EP4098791A1 - Tank und waschmaschine damit - Google Patents

Tank und waschmaschine damit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4098791A1
EP4098791A1 EP20916282.5A EP20916282A EP4098791A1 EP 4098791 A1 EP4098791 A1 EP 4098791A1 EP 20916282 A EP20916282 A EP 20916282A EP 4098791 A1 EP4098791 A1 EP 4098791A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
washing liquid
window
residual quantity
visual confirmation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20916282.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4098791A4 (de
Inventor
Yusuke Shibata
Yohei Monden
Kenji Nakazawa
Hiroto Nogami
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc filed Critical Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Publication of EP4098791A1 publication Critical patent/EP4098791A1/de
Publication of EP4098791A4 publication Critical patent/EP4098791A4/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/022—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents in a liquid state
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tank for supplying washing liquid, and a washing machine for washing laundry.
  • washing machine provided with a washing liquid supply device configured to measure the washing liquid stored in the tank such as detergent and softener (finishing agent), and automatically feed an appropriate amount of the washing liquid to a water tub (washing/dewatering tub).
  • a washing liquid supply device configured to measure the washing liquid stored in the tank such as detergent and softener (finishing agent), and automatically feed an appropriate amount of the washing liquid to a water tub (washing/dewatering tub).
  • the washing machine as disclosed in PTL 1 has been provided with a magnet in the float of the tank as means for detecting a residual quantity of the washing liquid stored in the tank.
  • the washing machine as disclosed in PTL 1 needs such member as the float, leading to the cost increase. If the movable range for the float cannot be secured because of limited tank height, there may be the case where the residual quantity cannot be detected. Since the user is notified only of the information indicating sufficiency or insufficiency of the washing liquid, it is difficult for the user to confirm the residual quantity of the washing liquid. This makes it difficult to forecast a shortage in the supply of the washing liquid.
  • the tank according to the present invention enables supply of washing liquid.
  • tank includes a tank lid having an inclined upper surface for covering an inlet through which the washing liquid is fed, a window formed in a part of the inclined surface, which enables visual confirmation of a residual quantity of the washing liquid, and a view part in the window, which enables visual confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid.
  • the view part includes a scale section formed in a vertical direction to a surface of the washing liquid, which enables visual confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid.
  • the washing machine includes a housing, a cover for covering a laundry loading opening, a washing/dewatering tub for accommodating the loaded laundry, and a tank enabling supply of washing liquid.
  • the tank includes a tank lid having an inclined upper surface for covering an inlet through which the washing liquid is fed, a window formed in a part of the inclined surface, which enables visual confirmation of a residual quantity of the washing liquid, and a view part in the window, which enables visual confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid.
  • the view part includes a scale section formed in a vertical direction to a surface of the washing liquid, which enables visual confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid.
  • the present invention provides the tank for washing machine, which facilitates visual confirmation of the residual quantity in the tank while suppressing the cost increase irrespective of the tank capacity.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine having a tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the washing machine having the tank according to the present invention.
  • a housing 1 includes a cover 2 which covers a laundry loading opening.
  • a washing/dewatering tub 3 which accommodates the loaded laundry is located below the cover 2.
  • a tank 4 (4a, 4b) enables supply of washing liquid.
  • An automatic washing liquid feed unit 9 is configured to discharge (feed) the washing liquid filled in the tank 4 to the washing/dewatering tub 3.
  • the tank 4 has an inclined upper surface.
  • a tank lid 6 (see Figure 3 ) for covering an inlet 8a (see Figure 4 ) through which the washing liquid is fed is attached to the tank 4.
  • the cover 2 has a front-downward inclined upper surface in a closed state.
  • the two respective inclined surfaces are substantially parallel to each other so that cleaning performance and design property are improved.
  • the tank 4 has a window 5 in a part of the inclined surface, through which a residual quantity of the washing liquid can be visually confirmed. When the washing liquid is supplied to the tank 4, the lower part of the window 5 is soaked in the washing liquid. The user can (visually) confirm the residual quantity of the washing liquid in the tank 4 through the window 5.
  • the tank 4 is composed of a tank 4a to which first washing liquid can be supplied, and a tank 4b to which second washing liquid can be supplied. It is possible to supply the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid which are different, for example, detergent and softener. Alternatively, it is possible to supply either the different or the same kinds of detergents.
  • the tank 4b is disposed adjacently to the tank 4a in its longitudinal direction side by side.
  • the tank 4a has the window 5 (first window) disposed at one end, and the tank 4b has the window 5 (second window) disposed at the other end so that those windows 5 (the first and the second windows) of the tanks 4a and 4b are disposed while facing with each other.
