opening 84d is formed in a part of the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, which connects the space between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93 with the second flow path 86.

[0090] With this configuration, the second flow direction F2 and the second motion direction N2 are the same, so the distance between the discharge-side check valve 96 and the piston 83 can be shortened, reducing pressure loss and stabilizing the discharge rate.

[0091] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, a suction-side opening 84c is formed on a part of the surface of the pump case 93 facing the sliding surface 83d of the piston 83, and on a part of the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, which is where the suction-side check valve 95 is located, connecting the third flow path 84f with the space S1 between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 93, and a discharge-side opening 84d is formed, which connects the pump chamber 84 with the second flow path 86, and the opening 84c is larger than the discharge-side opening 84d.

[0092] This configuration allows the section of the third flow path 84f from the suction-side check valve 95 to the pump chamber 84 to be shortened, thereby reducing the pressure loss on the suction side and lowering the suction head of the liquid.

[0093] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the first flow path 85a and the third flow path 84f are arranged in a straight line from the connection portion 76 of the tank 62 to the suction side check valve 95.

[0094] This configuration allows the inlet passage 85 to be shortened, thereby reducing the suction head of the liquid. In addition, it reduces pressure loss from the tank 62 to the suction-side check valve 95, and stabilizes the discharge rate.

[0095] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment has a connecting member 94, one end of which is connected to the tank 62 and the other end of which is connected to the pump 73. The connecting member 94 includes a first flow path 85a, and the pump case 93 includes a third flow path 84f inside.

[0096] With this configuration, the tank 62 and the pump 73 are directly connected by the connecting member 94, so the first flow path 85a can be shortened. Also, since the space of the pump chamber 84 and the space in which the suction-side check valve 95 reciprocates are both formed by the pump case 93, the third flow path 84f can be shortened. As a result, the suction head of the liquid can be reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 has a tank discharge valve 62d that opens and closes the connection between the connection portion 76 of the tank 62 and the first flow path 85a, and the tank discharge valve 62d opens when the connecting member 94 is connected to the connection portion 76 of the tank 92.

[0098] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the direction in which the tank 62 is attached and detached and the direction N of the reciprocating motion of the piston 83 intersect perpendicularly. With this configuration, the bulky piston 83 can be extended in a direction that is less bulky than the attachment and detachment direction, and the pump 73 can be made compact in the direction in which the tank 62 is attached and detached. As a result, space saving around the liquid dispensing device can be achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the piston 83 has a piston body 83b with a recess 83ba at its bottom, and a lid 83c that covers the recess 83ba.

[0100] This configuration prevents air from accumulating in the recess 83ba of the piston 83, thereby stabilizing the amount of liquid drawn up.

[0101] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the pump case 93 includes a second flow path 86 inside, and the discharge side check valve 96 opens and closes within the second flow path 86.

[0102] With this configuration, both the space of the pump chamber 84 and the space in which the discharge-side check valve 96 reciprocates are formed by the pump case 93, so the second flow path 86 can be shortened, and thus the pressure loss of the liquid can be reduced.

[0103] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0104] Although Embodiment 1 described a case where the automatic dispensing unit 6 has three tanks 62, it is not limited to this case. The automatic dispensing unit 6 may have two tanks 62 or four or more tanks 62.

[0105] In Embodiment 1, pump 73 was described as a piston pump, but it is not limited to this. Pump 73 can be any positive displacement pump, so for example, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, it may be a bellows pump.

[0106] Figures 19 and 20 are schematic longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a modified pump 473. Figure 19 shows the movable part 482 located at the bottom dead center P1, and Figure 20 shows the movable part 482 located at the top dead center P2.

[0107] Pump 473 is a bellows pump. Pump 473 includes a movable part 482 that moves along the reciprocating motion direction N. The movable part 482 has a rod 482a that reciprocates due to the rotation of the output shaft V2, a bellows-shaped bellows 483 that expands and contracts due to the reciprocating motion of the rod 482a, and a surface 483a that is connected to the lower end of the rod 482a and faces the bottom surface 84b of the pump case 493. One end of the bellows 483 is connected to surface 483a, and the other end is continuously connected to the pump case 493. The movable part 482 expands and contracts the volume of the pump chamber 484 by reciprocating in a first motion direction N1 and a second motion direction N2.

[0108] In Embodiment 1, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid dispensing device 63 was described as the front-to-back direction M, but this is not the only way to do so. For example, as shown in Modification 1 described later, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid dispensing device 63 may be along the up-and-down direction.

