TW201912878A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine includes: a casing; a water tank supported in the casing; a drum rotatably disposed in the water tank; a storage tank capable of storing a liquid agent; a storage tank storage box capable of storing a storage tank; and a liquid The automatic agent feeding device automatically supplies the liquid agent in the storage tank to the drum. The liquid agent automatic input device has a pump unit that sucks and discharges the liquid agent in the storage tank, and the liquid agent discharged from the pumping unit falls freely and is supplied to the water tank. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine which can suppress the residue of the liquid agent discharged from the liquid agent automatic input device and is fixed in the liquid agent supply water path.

Description

washing machine

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid medicine injection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a liquid agent such as a detergent liquid or a softener is automatically introduced.

The washing machine includes a casing, a water tank, a drum, a storage tank, a storage tank storage box, a water injection channel, and an automatic liquid agent input device. The water tank is supported in the housing in an elastic and vibration-proof manner. The drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The storage tank is used to contain liquid. The tank storage box is a storage tank. A water injection channel is provided above the storage tank storage tank for the passage of tap water or liquid. The automatic liquid agent charging device is provided with a pump, and the liquid agent in the storage tank is automatically charged into the drum. Thereby, the liquid agent in the storage tank can be supplied into the water tank by the pump through the water injection channel and the storage tank storage box.

However, due to design factors of the washing machine, the arrangement of each component is limited. In other words, the liquid agent discharged from the liquid agent automatic feeding device is supplied into the water tank through various discharge water channels such as a tubular pipe, a connecting hose, and a water channel with a rectangular track before being injected into the water tank. In general, in the case of a washing machine having a detergent container in which powdered detergent is manually input, the liquid agent discharged from the liquid agent automatic feeding device is configured to be supplied to the washing tub through the detergent container. Therefore, the water path through which the liquid agent discharged from the water injection water path and the liquid agent automatic input device flows is complicated and has a long distance. Therefore, there is a concern that the liquid agent remains and is fixed in the water channel. Furthermore, there is a concern that the remaining liquid solution dissolves out at unnecessary points of time, which hinders the basic performance of washing and washing. In addition, if the liquid agent is fixed to block the size in the discharge water passage, there is a concern that the liquid agent cannot be discharged. Prior art literature

Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-313234

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing machine capable of suppressing the residue of a liquid agent discharged from a liquid agent automatic input device and being fixed in a water passage.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes a casing, a sink supported in the casing, a washing tank rotatably disposed in the sink, and a storage tank receiving box having a receiving portion provided above the sink. Furthermore, the washing machine is provided with a storage tank, which is disposed in the storage part of the storage tank storage box and stores the liquid agent; and an automatic liquid agent input device that automatically supplies the liquid agent in the storage tank to the washing tank. The automatic liquid agent input device is configured to include a pump unit that sucks and discharges liquid agents in a storage tank, and the liquid agents discharged from the pump unit are freely dropped and supplied to the water tank. Thereby, the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit can be prevented from adhering to and fixed to the water path supplied to the water tank. As a result, a washing machine with high reliability can be provided.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, detailed explanations that are not necessary are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of matters that have been fully understood or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structure may be omitted. This is because it is necessary to prevent the following description from becoming unnecessarily verbose, so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily understand it. (Implementation form)

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to this embodiment will be described individually for each item using FIGS. 1 to 18. [1-1. Composition] [1-1-1. Composition of washing machine]

First, a configuration of a washing machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine of this embodiment includes a casing 101, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 105 and the like provided inside the casing 101. The casing 101 is an outline of the washing machine 100. The water tank 105 is elastically supported in the casing 101 by a plurality of suspension mechanisms (not shown) and the vibration damper 163. In the water tank 105, a bottomed cylindrical drum 106 (laundry tank) is provided in a rotatable manner. The drum 106 is provided with a plurality of baffles 106a on the inner wall surface. When the baffle plate 106a rotates the drum 106 at a low speed, the baffle plate 106a performs a stirring operation on the clothes. The stirring operation is to lift the clothes upward by hooking the clothes and to cause the clothes to fall. In addition, the drum 106 has a plurality of through holes (not shown) formed in the peripheral surface. The water tank 105 has a tank rotation motor (not shown) arranged at the bottom. The groove rotation motor drives the drum 106 to rotate.

The casing 101 is provided with a clothes input / exit opening 103 which is formed on the front surface and which is opened in order to let in and out of clothes. A cover body 102 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101. The cover body 102 covers the clothes input / exit opening 103 freely openable and closable. That is, by opening the cover body 102, the user can put the laundry into the drum 106 through the laundry input / exit port 103.

The casing 101 is further provided with an automatic liquid injection device 109. The automatic liquid injection device 109 is provided above the water tank 105. The configuration of the automatic liquid injection device 109 will be described in detail in [1-1-2. Configuration of the automatic liquid injection device].

In addition, the casing 101 includes a lid 114a that can be opened and closed at an upper portion. With the lid 114a opened, the detergent storage tank 117 (storage tank) and the softener storage tank 126 (storage tank) can be detachably installed in the opening 114b.

The lid body 102 is provided with an operation display portion 104 at an upper portion. The operation display section 104 includes an operation section for operation and a display section for displaying an operation state.

The casing 101 further includes a controller (not shown). The controller can control the tank rotation motor, etc., and perform a series of steps such as washing, washing, and dehydration while controlling one by one. The controller includes a cloth amount determination unit (not shown), a liquid input amount calculation unit (not shown), and the like. The cloth amount determination unit can detect, for example, a torque current value when the slot rotary motor is rotated by a certain number of rotations. Based on this torque current value, the cloth amount determination unit can classify and determine, for example, the laundry up to 10 kg into about 10 steps. The controller determines the amount of water to be used for washing based on the determination result of the cloth amount determination unit. The liquid agent input amount calculation unit calculates the detergent input amount and the softener input amount from the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount determination unit.

The washing machine 100 further includes a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit is composed of, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit includes a lotion type storage unit (not shown) that stores information about the type of lotion, and stores various setting information about the washing operation.

The washing machine of this embodiment is configured as described above. [1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid injection device 109]

Next, the structure of the automatic liquid injection device 109 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a liquid agent automatic charging device for a washing machine in the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the automatic liquid injection device. Fig. 5 is a left side view of the automatic liquid medicine injection device. FIG. 6 is a left side cross-sectional view of the automatic liquid injection device. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic liquid injection device. 8A is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the tap water is supplied to the washing machine. FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid is supplied to the washing machine. FIG. 8C is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the softener liquid is supplied in the washing machine, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a pump unit of the washing machine. Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a main part of a detergent storage tank of the washing machine. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the liquid agent automatic feeding device of the washing machine.

As described above, the automatic liquid injection device 109 is provided above the water tank 105 of the casing 101. The automatic liquid injection device 109 includes a water supply device 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113, and a storage tank storage box 114 in which a detergent storage tank 117 and a softener storage tank 126 are installed, which are individually detailed below. In the following description, when the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 are not distinguished and expressed, they are simply expressed as "storage tanks". In the following, when the detergent liquid and the softener liquid are not distinguished and expressed, they will be simply expressed as "liquid". (Water supply unit 110)

The water supply device 110 is provided above the casing 101 and includes a water supply path 110c, a first water supply valve 110a, a second water supply valve 110b, and the like. In the following, when the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b are not distinguished and expressed, they will be simply expressed as "water supply valves".

One end of the water supply path 110c is connected to a faucet such as a water pipe line through a water supply hose (not shown). By controlling the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 110a and the second water supply valve 110b, the water path through which the tap water flows can be selected. The waterway of the tap water will be described later (the structure of the waterway). (Three-way valve unit 113)

The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit that selectively discharges the liquid agent in the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 installed in the storage tank 114 to the piston pump unit 112 ( See Figure 9).

As shown in FIG. 7, the three-way valve unit 113 includes a detergent-side three-way valve 113a, a softener-side three-way valve 113b, a detergent-side coil 113d, a softener-side coil 113i, and the like. The detergent-side coil 113d drives the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. The softener-side coil 113i drives the softener-side three-way valve 113b.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the three-way valve unit 113 is provided with a water path 124 for flowing the detergent liquid or the softener liquid to the pump unit 111. The three-way valve unit 113 can control the flow of water in the water path 124. The water path 124 communicates with the detergent-side tubular portion 111b and the softener-side tubular portion 111f in the front. The water path 124 is in communication with the second water path 182 (water path) and the suction water path 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 11, the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a can selectively switch the flow of the tap water flowing through the second water path 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent storage tank 117. Thereby, one of the tap water or the detergent liquid is supplied to the softener-side three-way valve 113b.

Next, a specific operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e, a detergent-side valve body 113f, a detergent-side spring 113c, and the like. The detergent-side plunger 113e is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and moves back and forth. The detergent-side valve body 113f is provided at a front end portion of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The detergent-side spring 113c is disposed such that one end is located at the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and the other end is located at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The detergent-side cylinder 113l has an opening a at a front end portion. A detergent-side coil 113d is provided around the detergent-side cylinder 113l so as to cover the detergent-side plunger 113e.

First, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, in a state where the detergent-side coil 113 d is not energized, the detergent-side plunger 113 e receives the forward potential imparting force from the detergent-side spring 113 c. Thereby, the detergent-side valve body 113f to which potential energy has been applied can close the opening portion b formed at the rear end portion of the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent reservoir 117 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is opened. Therefore, the tap water flows into the water path 124 from the second water path 182 in the direction of the arrow X1. The tap water that has flowed in passes through the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l (arrow X2), and flows to the softener-side three-way valve 113b (arrow X3).

8B, when the detergent-side coil 113d is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the detergent-side coil 113d. Therefore, the detergent-side plunger 113e moves backward with the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field against the biasing potential of the detergent-side spring 113c. Thereby, the opening part b of the detergent-side cylindrical part 111b is opened. As a result, the detergent liquid in the detergent reservoir 117 passes through the opening b as shown by the arrows X5 and X6, and flows to the softener-side three-way valve 113b. At this time, the opening a of the detergent-side cylinder 113l is closed by the detergent-side valve body 113f. Therefore, the flow of the tap water flowing through the second water path 182 is blocked by the detergent-side valve body 113f.

As described above, the flow of the tap water from the second water path 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent storage tank 117 can be switched by the operation of the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a. Thereby, either the tap water or the detergent liquid is selectively supplied to the softener-side three-way valve 113b.

In addition, the softener-side three-way valve 113b selectively switches the flow of liquid flowing from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the softener reservoir 126 in the same manner as the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. Flow of softener liquid. Thereby, it is comprised so that either tap water or a softening agent may be supplied to the suction water path 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

Specifically, the softener-side three-way valve 113b includes a softener-side cylinder 113m, a softener-side plunger 113j, a softener-side valve body 113k, and a softener-side spring 113h similarly to the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. Wait. The softener-side plunger 113j is provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and moves back and forth. The softener-side valve body 113k is provided at a front end portion of the softener-side plunger 113j. The softener-side spring 113h is arranged such that one end is located at the rear wall of the softener-side cylinder 113m, and the other end is located at the rear end of the softener-side plunger 113j. The softener-side cylinder 113m is configured to allow liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to flow in. The softener side cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. A softener-side coil 113i is provided around the softener-side cylinder 113m so as to cover the softener-side plunger 113j.

First, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in a state where the softener-side coil 113 i is not energized, the softener-side plunger 113 j is subjected to the forward potential of the softener-side spring 113 h. Thereby, the softener-side valve body 113k to which potential energy has been applied can close the opening portion d formed at the rear end portion of the softener-side cylinder portion 111f. Therefore, the flow of the softener liquid from the softener reservoir 126 is blocked by the softener-side valve body 113k that closes the opening portion d of the softener-side cylindrical portion 111f. At this time, the opening c of the softener-side plunger 113j is opened. Therefore, the detergent liquid or tap water supplied from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a to the softener-side three-way valve 113b, as shown by arrow X4 or arrow X7, flows from the opening c to the suction water path of the piston pump unit 112. 112h flow.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the softener-side coil 113i is energized, a magnetic field is generated in the softener-side coil 113i. Therefore, the softener-side plunger 113j is moved backward by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field, which opposes the imparting potential of the softener-side spring 113h. Thereby, the opening part d of the softening agent side cylindrical part 111f is opened. As a result, as shown by arrows X8 and X9, the softener liquid in the softener reservoir 126 flows from the opening d to the suction water path 112h of the piston pump unit 112. At this time, the opening portion c of the softener-side plunger 113j is closed by the softener-side valve body 113k. Therefore, the liquid flow from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a is blocked by the softener-side valve body 113k.

As described above, the flow of the liquid from the detergent-side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid from the softener storage tank 126 can be switched by the operation of the softener-side three-way valve 113b. Thereby, either the liquid or the softener liquid is selectively supplied to the suction water path 112h.

That is, with the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 8A, if the detergent side coil 113 d and the softener side coil 113 i are de-energized, the tap water in the second water passage 182 passes through the three-way valve unit 113. It is supplied to the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the detergent-side coil 113 d is energized and the softener-side coil 113 i is de-energized, the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is supplied to the three-way valve unit 113. Piston pumping unit 112. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the detergent-side coil 113d is de-energized and the softener-side coil 113i is energized, the softener liquid in the softener reservoir 126 passes through the three-way valve unit 113. Instead, it is supplied to the piston pump unit 112. (Pump unit 111)

As shown in FIG. 7, the pump unit 111 is a unit configured to suck the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener storage tank 126 and discharge it to the water tank 105. .

The pumping unit 111 includes an outer frame 111a, a piston pumping unit 112, and the like provided in the outer frame 111a.

The outer frame 111 a is formed of a resin such as polypropylene, and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer frame 111 a is disposed between the water supply device 110 and the tank storage box 114.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the outer frame 111 a includes a detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b formed to extend forward and rearward below the front surface of the outer wall. A front end portion of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b is inserted into a cylindrical portion 123 formed in a lower rear wall of the detergent storage tank 117. A plurality of separated pads 111c are provided on the front outer peripheral surface of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b. In addition, the detergent-side tubular portion 111b is provided with a protruding rib 111e formed in a forward direction and extending in the front direction. As shown in FIG. 8A, the rear end portion of the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b is in communication with the water path 124. The water path 124 communicates with the suction water path 112h of the pump unit 111.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer frame 111 a includes a softener-side tubular portion 111 f formed to extend forward and backward below the front face of the outer wall. The front end portion of the softener-side cylindrical portion 111f is inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) formed in the lower rear wall of the softener storage tank 126. As shown in FIG. 8A and the like, the rear end portion of the softener-side tubular portion 111f is connected to the water path 124 in communication.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the piston pump unit 112 includes: a cylinder 112d; a suction water path 112h to allow the liquid to flow into the cylinder 112d; a discharge water path 112g to discharge the liquid from the cylinder 112d; and a drive Motor 112f and so on. The drive motor 112f drives a piston 112e that can move up and down, and the piston 112e is provided in the cylinder 112d.

In other words, the cylinder tube 112d is formed into a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape). The cylinder 112d is internally provided with a piston 112e that can move up and down. The piston 112e is connected to the drive motor 112f via a link 112a and a cam 112b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the drive motor 112f can be transmitted to the piston 112e through the link 112a and the cam 112b, and the piston 112e can be moved up and down.

The cylinder 112d is attached to the lower part and communicates with the suction water path 112h and the discharge water path 112g. The suction water path 112h and the discharge water path 112g are disposed below the piston 112e. Thereby, the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e can be strongly discharged downward.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the suction water path 112h is a water path that communicates with the discharge port e of the water path 124 and draws the liquid discharged from the softener-side three-way valve 113b to the receiving portion 112c in the cylinder 112d.

As shown in FIG. 9, the suction water path 112 h is provided with a suction-side check valve 164 inside. The suction-side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164 a formed in a lower portion. In addition, a spring 164b is provided in the suction water path 112h, and the spring 164b imparts potential energy downward to the suction-side check valve 164. By the potential energy imparted by the spring 164b, the convex portion 164a is in contact with the stepped portion of the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water path 112h. Accordingly, the suction-side check valve 164 is configured to move upward, but not to move above the abutment position of the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water path 112h, and below the cylinder 112d.

On the other hand, the discharge water path 112g is a water path which discharges the liquid in the cylinder 112d. As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water path 112 g is connected to the branch water path 129 a of the connection hose 129.

The discharge water path 112g is provided with a discharge side check valve 165 inside. The discharge-side check valve 165 has a convex portion 165a formed on the upper portion. Furthermore, a spring 165b is provided in the discharge water path 112g, and the spring 165b imparts potential energy upward to the discharge-side check valve 165. By the potential energy imparted by the spring 165b, the convex portion 165a is in contact with the stepped portion of the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g. Accordingly, the discharge-side check valve 165 is configured to move downward, but not to move above the abutment position of the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g, and above the cylinder 112d.

In addition, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the housing portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, so an upward force is applied to the suction-side check valve 164. At this time, when the upward force is greater than the combined force of the gravity (self-weight) of the suction-side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction-side check valve 164 moves upward. Thereby, a gap is generated between the convex portion 164a of the suction-side check valve 164 and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water path 112h. As a result, the liquid passing through the three-way valve unit 113 passes through the gap, flows through the suction water path 112h, and flows into the cylinder 112d.

On the other hand, when the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the receiving portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes positive pressure, so a downward force is applied to the discharge-side check valve 165. The combined force of the gravity (self-weight) of the discharge-side check valve 165 and the downward force applied to the discharge-side check valve 165 is greater than the elastic force of the spring 165b that imparts potential energy upward to the discharge-side check valve 165 In this case, the discharge-side check valve 165 moves downward. Thereby, a gap is generated between the convex portion 165a of the discharge-side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g. As a result, the liquid in the accommodating part 112c of the cylinder 112d passes through the gap, flows through the discharge water path 112g, and is discharged to the branch water path 129a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water path 112 g is connected to the branch water path 129 a of the connection hose 129. The connection hose 129 is a hose that connects the drain port 114 c of the tank storage box 114 and the water tank 105. As a result, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid agent in the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d can be discharged into the water tank 105 via the branch water path 129a of the connecting hose 129 communicating with the drain water path 112g.

