JP7045609B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of automatically charging a detergent or the like and detecting information on a remaining amount of detergent.

Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that automatically charges a liquid agent such as a detergent solution or a liquid softener.

This washing machine has a housing, a water tank that is elastically and vibration-proof supported in the housing, a drum that is rotatably supported in the water tank, and an automatic liquid charging device that automatically charges the liquid in the tank into the drum. It is equipped with a liquid agent remaining amount detection unit that detects the liquid agent remaining amount in the tank. The liquid agent remaining amount detection unit includes a detector that is rotatably provided in the tank and floats on the liquid surface, and a detector that detects the detector.

The detector can detect the remaining amount of the liquid in the tank by detecting the position of the detector to be rotated according to the change in the water level of the liquid.

China Utility Model No. 204112111

However, in the washing machine having the above-mentioned conventional configuration, even if the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the tank is insufficient, the float floating on the liquid surface in the tank rotates downward due to the discharge of the liquid agent. As a result, even though the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor changes due to the discharge of the liquid agent, and there is a possibility that it is erroneously detected that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is not insufficient. ..

The present invention prevents the output voltage of the magnetic sensor from changing due to the discharge of the liquid agent even though the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, and it is erroneously detected that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is not insufficient. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention has a housing forming an outer shell, a water tank supported by elastic vibration isolation in the housing, and rotatably arranged in the water tank. A washing tub with a cylindrical bottom, a tank with an opening at the top to store the liquid, a tank lid that opens and closes the opening, a liquid supply device that automatically supplies the liquid in the tank to the water tank, and a liquid residue in the tank. The remaining amount detecting means is provided with a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount, and the remaining amount detecting means is provided on the back surface of the tank lid so as to be rotatable, a float floating on the liquid surface in the tank, and the float. It has a detected unit and a detection unit that detects the detected unit, and the float has a link, a rotation shaft provided at the upper end of the link, and the covered portion provided at the lower end of the link. It is composed of a magnet box which is a detection unit, and a receiving portion which is a U-shaped rib protruding downward is formed on the outer and lower surfaces of the magnet box, and the receiving portion is projected upward on the inner bottom surface of the tank. A stopper that comes into contact with the portion is arranged, and the contact portion of the stopper with the receiving portion is rounded in accordance with the U-shape of the receiving portion, and the float is the water level of the liquid in the tank. As the float is lowered, it rotates and descends in a predetermined direction, and the float is tinged with the surface of the U-shaped rib of the receiving portion and the roundness of the stopper protruding upward above the lowest position. It is configured so that it comes into contact with the surface.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the float from rotating downward, so that the output voltage of the magnetic sensor changes even though the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, and it is falsely detected that the remaining amount of liquid agent is not insufficient. It can be prevented from being done.

According to the present invention, even though the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor changes due to the discharge of the liquid agent, and it is erroneously detected that the remaining amount of the liquid agent is not insufficient. Can be prevented.

External perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. Right side view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Left side view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Left sectional view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Front sectional view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An exploded perspective view of a main part of the liquid agent automatic charging device of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying tap water of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (b) When supplying the detergent solution of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the water tank. Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit, (c) Schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when the softener liquid of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is supplied to the water tank. Sectional drawing of the pump unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Back view of detergent tank and fabric softener tank Cross-sectional view of the tank storage case with the detergent tank and fabric softener tank attached Enlarged view of the E1 part of FIG. Rear sectional view of the tank storage case with the detergent tank and fabric softener tank attached. FF sectional view of FIG. Top view of the detergent tank and the detergent tank lid of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) GG sectional view in the state where the float is not attached to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid of FIG. 17, and (b) the GG sectional view in the state of attaching the float to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid of FIG. HH sectional view in the state where the filter of FIG. 17 is not attached. Cross-sectional view of the detergent tank showing the line of sight when users of different heights of the washing machines in the first embodiment of the present invention look into the inside of the detergent tank from the openings. Enlarged sectional view of a main part of the detergent tank and the detergent side three-way valve of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the filter of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) JJ sectional view of FIG. 22, and (b) enlarged view of the E2 portion of FIG. 22. A block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Top view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. KK sectional view of FIG. 25 An exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank lid, and the float of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Downward exploded perspective view of the detergent tank lid and float of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Relationship between the magnetic flux density received by the linear Hall element and the output voltage of the linear Hall element Schematic diagram of the lower surface of the detergent tank lid to which the float of the washing machine is attached according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Schematic side sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float of the washing machine and the linear Hall element in the first embodiment of the present invention. A schematic side sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent solution is lower than that in FIG. 32. A schematic side sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent solution is lower than that in FIG. 33. FIG. 34 is a schematic side sectional view showing the positional relationship between the float and the linear Hall element when the water level of the detergent solution is lower than that of FIG. 34. Diagram of Relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart for determining the insufficient amount of detergent remaining in the washing machine and determining the defect in the detergent tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A time chart showing the states of the detergent side coil, the softener side coil, the drive motor, the first water supply valve, and the drainage pump in the "care mode" of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine in the first invention includes a housing forming an outer shell, a water tub supported by elastic vibration isolation in the housing, and a bottomed cylindrical washing tub rotatably arranged in the water tub. A tank having an opening at the top to store the liquid, a tank lid that opens and closes the opening, a liquid supply device that automatically supplies the liquid in the tank to the water tank, and a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid in the tank. The remaining amount detecting means is provided with a float rotatably provided on the back surface of the tank lid and floating on the liquid surface in the tank, a detected portion provided on the float, and the detected portion. The float has a detection unit for detecting a portion, and the float is composed of a link, a rotation shaft provided at the upper end of the link, and a magnet box which is the detected portion provided at the lower end of the link. A receiving portion that is a U-shaped rib projecting downward is formed on the outer and lower surfaces of the magnet box, and a stopper that projects upward and comes into contact with the receiving portion is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the tank. The contact portion of the stopper with the receiving portion is rounded in accordance with the U-shape of the receiving portion, and the float is in a predetermined direction as the water level of the liquid in the tank drops. When the float is above the lowest position, the surface of the U-shaped rib of the receiving portion and the rounded surface of the stopper protruding upward come into contact with each other. It is configured in.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the float from rotating downward, so that the output voltage of the magnetic sensor changes even though the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, and it is falsely detected that the remaining amount of liquid agent is not insufficient. It can be prevented from being done.

Further , it is possible to prevent the float from wobbling from side to side while the float and the stopper are in contact with each other. Further, the float can be guided by a stopper so as to rotate to a desired position.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy of the following description and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[table of contents]
1. 1. Embodiment 1
1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of washing machine 1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid charging device 1-1-3. Configuration of bath water pump 1-1-4. Configuration of remaining amount detecting means 1-2. Operation, action 1-2-1. Washing operation 1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid agent supply method using an automatic liquid agent charging device 1-2-3. How to supply manually added detergent and fabric softener to the aquarium 1-2-4. Action of backflow prevention device 1-2-5. Cleaning the connection between the detergent tank and the automatic liquid charging device 1-2-6. Method for detecting insufficient remaining amount in the detergent tank 1-2-7. Detergent tank failure detection method 1-2-8. Maintenance of the connection point between the tank and the automatic charging device and the liquid agent supply channel 1-3. Effects, etc. 2. Other Embodiments (Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 38.

[1-1. Constitution]
[1-1-1. Washing machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the housing 101, which is the outer shell of the washing machine 100, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 105 (water tank) is elastically vibration-proofed by a plurality of suspensions (not shown) and a damper 163. It is supported. A bottomed cylindrical drum 106 (washing tub) is rotatably arranged in the water tub 105. A plurality of baffles 106a are provided on the inner wall surface of the drum 106. By rotating the drum 106 at a low speed, the baffle 106a can provide a stirring operation such as hooking clothes, lifting them upward, and dropping them. A plurality of small holes (not shown) are formed on the peripheral surface of the drum 106. At the bottom of the water tank 105, a tank rotation motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the drum 106 is arranged.

A clothing inlet / outlet 103 opened for loading / unloading clothing is formed on the front surface of the housing 101. A lid 102 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101. The lid 102 covers the clothes loading / unloading port 103 so as to be openable / closable. By opening the lid 102, clothes can be thrown into the drum 106 from the clothes loading / unloading port 103.

A liquid agent automatic charging device 109 (liquid agent supply means) is provided above the water tank 105 of the housing 101. Regarding the configuration of the liquid agent automatic charging device 109, see [1-1-2. Configuration of automatic liquid charging device] will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lid 114a that can be opened and closed is provided on the upper portion of the housing 101. The detergent tank 117 (tank) and the softener tank 126 (tank) can be detachably attached by opening the lid 114a.

An operation display unit 104 including an operation unit for operating the operation and a display unit for displaying the operation state is arranged on the upper portion of the lid 102.

The housing 101 is provided with a controller (not shown) that controls a tank rotation motor or the like and sequentially executes a series of steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The controller has a cloth amount determination unit (not shown) and a liquid agent input amount calculation unit (not shown). The cloth amount determination unit provides, for example, a function of classifying laundry up to 10 kg into about 10 stages according to the torque current value when the tank rotation motor is rotated at a constant rotation speed. In addition, the amount of water used for washing is determined according to the result of determining the amount of cloth. The liquid agent charging amount calculation unit calculates the detergent charging amount and the flexible seat charging amount from the cloth amount detected by the cloth amount determining unit.

The washing machine 100 is provided with a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit comprises, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit stores various setting information related to the washing operation, including a detergent type storage unit (not shown) for storing information regarding the detergent type.

[1-1-2. Configuration of liquid agent automatic charging device 109]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is the present invention. The right side view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is the left side view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is the left side view of the present invention. A left sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the automatic liquid agent charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the present invention. An exploded perspective view of a main part of the detergent liquid charging device of the washing machine according to the first aspect, FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying the softening agent liquid of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. (C) is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent solution of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the pump unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view, FIG. 10 (a) is a schematic view of a three-way valve unit when supplying tap water of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 (b) is a schematic view of the three-way valve unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A schematic diagram of the three-way valve unit when supplying the detergent liquid of the washing machine to the water tank, FIG. 10 (c) shows the three-way valve unit when supplying the softening agent liquid of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the water tank. 11 is a sectional view of a pump unit of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a back view of a detergent tank and a softener tank, and FIG. 13 is a detergent tank and a softener tank. Cross-sectional view of the tank storage case in the attached state, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the E1 portion of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a rear sectional view of the tank storage case in the state where the detergent tank and the softener tank are attached. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a top view of the detergent tank and the detergent tank lid of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18A is the detergent tank lid of FIG. GG cross-sectional view with no float attached to the lower surface, FIG. 18B is a GG cross-sectional view with the float attached to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 shows. HH sectional view in the state where the filter of FIG. 17 is not attached, FIG. 20 shows the case where users of different heights of the washing machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention look into the inside of the detergent tank from the openings. A cross-sectional view of the detergent tank showing the line of sight, FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the detergent tank of the washing machine and the detergent-side three-way valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A perspective view of the filter of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of Ming, FIG. 23 (a) is a sectional view taken along the line JJ of FIG. 22, FIG. 23 (b) is an enlarged view of the E2 portion of FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 is an enlarged view. , A block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a top view of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a top view of FIG. 25. KK sectional view, FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent tank, the detergent tank lid, and the float of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 is provided above the water tank 105 of the housing 101. The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 includes a water supply device 110, a pump unit 111, a three-way valve unit 113 (switching means), and a tank storage case 114 in which a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are mounted.