  • the short distance between those two windows 5 allows the user to visually confirm each residual quantity of the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid instantly.
  • the tank 4 can be detached from the housing 1 so that the washing liquid can be easily supplied to the tank 4.
  • Figure 3 is an overhead view of the tank 4a
  • Figure 4 is an overhead view of the tank 4a when the tank lid 6 is opened.
  • the tank 4a is provided with the tank lid 6 having the window 5. Accordingly, the user can visually confirm the residual quantity of the washing liquid in the tank 4a through the window 5 even in the state where the tank lid 6 is closed.
  • the tank 4a is provided with a nozzle portion 7 for discharging the washing liquid in the tank 4a so that the washing liquid therein can be discharged through the nozzle portion 7.
  • the tank 4a includes at least one tank leg 10 at one end part. The leg 10 at one end part and the nozzle portion 7 at the other end part support the tank 4a to stand by itself.
  • the tank 4a is provided with an inner tank lid 8.
  • the inner tank lid 8 includes an inlet 8a through which the washing liquid is fed into the tank 4a.
  • the inlet 8a includes a rib 8b having its height along the inclined surface of the tank lid 6.
  • the rib 8b surrounds all sides of the inlet 8a.
  • the rib 8b ensures to suppress scattering of the washing liquid to the outside of the inlet 8a upon supply of the washing liquid.
  • the inner tank lid 8 has a mark on its surface, indicating a kind of the washing liquid, for example, "softener" as illustrated in Figure 4 . The mark allows the user to correctly feed the appropriate washing liquid to the tank 4a.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the mark provided on the inner tank lid 8.
  • the inner tank lid 8 has the mark indicating the kind of the washing liquid
  • the inner tank lid 8 may be colored blue corresponding to the mark indicating the detergent, and colored pink corresponding to the mark indicating the softener.
  • the mark or arrow indicating the "upper limit” is provided on the surface at the far side of the rib 8b so that the user can instantly understand the upper limit of the washing liquid to be supplied.
  • the tank lid 6 for covering the inlet 8a is shaped along the rib 8b, and includes a rib 6a located at a position corresponding to the rib 8a.
  • the ribs 6a and 8b ensure to suppress scattering of the washing liquid in the tank 4a to the outside when closing the tank lid 6.
  • a part of the inner tank lid 8 located in the window 5 includes a view part 5a through which the residual quantity of the washing liquid can be visually confirmed.
  • the view part 5a is disposed above the nozzle portion 7, or between the nozzle portion 7 and the inlet 8a so that the residual quantity of the washing liquid can be visually confirmed as much as possible.
  • the inside of the tank 4a having the nozzle portion 7 disposed on the bottom allows visual confirmation of a smaller quantity of the residual washing liquid.
  • Figure 5 is an overhead view of the view part 5a.
  • the view part 5a is made of either a colorless transparent material or a colored transparent material.
  • the view part 5a allows the user to visually confirm the residual quantity of the washing liquid in the tank 4.
  • the lower part of the view part 5a is soaked in the washing liquid.
  • a bottom surface 5c of the view part 5a is inclined to increase the capacity of the tank 4 for the washing liquid.
  • Similar advantageous effects can be derived from the view part 5a having an arbitrary structure, for example, the hollow structure, the solid structure, or the structure having an open top part.
  • the use of the structure having the open top part may cause the user to feed the inappropriate washing liquid mistakenly, or the dust intrusion. This interferes with the visual confirmation of the washing liquid, and accordingly, it is preferable to employ the structure with a closed top part.
  • the view part 5a includes a scale section 5b having a scale which allows visual confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid vertically to the liquid surface.
  • the scale section 5b allows the user to visually confirm the residual quantity of the washing liquid.
  • the scale section 5b is provided on the back surface of the view part 5a for easy visual confirmation.
  • a white reflector (reflective sheet) is provided or applied onto the bottom surface 5c of the view part 5a, which serves as an inclined reflective surface
  • the light source reflection can be intensified as well as the recursive reflection.
  • the recursive reflection of the corner cube allows further improvement in visibility of the scale section 5b compared with the use of the transparent surface.
  • the view part 5a and the scale section 5b are simply structured so that the cost increase can be suppressed irrespective of the tank capacity.
  • the effect can be derived from the scale section 5b disposed not only on the view part 5b but also at the position viewable from the window 5 for confirmation of the residual quantity of the washing liquid, for example, the wall surface of the tank 4 (not shown).
  • the similar effect can be obtained even in the case where the back surface of the view part 5a and the scale section 5b are not positioned completely vertically to the liquid surface.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the tank 4 taken along line X-X of Figure 3 in the case where the user confirms the residual quantity of the washing liquid in the tank 4 of the housing 1 through the view part 5a.
  • an arrow represents a line of sight of a general adult woman who sees the scale section 5b.
  • the line of sight reaches the scale section 5b without being obstructed. Accordingly, a general adult can visually confirm the residual quantity of liquid in the tank 4 without any inconveniences.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP20916282.5A 2020-01-31 2020-09-01 Tank und waschmaschine damit Withdrawn EP4098791A4 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020014334A JP7213195B2 (ja) 2020-01-31 2020-01-31 タンク及びそれを用いた洗濯機
PCT/JP2020/033036 WO2021152893A1 (ja) 2020-01-31 2020-09-01 タンク及びそれを用いた洗濯機