As described above, the piston 112e of the piston pumping unit 112 repeats the vertical movement. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the detergent liquid of the detergent storage tank 117 or the softener liquid of the softener storage tank 126 is sucked into the pump unit 111 and discharged to the water tank 105.

At this time, in this embodiment, the suction water path 112h, the discharge water path 112g, and the branch water path 129a are arranged in a slightly vertical direction (including the vertical direction) so that the liquid agent and the like can fall freely. (Tank storage box 114)

As shown in FIG. 3, the tank storage box 114 is a container constituting a storage portion having an open top surface. A detergent storage tank 117 and a softener storage tank 126 are detachably mounted on the rear side of the storage portion of the storage tank storage box 114. A detergent box 115 is detachably mounted on the front side of the storage portion of the tank storage box 114.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tank storage box 114 has an insertion hole 114d formed in a lower rear wall. The detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114d.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a water injection channel 116 through which tap water flows is disposed above the storage tank 114. The water injection channel 116 is in communication with the first upper injection port 114e and the second upper injection port 114f shown in FIG. 11, where the first upper injection port 114e and the second upper injection port 114f are formed in the storage tank. Left and right side walls of the upper part of the storage box 114. The tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is filled with water from the first upper water injection port 114e to the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent tank 115. The tap water flowing through the water injection channel 116 is filled with water from the second upper injection hole 114f to the softener storage portion 115c of the detergent tank 115.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tank storage box 114 includes a linear hall element 136 disposed on the left and right side walls. The linear Hall element 136 is configured by, for example, an analog element or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tank storage box 114 is provided with a lower water injection port 114 g at a lower portion of the side wall. The lower water injection port 114g communicates with a bypass water path 184 described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tank 114 has a drainage port 114 c formed at the bottom. One end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the drain port 114c. The other end of the connection hose 129 is connected to the water tank 105 in a swingable manner. The connecting hose 129 is connected to a branched water path 129a branching from the middle to the vertical direction. As described above, the branch water path 129a is in communication with the discharge water path 112g of the pump unit 111. (Detergent tank 117, softener tank 126)

As shown in FIG. 10, the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 are containers which have the top surface opening part 118 in an upper part.

The detergent storage tank 117 includes a first rib 117d and a second rib 117e formed on a peripheral edge of the upper portion. The first rib 117d and the second rib 117e are formed so as to extend in the outer peripheral direction. A spacer 117f is provided between the first rib 117d and the second rib 117e.

The detergent storage tank 117 is provided with a detergent storage tank cover 119 which covers the top surface opening part 118 so as to open and close. After the detergent storage tank cover 119 is installed above the detergent storage tank 117, the gasket 117f is flattened, and the detergent storage tank 117 is fixed to be watertight. Thereby, even in a case where the detergent storage tank 117 is dumped laterally, for example, it is possible to prevent the inside of the detergent liquid from leaking out of the detergent storage tank 117. In addition, a configuration in which the gasket 117f is not provided on the detergent storage tank 117 side but on the detergent storage tank cover 119 side may be adopted, and the same effect can be obtained.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, the detergent storage tank 117 is provided with the cylindrical part 123 extended rearward under the rear wall 117a. A through hole 123a is formed in the cylindrical portion 123. A check valve 123b is attached to the cylindrical portion 123 on the inner peripheral surface. The check valve 123b is configured to rotate toward the inside of the detergent tank 117 (forward direction in FIG. 10), but does not rotate to the outside of the detergent tank 117 (rear side in FIG. 10).

With the above configuration, after the detergent storage tank 117 is installed in the storage tank 114, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent storage tank 117. At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b opens the check valve 123b. Thereby, the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 can flow to the three-way valve unit 113 through the through hole 123a.

On the other hand, after the detergent storage tank 117 is pulled out from the storage tank storage box 114, the check valve 123b is rotated to the rear as shown in FIG. Therefore, by the check valve 123b, the through-hole 123a of the cylindrical portion 123 is closed. Thereby, leakage of the detergent liquid from the detergent storage tank 117 can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 12, the detergent storage tank 117 includes a grip portion 117 g formed on the front outer wall surface. The grip portion 117 g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent storage tank 117. Thereby, the user can grasp the grasping part 117g. In addition, the user grasps the grip portion 117 g and pulls the detergent storage tank 117 to the front, whereby the detergent storage tank 117 can be pulled out from the storage tank storage box 114. In this case, the user may insert a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent storage tank 117 from above, or may insert his finger from below to grasp. Alternatively, the thumb may be inserted into the gap between the gripping portion 117g and the detergent reservoir 117 from above, and the other two or three fingers may be inserted from below to grip the gripping portion 117g.

At this time, when holding the grip portion 117g from below and pulling out the detergent storage tank 117 originally inserted into the storage portion of the storage tank storage box 114, the wrist must be put into the storage of the detergent tank 115 In the narrow space of the ministry, the wrist becomes cramped. Then, a finger is inserted into the gap between the grip portion 117 g and the detergent storage tank 117 from above. Thereby, the posture of the wrist does not become cramped, and the detergent storage tank 117 can be easily pulled out.

In addition, since the softener storage tank 126 is configured similarly to the detergent storage tank 117, description thereof is omitted. (Grid member 122)

As shown in FIG. 10, the mesh member 122 is detachably installed in the detergent storage tank 117. The mesh member 122 is made of a resin such as polypropylene. The mesh member 122 has a through-hole 122 a that penetrates the front and back surfaces and is formed in a mesh shape. The mesh member 122 can filter the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117. This can prevent the foreign matter or the fixed detergent liquid from being clogged in the detergent-side tube portion 111b.

As shown in FIG. 10, both ends of the upper end and the lower end 122d in the longitudinal direction of the mesh member 122 are formed by bending, and an engagement claw 122e is provided on the back surface near the upper end. The engagement claw 122e includes an engagement rib 122b, a convex portion 122c, and the like. The engagement rib 122b is formed so as to extend in the back surface direction of the mesh member 122. The convex portion 122c is formed in a convex shape at a front end portion of the engagement rib 122b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the detergent tank 117 includes a hook portion 121 formed on the bottom surface 120. The hook portion 121 includes an upright portion 121a, an extension portion 121b, and the like. The erected portion 121 a is formed by being erected from the bottom surface 120 of the detergent storage tank 117 to be slightly vertical (including vertical). The extension portion 121b is formed by extending from the front end of the standing portion 121a to the rear side of the detergent tank 117. The hook portion 121 is engaged with the lower end 122 d of the mesh member 122. Moreover, the detergent storage tank 117 is provided with the protrusion part 117b which is formed in the back wall 117a, and protrudes inside the detergent storage tank 117. The protruding portion 117 b is engaged with the convex portion 122 c of the engaging claw 122 e of the mesh member 122.

At this time, considering the following points, the mesh member 122 is fixed in the detergent storage tank 117 by engaging in an oblique direction.

That is, in general, the viscosity of the detergent liquid is high. Therefore, if the mesh member 122 is installed in the detergent storage tank 117 in a horizontal direction, the liquid agent may not pass through the through hole 122 a of the mesh member 122. Therefore, there is a possibility that air concentration of the detergent liquid does not exist below the mesh member 122 of the detergent storage tank 117. Then, the mesh member 122 is diagonally installed in the detergent storage tank 117. Thereby, the detergent liquid can flow downward from the surface of the mesh member 122 according to the gravity and pass through the through hole 122a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of air accumulation below the mesh member 122 of the detergent storage tank 117.

The mesh member 122 is mounted in the detergent storage tank 117 by the following method.

First, the lower end 122d of the mesh member 122 is inserted between the extended portion 121b of the detergent storage tank 117 and the bottom surface 120. In this state, the mesh member 122 is pushed in the arrow C direction shown in FIG. 10. At this time, as shown by the two-point chain line in FIG. 10, the convex portion 122 c of the mesh member 122 is bent in the direction of the arrow D, and the rear wall 117 a of the detergent storage tank 117 is bent in the direction of the arrow E. The curved convex portion 122c enters below the protruding portion 117b. Thereby, the convex part 122c of the engagement claw 122e, and the convex part 117b of the detergent tank 117 can be engaged with each other. As a result, the mesh member 122 is fixedly held in the detergent storage tank 117 in an oblique direction.

On the other hand, the mesh member 122 can be taken out of the detergent storage tank 117 by the following method.