(Water supply device 110)
The water supply device 110 is provided on the upper part of the housing 101 and includes a water supply channel 110c, a first water supply valve 110a (water supply valve), and a second water supply valve 110b.

One end of the water supply channel 110c communicates with the faucet via 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 channel through which tap water flows can be controlled. The water channel of tap water will be described in (Structure of water injection case 116 and configuration of water channel).

(Three-way valve unit 113)
The three-way valve unit 113 is a unit that selectively discharges the liquid agent of the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent of the softener tank 126 mounted on the tank storage case 114 to the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 9, 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, and a softener-side coil 113i.

As shown in FIG. 10, a water channel 124 for flowing a detergent liquid or a softener liquid to the pump unit 111 is provided. The three-way valve unit 113 can control the flow of water in the water channel 124. The water channel 124 communicates with the detergent side cylinder portion 111b communicating with the detergent tank 117 and the softener side cylinder portion 111f communicating with the softener tank 126 in the front. The water channel 124 also communicates with the second water channel 182 and the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 10, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a selectively switches between the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid flowing from the detergent tank 117, and one of them is the softener-side three-way valve. It is configured to supply to 113b.

The detergent-side three-way valve 113a will be described with reference to FIG. The detergent-side three-way valve 113a includes a detergent-side cylinder 113l, a detergent-side plunger 113e provided in the detergent-side cylinder 113l and reciprocating back and forth, and a detergent-side valve body 113f provided at the front end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. One end is located on the rear wall of the detergent-side cylinder 113l, and the other end is composed of a detergent-side spring 113c located at the rear end of the detergent-side plunger 113e. The detergent side cylinder 113l has an opening a formed at the front end portion. A detergent-side coil 113d is provided around the detergent-side cylinder 113l.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, when the detergent side coil 113d is not energized, the detergent side plunger 113e receives a forward urging force from the detergent side spring 113c and the detergent side valve. The body 113f is configured to close the opening b formed at the rear end of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. Therefore, the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f. Further, since the opening a is open, the tap water flowing into the water channel 124 in the direction of the arrow X1 in the second water channel 182 passes through the opening a (arrow X2), and the softener side three-way valve 1
It flows to 13b (arrow X3).

As shown in FIG. 10B, 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 against the urging force of the detergent side spring 113c due to the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. As a result, the opening b is opened. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 passes through the opening b and flows to the softener-side three-way valve 113b as shown by arrows X5 and X6. Further, since the opening a is closed by the detergent side valve body 113f, the flow of tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f.

As described above, the detergent-side three-way valve 113a can switch between the flow of tap water from the second water channel 182 and the flow of the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117, and selectively supply the softener-side three-way valve 113b. can.

The softener side three-way valve 113b selectively switches between the flow of the liquid flowing from the detergent side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid flowing from the softener tank 126, and one of them is sent to the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112. It is configured to supply.

Similar to the detergent side three-way valve 113a, the softener side three-way valve 113b also has the softener side cylinder 113m, the softener side plunger 113j provided in the detergent side cylinder 113l and reciprocating back and forth, and the front end of the softener side plunger 113j. It is composed of a softener side valve body 113k provided in the portion, and a softener side spring 113h having one end located on the rear wall of the softener side cylinder 113m and the other end located at the rear end of the softener side plunger 113j. Ru. The softener side cylinder 113m is configured so that the liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a flows in. The softener side cylinder 113m has an opening c at the front end. Around the softener side cylinder 113m, a softener side coil 113i is provided so as to cover the softener side plunger 113j.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the softener side coil 113i is not energized, the softener side plunger 113j receives a forward urging force of the softener side spring 113h. As a result, the opening d formed at the rear end of the softener side cylinder portion 111f is closed by the softener side valve body 113k. Therefore, the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126 is blocked by the softener side valve body 113k that closes the opening d. Further, since the opening c is open, the detergent solution or tap water supplied from the detergent side three-way valve 113a to the softener side three-way valve 113b is a piston pump from the opening c as shown by arrows X4 and X7. It flows into the suction water channel 112h of the unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 10 (c), when the softener side coil 113i is energized, the softener side plunger 113j moves backward against the urging force of the softener side spring 113h due to the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. As a result, the opening d is opened. Therefore, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows from the opening d to the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112 as shown by arrows X8 and X9. Further, since the opening c is closed by the softener side valve body 113k, the flow of the liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a is blocked by the softener side valve body 113k.

As described above, the softener side valve body 113k can switch between the flow of the liquid from the detergent side three-way valve 113a and the flow of the softener liquid from the softener tank 126, and selectively supply the liquid to the suction water channel 112h. can.

With the above configuration, when both the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i are de-energized as shown in FIG. 10A, tap water in the second water channel 182 passes through the three-way valve unit 113. Is supplied to the piston pump unit 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 10 (b),
When the detergent side coil 113d is energized and the softener side coil 113i is de-energized, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the piston pump unit 112 via the three-way valve unit 113. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the detergent side coil 113d is de-energized and the softener side coil 113i is energized, the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 passes through the three-way valve unit 113 to the piston. It is supplied to the pump unit 112.

(Pump unit 111)
The pump unit 111 is a unit for sucking the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 and discharging it to the water tank 105.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pump unit 111 is composed of an outer frame 111a and a piston pump unit 112 provided in the outer frame 111a.

The outer frame 111a is made of resin and surrounds and protects the piston pump unit 112. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer frame 111a is arranged between the water supply device 110 and the tank storage case 114.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 21, the detergent side cylinder portion 111b is stretched forward and backward below the front surface of the outer wall of the outer frame 111a. As shown in FIG. 21, the front end portion of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b is inserted into the cylinder portion 123 formed on the lower rear wall of the detergent tank 117. A plurality of separated packings 111c are provided on the front outer peripheral surface of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 21, a protruding rib 111e extending in the forward direction is formed in front of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. The rear end of the detergent side cylinder 111b is connected to the water channel 124 as shown in FIG. The water channel 124 communicates with the suction water channel 112h of the pump unit 111.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a softener side cylinder portion 111f extending forward and backward is formed below the front surface of the outer wall of the outer frame 111a. The softener side cylinder portion 111f extending forward from the outer frame 111a is inserted into a cylinder portion (not shown) formed on the lower rear wall of the softener tank 126. As shown in FIG. 10, the rear end portion of the softener side cylinder portion 111f is communicated with the water channel 124.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the piston pump unit 112 is provided in the cylinder 112d, the suction water passage 112h in which the liquid agent flows into the cylinder 112d, the discharge water passage 112g in which the liquid agent is discharged from the cylinder 112d, and the cylinder 112d. It has a piston 112e that can reciprocate up and down, and a drive motor 112f that drives the piston 112e.

The cylinder 112d is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape, and a piston 112e is arranged inside the cylinder 112d so as to be able to reciprocate up and down. The piston 112e is connected to the drive motor 112f via the link 112a and the cam 112b. With the above configuration, the rotation of the drive motor 112f is transmitted to the piston 112e via the link 112a and the cam 112b, and the piston 112e moves up and down.

A suction water channel 112h and a discharge water channel 112g are communicated with each other and attached to the lower portion of the cylinder 112d. By disposing the suction water channel 112h and the discharge water channel 112g below the piston 112e, the liquid agent discharged by the piston 112e is vigorously discharged downward.

The suction water channel 112h communicates with the discharge port e of the water channel 124, and is a water channel in which the liquid discharged from the softener side three-way valve 113b is sucked into the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder 112d.

A check valve 164 on the suction side is provided in the suction water channel 112h. The suction-side check valve 164 has a convex portion 164a formed at the lower portion. The suction water channel 112h is provided with a spring 164b that urges the suction side check valve 164 downward. As a result, the convex portion 164a comes into contact with the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h, so that the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, but does not move downward beyond the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h. It has become.

The discharge water channel 112g is a water channel into which the liquid in the cylinder 112d is discharged, and is connected to the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129 as shown in FIG.

A check valve 165 on the discharge side is provided in the discharge water channel 112g. The discharge-side check valve 165 has a convex portion 165a formed on the upper portion thereof. The discharge water channel 112g is provided with a spring 165b that urges the discharge side check valve 165 upward. Therefore, since the convex portion 165a comes into contact with the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g, the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward, but does not move upward beyond the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g. ing.

When the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the accommodating portion 112c of the cylinder 112d becomes a negative pressure, and an upward force is applied to the suction side check valve 164. When the upward force generated by the suction side check valve 164 due to the negative pressure is larger than the resultant force between the gravity of the suction side check valve 164 and the elastic force of the spring 164b, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward. A gap is formed between the convex portion 164a and the inner wall surface 112i of the suction water channel 112h. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the three-way valve unit 113 flows from the gap through the suction water channel 112h and flows into the cylinder 112d.

When the piston 112e moves downward, the pressure inside the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder becomes positive, and a downward force is applied to the discharge side check valve 165. The resultant force of the gravity of the discharge side check valve 165 and the downward force generated by the discharge side check valve 165 due to the downward movement of the piston 112e is the elasticity of the upward spring 165b of the discharge side check valve 165. If it is greater than the force, the discharge check valve 165 moves downward. As a result, a gap is created between the convex portion 165a and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water channel 112g, so that the liquid in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder flows from the gap through the discharge water channel 112g and is discharged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water channel 112g is communicated with the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129. The connecting hose 129 is a hose that communicates the drain port 114c of the tank housing case 114 with the water tank 105. As a result, when the piston 112e moves downward, the liquid agent in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged from the discharge water channel 112g to the water tank 105 via the connecting hose 129.

As described above, by repeating the vertical movement of the piston 112e, the detergent liquid of the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid of the connecting hose 129 can be sucked into the pump unit 111 and discharged to the water tank 105.

Further, the intake water channel 112h, the discharge water channel 112g, and the branch water channel 129a are formed in a substantially vertical direction.

(Tank storage case 114)
The tank storage case 114 is a container having a storage portion having an open upper surface. As shown in FIG. 4, a detergent tank 117 and a softener tank 126 are detachably attached to the rear of the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. A detergent case 115 is detachably attached to the front of the storage portion of the tank storage case 114.

As shown in FIG. 21, an insertion hole 114d is formed in the lower rear wall of the tank housing case 114. The detergent side cylinder portion 111b of the pump unit 111 is inserted into the insertion hole 114d.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, linear Hall elements 136 (detectors) are provided on the left and right side walls of the tank housing case. The linear Hall element 136 is configured by an analog method.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a lower water injection port 114 g is formed in the lower part of the side wall of the tank storage case 114. The lower water injection port 114g communicates with the detour water channel 184, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, a drain port 114c is formed at the bottom of the tank storage case 114. The drain port 114c is connected to one end of the connecting hose 129. The other end of the connecting hose 129 is swingably connected to the water tank 105. As shown in FIG. 5, in the connecting hose 129, the branch water channel 129a branches in the vertical direction from the middle. The branch water channel 129a communicates with the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111.

(Detergent tank 117, fabric softener tank 126)
The detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 are containers having a top opening 118 at the top.