[0109] [Example 1] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic dispensing unit 106 according to Modification 1. As shown in Figure 21, Modification 1 differs from the automatic dispensing unit 6 of Embodiment 1 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, the connecting part 176 that connects to the liquid dispensing device 163 is located on the bottom surface of the tank 162. In Modification 1, the liquid dispensing device 163 is located below the tank 162. A connecting member 194 that extends linearly downward is connected to the connecting part 176 located on the bottom surface of the tank 162 and to the pump chamber 84 of the pump 73, so the inlet passage 185 extends downward from the tank 162. The cylinder 84a of Modification 1 extends along the horizontal direction (X direction), and the first and second directions of motion of the piston 83 are horizontal. In Modification 1, the suction-side check valve 95 opens and closes vertically, while the discharge-side check valve 96 opens and closes horizontally. Even with this configuration, the suction head can be reduced and the discharge volume of the liquid agent can be stabilized.

[0110] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the liquid injection device 63 is connected to the liquid discharge channel 64 on the outlet side, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Modification 2 below, the liquid injection device 63 may be connected to the case 61 directly below the tank 62 on the outlet side.

[0111] [Differentiation 2] Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic dispensing unit 206 according to the modified example 2. As shown in Figure 22, the modified example 2 differs from the automatic dispensing unit 6 of embodiment 1 in that the liquid dispensing device 263 is directly connected to the case 261 on the outlet side. Even with this configuration, the suction head can be reduced and the amount of liquid discharged can be stabilized. In addition, instead of providing the liquid discharge channel 64 of embodiment 1, the inner bottom surface B200 directly below the tank 262 in the case 261 forms the liquid discharge channel 264. This configuration simplifies the structure of the automatic dispensing unit 206 and reduces the number of parts and manufacturing costs.

[0112] In Modification 2, the liquid injection device 263 has a pump 273 positioned below the tank 262. An L-shaped connecting member 294 connects the connection part 76 of the tank 262 to the pump chamber 284 of the pump 273, so that the inlet passage 285 extends horizontally from the tank 262 and further downward. In Modification 2, the first direction of motion of the piston 83 is downward, and the second direction of motion is upward. In Modification 2, the opening and closing direction of the suction-side check valve 295 is vertical, and the opening and closing direction of the discharge-side check valve 296 is horizontal.

[0113] Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the liquid injection device 263 according to the modified example 2. In the pump 273, the second flow direction F2, through which the liquid flows from the discharge-side check valve 296 to the second flow path 286, and the second direction of motion N2 are different. With this configuration, similar to Embodiment 1, the different-direction configuration of the second flow path 286 and the direction of motion of the piston 83 is incorporated into the pump 273 itself, thereby saving space in housing the tank 262, the liquid injection device 263, and the path downstream of the second flow path 286. Furthermore, by incorporating the different-direction configuration into the pump 273 itself, it is possible to select the optimal layout of the pump 273 that reduces the pressure loss of the liquid flowing from the tank 262 through the pump 273 to the second flow path 286. Furthermore, by using such a pump 273 for the washing machine 1, the storage space for the tank 262, the liquid dispensing device 263, and the path downstream of the second flow path 286 can be reduced.

[0114] One end 284fa of the second flow path 286 is connected to the pump case 293, and the other end 284fb of the second flow path 286 is connected to the bottom surface 284b of the pump case 293. The one end 284fa of the second flow path 286 is located between the bottom surface 284b, which is the first surface of the pump case 293, and the second direction of motion N2 of the piston 83 at the bottom dead center of the piston 83.

[0115] When the second flow direction F2 and the second motion direction N2 are different, a portion of the discharge-side check valve 296, in its open or closed state, is included in the projected region Ar obtained by projecting the piston 83 into the second motion direction N2. This allows the distance between the piston 83 and the discharge-side check valve 296 to be shortened, and the pressure loss from the space S1 between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 284b to the discharge-side check valve 296 can be reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, when the second flow direction F2 and the second motion direction N2 are different, the pump case 293 has a bent portion 284e facing the opposite direction of the second flow direction F2. The bent portion 284e has a connecting portion 284ea that connects to a surface 284g in the pump case 293 parallel to the second flow direction F2, and another end portion 284fb that connects to the bottom surface 284b. The connecting portion 284ea and the other end portion 284fb have curvature.