Specifically, the mesh member 122 is pressed in the direction of the arrow C shown in FIG. 10, and the rear wall 117 a is bent in the direction of the arrow E shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the engagement between the engagement claw 122e and the protruding portion 117b is released. As a result, the mesh member 122 can be easily pulled out of the detergent tank 117. (Detergent tank 115)

As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank 115 is detachably provided on the front side of the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 of the storage tank storage tank 114.

The detergent tank 115 is placed in contact with the detergent storage tank 117 or the softener storage tank 126. Therefore, after the detergent tank 115 is installed in the storage tank receiving box 114, the detergent tank 115 presses the detergent storage tank 117 or the softener storage tank 126 backward. When the detergent storage tank 117 is pushed back, as shown in FIG. 10, the detergent-side cylindrical portion 111 b is inserted into the cylindrical portion 123 provided in the outer frame 111 a of the pump unit 111. Thereby, leakage of the detergent liquid etc. from the detergent storage tank 117 can be prevented reliably.

Similarly, the softener storage tank 126 is pushed back by the detergent tank 115 similarly, and is fixedly installed in the tank storage tank 114. Accordingly, leakage of the softener liquid from the softener storage tank 126 can be reliably prevented.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank 115 is a container having an open top surface, and a partition wall 115a is formed. The partition wall 115a divides the storage portion of the detergent box 115 into a detergent storage portion 115b and a softener storage portion 115c. Thereby, the user can manually put the powdered detergent into the detergent accommodating portion 115b and the softener into the softener accommodating portion 115c.

The detergent tank 115 includes a discharge port (not shown) formed on the bottom surface. The liquid solution flowing out from the discharge port is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank storage box 114 and the connecting hose 129.

When the powdered detergent that has been put into the detergent storage unit 115b is rinsed, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a shown in FIG. 11. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and the water injection channel 116 as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 11. In addition, the tap water is injected from the first upper water injection port 114e to the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent tank 115.

On the other hand, the softener accommodating portion 115c further includes a conventionally known siphon mechanism. Therefore, when the softener liquid that has been put into the softener storage portion 115c flows out, the controller opens the second water supply valve 110b shown in FIG. 11. As a result, the tap water flows through the third water path 183 as shown by an arrow A3 in FIG. 11. The tap water is injected into the softener storage portion 115c of the detergent tank 115 from the second upper water injection port 114f. By injecting water, the water level in the softener storage portion 115c rises. Thereby, the siphon effect produced by the siphon mechanism prevents the softener liquid that has been put into the softener storage portion 115c from remaining in the softener storage portion 115c and can completely flow into the water tank 105. (Composition of waterway)

As shown in FIG. 11, in the first water path 181, first, water flowing in from the first water supply valve 110 a flows through the water supply path 110 c and the water injection water path 116. And it is comprised so that water may be injected from the 1st upper part water injection port 114e to the water path in the detergent storage part 115b of the detergent tank 115. The first waterway 181 is branched into the second waterway 182 on the upstream side of the water injection waterway 116.

The second water path 182 constitutes a water path that flows into the branched water path 129a connecting the hose 129 through the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. The second water path 182 is located upstream of the three-way valve unit 113, and is branched into a bypass water path 184 directed vertically downward. The bypass water path 184 is in communication with the water injection port 114g in the lower part of the tank storage box 114.

In addition, generally, due to clogging of a foreign body or a change with time, the opening and closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a may not be completely closed. In this case, there is a possibility that the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 flows backward in the second water path 182. However, in the case of the water path configuration of the present embodiment, the liquid agent flowing backward in the second water path 182 flows to the bypass water path 184. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid agent from flowing backward to the water supply plug.

In the third water path 183, first, the tap water flowing from the second water supply valve 110b flows through the water supply path 110c and the water injection water path 116. In addition, a water path is formed from the second upper water injection port 114f to the inside of the softener storage portion 115c of the detergent tank 115.

Each water path is configured as described above. [1-1-3. Configuration of remaining amount detection unit]

Hereinafter, the structure of the remaining amount detection part of the liquid agent of the washing machine of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. 12-16.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent tank of the washing machine in the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover attached to the floating portion of the washing machine. FIG. 14A is a schematic side sectional view showing a remaining amount detecting section of the washing machine. FIG. 14B is a schematic view of a bottom surface of a detergent tank cover attached to a floating portion of the washing machine. FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of a detergent storage tank showing the configuration of a remaining amount detection unit in a state where the detergent storage tank of the washing machine is filled with detergent liquid. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the detected magnetic force of the linear Hall element and the output voltage.

The automatic liquid injection device 109 includes a first remaining amount detection unit 130 and a second remaining amount detection unit (not shown). The first remaining amount detecting unit 130 can detect the amount of liquid detergent in the detergent storage tank 117. The second remaining amount detecting unit can detect the amount of liquid detergent in the softener storage tank 126. In the following description, when the first remaining amount detecting section 130 and the second remaining amount detecting section are not distinguished and expressed, they will be simply expressed as "remaining amount detecting section".

The first remaining amount detection section 130 is configured by a floating section 130a, a linear Hall element 136, and the like described below. In addition, since the second remaining amount detecting section is also configured in the same manner as the first remaining amount detecting section 130, description thereof is omitted. (Floating part 130a)

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, one end of the floating portion 130 a is rotatably provided on the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover 119.

As shown in FIG. 12, the floating portion 130 a includes a link 133, a rotation shaft 131 provided at an upper end of the link 133, and a magnet case 135 provided at a lower end of the link 133. The rotation shaft 131 is rotatably disposed on the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover 119 (see FIG. 13).

The inside of the magnet case 135 is hollow, and together with the lid 135a, a closed container is formed. The magnet case 135 is provided with a magnet 134 (magnetic body) therein. The magnet 134 is enclosed in a sealed state by the magnet case 135 and the cover 135a. This can prevent the detergent liquid from entering and adhering to the magnet 134. In addition, the magnet case 135 includes a holding rib 135 c formed inside and holding the magnet 134.

Furthermore, since the magnet case 135 has a hollow structure, the magnet case 135 itself receives buoyancy in the detergent solution. Therefore, the floating portion 130 a usually floats on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117. At this time, the rotation shaft 131 of the floating portion 130a is rotated in the vertical direction as shown by the arrow H in FIG. 14A and FIG. 15 in response to the change in the water level of the detergent liquid.

Further, the magnet case 135 includes a support portion 135b shown in FIG. 13 below. On the other hand, the detergent storage tank 117 includes a magnet stopper 137 formed on the bottom surface. With this configuration, when the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 drops, the floating portion 130a will rotate downward, and the support portion 135b and the magnet stopper 137 will abut. Thereby, the floating portion 130a can be prevented from rotating lower than the magnet stopper 137.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 15, the detergent tank cover 119 is provided with the partition rib 119a on the bottom surface. The partition rib 119a is provided around the rotation shaft 131 of the floating portion 130a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from immersing in the rotating shaft 131, and to prevent problems such as the fixing of the rotating shaft 131 from occurring. (Linear Hall Element 136)

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the linear Hall elements 136 are provided on the lower side of the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls of the storage tank 114. The linear Hall element 136 may output a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density. The linear Hall element 136 is an example of a magnetic sensor.

Generally, the linear Hall element 136 has the characteristics shown in FIG. 16. The horizontal axis in FIG. 16 is the magnetic force detected by the linear Hall element 136, and the vertical axis is the output voltage value of the linear Hall element 136.

When the detected magnetic force is close to 0 (zero) Wb / m ² , the linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to (1/2) Vdd (V) which is half of the maximum voltage value Vdd (V). The case where the magnetic force is close to 0 (zero) Wb / m ² means that the magnetic body and the linear Hall element 136 are separated to such an extent that the magnetic force of the magnetic body cannot be detected by the linear Hall element 136.

From the above state, when the magnetic body having the N-pole magnetism approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 can strongly detect the magnetic force of the N-pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes larger than (1/2) Vdd. Thereby, as the detected magnetic force of the N pole becomes stronger, the output voltage increases toward the direction of the arrow J in FIG. 16.

On the other hand, when the magnetic body having the S pole is close to the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 can strongly detect the magnetic force of the S pole. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes smaller than (1/2) Vdd. Thereby, as the detected magnetic force of the S pole becomes stronger, the output voltage decreases toward the direction of arrow I in FIG. 16.

In other words, in the case of the N-pole magnetic body, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes larger as the distance from the magnet case 135 becomes closer, and becomes smaller as the distance from the magnet case 135 becomes longer. . On the other hand, in the case of the S-pole magnetic body, the relationship between the distance and the output voltage is reversed.

As described above, the linear Hall element 136 is provided on the lower side of the outer side wall of the tank storage box 114. Therefore, when the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 decreases, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet case 135 becomes close. As a result, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is changed to detect the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117.

Furthermore, if the linear Hall element 136 is disposed outside the bottom surface of the detergent storage tank 117, the detergent will collect on the inner bottom surface of the detergent storage tank 117, so it cannot be detected by the linear Hall element 136. The amount of detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is reduced. However, as described above, by providing the linear Hall element 136 on the outside of the side wall of the tank accommodating case 114, the detergent flows down along the inner surface of the side wall, so that the decrease in the detergent liquid can be reliably detected. (Magnet stopper 137)

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15, the above-mentioned magnet stopper 137 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent storage tank 117. The magnet stopper 137 is configured to abut the support portion 135 b of the magnet case 135 when the remaining amount of detergent is determined to be insufficient.