As shown in FIG. 27, a detergent tank lid 119 (tank lid) that covers the upper surface opening 118 so as to be openable is attached to the upper portion of the detergent tank 117 provided with the packing 117f on the upper peripheral edge of the detergent tank 117. When the detergent tank lid 119 is attached to the upper part of the detergent tank 117, the packing is crushed and can be fixed in a watertight manner. As a result, even if the detergent tank 117 is tilted sideways, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid inside from spilling. The packing may be provided not on the detergent tank 117 side but on the detergent tank lid 119 side.

As shown in FIG. 27, the detergent tank lid 119 has an opening 139 formed in front thereof. Further, the detergent tank lid 119 is provided with a small window 119b that covers the opening 139 so as to be openable and closable.

As shown in FIG. 21, a tubular portion 123 extending inward (forward) is formed below the rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117. A check valve 123b is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 123. The check valve 123b is urged rearward by a spring (not shown). In the natural state, the check valve 123b presses the inner peripheral wall of the cylinder portion 123 to prevent a gap from being formed, so that the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is prevented from leaking from the cylinder portion 123.

When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the detergent side cylinder portion 111b of the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 is inserted into the cylinder portion 123. At this time, the protruding rib 111e of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b pushes the check valve 123b forward, so that a gap is created between the check valve 123b and the inner wall of the cylinder portion 123, as shown by the arrow I in FIG. The detergent solution can be discharged from the cylinder portion 123 to the three-way valve unit 113. Further, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank storage case 114, the check valve 123b is urged rearward by a spring, and there is no gap between the check valve 123b and the inner circumference of the cylinder portion 123. As a result, even when the tank storage case 114 is pulled out from the detergent tank 117, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from leaking from the detergent tank 117.

Further, when the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b are kept watertight by the packing 111c. As a result, when the detergent tank 117 is attached, the detergent liquid does not leak from the cylinder portion 123 of the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage case 114, and the detergent liquid having a desired amount of water can be discharged.

As shown in FIG. 27, a grip portion 117 g is formed on the front outer wall surface of the detergent tank 117. The grip portion 117g is provided at a distance from the wall surface of the detergent tank 117. The user can pull out the detergent tank 117 from the inside of the tank storage case 114 by grasping the grip portion 117 g and pulling the detergent tank 117 toward the front. Further, the user can insert a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117 g and the detergent tank 117 from above or from below. Further, the grip portion 117g can be gripped by inserting a finger into the gap between the grip portion 117g and the detergent tank 117 from above and also from below.

When the detergent tank 117 inserted into the storage portion of the tank storage case 114 is to be pulled out by grasping the grip portion 117g from below, the wrist becomes cramped because it is necessary to put the wrist in the narrow space of the detergent case 115 storage portion. .. On the other hand, by inserting a finger from above into the gap between the grip portion 117 g and the detergent tank 117, the detergent tank 117 can be easily pulled out without the wrist becoming cramped.

As shown in FIG. 12, a recess 117k recessed upward is formed on the bottom surface behind the detergent tank 117. A receiving portion 117h extending rearward is formed on the peripheral edge of the recess 117k on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117. The receiving portion 117h is composed of a stretched portion 117i extending rearwardly and a protruding portion 117j formed at the rear end portion of the stretched portion 117i. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, two guide ribs 114h are formed on the bottom surface 120 of the tank storage case 114 at positions sandwiching the receiving portion 117h with the detergent tank 117 mounted.

When the detergent tank 117 is attached to the tank storage case 114, the detergent tank 117 is pushed backward with the detergent tank 117 inserted in the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the protrusion 117j of the receiving portion 117h enters the guide rib 114h between the guide ribs 114h, and the receiving portion 117h and the guide rib 114h are fitted and fixed.

If the detergent tank 117 is not completely attached to the tank storage case 114, the detergent liquid will leak from the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. As a result, a desired amount of detergent solution cannot be supplied to the water tank 105, which adversely affects the washing performance.

In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 117 can be reliably mounted on the tank storage case 114 by fitting the receiving portion 117h into the two guide ribs 114h. Further, when the user attaches the detergent tank 117 to the tank storage case 114, it is necessary to forcefully push the detergent tank 117 backward so that the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h. When the protrusion 117j passes between the guide ribs 114h, the feeling of resistance when pushing the detergent tank 117 is weakened. Since the user can grasp that the receiving portion 117h is securely inserted into the guide rib 114h by this click feeling, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from leaking from the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, and the desired amount can be suppressed. The detergent solution can be supplied to the water tank 105. In addition, the guide rib 114h also plays a role of positioning when the detergent tank 117 is inserted.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of fixing the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage case 114 by the receiving portion 117h and the two guide ribs 114h sandwiching the receiving portion 117h has been described, but the present invention is limited to this. I can't. It suffices if the detergent tank 117 can be attached to the tank storage case 114 by snap-fitting by pushing it backwards. For example, the tank accommodating case 114 may be formed with a ring-shaped stop portion that fits with the receiving portion 117h.

As shown in FIG. 18, on the inner wall surface of the detergent tank 117, a first vertical rib 138a, a second vertical rib 138b, and a third vertical rib 138c extending upward from the bottom surface are formed apart from each other. The second vertical rib 138b is located behind the first vertical rib 138a and is formed to be shorter in length. The third vertical rib 138c is located behind the second vertical rib 138b and is formed to be shorter in length.

The user confirms the length of the water surface of the detergent liquid inside the detergent tank 117 and the upper ends of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c, so that the user can check the length inside the detergent tank 117. You can grasp the approximate remaining amount of detergent solution. Also, depending on how many vertical ribs are visible, the remaining amount of detergent can be easily grasped. For example, if the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are all visible, it can be grasped that the remaining amount of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is large, and only the third vertical rib 138c is available. If it is invisible, it can be understood that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient.

As shown in FIG. 19, the float 130a is formed with a gap in the left-right direction with respect to the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c. Further, the float 130a is configured so as not to rotate forward of the third vertical rib 138c. As a result, when the user looks into the opening 139 with the small window 119b open, the float 130a makes the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c invisible. Is being prevented.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are aligned with the line of sight when the user in front of the washing machine looks into the detergent tank 117 from the small window 119b. The length of the window is formed so that the front side is longer and the rear side is shorter. As a result, when the user looks into the opening 139 from the front with the small window 119b open, the upper ends of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c are visually recognized from the small window 119b. can. In addition, the upper ends of the first vertical rib 138a, the second vertical rib 138b, and the third vertical rib 138c can be visually recognized by both a short person and a tall person.

Since the softener tank 126 has the same configuration as the detergent tank 117, the explanation is omitted.

(Filter 122)
As shown in FIG. 27, the filter 122 is detachably provided in the detergent tank 117. The filter 122 is made of resin, and through holes (not shown) penetrating the front and back are formed in a mesh pattern. Since the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filtered by the filter 122, it is possible to prevent the adhered substances of the detergent liquid from being clogged in the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b.

Further, since the detergent liquid is generally highly viscous, if the filter 122 is horizontally arranged inside the detergent tank 117, the detergent liquid may not pass through the through hole of the filter 122 and may remain or stick to the surface of the filter 122. If the detergent solution remains or sticks to the surface of the filter 122, there is a risk that an appropriate amount of the detergent solution will not be discharged from the detergent tank 117. Further, when the detergent liquid closes the through hole of the filter 122, an air pool is generated in the space below the filter 122 inside the detergent tank 117, and the pump unit 111 idles, so that the desired amount of detergent liquid cannot be discharged. There is a risk.

In this embodiment, the filter 122 is diagonally installed in the detergent tank 117. Further, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the filter 122 is formed on a plurality of vertical ribs 122e that are stretched and formed in a direction inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when attached to the detergent tank 117, and on the back surface of the vertical ribs 122e. A plurality of horizontal ribs 122f that are arranged and intersect with the vertical ribs 122e are configured in a grid pattern. With the above configuration, the detergent liquid adhering to the surface of the filter 122 flows toward the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117 in the direction along the vertical rib 122e. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent solution from remaining and sticking to the surface of the filter 122. Further, the detergent liquid that has passed through the through hole of the filter 122 flows downward through the lateral rib 122f and flows down from the tip end portion of the lateral rib 122f. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detergent solution adhering to the filter 122 from blocking the through hole of the filter 122.

As shown in FIG. 18, the filter 122 is formed by bending the lower end 122d while being mounted in the detergent tank 117. Further, an engaging claw 122g is formed on the back surface of the filter 122. The engaging claw 122g is formed of a extending rib 122b extending toward the back surface of the filter 122 and a convex portion 122c formed on the tip end portion of the extending rib 122b so as to be convex rearward.

As shown in FIG. 18, a hooking portion 121 is formed on the bottom surface 120 of the detergent tank 117. The hook portion 121 is engaged with the lower end 122d of the filter 122. On the rear wall 117a of the detergent tank 117, a protruding portion 117b protruding inward of the detergent tank 117 is formed. The protrusion 117b is engaged with the protrusion 122c of the filter 122. With the above configuration, the filter 122 can be engaged and fixed in an oblique direction.

Hereinafter, a method of attaching / detaching the filter 122 and the detergent tank 117 will be described.

When installing the filter 122 in the detergent tank 117, the filter 122 is pushed backward in FIG. 18 with the lower end 122d of the filter 122 engaged with the hook portion 121 of the detergent tank 117 and the lower end 122d as a fulcrum. Engage with the engaging claw 122g and the protrusion 117b. As a result, the filter 122 is held in the detergent tank 117.

Further, when removing the filter 122 from the detergent tank 117, the filter 122 can be pushed backward in FIG. 18 to disengage the engagement claw 122g and the protrusion 117b, and the filter 122 can be pulled out from the detergent tank 117. can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, a downward extending rib 122a is formed below the filter 122. As shown in FIG. 21, a lower recess 117c is formed in the vicinity of the cylinder portion 123 on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so that the detergent liquid can be discharged even if the remaining amount of the detergent liquid is small. The downward extending rib 122a is configured to prevent foreign matter such as a liquid agent adhering substance from entering the lower recessed portion 117c.

(Detergent case 115)
As shown in FIG. 4, a detergent case 115 is detachably provided in front of the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 of the tank storage case 114. As shown in FIG. 7, the detergent case 115 is in contact with the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126. Therefore, by attaching the detergent case 115, the detergent case 115 pushes the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126 backward. By pushing the detergent tank 117 backward, the detergent side cylinder portion 111b can be reliably inserted into the cylinder portion 123, and the detergent liquid can be prevented from leaking. Similarly, the softener tank 126 can be reliably mounted in the tank storage case 114 by being pushed backward by the detergent case 115, and leakage of the softener can be prevented.

The detergent case 115 is a container having an open upper surface, and a partition wall 115a is formed therein. The partition wall 115a divides the storage portion of the detergent case 115 into a detergent storage portion 115b and a softener storage portion 115c. The user manually injects the powder detergent into the detergent accommodating portion 115b and the softener into the softener accommodating portion 115c.

A discharge port (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the detergent case 115. The liquid agent flowing from the discharge port is supplied to the water tank 105 via the tank housing case 114 and the connecting hose 129. As shown in FIG. 11, when the powder detergent charged in the detergent accommodating portion 115b is washed away, the first water supply valve 110a is opened. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and the water injection channel, and is injected from the first upper water injection port 116b into the detergent accommodating portion 115b, as shown by the arrow A1 in FIG.

