JP7630090B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub and a tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub.

In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a filter member having a mesh portion is housed in the tank. The mesh portion is disposed above the outlet through which the liquid agent is discharged from the tank.

International Publication No. 2019/039141

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine that can stably supply liquid to the washing tub.

A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub, a tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent supplying device that supplies the liquid agent contained in the tank to the washing tub, a filter member that is disposed within the tank and divides the interior space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space, and a suction pipe that is disposed within the tank and has a suction port that communicates with the second space via an opening provided in the filter member, and a discharge port that is connected to the liquid agent supplying device via an opening provided in a wall of the tank that constitutes the first space.

This disclosure provides a washing machine that can stably supply liquid to the washing tub.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 1 is a perspective view of a detergent supply unit; Perspective view of the tank Perspective view of the tank Top view showing the internal structure of the tank Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the tank Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the tank FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank showing the arrangement of the filter member; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter member; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter member; Close-up of mesh gripping rib Close-up of the gap between the filter element and the back of the tank Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram Tank schematic diagram

(The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, washing machines equipped with a liquid agent dispenser that automatically dispenses a liquid agent and a filter that filters out foreign matter were known.

The inventors of the present invention have discovered that when a liquid agent is automatically dispensed into a washing machine that has a filter that divides the internal space of the liquid agent tank, if a high-viscosity liquid agent is filtered or if the filter has fine mesh, the resistance to the liquid as it passes through the filter increases, and there is a risk that the amount of liquid agent dispensed into the washing tub will be less than the default amount. The inventors of the present invention have also discovered that, particularly when the mesh part is located at the top of the tank, air is likely to flow downstream of the mesh part, making it easier for the amount of liquid agent dispensed to be less than the default amount.

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

Below, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

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

(Embodiment)
A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Overall configuration]
1A and 1B are perspective views showing a washing machine 51 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1A and 1B, the washing machine 51 includes a housing 2, a water tub 3, a washing tub 4, a detergent supply unit 55, and a control unit C.

<Case>
The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 51. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed are provided on the top surface of the housing 2.

<Aquarium>
The water tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member with one end closed so as to store wash water. The water tub 3 may also be referred to as an outer tub.

<Washing tub>
The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably provided inside the water tub 3 and that contains laundry such as clothes. The washing tub 4 is formed with a number of through holes (not shown) that communicate with the water tub 3. The through holes allow the movement of washing water and detergent between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4. The washing tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum or an inner tub. In Fig. 1A, the washing tub 4 is covered with an inner lid 41, and in Fig. 1B, the washing tub 4 is open.

<Laundry agent supply unit>
The laundry agent supply unit 55 is a unit that supplies laundry treatment agents such as liquid agents, powder detergents, and solid agents to the washing tub 4. Supplying the laundry treatment agent means discharging it downward toward the washing tub 4. The liquid agent is a liquid agent used to wash laundry such as clothes. The liquid agent may include a detergent, a fabric softener, and a neutral detergent.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the detergent supply unit 55 includes a manual dosing unit 56 and an automatic dosing unit 7.

<Control Unit>
The control unit C is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 51. The control unit C may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and the processor may execute the program to function as these elements. Although Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show an example in which the control unit C is disposed on the front side of the housing 2, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit C may be disposed on the rear side of the housing 2, for example.

Next, the configuration of the detergent supply unit 55 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the detergent supply unit 55.

As shown in FIG. 2, the detergent supply unit 55 includes a unit case 100, a lid 100a, a manual dosing unit 56, an automatic dosing unit 7, and a water supply member 10.

The unit case 100 is a member that houses the manual insertion unit 56 and the automatic insertion unit 7. The top of the unit case 100 is open and is covered with a lid 100a.

The manual dosing unit 56 is a mechanism that allows the user to manually dosing one load of detergent, such as liquid detergent, powder detergent, or solid detergent, each time the washing machine 51 is operated. The detergent dosed into the manual dosing unit 56 is supplied to the washing tub 4 in the amount that was dosed.