With the above configuration, even if the liquid level is further reduced from the predetermined amount of detergent water that determines that the detergent liquid in the detergent reservoir 117 is insufficient, the magnet case 135 does not rotate further downward . Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is not changed, and a set output voltage value, that is, a voltage around (1/2) Vdd can be output. [1-2. Actions and effects]

The operation and effect of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below. [1-2-1. Washing operation]

The operation of the washing operation of the washing machine in this embodiment will be described.

Generally, the washing operation of the washing machine 100 includes a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, a drying step, and the like. The washing step is to immerse the laundry in detergent water and rotate the drum 106 to remove dirt. The rinsing step is to wash the laundry soaked with detergent water with water. The spin-drying step is to spin the laundry containing water. In the drying step, hot air is supplied to the drum 106 to dry the laundry in the drum 106.

First, before the user starts the washing operation of the washing machine, the user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent storage tank 117 in advance, and puts the softener liquid into the softener storage tank 126.

Specifically, when the detergent liquid is replenished to the detergent storage tank 117, the user opens the lid 114 a and takes out the detergent storage tank 117 from the storage tank 114. Then, the user opens the detergent storage tank cover 119, puts the detergent liquid into the detergent storage tank 117, and puts it back in the storage tank 114. Furthermore, instead of taking out the detergent storage tank 117 from the storage tank storage box 114, the detergent liquid may be directly injected into the detergent storage tank 117.

Similarly, when the softener liquid is replenished into the softener storage tank 126, the user opens the lid 114 a and takes the softener storage tank 126 out of the storage tank storage box 114. Then, the user opens the softener storage tank cover 128, puts the softener liquid into the softener storage tank 126, and puts it back into the storage tank 114. Furthermore, instead of taking out the softener storage tank 126 from the storage tank storage box 114, the softener liquid may be directly injected into the softener storage tank 126.

In addition, the lid body 114a, the detergent tank lid 119, and the softener tank lid 128 of the washing machine in the present embodiment are configured to be capable of being rotated up and down and opened and closed by a hinge mechanism, for example. Therefore, when the detergent tank cover 119 and the softener tank cover 128 are closed with the opened state, by closing the lid body 114a, the detergent tank cover 119 and the softener tank can be closed at the same time. Cover 128.

Next, when the user starts washing, the user opens the cover 102 and puts the laundry into the drum 106 from the laundry input / exit port 103.

Next, the user operates the operation display unit 104 to set the power switch to ON, and sets various washing schedules or washing conditions such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. At this time, the wash cycle that can be set is, for example, "wash only", "wash only", "dehydration only", and the like.

The operation in the "washing cycle" will be described below.

In the "washing stroke", the controller is controlled to sequentially execute the cloth amount determination step, the water supply step, the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dewatering step.

First, in the cloth amount determination step, the controller uses a cloth amount determination unit to measure a torque current value when the slot rotation motor is repeatedly rotated in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction with a certain number of rotations. The cloth amount determination unit detects the cloth amount in the drum 106 from the measured torque current value.

Next, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically load the amount of detergent liquid calculated by the liquid-agent-injection-amount calculation unit into the drum 106 from the detergent storage tank 117 in an automatic manner.

Next, the controller executes a water supply step which opens the first water supply valve 110a and supplies tap water of the amount of water corresponding to the detected amount of cloth to the drum 106.

After the water supply step is ended, the controller is a driving tank rotation motor to rotate the drum 106. Thereby, the washing | cleaning process of the laundry in the stirring drum 106 can be performed.

After the washing step is completed, the controller executes the dehydration step, and then executes the rinsing step.

In the flushing step, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110 a and supplies a predetermined amount of tap water into the water tank 105. After that, the controller drives the pump unit 111 to automatically input the amount of softener liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit into the water tank 105 from the softener storage tank 126 in an automatic manner.

Next, after the detergent liquid or the softener liquid is supplied, the controller further supplies tap water to the water channel to wash the detergent or softener remaining in the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 or the water channel. liquid. This can prevent the detergent storage tank 117 and the softener storage tank 126 or the detergent liquid or the softener liquid in the water channel from being fixed.

And, after the rinsing step is completed, the controller executes the dehydration step. With this, a series of washing strokes are completed. [1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid supply method]

Hereinafter, a water supply method and a liquid agent supply method to the water tank 105 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11.

First, in the washing step, tap water is supplied to the water tank 105.

When the tap water is supplied, the controller controls the opening of the first water supply valve 110a, and simultaneously controls the closing of the second water supply valve 110b. The controller sets the detergent-side coil 113d, the softener-side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f to a non-energized state. As a result, the tap water supplied from a faucet such as a water pipe line flows through the first water path 181 shown in FIG. 11 and is supplied to the water tank 105 through the tank storage box 114, the connecting hose 129, and the like.

After the water supply is completed, the controller supplies the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 to the water tank 105. In this case, the controller sets the detergent-side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f to an energized state, and sets the softener-side coil 113i to a non-energized state. Thereby, the detergent storage tank 117 and the suction water path 112h of the pump unit 111 are connected. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the check valve 123b in the cylindrical portion 123 of the detergent storage tank 117 is rotated backward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 flows in the direction of the arrow F and the arrow G in the through hole 123 a of the cylindrical portion 123. As shown in FIG. 11, the detergent liquid flows into the suction water path 112 h of the pump unit 111 through the detergent-side three-way valve 113 a and the softener-side three-way valve 113 b.

Next, the controller is a drive motor 112f that drives the piston pump unit 112, and causes the piston 112e to move up and down within the cylinder 112d. As a result, the state of the negative pressure and the positive pressure is repeated in the cylinder 112d.

At this time, when the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure. As a result, the suction-side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent liquid flows from the gap between the suction-side check valve 164 and the suction water path 112h into the receiving portion 112c (see FIG. 9) in the cylinder 112d. On the other hand, when the piston 112e moves downward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes positive pressure. As a result, the discharge-side check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, as shown by the arrow B in FIG. 6, the detergent liquid in the storage portion 112c in the cylinder is directed from the gap between the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water path 112g toward the branched water path 129a. Discharge downwards. The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branched water path 129a of the connecting hose 129 provided in the vertical direction, and is supplied to the water tank 105 (see FIG. 6).

As described above, a predetermined amount of detergent liquid can be supplied to the water tank 105 by repeating the vertical movement of the piston 112e for a predetermined time.

Here, the second water path 182 communicates with the water tank 105. Generally, in the state where the lid body 102 is opened, the inside of the water tank 105 is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, in the water path through which the liquid agent flows from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105, there is a concern that the liquid agent is dried, fixed, and deposited.

Then, in the washing machine of this embodiment, the discharge water path 112g of the piston pump unit 112 is connected to the branch water path 129a of the connection hose 129. Therefore, the detergent liquid does not pass through the water injection channel 116 of the tank storage tank 114, but is freely dropped and discharged toward the water tank 105 (see arrow B in FIG. 6). Thereby, the distance of the discharge water path 112g can be shortened, and the water path is not complicated. Therefore, the fixation of the detergent liquid in a water path can be suppressed more effectively.

Next, after the completion of the feeding of the detergent liquid, the controller sets the detergent-side coil 113d and the softener-side coil 113i to a non-energized state. At the same time, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). Thereby, the tap water is supplied to the three-way valve unit 113 or the pump unit 111. Therefore, the detergent liquid remaining in the connection hose 129 can be washed with the tap water.

Furthermore, in general, the power of water is weak at the beginning of water supply. Therefore, there is a concern that the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 of the piston pump unit 112 do not move sufficiently and block the water flow of the water supply. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the piston pump unit 112 is driven for a predetermined period of time (for example, 20 seconds) from the start of opening the first water supply valve 110a after the completion of the feeding of the detergent liquid. Drive motor 112f. At this time, the drive motor 112f may be configured to intermittently drive the piston pump unit 112. With the above configuration, the piston 112e of the piston pumping unit 112 can move up and down, so that the receiving portion 112c in the cylinder can be in a state where the positive pressure and the negative pressure are repeated. Thereby, the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165 can be moved sufficiently, and the tap water can be strongly flowed into the pump unit 111. As a result, the detergent liquid remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, the connection hose 129, and the like can be washed more reliably.

Moreover, in the washing machine of this embodiment, the discharge water path 112g of the pump unit 111 is connected to the water tank 105 through the connection hose 129, not via the tank storage box 114. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining and fixed on the water path from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105.