The softener accommodating portion 115c is provided with a conventionally known siphon mechanism. When flowing the softener liquid charged into the softener accommodating portion 115c, the second water supply valve 110b is opened. As a result, tap water flows through the third water channel 183 and is injected from the second upper water injection port 116c into the softener accommodating portion 115c, as shown by the arrow A3 in FIG. Then, the water level in the softener accommodating portion 115c rises, and due to the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism, the softener liquid charged in the softener accommodating portion 115c can be completely flowed into the water tank 105 without leaving.

(Structure of water injection case 116 and configuration of water channel)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a water injection case 116 through which tap water flows is arranged above the tank storage case 114. The water injection case 116 and the tank storage case 114 are fixed by engaging the claw portion 116a of the water injection case 116 with the engaging portion 114m of the tank storage case 114.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water injection case 116 communicates with a water injection channel communicating with the first water supply valve 110a and a water injection channel communicating with the second water supply valve 110b. Further, in the water injection case 116, a first upper water injection port 116b and a second upper water injection port 116c are formed in front of the water injection case 116. The first upper water injection port 116b and the second upper water injection port 116c communicate with the water injection channel. Further, the water injection case 116 is formed with a third upper water injection port 116d at the rear.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the first water channel 181 the water flowing in from the first water supply valve 110a flows through the water injection channel of the water injection case 116, and enters the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent case 115 from the first upper water injection port 116b. It is a waterway to be injected with water. When the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a, tap water flows through the first water channel 181 and is injected into the detergent accommodating portion 115b from the first upper water injection port 116b.

As shown in FIG. 24, the first water channel 181 branches off from the second water channel 182 on the upstream side of the water injection case 116. The second water channel 182 is a water channel that flows into the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129 via the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111.

In the second channel 182, the detour channel 184 branches downward on the upstream side of the three-way valve unit 113. The detour channel 184 communicates with the lower water inlet 114 g of the tank storage case 114. The detergent side three-way valve 113a is clogged with foreign matter, or the detergent side three-way valve 113a deteriorates over time, the opening and closing part of the detergent side three-way valve 113a does not close completely, and the detergent liquid of the detergent tank 117 enters the second water channel 182. Even in the case of backflow, the backflowing liquid agent flows to the detour waterway 184, so that it is possible to prevent backflow to the faucet.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the third water channel 183, tap water flowing from the second water supply valve 110b flows through the water injection channel of the water injection case 116, and the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent case 115 from the second upper water injection port 116c. It is a waterway where water is injected inside. When the controller opens the second water supply valve 110b, tap water flows through the third water channel 183 and is injected into the softener accommodating portion 115c from the second upper water injection port 116c.

As shown in FIG. 24, the third water channel 183 branches from the branch water channel 185 at the third branch point 183a. The branch channel 185 communicates with the third upper water injection port 116d. A part of the tap water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows through the branch water channel 185, and the third upper water injection port 116 is in the direction of arrow D in FIG.
Water is injected from d toward the inclined surface 114j. The injected water flows on the inclined surface 114j toward the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b.

(Backflow prevention device 170)
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention device of the liquid agent automatic charging device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 24, a backflow prevention device 170 is provided on the upstream side of the first branch point 181a of the first water channel 181. Even if the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 flows back through the second water channel 182 due to a power failure or water outage, the backflow prevention device 170 prevents the liquid agent from flowing back to the faucet. can.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper lid 177 covers the upper part of the outer frame 111a. As shown in FIG. 26, the water passage 171 is formed in the space surrounded by the upper portion of the outer frame 111a and the upper lid 177. The water that has passed from the water supply channel 110c to the first water supply valve 110a flows through the water supply channel 171 from the rear to the front.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 26, the aspirator 172 is arranged in the water passage 171. The aspirator 172 is welded and fixed to the lower part of the upper lid 177. The aspirator 172 has a substantially quadrangular cross section, and is formed so that the inner diameter increases toward the front and the rear.

In the water passage 171, there are an inlet 173 on the upstream side of the aspirator 172, a negative pressure generating part 174 which is a water channel formed in the aspirator 172 and having a narrow inner diameter, and a negative pressure generating part 174 on the downstream side of the aspirator 172. A drainage channel 175 having a wider inner diameter than the above is formed. The height dimension L1 of the inlet 173 is, for example, 12.12 mm, the height dimension L2 of the negative pressure generating portion 174 is, for example, 1.9 mm, and the height dimension L5 of the outlet 175 is, for example, 15 mm, and negative pressure is generated. The inner diameter of the portion 174 is formed to be narrower than that of the inlet 173 and the inlet 173. With the above configuration, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the water passage 171 becomes high in the negative pressure generating portion 174 where the water channel diameter is narrow due to the Venturi effect.

An intake hole 174a is formed in the negative pressure generating portion 174 of the aspirator 172. The diameter L3 of the intake hole 174a is formed, for example, with a diameter of 2.5 mm. The upper lid 177 is formed with a protruding portion 177a having a cavity 177d inside so as to surround the intake hole 174a. As shown in FIG. 25, the protruding portion 177a is formed with a connecting portion 177b through which the inside penetrates. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the opening 177c formed at the end of the connection portion 177b is connected to one end of the atmosphere introduction hose 176. The other end of the atmosphere introduction hose 176 communicates with the upper part of the tank storage case 114 at the connection port 176a. The tank storage case 114 is open to the atmosphere. With the above configuration, the negative pressure generating portion 174 communicates with the tank accommodating case 114 via the intake hole 174a. Therefore, the negative pressure generating portion 174 is opened to the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 26, the height of the upper part of the inner circumference of the aspirator 172 is higher in the water channel on the downstream side of the intake hole 174a than in the water channel on the upstream side of the intake hole 174a. As a result, a step m is formed between the downstream water channel of the intake hole 174a and the upstream water channel of the intake hole 174a. In the present embodiment, the height dimension of the step m is formed to be 0.9 mm.

As shown in FIG. 26, a chamfer 174b is formed on the peripheral edge of the intake hole 174a of the negative pressure generating portion 174. The chamfer 174b is formed so that the diameter decreases from the protruding portion 177a side toward the negative pressure generating portion 174 side.

[1-1-3. Configuration of bath water pump]
As shown in FIG. 3, a bath water pump 140 that absorbs bath water is arranged behind the tank storage case 114. The bath water in the bathtub is sucked up by the bath water pump 140 through the bath water hose and supplied to the water tank 105.

As shown in FIG. 24, the first water channel 181 is formed by branching at the second branch point 181b in the water injection case 116, and is formed with one end of the auxiliary hose 141 at the water injection case hole (not shown) on the rear wall of the water injection case 116. Communicate. The other end of the auxiliary hose 141 communicates with the suction port (not shown) of the bath water pump 140. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge port (not shown) of the bath water pump communicates with one end of the discharge hose 142, and the other end of the discharge hose 142 is formed on the rear wall of the tank housing case 114. It communicates with the hole 114k.

As a result, during the washing step, the water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows from the second branch point 181b to the auxiliary hose 141 and becomes auxiliary water for the bath water pump 140. Further, when the inside of the bath water pump is filled with auxiliary water, the bath water is absorbed and flows into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k through the discharge hose 142 (arrow A in FIG. 3), and the rear inclined surface 114j is shown. It flows in the direction of arrow B in 3 and in the direction of arrow E in FIG.

By disposing the bath water pump 140 at a position facing the water injection case hole and the hole 114k, the auxiliary hose 141 and the discharge hose 142 can be shortened.

[1-1-4. Configuration of remaining amount detection means]
28 is a downward exploded perspective view of the detergent tank lid and the float of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the detergent tank of the washing machine. It is a relationship diagram of the magnetic flux density received by a linear Hall element and the output voltage of a linear Hall element.

The liquid agent automatic charging device 109 includes a first remaining amount detecting means 130 for detecting the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 and a second remaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount of the softening agent in the softener tank 126 (not shown). ) Is provided.

The first remaining amount detecting means 130 includes a float 130a and a linear Hall element 136. Since the second remaining amount detecting means has the same configuration as the first remaining amount detecting means 130, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Float 130a)
As shown in FIG. 28, the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 is formed in parallel with the position where the first bearing portion 119c (bearing portion) and the second bearing portion 119e (bearing portion) are separated from each other. The first bearing portion 119c is formed with a first hole 119d (insertion hole), and the second bearing portion 119e is formed with a second hole 119f (insertion hole).

As shown in FIG. 28, the float 130a is composed of a link 133, a rotation shaft 131 provided at the upper end of the link 133, and a magnet box 135 provided at the lower end of the link 133. The rotation shaft 131 is composed of a first rotation shaft 131a that is rotatably inserted into the first hole 119d and a second rotation shaft 131b that is rotatably inserted into the second hole 119f. .. By inserting the first rotation shaft 131a into the first hole 119d and inserting the second rotation shaft 131b into the second hole 119f, the float 130a is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119. Can be done.

The second hole 119f is configured to have a larger hole diameter than the first hole 119d.
The first rotation shaft 131a is configured to fit the first hole 119d, and the second rotation shaft 131b is configured to fit the second hole 119f.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally inserting the first rotation shaft 131a into the second hole 119f and inserting the second rotation shaft 131b into the first hole 119d.

The height of the first bearing portion 119c is configured to be higher than the height of the second bearing portion 119e. Further, a stopper rib 132 is formed in the vicinity of the second rotation shaft 131b of the float 130a. When the first rotating shaft 131a is inserted into the second hole 119f and the second rotating shaft 131b is inserted into the first hole 119d, the stopper rib 132 abuts on the first bearing portion 119c, so that the float 130a Does not rotate. This makes it possible to know that the user has erroneously attached the float 130a.

A notch portion 119n is formed in the second bearing portion 119e into which the second rotation shaft 131 in which the stopper rib 132 is formed is inserted. When the first rotating shaft 131a is inserted into the second hole 119f and the second rotating shaft 131b is inserted into the first hole 119d, the stopper rib 132 abuts on the first bearing portion 119c, so that the float 130a Does not rotate. This makes it possible to know that the user has erroneously attached the float 130a.

As shown in FIG. 27, the magnet box 135 has a hollow inside, and the magnet box 135 is a closed hollow container. A first magnet 134a (detected portion) and a second magnet 134b (detected portion) are provided in the magnet box 135. The first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are covered with a magnet box 135 and a cover 135a in a sealed state so that the detergent solution does not adhere to the magnet 134. A holding rib (not shown) for holding the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b is formed in the magnet box 135. Further, since the inside of the magnet box 135 is hollow, the magnet box 135 itself has buoyancy. Therefore, the float 130a is configured to float on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 and rotate in response to a change in the water level of the detergent liquid.

As shown in FIG. 28, a U-shaped receiving portion 135b is provided below the magnet box 135. Further, a magnet stopper 137 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to come into contact with the receiving portion 135b with the amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient in the remaining amount of detergent. The contact portion of the magnet stopper 137 with the receiving portion 135b is rounded in accordance with the U-shaped receiving portion 135b.

When the water level of the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 drops, the float 130a rotates downward, but when the receiving portion 135b and the magnet stopper 137 come into contact with each other, the float 130a rotates downward from the magnet stopper 137. Can be prevented. As a result, even if the liquid level is further lowered from the predetermined amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient in the detergent tank 117, the magnet box 135 does not rotate downward and the output of the linear Hall element 136 is obtained. The voltage does not change.

The U-shaped receiving portion 135b comes into contact with the magnet stopper 137 on a surface, so that the receiving portion 135b can be supported by the magnet stopper 137 from rattling back and forth and left and right. Further, even when the float 130a is displaced to the left or right, the U-shaped receiving portion 135b acts as an invitation to the magnet stopper 137, and the magnet box 135 is guided to a desired position.