The automatic dispensing unit 7 is a mechanism that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid from a tank that stores the liquid into the washing tub 4. The automatic dispensing unit 7 supplies an appropriate type and amount of liquid to the washing tub 4, for example, depending on the amount and type of laundry. The automatic dispensing unit 7 has two tanks 70 and 71 that are arranged in the width direction K (horizontal direction) and contain liquid, and a pump (not shown) that draws in and discharges the liquid. In the first embodiment, the tank 70 contains detergent, and the tank 71 contains fabric softener.

The water supply member 10 is a mechanism that supplies water to the washing tub 4 via the detergent supply unit 55. The water supply member 10 is composed of multiple water supply valves, and the destination of the water supply can be changed by opening and closing the water supply valves. For example, if three water supply valves are provided, one is a valve for supplying water to the detergent, one is a valve for supplying water to the fabric softener, and one is a valve for supplying water for cooling the drying and dehumidifying device (not shown). The water supply valves may also change the destination of the water supply between the manual insertion unit 56 and the automatic insertion unit 7.

As a representative example of the structures of tanks 70 and 71, the structure of tank 71 will be described in more detail below, but the following description also applies to tank 70. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of tank 71.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tank 71 is a box-shaped container and includes a main body 87 having a front surface 91 and a back surface 92. The top of the main body 87 is covered with a lid 88.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface 91 is provided with a remaining amount display window 93 made of a transparent material. Vertically aligned scale lines 94 are printed on the remaining amount display window 93. The minimum scale line 94A indicates the timing for refilling. The user can see the liquid level of the liquid in the tank 71 through the remaining amount display window 93, and can check the remaining amount of liquid by comparing it with the scale line 94.

As shown in FIG. 4, a pump 73 for sucking out the liquid is provided on the back surface 92. The pump 73 is connected to a discharge port 78 provided on the back surface 92, and sucks out the liquid in the tank 71 through the discharge port 78. The pump 73 is a volumetric pump, and supplies a predetermined volume of the liquid to the washing tub 4.

Figures 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the tank 71. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the main body 87 contains a filter member 65 and an elbow member 76. As shown in Figure 5B, the liquid contained in the tank 71 passes through the filter member 65 and flows into the pump 73 via the elbow member 76 (see arrow A).

As shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the filter member 65 is disposed along the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The filter member 65 divides the space of the tank 71 into an upper space K1 and a lower space K2 that includes the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The volume of the upper space K1 is larger than the volume of the lower space K2, and in the first embodiment, is 30 times or more the volume of the lower space K2.

The filter member 65 has the function of filtering out foreign matter from the liquid agent flowing from the upper space K1 to the lower space K2 (see arrow A).

An elbow member 76 is provided above the filter member 65 to allow the liquid to flow from the lower space K2 into the pump 73.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the elbow member 76 is a pipe member that extends between a suction port 77 for sucking the liquid from the lower space K2 and a discharge port 78 connected to the pump 73. The elbow member 76 may also be referred to as a suction pipe section. The elbow member 76 forms a flow path therein through which the liquid passes. By the operation of the pump 73, the liquid flows through the flow path from the suction port 77 to the discharge port 78.

The elbow member 76 has a first portion 76A that extends obliquely upward from the suction port 77, and a second portion 76B that extends laterally toward the pump 73. The first portion 76A and the second portion 76B are connected to each other and form a bend. The end of the first portion 76A forms the suction port 77 and penetrates the filter member 65. The end of the second portion 76B forms the discharge port 78 and penetrates the back surface 92 of the tank 71. The elbow member 76 has a bulky shape because it is bent from the inner bottom surface of the tank 71 toward the side surface (back surface 92).