On the other hand, when the softener liquid is supplied from the softener reservoir 126, the controller sets the softener-side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f to an energized state, and sets the detergent-side coil 113d to a non-energized state. The method of supplying the softener liquid and the method of supplying the detergent liquid are the same, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

Here, when a foreign object bites in the opening-closing part of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, there is a possibility that a gap may arise in the opening-closing part of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. At this time, in the state where the first water supply valve 110a is opened, for example, when a power outage or water outage occurs, there is a concern that the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 passes from the opening and closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a The gap flows out, and flows back toward the water supply plug in the second water path 182.

Then, the second water path 182 of the washing machine of the present embodiment is provided with a bypass water path 184 that diverges downward. Further, 114 g of the lower water injection port, which is a water outlet of the bypass water path 184, is disposed below the detergent storage tank 117. As a result, the detergent liquid passing through the detergent-side three-way valve 113a from the above-mentioned detergent storage tank 117 and flowing countercurrently flows to the bypass water path 184 shown by the arrow A4 in FIG. 129 而 流到 水槽 105。 As a result, the detergent liquid can be prevented from flowing back to the water supply plug. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the failure of the water supply plug caused by the backflow. In this case, the tap water flowing through the detour water path 184 flows into the storage tank 114. Therefore, when supplying water, the detergent liquid fixed to the storage tank 114 for washing can also be used.

It should be noted that the case where the softening agent in the softening agent storage tank 126 flows backward is the same as the case of the detergent solution, so the description is omitted. [1-2-3. Supply of detergent and softener to the sink by hand]

A method for supplying powdered detergent or softener to the water tank 105 when the user manually sets the detergent is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 11. This corresponds to a case where the user does not set the automatic liquid injection device 109.

First, when the controller supplies the powdered detergent input into the detergent tank 115 to the water tank 105, the controller controls the opening of the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b at the same time. At this time, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 11, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water passage 181 and is filled with water from the first upper water inlet 114 e toward the detergent storage portion 115 b of the detergent tank 115. Thereby, the powdered detergent in the detergent accommodating part 115b flows into the water tank 105 through the connection hose 129 from the drainage port 114c together with the tap water which has been filled with water.

As shown by arrows A2 and A4 in FIG. 11, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows from the second waterway 182 through the bypass waterway 184 and supplies water from the lower water injection port 114g toward the inner bottom surface of the storage tank 114. . Accordingly, the water injected from the upper side and the water injected from the lower side are supplied to the storage tank 114. As a result, the powdered detergent that has been poured into the detergent storage portion 115b does not remain in the tank storage box 114, but is flushed to the connection hose 129.

On the other hand, when the softener that has been put into the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent tank 115 is supplied to the water tank 105, the controller performs closed control of the first water supply valve 110a and simultaneously performs the second water supply valve 110b. On control. As a result, as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 11, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the third water path 183 and is filled with water from the second upper water inlet 114 f toward the softener storage portion 115 c of the detergent tank 115. Thereby, the water level in the softener storage part 115c rises. In addition, due to the siphon effect produced by the siphon mechanism, the injected softener liquid does not remain in the softener storage portion 115c, but can flow out to the storage tank storage box 114. The softener liquid that has flowed to the tank storage tank 114 flows through the connection hose 129 from the drain port 114c and is supplied into the water tank 105. [1-2-4. Detecting method for remaining amount of liquid agent in detergent storage tank or softener storage tank]

Hereinafter, a method for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 will be described using FIG. 17. The method of detecting the remaining amount of the softener liquid in the softener storage tank 126 is also the same, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of detergent inputs and the output voltage of the linear Hall element in the detergent remaining amount detecting section of the washing machine in the embodiment. In addition, the horizontal axis of FIG. 17 is the number of times the detergent liquid is put into the water tank 105, and the vertical axis is the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. In addition, a solid line a in FIG. 17 shows a change in output voltage when the magnetic material of the N pole approaches the linear Hall element 136, and a broken line b shows a change in the output voltage when the magnetic material of the S pole approaches the linear Hall element 136.

In the following, the following setting is taken as an example to explain: the upper limit value of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is 5V, the lower limit value is 0V, and the magnetic flux density is almost 0 (zero) Wb / m ² The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at this time will be set to 2.5V. In addition, the upper limit value of the linear Hall element 136 may be, for example, 10V, and it may be arbitrarily set as long as it does not hinder detection accuracy.

First, in a state where the detergent storage tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet 134 is far apart. Therefore, the magnetic field lines from the magnet 134 do not reach the linear Hall element 136. Thereby, as shown in the K section of FIG. 17, the linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to 2.5 V in the case where the magnetic flux density is almost 0 (zero) Wb / m ² .

After that, the detergent liquid is repeatedly poured into the water tank 105 from the detergent storage tank 117 in accordance with the washing operation. Thereby, the amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is reduced, and the water level of the detergent liquid is reduced.

When the water level of the detergent liquid decreases, the magnet case 135 floating on the surface of the detergent liquid will also rotate downward. Therefore, the magnet 134 (magnetic body) in the magnet case 135 is close to the linear Hall element 136. Thereby, the amount of magnetic field lines (magnetic flux density) detected by the linear Hall element 136 increases.

At this time, when the linear Hall element 136 receives N-pole magnetism from the magnet 134, as shown by a solid line a in FIG. 17, as the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 decreases, the linear Hall element 136 The output voltage will rise. Furthermore, if the detergent liquid is continuously injected, the magnet case 135 will come into contact with the magnet stopper 137. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will converge to a predetermined value (for example, 4.0V).

On the other hand, when the linear Hall element 136 receives the S-pole magnetism from the magnet 134, as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 17, as the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 decreases, the linear Hall element 136 The output voltage will decrease. Furthermore, if the detergent liquid is continuously injected, the magnet case 135 will come into contact with the magnet stopper 137. Thereby, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will converge to a predetermined value (for example, 1.0V).

As described above, when the remaining amount of the detergent liquid becomes a predetermined value or less, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 converges to a predetermined value. Therefore, when it is necessary to grasp the insufficient amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117, it is desirable to calculate the following delta: the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is put in And the difference between the output voltages after the detergent has been applied in the past. That is, when the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the controller can determine that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

As described above, the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 can be detected.

Hereinafter, a method for determining whether the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank is insufficient will be described using FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining a shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the washing machine in the embodiment.

Here, the storage section includes at least a 0th storage section, a first storage section, a second storage section, and a third storage section. Specifically, the 0th storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is input. The first storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the last detergent input. The second storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the last detergent input. The third storage unit stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is input three times.

Hereinafter, the value stored in the 0th storage section is set to Y, the value stored in the first storage section is set to (Y-1), and the value stored in the second storage section is set to (Y-2), and The value stored in the third storage unit will be described as (Y-3). In addition, the number of consecutive times in which the voltage value of the difference between Y and (Y-3) after the detergent was input is less than 0.1 V is described as CNT.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the washing operation of the washing machine is started, the controller first determines whether the amount of detergent liquid necessary for the washing step has been put in from the detergent storage tank 117 (step S0). When it is determined that the detergent liquid has been charged (YES in step S0), the controller stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the 0th storage unit (step S1).

Next, the controller determines whether the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (for example, 2.0 V) and is within the second predetermined value (for example, 3.0 V) (step S2). When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and is within the second predetermined value (YES in step S2), this corresponds to a situation where the detergent storage tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid. Then, the controller does not perform the detection operation of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid, but saves (Y-2) stored in the second storage section to the third storage section, and stores (Y- The value 1) is stored in the second storage unit, and the value Y stored in the 0th storage unit is stored in the first storage unit (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is smaller than the first predetermined value or larger than the second predetermined value (NO in step S2), the controller calculates Y and three times before. The absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) of the output voltage (Y-3) of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is put in, and it is determined whether the value is 0.1 V or more (step S3).

At this time, when the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) is 0.1 V or more (NO in step S3), the controller may determine that the detergent is rotated by the floating portion 130a, so that the detergent The remaining amount is not insufficient. Then, the controller resets CNT and sets CNT = 0 (step S5). After that, (Y-2) stored in the second storage section is stored in the third storage section, the value of (Y-1) stored in the first storage section is stored in the second storage section, and the 0th storage section is stored. The stored value Y is stored in the first storage unit (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) is less than 0.1V (YES in step S3), the controller can determine the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 Reduced. In addition, the controller increments CNT by +1 (step S4).

Next, the controller determines whether the CNT is 3 or more (step S6). At this time, when the CNT is less than 3 (NO in step S6), the controller saves (Y-2) stored in the second storage section to the third storage section, and stores the data stored in the first storage section. The value of (Y-1) is stored in the second storage section, and the value Y stored in the 0th storage section is stored in the first storage section (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

On the other hand, when the CNT is 3 or more (YES in step S6), the controller may determine that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent storage tank 117 is smaller than a predetermined value. Then, the controller notifies the user that the remaining amount of detergent is less than a predetermined value on the operation display unit 104 (step S7). After that, the controller saves (Y-2) stored in the second storage section to the third storage section, stores the value of (Y-1) stored in the first storage section to the second storage section, and saves the first The value Y stored in the 0 storage section is stored in the first storage section (step S8). Then, the controller ends the determination operation of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid.