(Linear Hall element 136)
As shown in FIG. 5, the linear Hall element 136 is provided at the lower part of the outer surface of the left and right side walls of the tank housing case 114, respectively. The linear Hall element 136 outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic flux density.

Generally, the linear hole element 136 has the characteristics as shown in FIG. The horizontal axis of FIG. 30 is the magnetic flux density detected by the linear Hall element 136, and the vertical axis of FIG. 30 is the output voltage value of the linear Hall element 136.

When the magnetic flux density detected by the linear Hall element 136 is close to 0 Wb / m2, the linear Hall element 136 outputs 1 / 2Vdd (V), which is half of the maximum output voltage Vdd (V). When the magnetic material whose magnetism is N pole approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the N pole, and the output voltage becomes larger than 1 / 2Vdd (in the direction of arrow O in FIG. 30). .. On the other hand, when the magnetic material whose magnetism is N pole approaches the linear Hall element 136, the linear Hall element 136 strongly detects the magnetic force of the S pole, and the output voltage becomes smaller than 1 / 2Vdd (arrow N direction in FIG. 30). ).

Since the linear Hall element 136 is provided at the lower part of the outer side wall of the tank housing case 114, when the water level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 117 drops, the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the magnet box 135 becomes shorter. The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 changes.

If the linear Hall element 136 is arranged on the outer bottom surface side of the detergent tank 117, the detergent accumulates on the outer bottom surface of the detergent tank 117, so that it cannot be detected that the amount of detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 has decreased. On the other hand, if the linear Hall element 136 is provided on the side wall of the tank housing case 114, the detergent flows down along the outer surface of the side wall, so that the above-mentioned false detection can be prevented.

[1-2. Operation, action]
The operation and operation of the washing machine in the above configuration are shown below.

[1-2-1. Washing operation]
The operation of the washing operation in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The washing operation of the washing machine 100 includes a "washing process" in which clothes are immersed in washing water and the drum 106 is rotated to remove stains, a "rinsing process" in which clothes soaked in detergent water are rinsed with water, and clothes containing water. There is a "dehydration step" for dehydrating clothes, and a "drying step" for supplying warm air to the drum 106 to dry clothes in the drum 106.

Before washing, the user puts the detergent liquid into the detergent tank 117 and the softener liquid into the softener tank 126 in advance.

When refilling the detergent tank 117 with the detergent solution, the lid 114a is opened and the detergent tank 117 is removed. Next, the detergent tank lid 119 is opened, and the detergent solution is poured into the detergent tank 117.

Similarly, when the softener liquid is replenished in the softener tank 126, the lid 114a is opened and the softener tank 126 is removed. Next, the softener tank lid 128 (tank lid) is opened, and the softener liquid is poured into the softener tank 126.

Further, the lid 114a, the detergent tank lid 119, and the softener tank lid 128 are configured to be opened and closed while being rotated up and down by a hinge. Therefore, by closing the lid 114a with the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 open, the detergent tank lid 119 and the softener tank lid 128 can also be closed.

When washing, the user opens the lid 102 and throws clothes into the drum 106 from the clothes loading / unloading port 103. Next, the operation display unit 104 is operated to turn on the power switch, and various washing courses and washing conditions such as easy washing and rinsing and dehydration are set. The washing courses that can be set are "wash only", "rinse only", "dehydration only", etc.

Hereinafter, the driving operation in the "washing course" will be described.

In the "washing course", the controller controls to sequentially execute the cloth amount determination step, the water supply step, the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step. In the cloth amount determination step, the cloth amount determination unit measures the torque current value when the tank rotation motor is repeatedly rotated in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction at a constant rotation speed in the cloth amount detection, thereby forming the inside of the drum 106. Detects the amount of cloth. Next, the pump unit 111 is driven, and the amount of detergent liquid calculated by the liquid agent charging amount calculation unit is charged from the detergent tank 117 into the drum 106. After that, the first water supply valve 110a is opened, and a water supply step of supplying tap water having an amount of water corresponding to the amount of cloth into the drum 106 is executed.

After the water supply step is completed, the washing step of stirring the laundry in the drum 106 is executed by driving the tank rotation motor and rotating the drum 106. After the washing process is complete, the controller performs a dehydration and then a rinsing process. In the rinsing step, the first water supply valve 110a is opened, a predetermined amount of tap water is supplied into the water tank 105, and then the pump unit 111 is driven to soften the amount of the softening agent liquid calculated by the liquid agent input amount calculation unit. It is supplied from the agent tank 126 into the water tank 105. In addition, after supplying the detergent solution and the softening agent solution, tap water is supplied to wash the channel of the detergent and the softening agent solution.

When the rinsing process is complete, the dehydration process is performed and the washing course is completed.

[1-2-2. Water supply method and liquid agent supply method using an automatic liquid agent charging device]
Hereinafter, a water supply method and a method of supplying the liquid agent to the water tank 105 will be described.

In the washing process, tap water is first supplied to the water tank 105.

As shown in FIG. 24, when supplying tap water, the controller opens the first water supply valve 110a and closes the second water supply valve 110b. Further, the detergent side coil 113d, the softener side coil 113i, and the drive motor 112f are de-energized. As a result, tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is supplied to the water tank 105.

After the water supply is completed, the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the controller energizes the detergent side coil 113d and the drive motor 112f, and energizes the softener side coil 113i. As a result, the detergent tank 117 and the suction water channel 112h of the pump unit 111 communicate with each other. Since the check valve 123b moves rearward, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 flows from the cylinder portion 123 to the pump unit 111 via the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the softener side three-way valve 113b. It flows into the suction water channel 112h.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the piston 112e reciprocates up and down in the cylinder 112d due to the driving force of the drive motor 112f. As a result, negative pressure and positive pressure are repeated in the cylinder 112d. When the piston 112e moves upward, the inside of the cylinder 112d becomes negative pressure, the suction side check valve 164 moves upward, and the detergent solution enters the cylinder 112d through the gap between the suction side check valve 164 and the suction water channel 112h. It flows into the accommodating portion 112c. Piston 112e
Moves downward, the pressure inside the cylinder 112d becomes positive, and the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward. Therefore, the detergent liquid in the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder is discharged directly downward toward the branch water passage 129a from the gap between the discharge side check valve 165 and the inner wall surface 112j of the discharge water passage 112g (arrow in FIG. 7). C direction). The discharged detergent liquid flows through the branch water passage 129a of the connecting hose 129 and is supplied to the water tank 105.

As described above, the piston 112e repeatedly moves up and down for a predetermined time to supply a predetermined amount of detergent solution to the water tank 105.

Here, the second water channel 182 communicates with the water tank 105, but when the lid 102 is open, the inside of the water tank 105 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, there is a possibility that the liquid agent dries, sticks, and accumulates in the water channel of the liquid agent from the piston pump unit 112 to the water tank 105.

In the present embodiment, since the discharge water channel 112g of the pump unit 111 is connected to the branch water channel 129a of the connecting hose 129, it freely falls straight downward toward the water tank 105 without passing through the water injection channel of the water injection case 116. Is discharged (arrow C in FIG. 7). As a result, the distance of the discharge water channel is short and the water channel is not complicated, so that the sticking of the detergent liquid can be suppressed.

After the addition of the detergent solution is completed, as shown in FIG. 10A, the controller de-energizes the detergent-side coil 113d and the softener-side coil 113i, and opens the first water supply valve 110a for a predetermined time. As a result, the water flowing from the first water channel 181 to the second water channel 182 flows into the three-way valve unit 113 and the pump unit 111. As a result, the detergent liquid remaining on the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connecting hose 129 can be washed away.

Further, at the start of water supply, since the momentum of water is weak, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve 165 may not move and the flow of water to be supplied may be obstructed. Therefore, the drive motor 112f may be driven for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) after the first water supply valve 110a is started to be opened. With the above configuration, the piston 112e reciprocates up and down, and the inside of the accommodating portion 112c in the cylinder is in a state where positive pressure and negative pressure are repeated. Therefore, the suction side check valve 164 and the discharge side check valve The 165 can be moved to allow tap water to flow into the pump unit 111. Therefore, the detergent liquid remaining on the three-way valve unit 113, the pump unit 111, and the connecting hose 129 can be washed away.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge water channel 112 g of the pump unit 111 communicates with the water tank 105 via the connecting hose 129 without passing through the tank accommodating case 114. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining and sticking to the water channel from the pump unit 111 to the water tank 105.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the softener liquid is supplied from the softener tank 126, the softener side coil 113i and the drive motor 112f are energized, and the detergent side coil 113d is controlled to be non-energized. do. Since the method of supplying the softener solution is the same as the method of supplying the detergent solution, the explanation is omitted.

Further, if a foreign substance is caught in the opening / closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a, there is a possibility that a gap is formed in the opening / closing portion of the detergent-side three-way valve 113a. If a power failure or water outage occurs with the first water supply valve 110a open, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 will flow through the gap between the opening and closing parts of the detergent side three-way valve 113a, and the inside of the second water channel 182 will be directed toward the water tap. There is a risk of backflow.

Here, as shown in FIG. 24, in the second waterway 182, the detour waterway 184 is branched downward, and the lower water injection port 114g, which is the water outlet of the detour waterway 184, is located below the detergent tank 117. is doing. Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing back from the detergent tank 117 flows to the detour water passage 184, and flows to the water tank 105 via the tank storage case 114 and the connecting hose 129 (arrow A4). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 from flowing back to the water tap and causing the water tap to break down.

Further, since the tap water flowing through the detour water channel 184 flows into the tank storage case 114, it can also be used to wash away the detergent liquid adhering to the tank storage case 114 at the time of water supply.

Since the same applies to the case where the softener in the softener tank 126 flows back, the description thereof is omitted.

[1-2-3. How to supply manually added detergent and fabric softener to the aquarium]
Hereinafter, a method of supplying the powder detergent or the softener manually added to the detergent case 115 to the water tank 105 when the manual addition of the detergent is set will be described.

As shown in FIG. 24, when the powdered detergent charged in the detergent case 115 is supplied to the water tank 105, the first water supply valve 110a is opened and the second water supply valve 110b is closed. As a result, as shown by the arrow A1 in FIG. 24, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the first water channel 181 and is injected from the first upper water injection port 116b toward the detergent storage portion 115b of the detergent case 115. The powder detergent in the detergent accommodating portion 115b flows from the drain port 114c through the connecting hose 129 and is supplied into the water tank 105. Further, the tap water supplied to the first water channel 181 is taken from the second water channel 182 at the first branch point 181a. The tap water flowing through the second water channel 182 flows in the detour water channel 184 as shown by the arrow A4 in FIG. 24, and is supplied from the lower water injection port 114 g toward the inner bottom surface of the tank storage case 114. The water injected from the upper side and the water injected from the lower side can wash the powder detergent to the connecting hose 129 without remaining in the tank housing case 114.

When the softener charged in the detergent case 115 is supplied to the water tank 105, the first water supply valve 110a is controlled to be closed and the second water supply valve 110b is controlled to be open. As a result, the tap water supplied from the faucet flows through the third water channel 183 and is injected from the second upper water injection port 116c toward the softener accommodating portion 115c of the detergent case 115 as shown by the arrow A3 in FIG. .. Then, the water level in the softener accommodating portion 115c rises, and due to the siphon effect of the siphon mechanism, the softener liquid charged in the softener accommodating portion 115c can be discharged to the tank accommodating case 114 without leaving. The softener liquid flowing out to the tank storage case 114 flows from the drain port 114c through the connecting hose 129 and is supplied into the water tank 105.