[0117] Since both ends of the bent portion 284e have curvature, separation of the liquid flowing from the space S1 between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 284b to the discharge-side check valve 296 can be prevented. In other words, the generation of vortices at both ends of the bent portion 284e can be suppressed, and the increase in pressure loss can be reduced. Furthermore, since the bent portion 284e is formed as a curved surface, abrupt changes in the path cross-sectional area can be prevented compared to when it is formed as a straight slope, and the increase in pressure loss can be reduced.

[0118] When the first flow direction F1 and the first motion direction N1 in the first relationship are the same, an suction-side opening 84c is formed in a part of the bottom surface 284b of the pump case 293, which connects the space where the suction-side check valve 295 is located (third flow path 284f) with the space S1 between the piston 83 and the bottom surface 284b of the pump case 293.

[0119] Even with this configuration, the suction head can be reduced and the discharge volume of the liquid agent can be stabilized. Furthermore, although the inlet passage 285 is curved, the liquid agent flowing through the downward-extending portion is subjected to positive pressure due to gravity. Therefore, this is beneficial for the suction performance of the pump 273. In addition, instead of providing the liquid agent discharge passage 64 of Embodiment 1, in the case 261, the inner bottom surface B200 directly below the tank 262 forms the liquid agent discharge passage 264. This configuration simplifies the structure of the automatic dispensing unit 206, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs.

[0120] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, as long as they do not fall outside that scope. [Industrial applicability]

[0121] The washing machine of this disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid dispensing and is therefore useful as a household washing machine, a commercial washing machine, any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a household drum-type washing machine), or a dishwasher or dishwasher-dryer. The pump of this disclosure is also useful for these washing machines, washer-dryers, or dishwashers or dishwasher-dryer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1. Washing machine 2 cabinets 3 Outer tank 4 Inner tank 6. Automatic feeding unit 8 Connection Channels 61 cases 62 tanks 63 Liquid dispensing device 64 Liquid Dispensing Channel 66 Water supply solenoid valve 71 Power section 73 pumps 76 Connection part Connection ports 77, 78, 79 83 Pistons 83a Bottom 83b Main Unit 83ba recess 83c lid 84 Pump Room 84a Cylinder 84b Base 84c, 84d aperture 85 Inlet channel 85a First channel 86 Second channel 93 Pump Case 94 Connecting Members 95 Suction side check valve 96 Discharge side check valve K Width direction M Anteroposterior direction

Claims

1. An outer tank elastically supported within the housing, A tank for containing the liquid supplied to the outer tank, The system includes a liquid injection device having a pump that draws in the liquid through a first flow path communicating with the tank and discharges it into a second flow path, The aforementioned pump, A pump chamber into which the aforementioned liquid is drawn, It has a movable part that changes the internal pressure of the pump chamber, The aforementioned liquid dispensing device is A suction-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the first flow path to the pump chamber, It has a discharge-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the pump chamber to the second flow path, The pump has a surface A such that the discharge-side check valve faces the opposite direction to the flow direction through which the liquid passes, and the suction-side check valve has a surface A that is aligned with the flow direction through which the liquid passes. The flow direction through which the liquid passes via the suction-side check valve intersects with the flow direction through which the liquid passes via the discharge-side check valve. The surface A is provided in the pump chamber in a projection region obtained by projecting the movable part in the direction of movement of the movable part that increases the internal pressure of the pump chamber. At least a portion of the surface A is provided in the projection region at a position that is biased toward the discharge side check valve side, washing machine.

2. An outer tank elastically supported within the housing, A tank for containing the liquid supplied to the outer tank, The system includes a liquid injection device having a pump that draws in the liquid through a first flow path communicating with the tank and discharges it into a second flow path, The aforementioned pump, A pump chamber into which the aforementioned liquid is drawn, It has a movable part that changes the internal pressure of the pump chamber, The aforementioned liquid dispensing device is A suction-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the first flow path to the pump chamber, It has a discharge-side check valve that allows the liquid to pass in one direction from the pump chamber to the second flow path, The pump has a surface A such that the discharge-side check valve faces the opposite direction to the flow direction through which the liquid passes, and the suction-side check valve has a surface A that is aligned with the flow direction through which the liquid passes. The flow direction through which the liquid passes via the suction-side check valve intersects with the flow direction through which the liquid passes via the discharge-side check valve. The surface A is provided in the pump chamber in a projection region obtained by projecting the movable part in the direction of movement of the movable part that increases the internal pressure of the pump chamber. The pump chamber side end of the discharge check valve is positioned in the projection region. In the order in which the liquid flows from the tank to the second flow path, the first flow path, the pump chamber, the surface A, the discharge side check valve, and the second flow path are arranged in that order. washing machine.

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