With the above, the determination operation of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

Here, when the detergent storage tank 117 is sufficiently filled with the detergent liquid, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet 134 (magnetic body) is relatively large. Therefore, even if the detergent is further put into the detergent storage tank 117, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 will remain unchanged at about 2.5V (equivalent to the K section in FIG. 17). In this case, although the detergent storage tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) is still less than 0.1V. In other words, the controller may erroneously detect that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, when the output voltage Y of the linear Hall element 136 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and is within the second predetermined value (YES in step S2), The controller is configured to operate without detecting the remaining amount of the detergent liquid. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the above situation.

When the magnetism of the magnet 134 received by the linear Hall element 136 is S-pole, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has a waveform as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 17. Therefore, for example, when the magnetism of the linear Hall element 136 is S pole, and Y = 1.0V, (Y-3) = 1.2V, the value of the difference (Y― (Y-3)) becomes ―0.2V, so it becomes smaller than the judgment value, that is, 0.1V. Therefore, although the detergent storage tank 117 is filled with detergent, the controller may still erroneously detect that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient.

Therefore, in order to prevent the above-mentioned erroneous detection, in step S3 of FIG. 18, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) is compared with 0.1V. Thereby, erroneous detection due to the polarity of the magnet 134 can be prevented.

Furthermore, it becomes unnecessary to consider the directivity of the magnetism of the magnet 134 to produce the magnet case 135. Therefore, the man-hours required for the production of the magnet case 135 and the man-hours required for confirmation and inspection can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the magnet case 135.

As described above, the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid can be detected.

In the following, a specific example will be used to describe a method for detecting the shortage of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid after the detergent is repeatedly injected (N-1) times. (Nth detergent input)

First, the output voltage Y of the linear Hall element 136 after the Nth detergent injection is set to approximately 4.0V. The value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit was set to about 3.8V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) becomes 0.2V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is larger than the determination value of 0.1 V in step 3 (corresponding to "No" in step S3 in FIG. 18). Therefore, in step S5 of FIG. 18, the CNT is reset to 0. In step S8, the controller saves the value (Y-2) of the second storage section to the third storage section, stores the value (Y-1) of the first storage section to the second storage section, and The value Y of the 0th storage section is stored in the 1st storage section. (The (N + 1) th detergent input)

Next, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the (N + 1) th detergent input is set to approximately 4.02V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is set to 3.94V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) becomes 0.08V. That is, the absolute value of the difference becomes smaller than the determination value of 0.1 V in step 3 (corresponding to "YES" in step S3 of FIG. 18). Therefore, in step S4, +1 is added to CNT (CNT = 1). After that, the controller determines whether the CNT is 3 or more in step S6.

Since the CNT is 1 this time, the controller will judge that the remaining amount of detergent liquid is not insufficient. In step S8, the controller saves the value (Y-2) of the second storage section to the third storage section, saves the value (Y-1) of the first storage section to the second storage section, and saves the 0th value. The value Y of the storage section is stored in the first storage section.

In a state where the above-mentioned values are stored in each storage section, the controller waits until the next supply of the detergent liquid from the detergent storage tank 117. (The (N + 2) th detergent input)

Next, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the (N + 1) th detergent input is set to about 4.03V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is set to about 3.95V.

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.08V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is less than the determination value of 0.1 V in step 3. Therefore, in step S4, the CNT is further incremented by +1, and becomes 2.

In this case, the CNT is 2, which is still less than the judgment value, which is 3. Therefore, the controller judges that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is not insufficient. In step S8, the controller saves the value (Y-2) of the second storage section to the third storage section, saves the value (Y-1) of the first storage section to the second storage section, and saves the 0th value. The value Y of the storage section is stored in the first storage section.

In a state where the above-mentioned values are stored in each storage section, the controller waits until the next supply of the detergent liquid from the detergent storage tank 117. (The (N + 3) th detergent input)

Next, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the (N + 2) th detergent input is set to about 4.05V, and the value (Y-3) stored in the third storage unit is set to about 3.99V. .

At this time, the absolute value of the difference (Y- (Y-3)) was 0.06V. That is, the absolute value of the difference is less than the determination value of 0.1 V in step 3. Therefore, in step S4, the CNT is further increased by +1, and becomes 3.

At this time, since the CNT is 3, the controller can determine that the liquid amount in the detergent storage tank 117 has become less than a predetermined amount. In addition, the controller displays a message indicating that the remaining amount of the detergent solution is insufficient on the operation display section 104 to notify the user.

After the user confirms that the remaining amount is insufficient, the user can take out the detergent storage tank 117 from the storage part of the storage tank storage box 114 to replenish the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117. As a result, the water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 rises, and the floating portion 130a rotates upward. In this state, the detergent storage tank 117 is installed in the storage portion of the storage tank 114 again. At this time, since the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 is separated, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is close to 2.5V. With this, the controller can determine that the detergent liquid has been replenished in the detergent storage tank 117. Then, the message of insufficient remaining amount of detergent liquid in the operation display unit 104 is cancelled.

As described above, in this embodiment, first, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent liquid is injected and the linear Hall element 136 when the detergent liquid is injected a predetermined number of times (for example, three times before) are calculated. The difference in output voltage.

When the absolute value of the calculated difference is continuously smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 0.1V) a plurality of times (for example, 3 times), the controller may determine that the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 has become smaller than the predetermined amount.

That is, based on the absolute value of the difference from the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in the past, the controller can determine the remaining amount of detergent. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility of inducing misdetection, which is caused by the difference in the configuration of the linear Hall element 136 or the size of the machine, the difference in the structure of the washing machine, etc. False detection.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, and 14B, partition wall ribs 119 a are formed on the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover 119 so as to surround the rotation shaft 131 of the floating portion 130 a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, even when the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is filled to the vicinity of the detergent storage tank cover 119, air still accumulates inside the area surrounded by the partition ribs 119 a. Therefore, the detergent liquid does not flow into the partition ribs 119a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from being attached to the rotating shaft 131 of the floating portion 130a. In addition, even when the detergent storage tank cover 119 is tilted to be placed with the detergent storage tank cover 119 removed from the detergent storage tank 117, the liquid agent adhered to the bottom surface of the detergent storage tank cover 119 It is still blocked by the partition rib 119a so as not to flow to the rotating shaft 131. Thereby, it is possible to prevent defective rotation operation of the rotation shaft 131 due to the fixation of the detergent liquid. As a result, a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid can be suppressed, and a high measurement accuracy can be maintained stably for a long period of time.

A magnet stopper 137 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the detergent storage tank 117, and the magnet stopper 137 abuts the magnet case 135 when the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is determined to be insufficient. Therefore, even in a state where the remaining amount of the liquid agent liquid is insufficient, the liquid agent is further discharged, and the floating portion 130a can be prevented from further rotating downward. Thereby, in a state where the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is insufficient, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not change. As a result, it is possible to prevent the linear Hall element 136 from erroneously detecting that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is not insufficient. [1-3. Effects, etc.]

As described above, the washing machine of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid discharged from the pump unit 111 flows from the cylinder 112d in a downward direction through a discharge water path 112g arranged vertically and is supplied to the water tank 105. Thereby, the liquid agent can be prevented from remaining and fixed in the water path from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105. In addition, the discharge water path 112g is connected to join a connecting hose 129 through which a large amount of water flows. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the detergent from remaining in the water path to the water tank 105. In addition, after the detergent liquid is injected, the first water supply valve 110a is opened to supply water. Thereby, the liquid agent can be suppressed from remaining in the pump unit 111 and the first water path 181.

A suction water path 112h and a discharge water path 112g are provided below the cylinder tube 112d. The suction water path 112h and the discharge water path 112g are each provided with a suction-side check valve 164 and a discharge-side check valve 165. Therefore, after the detergent liquid is discharged, the detergent liquid still remains in the cylinder 112d. Thereby, drying of the liquid agent in the cylinder 112d can be suppressed. As a result, the fixation of the liquid agent in the cylinder 112d can be suppressed.

In addition, after the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is supplied into the water tank 105, the water supply valve is opened for a predetermined time to supply tap water. With this, it is possible to wash the detergent liquid remaining in 112 g of the drain water passage with the tap water.

In addition, after the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 117 is supplied into the water tank 105, the pump unit 111 is driven for a predetermined time after the water supply valve is opened. Thereby, even in a state where the water flow is weak immediately after the water supply is started, the driving force of the piston pump unit 112 can still be used to strengthen the power of the water. Therefore, the detergent liquid remaining in the water path from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105 can be easily washed out by the rotation of the suction-side check valve 164 and the discharge-side check valve 165.

In this embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is taken as an example for description, but it is not limited to this. For example, the same function and effect can be exhibited also in a vertical washing machine.