[1-2-4. Action of backflow prevention device]
Hereinafter, the operation of the backflow prevention device 170 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 26, the negative pressure generating portion 174 is formed so that the inner diameter of the water channel is narrower than that of the water inlet channel 173 and the water outlet channel 175. When tap water passes through the negative pressure generating section 174, the flow velocity becomes high, so that the inside of the negative pressure generating section 174 becomes in a negative pressure state as compared with the inlet channel 173 and the outlet channel 175 due to the Venturi effect.

Here, when the atmospheric pressure is P0 (N / m2) and the water pressure when tap water flows in the inlet 173 is P + P0 (N / m2), the tap water is increased by flowing in the negative pressure generating portion 174. When the dynamic pressure becomes P (N / m2) or more, the static pressure in the negative pressure generating portion 174 becomes atmospheric pressure P0 (N / m2) or less. Further, since the tank housing case 114 is open to the atmosphere, the pressure on the atmosphere introduction hose 176 side of the intake hole 174a is P0 (N / m2).

Since the fluid flows from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side, if the water channel diameter of the aspirator 172 is designed so that the static pressure in the negative pressure generating portion 174 is equal to or less than the atmospheric pressure P0 (N / m2), the water passage 171 The tap water flowing through the water flows from the intake hole 174a to the drainage channel 175 without flowing out to the protrusion 177a of the upper lid 177. On the other hand, since air is introduced into the negative pressure generating portion 174 from the intake hole 174a opened to the atmosphere, the tap water flowing through the drainage channel 175 is in a gas-liquid mixed state.

When the water supply channel becomes in a negative pressure state due to a power failure or water outage, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 or the softener liquid in the softener tank 126 may flow back to the water tap side. In this case, by introducing air from the intake hole 174a into the negative pressure generating portion 174 via the air introduction hose 176 opened to the atmosphere, it is possible to cut off the communication of tap water between the inlet channel 173 and the outlet channel 175. As a result, the tap water in the water passage 171 can be separated from the intake hole 174a on the inlet 173 side and the intake hole 174a on the outflow channel 175 side, so that the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 downstream of the outflow channel 175 can be separated. , It is possible to prevent the softening agent liquid in the softening agent tank 126 from flowing back to the water supply.

Further, in the negative pressure generating portion 174, a step m is formed so that the inner diameter of the water channel on the downstream side of the intake hole 174a is wider than that on the upstream side of the intake hole 174a. As a result, the tap water flowing through the water passage 171 collides with the peripheral edge of the intake hole 174a, a turbulent flow is generated in the flow of the tap water, and it is possible to suppress the flow from the intake hole 174a into the cavity 177d of the protrusion 177a.

Further, the peripheral edge of the intake hole 174a is formed with a chamfer 174b whose diameter becomes narrower toward the negative pressure generating portion 174. As a result, even if water splashes from the intake hole 174a to the atmosphere introduction hose 176 during water flow, the water droplets flow down on the chamfer 174b toward the negative pressure generating portion 174, so that the intake hole 174a can be prevented from being blocked.

Further, the aspirator 172 is composed of one component. As a result, the backflow prevention device 170 can be configured with a simple structure, so that performance deterioration due to assembly variation can be prevented. In addition, the risk of failure due to continued use of the backflow prevention device 170 can be reduced.

[1-2-5. Cleaning the connection between the detergent tank and the automatic liquid charging device]
When powder detergent is manually charged into the detergent storage unit 115b, the softener is manually charged into the softener storage unit 115c, and washing is performed in the manual washing mode, the detergent and the softener are discharged from the drain port 114c of the tank storage case 114 to the water tank 105. Is supplied to. At this time, the detergent and the softener may remain in the tank storage case 114 even after the washing is completed. Here, when the detergent or softener adheres to and adheres to the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, which is the connecting portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109, when the detergent tank 117 is pulled out from the tank storage case 114. There is a possibility that the adhered matter adhering to the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent side cylinder portion 111b may enter the detergent supply water channel of the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 from the cylinder portion 123 and cause pressure loss in the water channel. Further, a adhered substance such as a liquid agent may adhere to the packing 111c between the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, and the watertightness of the connecting portion may be impaired. As a result, there is a concern that the required amount of detergent liquid cannot be discharged from the required amount of detergent tank 117, and the washing performance and rinsing performance may deteriorate. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly maintain the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109. However, as shown in FIG. 3, since the water injection case 116 is provided at the upper part of the tank storage case 114, the tank It is difficult to clean the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b near the rear wall of the storage case 114, which is a burden on the user.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, during water supply in the washing step, the water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows into the auxiliary hose 141 at the first branch point 181a, and is discharged from the bath water pump 140. It flows through the hose 142 and flows into the tank storage case 114 through the hole 114k behind the tank storage case 114 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. The water injected into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k flows through the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the tank storage case 114 as shown by the arrow B in FIG. 3 and the arrow E in FIG. It flows toward the cylinder portion 123 which is the connecting portion of the charging device 109 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b.

With the above configuration, the water injected from the hole 114k can wash away the dirt on the connection portion between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 each time water is supplied, so that the user does not need to perform regular maintenance. Further, since the dirt adhering to the packing 111c can be washed away, the watertightness of the connecting portion between the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b is maintained, and the required amount of detergent liquid can be discharged to the water tank 105 without leaking the detergent liquid. Further, since the residue can be prevented from entering the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, the pressure in the water channel can be prevented from being lost, and the required amount of detergent liquid can be stably discharged. Further, since the water injected from the hole 114k is supplied to the water tank 105 from the drain port 114c through the connecting hose 129, the water used in the washing step is used to move around the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. Can be cleaned. Further, since a dedicated water supply valve for washing away dirt behind the tank storage case 114 and hoses constituting the water channel are not required, the cost can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 24, at the time of water supply in the rinsing step, the water flowing through the third water channel 183 flows into the branch water channel 185 at the third branch point 183a. The water flowing through the branch water channel 185 flows into the rear of the tank storage case 114 from the third upper water injection port 116d as shown by the arrow D in FIG. While flowing through the inclined surface 114j on the rear side surface of the tank storage case 114, it flows toward the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b which are the connecting portions of the tank storage case 114 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109, and flows toward the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder. The area around the portion 111b can be washed away. As a result, the same effect as water supply during the washing process can be obtained.

When the "bath water course" for supplying bath water to the water tank 105 is selected in the washing process, the bath water pump 140 operates after the automatic detergent injection is completed, and the water is supplied from the first water supply valve 110a to the first water channel 181. A part of the water flows from the auxiliary hose 141 to the bath water pump 140 at the second branch point 181b. When water flows into the bath water pump 140, one end communicates with the bath water pump 140, and the other end fills a hose (not shown) in the bath water of a bathtub (not shown) with tap water. When the bath water pump 140 is driven in this state, the bath water in the bathtub flows through the hose and is absorbed into the bath water pump. As shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3, the absorbed bath water flows into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k at the rear of the tank storage case 114 via the discharge hose 142. The bath water that has flowed into the tank storage case 114 flows through the inclined surface 114j, and flows toward the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b, which are the connecting portions between the detergent tank 117 and the liquid agent automatic charging device 109. As a result, the residue of the detergent liquid adhering to the vicinity of the cylinder portion 123 and the detergent side cylinder portion 111b can be washed away.

Further, a "tank storage case maintenance course" for cleaning the rear wall of the tank storage case 114 and the vicinity of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b with the detergent tank 117 removed from the tank storage case 114 may be provided. When "Tank storage case maintenance course" is selected, the first water supply valve 110a is opened for a predetermined time. As a result, tap water flows through the first water channel 181 and at the second branch point 181b through the auxiliary hose 141, the bath water pump 140, and the discharge hose 142, and flows into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k. The water flowing into the tank storage case 114 can flow along the inclined surface 114j in the direction of the arrow B to wash away the rear of the tank storage case 114 and the vicinity of the detergent side cylinder portion 111b.

Further, tap water injected into the tank storage case 114 from the hole 114k flows on the inclined surface 114j as shown by an arrow F1 as shown in FIG. 15, and has a guide rib 114h for fixing the detergent tank 117 and the tank storage case 114. It is also possible to clean the receiving portion 117h, the guide rib 114i for fixing the softener tank 126 and the tank accommodating case 114, and the receiving portion 126h. As a result, the liquid agent adheres between the guide rib 114h and the receiving portion 117h, the detergent tank 117 can easily come out of the tank storage case 114, and the detergent liquid can be prevented from leaking from the cylinder portion 123 or the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. ..

[1-2-6. How to determine the remaining amount in the detergent tank]
Hereinafter, a method for determining the insufficient amount of detergent remaining in the detergent tank 117 will be described. The same applies to the determination of insufficient amount of the softener in the softener tank 126.

Like the TH line in FIG. 36, the threshold voltage (for example, 2.1V) for determining that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient is stored in the storage unit.

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 drops, and the float 130a rotates downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet and the linear Hall element 136 changes, so that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 also changes. When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes less than the threshold voltage, it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, and a message to that effect is displayed on the operation display unit 104.

Further, in the present embodiment, two magnets including the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b are arranged at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a in the magnet box 135. The first magnet 134a directs the N pole to the linear Hall element 136, and the second magnet 134b directs the S pole to the linear Hall element 136. Therefore, the linear Hall element 136 detects different polarities from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b.

32 to 35 are schematic views showing the positional relationship between the magnet and the linear Hall element at each detergent water level in the detergent tank.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank of the washing machine and the output voltage of the linear Hall element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 with respect to each water level of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 36.

As shown in FIG. 32, when the detergent solution is filled, the linear Hall element 136 receives the N-pole magnetism from the first magnet 134a. As a result, the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor becomes as shown in a1 of FIG. When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 from the state shown in FIG. 32, the liquid level of the detergent tank 117 is lowered and the output voltage of the linear hole element 136 is increased.

When the first magnet 134a rotates to the height position of the linear Hall element 136 as shown in FIG. 33, the linear Hall element 136 becomes the maximum voltage as shown in FIG. 36a2.

When the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged from the state shown in FIG. 33, the float 130a rotates. As the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a increases and the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the linear Hall element 136 decreases, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 decreases. When the float 130a rotates to the position shown in FIG. 34, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes as shown in a3 of FIG. 36. Further, when the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is discharged, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 decreases. When the float 130a rotates to the height position of the second magnet 134b, the output voltage of the linear hole element 136 becomes as shown in a4 of FIG. 36.

As described above, after the first magnet 134a approaches (sections a1 to a2 in FIG. 36), the second magnet 134b flows from the first magnet 134a and approaches the second magnet 134b (sections a2 to a3 in FIG. 36), and then the second magnet. Separate from 134b (sections a3 to a4 in FIG. 36).