The second part 76B has a built-in check valve 68. The check valve 68 can prevent the liquid from flowing back from the pump 73 to the tank 71.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank 71 showing the arrangement of the filter member 65. As shown in Figure 6, the filter member 65 is inclined with respect to the horizontal inner bottom surface 72. The filter member 65 is inclined downward from the back surface 92 to the front surface 91. As a result, the first side 81A of the filter member 65 along the front surface 91 contacts the inner bottom surface 72, and the second side 81B of the filter member 65 facing the first side 81A contacts the back surface 92 at a position higher than the first side 81A. In other words, the apex of the filter member 65 (and the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 described below) is located near the back surface 92. In the first embodiment, the apex of the filter member 65 is lower than the minimum scale 94A.

Because the filter member 65 is inclined downward toward the front surface 91, the filter member 65 does not obscure the liquid level visible through the remaining liquid level display window 93 (Figure 3) provided on the front surface 91.

The inclination angle θ of the filter member 65 is, for example, 15° or less, and preferably 2° to 5°.

The suction port 77 is aligned with the lower surface of the inclined filter member 65. In other words, the suction port 77 does not protrude into the lower space K2, but is located on the same plane as the lower surface of the filter member 65. On the other hand, the suction port 77 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the inclined filter member 65.

A flange portion 95 is provided on the outer periphery of the end of the first portion 76A that forms the suction port 77. The lower surface of the flange portion 95 faces the upper surface of the filter member 65, and presses the filter member 65 against the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. In addition, since the first portion 76A extends diagonally downward, the first portion 76A biases the filter member 65 downward and toward the front surface 91. Therefore, a gap X1 is formed between the second side 81B of the filter member 65 and the back surface 92.

Next, the structure of the filter member 65 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of the filter member 65. Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B. Figure 8B is an enlarged view of the gap X1 between the filter member 65 and the rear surface 92 of the tank 71.

As described above, the filter member 65 has the function of preventing foreign matter, etc. from flowing into the pump 73. Examples of foreign matter, etc. include lint, hair, dust, sand, solid particles added to the liquid agent, etc. Regarding the size of the foreign matter, if the foreign matter is particulate, the diameter of the particle may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.2 mm or more.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the filter member 65 has a mesh portion 66, a frame portion 67, and mesh gripping ribs 82A, 82B (Figure 7B). The mesh portion 66 has a plurality of through holes 66a that penetrate from the front to the back and allow the liquid agent to pass through. The frame portion 67 and the mesh gripping ribs 82A, 82B support the mesh portion 66.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the frame portion 67 is a plate-like member having a first side 81A and a second side 81B that face each other. As described above, the upper surface of the frame portion 67 is inclined downward from the second side 81B toward the first side 81A.

The frame portion 67 has an opening 84 for providing the mesh portion 66. The opening 84 may extend from the first side 81A to the second side 81B.

With this structure, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 can be formed separately, and the mesh portion 66 can be insert molded into the opening 84 to form the filter member 65. That is, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 can be formed by different processing methods. For example, the mesh portion 66 can be formed by weaving chemical fibers, and the mesh portion 66 can be placed in a resin molding die corresponding to the frame portion 67, and the frame portion 67 can be formed by pouring resin into the die.

When the mesh portion 66 is insert molded into the frame portion 67, the mesh portion 66 is inclined along the upper surface of the frame portion 67, and the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is located near the second side 81B.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the insert-molded mesh portion 66 is supported by being sandwiched between mesh gripping ribs 82A and 82B from above and below. Mesh gripping rib 82B is smaller than mesh gripping rib 82A. Specifically, the height at which mesh gripping rib 82B protrudes perpendicularly to the filter member 65 is smaller than that of mesh gripping rib 82A.

Returning to Figures 7A and 7B, the frame portion 67 has a connection opening 85 to which the elbow member 76 is connected, in addition to the opening 84 for providing the mesh portion 66. The connection opening 85 is an opening for connecting the elbow member 76 to the lower space K2. A protrusion 85A that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the frame portion 67 is provided along the outer periphery of the connection opening 85. Since the side of the protrusion 85A contacts the outer periphery of the flange portion 95, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent in the upper space K1 from flowing into the lower space K2 through the connection opening 85.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the frame portion 67 has a wall portion 89 that extends downward from the second side 81B. The wall portion 89 contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. With this structure, the second side 81B is higher than the first side 81A, and the filter member 65 can be maintained in an inclined state.