In addition, in this embodiment, the description is made by comparing the absolute value and the predetermined value of the difference between Y and (Y-3) and determining the insufficient state of the remaining amount of the detergent liquid as an example, but it is not Limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the absolute value of the difference between Y and (Y-1) and a predetermined value may be compared. In addition, for example, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent is input four times may be set to (Y-4), and the absolute value of the difference between Y and (Y-4) may be compared with a predetermined value. Value composition. These structures can also obtain the same action and effect.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention is provided with: a housing; a water tank supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably disposed in the water tank; and a storage tank storage box having a position above the water tank Containment Department. Furthermore, the washing machine includes a storage tank, which is disposed in the storage part of the storage tank storage box and stores the liquid agent; and an automatic liquid agent input device, which automatically supplies the liquid agent in the storage tank to the washing tank. The automatic liquid agent input device is configured to include a pump unit that sucks and discharges liquid agents in a storage tank, and the liquid agents discharged from the pump unit are freely dropped and supplied to the water tank. Thereby, the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit can be prevented from adhering to and fixed to the water path until it is supplied to the water tank.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a detergent box, which is arranged in the storage section of the storage tank storage box and stores powder detergent for manual input; a drain port is formed at the bottom of the storage tank storage box; Pipe to connect the drain to the sink. The connection hose may be configured to be connected to the branch water channel, and the branch water channel is connected to and connected to the discharge water channel of the pump unit. As a result, the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit merges with the connecting hose through which a large amount of water flows. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the liquid agent is fixed in the water path flowing to the water tank.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes a water supply valve provided in the casing and controlling the supply of tap water; and a water path communicating the pump unit and the water supply valve. The water supply valve may be configured to be opened for a predetermined time after the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied into the water tank. With this, each time the liquid agent in the storage tank is put into the water tank, the liquid water supply path can be cleaned. As a result, the liquid agent can be more reliably prevented from being fixed in the supply water path.

The washing machine of the present invention may be configured to drive the pump unit for a predetermined period of time after the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied into the water tank, and the water supply valve is opened. Thereby, even if the water pressure is low at the start of water supply, the water pressure can still be increased by the driving force of the piston pump. As a result, the liquid agent remaining in the water channel can be easily cleaned.

The washing machine of the present invention may be configured to open and close the water supply valve intermittently for a predetermined time after the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied into the water tank. Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in a water path can be cleaned more reliably. Industrial availability

The washing machine of the present invention can supply a detergent liquid or the like to a water tank without passing through a drain water passage (a pipe, a rubber hose, or the like) or a detergent storage portion. Therefore, it is useful for the use of the washing | cleaning machine etc. which are desired to solve the residue of a drain liquid etc. on a discharge water path, etc.

100‧‧‧Washing machine

101‧‧‧shell

102, 114a‧‧‧ Lid

103‧‧‧ Clothing input and export

104‧‧‧Operation display

105‧‧‧Sink

106‧‧‧ drum (washing tank)

106a‧‧‧ Baffle

109‧‧‧Liquid automatic input device

110‧‧‧ water supply

110a‧‧‧The first water supply valve (water supply valve)

110b‧‧‧Second water supply valve (water supply valve)

110c‧‧‧ Water Supply Road

111‧‧‧Pump unit

111a‧‧‧Frame

111b‧‧‧ detergent side tube

111c, 117f‧‧‧ liner

111e‧‧‧ protruding rib

111f‧‧‧ softener side tube

112‧‧‧Piston pump unit

112a, 133‧‧‧ connecting rod

112b‧‧‧cam

112c‧‧‧ Containment Department

112d‧‧‧cylinder

112e‧‧‧Piston

112f‧‧‧Drive motor

112g‧‧‧Discharge waterway

112h‧‧‧Intake waterway

112i, 112j‧‧‧Inner wall surface

113‧‧‧Three-way valve unit

113a‧‧‧ detergent side three-way valve

113b‧‧‧Three-way valve

113c‧‧‧ Detergent side spring

113d‧‧‧ Detergent side coil

113e‧‧‧ Detergent side plunger

113f‧‧‧ Detergent side valve body

113h‧‧‧softener side spring

113i‧‧‧ softener side coil

113j‧‧‧Soft side plunger

113k‧‧‧ softener side valve body

113l‧‧‧ detergent side cylinder

113m‧‧‧soft side cylinder

114‧‧‧ storage tank storage box

114b‧‧‧ opening

114c‧‧‧drain

114d‧‧‧Insertion hole

114e‧‧‧The first upper water inlet

114f‧‧‧ 2nd upper water inlet

114g‧‧‧ Lower water inlet

115‧‧‧ Detergent tank

115a‧‧‧next door

115b‧‧‧Detergent storage

115c‧‧‧ Softener Storage Section

116‧‧‧ Water injection channel

117‧‧‧ Detergent storage tank (storage tank)

117a‧‧‧ rear wall

117b‧‧‧ protrusion

117d‧‧‧1st rib

117e‧‧‧ 2nd rib

117g‧‧‧grip

118‧‧‧Top opening

119‧‧‧ Detergent Tank Cover

119a‧‧‧ rib next door

120‧‧‧ underside

121‧‧‧ card hook

121a‧‧‧Establishment Department

121b‧‧‧Extended Department

122‧‧‧Grid widget

122a, 123a‧‧‧through hole

122b‧‧‧ snap rib

122c, 164a, 165a‧‧‧ convex

122d‧‧‧ bottom

122e‧‧‧claw

123‧‧‧ tube

123b‧‧‧Check valve

124‧‧‧ Waterway

126‧‧‧ Softener Storage Tank (Storage Tank)

128‧‧‧ Softener Tank Cover

129‧‧‧connecting hose

129a‧‧‧Different waterways

130‧‧‧The first remaining amount detection section

130a‧‧‧Floating Department

131‧‧‧rotating shaft

134‧‧‧Magnet (magnetic body)

135‧‧‧Magnet case

135a‧‧‧Cap

135b‧‧‧ support

135c‧‧‧Retaining rib

136‧‧‧Linear Hall Element (Magnetic Sensor)

137‧‧‧Magnet stop

163‧‧‧Damper

164‧‧‧Check valve on the suction side

164b, 165b‧‧‧Spring

165‧‧‧Discharge side check valve

181‧‧‧The first waterway

182‧‧‧ 2nd waterway

183‧‧‧3rd waterway

184‧‧‧Circular waterway

a, b, c, d‧‧‧ opening

e‧‧‧ discharge port

A1 ~ A4, B ~ H, X1 ~ X9‧‧‧arrow

S0 ~ S8‧‧‧step

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a liquid agent automatic charging device for a washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the liquid medicine automatic charging device of the washing machine in the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the liquid medicine automatic input device of the washing machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a left cross-sectional view of the liquid medicine automatic input device of the washing machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid medicine automatic input device of the washing machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the tap water is supplied to the washing machine in the embodiment. FIG.

Fig. 8B is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the detergent liquid is supplied to the washing machine in the embodiment.

8C is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when the softener liquid is supplied to the washing machine in the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a pump unit of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a main part of a detergent tank of the washing machine in the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid agent automatic charging device for a washing machine in the same embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent tank of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover to which the floating portion of the washing machine in the embodiment is attached.

FIG. 14A is a schematic side sectional view showing a remaining amount detecting section of the washing machine in the embodiment. FIG.

Fig. 14B is a schematic view of the bottom surface of the detergent tank cover to which the floating portion of the washing machine in the embodiment is attached.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a remaining amount detection unit in a state where the detergent storage tank of the washing machine in the embodiment is filled with detergent liquid.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the detected magnetic force of the linear Hall element and the output voltage.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of detergent inputs and the output voltage of the linear Hall element in the detergent remaining amount detecting section of the washing machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining a shortage of the remaining amount of detergent in the washing machine in the embodiment.

Claims (5)

A washing machine is provided with: a casing; a sink supported in the aforementioned casing; a laundry sink disposed in the aforementioned sink in a rotatable manner; a storage tank receiving box disposed above the sink and having a receiving space A storage tank, which is disposed in the storage section of the storage tank storage box and stores a liquid agent; and an automatic liquid input device for automatically supplying the liquid solution in the storage tank to the laundry tank, and The liquid agent automatic input device is configured to include a pump unit that sucks and discharges the liquid agent in the storage tank, and the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit is freely dropped and supplied to the water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, comprising: a detergent box, which is disposed in the receiving section of the storage tank storage box and stores powder detergent for manual input; a drainage port formed in the storage tank storage box; A bottom; and a connecting hose that connects the drain port and the water tank, and the connecting hose is configured to be connected to a branched waterway, and the branched waterway is connected to a drain waterway of the pump unit. For example, the washing machine of claim 1 or 2 includes: a water supply valve provided in the housing and controlling the water supply of tap water; and a water path connecting the pump unit and the water supply valve, and the water supply valve is After the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied into the water tank, it is configured to be opened for a predetermined time. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the pump unit is configured to drive the liquid agent in the storage tank into the water tank and then drive the water supply valve within a predetermined time after opening the water supply valve. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the water supply valve is configured to intermittently perform an opening and closing operation after a predetermined period of time after the liquid agent in the storage tank is supplied to the water tank.