Here, when the float 130a rotates from FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 (sections a2 to a4 in FIG. 36), the distance between the linear Hall element 136 and the first magnet 134a is increased, and the linear Hall element 136 and the linear Hall element are separated. The distance to 136 is getting closer. As a result, the magnetic flux density received by the linear Hall element 136 has a small N-pole component and a large S-pole component. Therefore, in the sections a2 to a4 of FIG. 36, the magnetism received by the linear Hall element 136 changes more significantly than when one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135, so that the linear Hall element with respect to the amount of detergent liquid discharged changes. The amount of change in the output voltage of 136 becomes large. Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 can improve the accuracy of determining the insufficient amount of the remaining amount of detergent as compared with the case where one magnet is arranged in the magnet box 135.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28, a partition rib 119a is formed on the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 around the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, even when the detergent liquid is filled in the detergent tank 117, the detergent liquid does not flow in because the air pool exists inside the region surrounded by the partition wall rib 119a. It is possible to prevent the detergent solution from adhering to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a. Further, even when the detergent tank lid 119 is tilted with the detergent tank lid 119 removed from the detergent tank 117, the liquid agent adhering to the lower surface of the detergent tank lid 119 flows to the rotation shaft 131 of the float 130a. It can be blocked by 119a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotating shaft 131 from sticking to the detergent liquid and deteriorating the measurement accuracy of the remaining amount of detergent.

Further, a peripheral rib 119m is formed on the peripheral edge of the back surface of the detergent tank lid 119. The partition rib 119a is connected to the peripheral rib 119m. As a result, the peripheral rib 119 m can be realized by a simple configuration, and the cost can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 29, a magnet stopper 137 (stopper) is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to come into contact with the receiving portion 135b of the magnet box 135 with the amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient in the remaining amount of detergent. By providing the float 130a, it is possible to prevent the float 130a from rotating downward even when the liquid agent is discharged in a state where the remaining amount of the liquid agent is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 from changing when the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, and to prevent erroneous detection that the remaining amount of detergent is not insufficient.

In the present embodiment, the linear Hall element 136 is arranged so as to receive the magnetism of the N pole from the first magnet 134a and the magnetism of the S pole from the second magnet 134b. The present invention is not limited to this, and the linear Hall element 136 may be configured to receive the magnetism of the S pole from the first magnet 134a and the magnetism of the N pole from the second magnet 134b. In this case, the waveform of the output voltage received by the linear Hall element 136 is inverted upside down from the waveform shown in FIG.

Even if three or more magnets are alternately provided at positions in the magnet box 135 along the rotation direction of the float 130a so that the magnetism given to the linear Hall element 136 is different, the same effect as that of the present invention can be obtained. Can be done.

In this embodiment, when the washing machine is manufactured, the voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in a state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid (M1 section in FIG. 36) with the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 attached. The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 in a state where the detergent liquid is not replenished in the detergent tank 117 (section M2 in FIG. 34) is measured and stored in the storage unit. As a result, it is possible to reduce the error of determining the insufficient amount of the remaining amount of detergent due to the manufacturing variation of the remaining amount detection for each device and the installation variation of the linear Hall element 136.

The output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the time when the magnet box 135 comes into contact with the magnet stopper 137 may be configured to determine that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient. As a result, the magnet box 135 can be compared with the output voltage value in the M2 section stored in the storage unit in the magnet stopper 137, so that it is possible to reduce the variation error in the determination of the remaining amount of detergent for each device.

[1-2-7. Tank failure detection method]
If the liquid agent automatic charging device 109 is not used for a long period of time, the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 may stick. If the adhered detergent liquid is clogged in the cylinder portion 123 which is the discharge port in the detergent tank 117 or the detergent side cylinder portion 111b of the liquid agent automatic charging device 109, there is a possibility that the desired amount of detergent liquid is not discharged from the detergent tank 117. .. Further, when the detergent liquid adheres to the rotating shaft 131 of the float 130a, the float 130a does not rotate even though the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, and the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of detergent may decrease. There is.

Therefore, the controller of the present embodiment is provided with a defect determination unit (not shown) for determining whether or not the detergent liquid adheres to the detergent tank 117 and causes the above-mentioned defect. Hereinafter, the defect determination method by the defect determination unit will be described.

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117, the water level of the detergent tank 117 drops, and the float 130a rotates downward. As a result, the distance between the magnet 134 and the linear Hall element 136 changes, so that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 also changes. However, if the fixed detergent liquid or the like is clogged with the rotating shaft 131 or the cylinder portion 123 of the float 130a, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 does not sufficiently change even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117.

Therefore, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the cumulative amount of detergent discharged from the detergent tank 117 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 30 ml) and the cumulative amount of detergent discharged from the previous detergent tank 117 are predetermined. When the difference value from the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 at the time when it becomes more than the value is less than the predetermined value (0.1V), the float 130a is discharged even though the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. Since it is not rotating, it is determined that the above-mentioned problem has occurred in the detergent tank 117. When it is determined that the detergent tank 117 has a problem, the controller displays the fact on the operation display unit 104 and notifies the user. As a result, the defect of the detergent tank 117 can be detected at an early stage, so that it is possible to prevent problems such as not noticing that the desired amount of detergent liquid is not discharged or noticing that the detergent liquid is insufficient. Can be done.

On the other hand, when the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filled as in the M1 section of FIG. 36, the distance between the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b and the linear Hall element 136 is large, and the first magnet is separated. The lines of magnetic force from the 134a and the second magnet 134b may not reach the linear Hall element 136. In such a case, even if the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the float 130a rotates downward, the magnetic field lines from the first magnet 134a and the second magnet 134b do not reach the linear Hall element 136, and the linear Hall There is a possibility that the output voltage of the element 136 does not change. That is, in the M1 section of FIG. 36, although the above-mentioned problem does not occur in the detergent tank 117, there is a possibility that the problem detection unit may erroneously detect that the problem has occurred.

Therefore, in the output voltage (for example, 2.7V to 2.9V) of the linear Hall element 136 in a state where the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117 is filled, it is controlled so that the defect determination unit does not perform defect determination. ing.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart for determining the insufficient amount of detergent remaining in the washing machine and determining the defect of the detergent tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a specific determination method for detecting a failure of the detergent tank 117 will be described with reference to FIG. 37.

In the washing machine of the present embodiment, a detergent discharge amount storage unit (not shown) that cumulatively stores the calculated value of the liquid agent remaining amount calculation unit and a first storage unit (shown) that stores the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. It is provided with a second storage unit (not shown).

When the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117 (step S0), the controller determines whether the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is less than 2.1 V (step S1). When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is less than 2.1V (step S1: Yes), it is determined that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient, and the message of insufficient remaining amount of detergent in the operation display unit 104 is displayed. (Step S2). After confirming the message of insufficient amount of detergent remaining in the operation display unit 104, the user takes out the detergent tank 117 from the storage unit of the tank storage case 114 and replenishes the detergent tank 117 with the detergent liquid. As a result, the detergent liquid water level in the detergent tank 117 rises, and the float 130a rotates upward. In this state, the detergent tank 117 is reattached to the storage portion of the tank storage case 114. When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 becomes larger than the threshold voltage of 2.1V, the controller determines that the detergent liquid has been replenished in the detergent tank 117, and cancels the agent remaining amount shortage message of the operation display unit 104. ..

When the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is 2.1 V or more (step S1: No), the calculated value of the liquid agent remaining amount calculation unit is added to the value X stored in the detergent discharge amount storage unit (step S3). , It is determined whether the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit after addition is larger than 30 ml (step S4). When the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit is 30 ml or less (step S4: No), the failure detection determination is not performed because the predetermined amount of detergent liquid has not been discharged yet.

When the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit is larger than 30 ml (step S4: Yes), the defect determination unit determines the defect. First, 30 (ml) is subtracted from the value X of the detergent discharge amount storage unit (step S5), and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is stored in the first storage unit (step S6). Next, it is determined whether the stored value Y of the first storage unit is within the range of 2.7V to 2.9V (step S7). When the stored value Y of the first storage unit is in the range of 2.7 V to 2.9 V (step S7: Yes), it is determined that the detergent tank 117 is filled with the detergent liquid, and the detergent tank is determined to be filled. The storage value Y of the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit without performing the defect determination of 117 (step S10). When the stored value Y of the first storage unit is out of the range of 2.7 V to 2.9 V (step S7: No), the defect determination unit determines the stored value Y of the first storage unit and the stored value of the second storage unit. It is determined whether the absolute value of the difference from Y-1 is less than 0.1 V (step S8). When the absolute value of the difference between the stored value Y of the first storage unit and the stored value Y-1 of the second storage unit is less than 0.1 V (step S8: Yes), the detergent liquid is discharged from the detergent tank 117. However, since the float 130a is not sufficiently rotated, the defect determination unit determines that the liquid agent is stuck to the detergent tank 117, and the operation display unit has a defect in the detergent tank 117. The effect is displayed (step S9). After that, the stored value Y of the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit (step S10). When the absolute value of the difference between the stored value Y of the first storage unit and the stored value Y-1 of the second storage unit is 0.1 V or more (step S8: Yes), the defect determination unit is placed in the detergent tank 117. It is determined that no problem such as sticking of the detergent solution has occurred, and the stored value Y of the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit (step S10).

The failure detection method of the softener tank 126 is the same as the failure detection method of the detergent tank 117. Further, the amount of the softener liquid supplied to the drum 106 in the washing process is smaller than the amount of the detergent liquid supplied. Therefore, it is preferable that the discharge amount of the predetermined softener liquid in step S4 is smaller than the predetermined detergent discharge amount.

As described above, the washing machine of the present embodiment is provided with a defect determination unit for detecting defects in the detergent tank 117 and the softener tank 126. When the difference value of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after charging a predetermined amount of the liquid agent from the detergent tank 117 is less than 0.1 V, the defect determination unit determines that the liquid agent has adhered to the detergent tank 117 and the display unit. To that effect is displayed on. As a result, it is possible to detect a defect in the detergent tank 117 at an early stage, so that problems such as not noticing that the desired amount of detergent liquid has not been discharged or not being aware of the lack of detergent liquid can occur. Can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 of the controller is the output voltage (for example, 2.7V to 2.9V) in the state where the detergent tank 117 is filled with the liquid agent, the detergent tank The defect determination of 117 is not performed. This makes it possible to prevent the defect detecting unit from erroneously detecting that a defect has occurred even though the detergent liquid is not fixed in the detergent tank 117.

Further, by providing a plurality of magnets apart from each other at positions along the rotation direction of the float 130a in the magnet box 135, the linear Hall element 136 can magnetize a wide range with respect to the rotation of the float 130a. Magnetic force can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect a defect in the detergent tank 117 even if the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 117 is larger than that in the case of one magnet.

In the present embodiment, in step S8, the absolute value of the difference between the stored value Y of the first storage unit and the stored value Y-1 of the second storage unit and the predetermined threshold voltage (0.1 V) are set. By comparison, a configuration for determining whether or not a defect has occurred in the detergent tank 117 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the threshold voltage may fluctuate according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. As shown in FIG. 36, since the amount of change in the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 with respect to the amount of change in the detergent in the detergent tank 117 is not constant, an appropriate threshold voltage should be set according to the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136. Therefore, the accuracy of defect determination of the detergent tank 117 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the float 130a rotates has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if the float 130a floats on the liquid surface of the detergent liquid in the detergent tank 117, the float 130a does not rotate. However, the same effect can be obtained. For example, the float 130a may be configured to move up and down in response to a change in the water level while floating on the liquid surface.

In the present embodiment, the configuration for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the detergent tank 117 by measuring the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical sensor or the like may be used.