In addition, a protrusion 90 that protrudes downward is formed on the underside of the frame portion 67. The protrusion 90 also contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, allowing the filter member 65 to maintain its inclined state.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the wall portion 89 forms a gap X1 between the wall portion 89 and the rear surface 92. The gap X1 has a width of, for example, 0.2 mm or less so as to prevent the passage of foreign matter but allow the passage of the liquid agent.

As shown in Figures 7B and 8B, the wall portion 89 is formed with a notch portion 86 that forms a recess that is recessed upward from the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71. The formation of the notch portion 86 makes it easier for air bubbles dispersed in the lower space K2 to gather in the notch portion 86. The gathered air bubbles are easier to escape upward through the gap X1 that communicates with the notch portion 86.

Returning to FIG. 7A, the frame portion 67 has a hook portion 83 that extends upward from a first side 81A of the frame portion 67. The hook portion 83 is a member that fixes the filter member 65 to the tank 71. The hook portion 83 has a contact surface 83A that contacts the side wall of the tank 71. The hook portion 83 further has a protrusion 83B that protrudes laterally from the contact surface 83A.

When attaching the filter member 65 to the tank 71, the protrusion 83B is fitted into a recess (not shown) formed in the side wall of the tank 71 to position the filter member 65 within the tank 71. An elbow member 76 is then attached to the tank 71, and the elbow member 76 holds down the filter member 65 from above. With this structure, the filter member 65 is sandwiched between the elbow member 76 and the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, allowing the filter member 65 to be firmly fixed to the tank 71.

The multiple through holes 66a in the mesh portion 66 are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction. The multiple through holes 66a may be arranged regularly or randomly. In the first embodiment, the through holes 66a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in two directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other when viewed in a plan view from the penetration direction.

The opening size of the through hole 66a may be set according to the specifications, structure, operation, etc. of the pump 73. For example, the through hole 66a may be a rectangle with a side dimension of 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less in a plan view. In the through hole 66a, for example, a pair of sides may have a length of 0.18 mm and a pair of sides may have a length of 0.27 mm. In addition, in the through hole 66a, for example, a pair of sides may have a length of 0.17 mm and a pair of sides may have a length of 0.09 mm. Such a structure can suppress the passage of foreign matter and promote the passage of a liquid agent having a viscosity of 5000 mPa or less.

(Operation)
In the above-described configuration, an example of the operation of the tank 71 will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9G. Figures 9A to 9G are schematic diagrams of the tank 71.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in an empty tank 71, the upper space K1 and the lower space K2 are filled with air. The user pours or refills the liquid into the empty tank 71.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the liquid agent is poured into the tank 71 up to the liquid level S1, the liquid agent flows from the upper space K1 through the mesh portion 66 into the lower space K2 due to gravity. On the other hand, some of the air that was present in the lower space K2 before refilling does not escape to the upper space K1, forming air bubbles 101.

As shown in FIG. 9C, because the filter member 65 is inclined, the air bubbles 101 rise along the underside of the filter member 65 toward the second side 81B (arrow B1). Because the mesh gripping rib 82B is smaller than the mesh gripping rib 82A, the air bubbles 101 move easily along the underside of the filter member 65. On the other hand, the mesh gripping rib 82A can improve the strength of the mesh portion 66.

The rising air bubbles 101 tend to collect in the recess formed by the notch 86. The air bubbles 101 that flow into the notch 86 are released into the atmosphere from the liquid level S1 of the liquid agent in the upper space K1 through the gap X1.

As shown in FIG. 9D, when the liquid is used in the washing process, the height of the liquid level S1 in the tank 71 gradually decreases.