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4098791A1 true EP4098791A1 (de) 2022-12-07
EP4098791A4 EP4098791A4 (de) 2024-03-13

Family

ID=77079812

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20916282.5A Withdrawn EP4098791A4 (de) 2020-01-31 2020-09-01 Tank und waschmaschine damit

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4098791A4 (de)
JP (1) JP7213195B2 (de)
CN (1) CN114761636B (de)
WO (1) WO2021152893A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102932386B1 (ko) * 2023-06-30 2026-02-26 엘지전자 주식회사 의류처리장치
KR102938328B1 (ko) * 2023-06-30 2026-03-13 엘지전자 주식회사 의류처리장치

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN86201187U (zh) * 1986-03-01 1987-05-27 张奉华 单向反射式显色液位计玻璃板
CN2128730Y (zh) * 1992-05-27 1993-03-24 安徽省电力建设第二工程公司 一种示警水平仪
KR20030088823A (ko) * 2002-05-15 2003-11-20 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기의 유연제 공급장치
CN101063267B (zh) * 2006-04-29 2011-05-25 海尔集团公司 设有洗涤剂投入装置的滚筒洗衣机
JP5516298B2 (ja) * 2010-10-01 2014-06-11 パナソニック株式会社 ドラム式洗濯機
ITRN20100078A1 (it) * 2010-12-21 2012-06-22 Indesit Co Spa Elettrodomestico
CN104180872A (zh) * 2014-08-28 2014-12-03 江苏农林职业技术学院 一种无接触液面高度计
CN205049060U (zh) * 2015-10-11 2016-02-24 沈向安 能测量斜面倾角的尺具
DE102015224946A1 (de) * 2015-12-11 2017-06-14 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Kombiniertes optisches Behälter- und Füllstandserkennungssystem
KR102642302B1 (ko) * 2017-01-03 2024-03-04 삼성전자주식회사 세탁 장치 및 세탁 장치의 제어방법
JP6751851B2 (ja) * 2017-08-23 2020-09-09 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 洗剤等を自動投入する洗濯機
JP2019107309A (ja) * 2017-12-20 2019-07-04 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 洗濯機
KR101975340B1 (ko) * 2017-12-26 2019-05-07 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN114761636B (zh) 2024-07-30
WO2021152893A1 (ja) 2021-08-05
JP2021119933A (ja) 2021-08-19
JP7213195B2 (ja) 2023-01-26
CN114761636A (zh) 2022-07-15
EP4098791A4 (de) 2024-03-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE48865E1 (en) Washing machine and detergent case thereof
EP4098791A1 (de) Tank und waschmaschine damit
RU2606704C2 (ru) Бытовой электроприбор
KR20210027018A (ko) 세탁제 저장용기 및 이의 제조 방법
EA019382B1 (ru) Стиральная машина с автоматическим управлением с индикатором уровня средства для обработки белья
JP2022169163A (ja) 洗濯機
KR20060039186A (ko) 세탁기의 도어
US3273267A (en) Water level indicator for electric iron
US20050284193A1 (en) Washing machine
JP2017169772A (ja) 洗濯機
WO2022224679A1 (ja) 洗濯機
ES2533529T3 (es) Máquina lavadora doméstica de carga frontal, en particular una máquina lavadora o lavadora/secadora de ropa
ITTO990491A1 (it) Dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio, in particolare per macchinelavastoviglie
EP3901355B1 (de) Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung
JP7495849B2 (ja) 洗濯機用の処理剤タンク及び洗濯機
EP1607507B1 (de) Von vorn beschickbare Waschmaschine mit einer Tür, die angepasst ist, um Waschmittel zu enthalten
JP6803522B2 (ja) 洗濯機
KR102774798B1 (ko) 의류처리장치
CN113279206B (zh) 衣物处理装置
EP3851569B1 (de) Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung
JP7698478B2 (ja) 洗濯機
KR102859232B1 (ko) 의류처리장치
JP7198737B2 (ja) 洗濯処理液タンク及び洗濯機
JP7628909B2 (ja) 衣類処理装置
KR102938328B1 (ko) 의류처리장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220831

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20240209

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: D06F 39/02 20060101AFI20240205BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20250410

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20250430