In the present embodiment, when the defect detecting unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117, the operation display unit 104 displays to that effect to notify the user. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be configured to transmit from the washing machine to the server via the Internet line, transmit from the server to the smartphone, and display on the screen of the smartphone that an abnormality has occurred in the detergent tank 117. In addition, the user may be notified by transmitting a voice from the washing machine.

In this embodiment, in order to determine the defect of the detergent tank 117, a configuration for calculating the difference value of the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 before and after discharging a predetermined amount (for example, 30 ml) of the detergent liquid has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, for example, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after discharging the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after discharging the detergent liquid from the detergent tank 117 last time. It may be configured to calculate the difference value with.

Further, in step S8 of FIG. 37, the absolute value of (Y— (Y-1)) is compared with 0.1V. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the polarity of the magnet. Further, since it is not necessary to produce the magnet box 135 in consideration of the magnetic direction of the magnet, the man-hours required for the production of the magnet box 135 and the man-hours required for the confirmation inspection are reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[1-2-8. Maintenance of the connection point between the detergent tank and the automatic charging device, and the liquid agent supply channel]
FIG. 38 is a time chart showing each state of the detergent side coil 113d, the softener side coil 113i, the drive motor 112f, the first water supply valve 110a, and the drainage pump in the “care course”.

When the detergent solution is repeatedly discharged from the detergent tank 117, metals such as magnesium and calcium contained in tap water are combined with fatty acids contained in the detergent solution, and metallic soap is deposited. As shown in FIG. 24, the deposited metal soap has a cylinder portion 123, a detergent side cylinder portion 111b, a detergent side three-way valve 113a, a softener side three-way valve 113b, an intake water channel 112h, an accommodation unit 112c, a drainage channel 112g, and a branch water channel. It adheres to a water channel (hereinafter referred to as a detergent solution supply water channel) through which the detergent solution of the detergent tank 117 is supplied to the water tank 105, such as 129a and the connecting hose 129. As a result, the metal soap adhering to the detergent liquid supply channel becomes a resistance to the flow of the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent tank 117 and the tap water to be supplied. Therefore, there is a risk that the amount of detergent liquid discharged may decrease or the momentum of running water may weaken. In addition, the metal soap may enter the drum 106 and adhere to the laundry.

Therefore, in order to suppress the above-mentioned problems, it is necessary to periodically wash away the metal soap adhering to the detergent solution supply water channel.

When the user cleans the detergent liquid supply channel, the detergent tank 117 is removed from the storage portion of the tank storage case 114, the inside of the detergent tank 117 is cleaned, and then the detergent tank 117 is replenished with citric acid water. After that, the detergent tank 117 is reattached to the storage portion of the tank storage case 114, and the "care mode" is selected on the operation display unit 104.

When the "care mode" is selected, the controller drives a drainage pump (not shown) and alternately executes the following two steps.

First step: A step of closing the first water supply valve 110a, energizing the detergent side coil 113d, and deenergizing the softener side coil 113i.

Second step: A step of opening the first water supply valve 110a to de-energize the detergent side coil 113d and the softener side coil 113i.

By executing the first step, the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 flows through the detergent liquid supply water channel and is supplied to the water tank 105. Since the metal soap has the property of being dissolved by an acidic aqueous solution, the acidic citric acid water can be washed away while dissolving the metal soap adhering to the detergent solution supply channel. The washed-out metal soap is supplied to the water tank 105 together with the citric acid water, and is drained to the outside of the housing 101 by the driving force of the drainage pump through the drainage hose (not shown) from the drainage port (not shown). ..

By executing the second step, as shown in FIG. 24, tap water supplied from the faucet flows from the first water supply valve 110a into the first water channel 181. As shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 24, a part of the tap water flowing through the first water channel 181 flows to the second water channel 182, and the detergent side three-way valve 113a, the softener side three-way valve 113b, the suction water channel 112h, and the accommodating portion. It flows through 112c, a drainage channel 112g, a branch channel 129a, and a connecting hose 129 and is supplied to the water tank 105. As a result, the citric acid water remaining in the detergent solution supply channel in the first step can be washed away.

Hereinafter, the control when the "care mode" is executed will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 38.

When the user selects the "care mode", the controller energizes the detergent side coil 113d (time T0). As a result, the first step is started, and as shown in FIG. 10B, the detergent side plunger 113e and the detergent side valve body 113f move rearward, and the citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 is collected from the detergent side cylinder portion 111b. It flows into the water channel 124 from the opening b formed behind the piston pump unit 112 and flows toward the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112.

0.5 seconds after the time T0 (time T1), the drive motor 112f and the drainage pump are driven. Due to the driving force of the drive motor 112f, the piston 112e reciprocates up and down, and the inside of the accommodating portion 112c is in a positive pressure state or a negative pressure state. As shown in FIG. 11, when the piston 112e moves upward, the accommodating portion 112c becomes in a negative pressure state, and the suction side check valve 164 moves upward against the urging force of the spring 164b. As a result, the citric acid water flows into the accommodating portion 112c from the suction water channel 112h. Next, when the piston 112e moves downward, the accommodating portion 112c becomes a positive pressure state, and the discharge side check valve 165 moves downward against the urging force of the spring 165b. As a result, the citric acid water in the accommodating portion 112c flows through the drainage channel 112g, the branch channel 129a, and the connecting hose 129, and is supplied to the water tank 105. By repeating the above operation, the citric acid water flows while dissolving the metal soap in the detergent solution supply channel. Further, due to the driving force of the drainage pump, the citric acid water in the water tank 105 flows through the drainage hose from the drainage port and is drained to the outside of the housing 101.

Further, in order to prevent the detergent side valve body 113f from being unable to move backward even though the detergent side coil 113d is energized due to the drive motor 112f being driven, the detergent is used at time T0. The drive motor 112f is controlled to be driven 0.5 seconds after the side coil 113d is energized.

In the present embodiment, the discharge amount of citric acid water in the detergent tank 117 (for example, 200 ml) is the maximum discharge amount of the detergent liquid in the washing step (for example, 120 ml) and the maximum discharge amount of the softener in the rinsing step. It is controlled to be more than (for example, 100 ml).

After 55 seconds from time T1 (time T2), the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f. 0.5 seconds after the time T2 (time T3), the detergent side coil 113d is turned off. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, the detergent-side plunger 113e and the detergent-side valve body 113f move forward, and the detergent-side valve body 113f creates an opening b formed behind the detergent-side cylinder portion 111b. It is blocked. Therefore, the flow of citric acid water from the detergent tank 117 is blocked by the detergent side valve body 113f. At time T3, the second step ends. Further, in order to prevent the detergent side valve body 113f from being unable to move forward even though the detergent side coil 113d is in a non-energized state due to the drive motor 112f being driven, the time is set. The detergent side coil 113d is in the non-energized state 0.5 seconds after the drive motor 112f is in the non-drive state in T2.

0.5 seconds after the time T3 (time T4), the controller drives the drive motor 112f and opens the first water supply valve 110a. As a result, the second step is started. As shown in FIG. 10A, the supplied tap water flows through the second water channel 182, flows into the water channel 124 of the three-way valve unit 113 from the opening a, and flows toward the suction water channel 112h of the piston pump unit 112. As a result, the citric acid water remaining in the three-way valve unit 113, the piston pump unit 112, and the like can be washed away. Further, since the momentum of running water is weak at the start of water supply, the suction side check valve 164 of the piston pump unit 112 in FIG. 11 is moved upward or the discharge side check valve 165 is moved downward only by the water pressure of tap water. It may not be possible to make it. Therefore, by driving the drive motor 112f in the second step, tap water can surely pass through the piston pump unit 112.

Further, 0.5 seconds after the start of energization (time T3) of the detergent side coil 113d (time T4) so that the movement of the detergent side valve body 113f of the three-way valve unit 113 is not hindered by the driving force of the drive motor 112f. The drive motor 112f is controlled to be driven.

Five seconds after the time T4, the controller stops driving the drive motor 112f and controls the closing of the first water supply valve 110a (time T5). As a result, the second step is completed.

0.5 seconds after the time T5 (time T6), the same control as the time T0 is executed, and the first step is started. After that, at the time T6 to the time T11 and the time T12 to the time T17, the same control as the time T0 to the time T5 is executed. Forty seconds after the second step is completed at T17 (time T18), the drive of the drainage pump is stopped. As a result, the citric acid water and tap water remaining in the drum 106 can be drained.

Since the care mode of the softener tank 126 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

[1-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 after the detergent solution is added and the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 when the detergent solution is added a predetermined time (for example, three times before). Calculate the difference with. When the calculated difference value is less than a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 V) consecutively a plurality of times (for example, three times), it is determined that the detergent solution in the detergent tank 117 is insufficient. Further, a magnet stopper 137 is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 117 so as to come into contact with the magnet box 135 with the amount of detergent water determined to be insufficient in the remaining amount of detergent. This makes it possible to prevent the float 130a from rotating downward even if the liquid is discharged when the remaining amount of the liquid is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that the output voltage of the linear Hall element 136 is not insufficient even though the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technique disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. It is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

The first embodiment has been described using a drum-type washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same operation and effect can be obtained in a vertical washing machine.

In the first embodiment, the configuration for notifying that the liquid agent in the tank is insufficient is described in the operation display unit 104, but the notification sound may be used to notify that the liquid agent is insufficient. Besides, the washing machine is wif
In the situation where the home wireless LAN is connected through i and the home wireless LAN is connected to the server through the internet line, the server via the home wireless LAN and the internet line from the washing machine to the effect that the liquid in the tank is insufficient. It may be configured to be transmitted to the server and notify the user's mobile terminal to that effect via the Internet line from the server.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can suppress the detection error of the remaining amount of the liquid agent, and can realize a highly reliable washing machine.

101 Housing 105 Aquarium 106 Drum (washing tub)
109 Liquid agent automatic charging device (liquid supply device)
117 Detergent tank (tank)
119 Detergent tank lid (tank lid)
126 Fabric softener tank (tank)
128 Fabric softener tank lid (tank lid)
130 Remaining amount detecting means 130a Float 134a First magnet (detected part)
134b 2nd magnet (detected part)
135b Receiver 136 Linear Hall element (detector)
137 Magnet stopper (stopper)

Claims (1)

The housing that forms the outer shell and
A water tank supported by elastic vibration isolation in the housing,
A bottomed cylindrical washing tub rotatably arranged in the water tub,
A tank with an opening at the top to store the liquid, a tank lid that opens and closes the opening, and
A liquid supply device that automatically supplies the liquid in the tank to the aquarium and a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid in the tank are provided.
The remaining amount detecting means is rotatably provided on the back surface of the tank lid to detect a float floating on the liquid surface in the tank, a detected portion provided on the float, and the detected portion. With a part,
The float is composed of a link, a rotation shaft provided at the upper end of the link, and a magnet box which is a detected portion provided at the lower end of the link.
A receiving portion, which is a U-shaped rib protruding downward, is formed on the outer and lower surfaces of the magnet box.
On the inner bottom surface of the tank, a stopper that protrudes upward and comes into contact with the receiving portion is provided.
The contact portion of the stopper with the receiving portion is rounded in accordance with the U-shape of the receiving portion.
The float rotates and descends in a predetermined direction as the water level of the liquid in the tank decreases, and the float is above the lowest position with the surface of the U-shaped rib of the receiving portion. , A washing machine configured to come into contact with the rounded surface of the stopper protruding upward.

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