When the liquid level S1 is higher than the apex P1, the mesh portion 66 is buried in the liquid. In other words, the mesh portion 66 is not exposed to the air. The lower space K2 is filled with the liquid.

By the operation of the pump 73 (Figure 4), the liquid is sucked out of the tank 71 and discharged toward the washing tub 4 (arrow W1). The liquid passes through the mesh section 66 (arrow W2) to replenish the amount sucked out.

As shown in FIG. 9E, when the liquid level S1 falls below the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66, the upper part of the mesh portion 66 is exposed to the air. Air then passes through the exposed part of the mesh portion 66 and flows into the space K2 below the mesh portion 66 (arrow R1).

When the liquid is discharged in this state, as shown in FIG. 9F, the liquid is sucked out of the tank 71 (arrow W1), and the amount of liquid in the lower space K2 decreases. Then, air flows further into the empty space in the lower space K2 (arrow R1). This causes a difference to occur between the liquid level height H1 upstream of the mesh portion 66 and the liquid level height H2 downstream.

As more liquid is discharged, as shown in FIG. 9G, the suction port 77 of the elbow member 76 moves away from the liquid level S2 and faces the air. This makes it difficult for the pump 73 to suck up the liquid, and the suction of the liquid is suppressed. In this state, even though liquid remains in the tank 71, there is a risk that air will be supplied to the washing tub 4 instead of the liquid.

In the present disclosure, when the liquid level S1 drops to the minimum scale line 94A, the user is prompted to refill the liquid. Therefore, when the liquid is refilled, the liquid level S1 is maintained above the minimum scale line 94A. Because the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set below the minimum scale line 94A, it becomes easier to maintain the mesh portion 66 buried in the liquid.

(summary)
The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

In the washing machine 51 according to this embodiment, the elbow member 76 is disposed above the filter member 65. There is no longer any restriction to accommodate the discharge port 78 of the elbow member 76 in the lower space K2, and the filter member 65 can be disposed at a lower position in the tank 71. This allows the filter member 65 to remain covered in the liquid for a longer period of time. This reduces the space for air to enter the lower space K2, preventing the pump 73 from sucking air out of the tank 71 instead of the liquid. This allows a stable supply of liquid to the washing tub 4.

The filter member 65 is also tilted to form a gap X1 between the second edge 81B, which is the upper end of the tilt, and the back surface 92 of the tank 71. This makes it easier for air bubbles 101 in the lower space K2 to escape to the upper space K1. As a result, the lower space K2, which is in communication with the pump 73, is filled with the liquid agent, and the pump 73 is prevented from sucking out air.

(effect)
According to the washing machine 51 of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

As described above, the washing machine 51 of this embodiment includes the washing tub 4, the tank 71, the pump 73 (liquid agent injection device), the filter member 65, and the elbow member 76 (suction pipe portion). The tank 71 contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The pump 73 supplies the liquid agent contained in the tank 71 to the washing tub 4. The filter member 65 is disposed in the tank 71 and divides the internal space of the tank 71 into an upper space K1 (first space) and a lower space K2 (second space) below the upper space K1. The elbow member 76 is disposed in the tank 71 and has an inlet 77 and an outlet 78. The inlet 77 communicates with the lower space K2 through a connection opening 85 (opening) provided in the filter member 65. The outlet 78 is connected to the pump 73 through an opening provided in the back surface 92 (wall portion) of the tank 71 that constitutes the upper space K1.

With this configuration, the pump 73 can suck out the liquid simply by exposing the suction port 77 of the elbow member 76 to the lower space K2. There is no longer any restriction to accommodating the elbow member 76 in the lower space K2, and the filter member 65 can be placed at a lower position in the tank 71. This prevents the pump 73 from sucking out air instead of liquid from the tank 71, allowing a stable supply of liquid to the washing tub 4.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 is arranged along the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71.

This configuration allows the filter member 65 to be positioned lower, so it can remain covered in the liquid for a longer period of time.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 is arranged at an angle relative to the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71.

This configuration makes it easy for the air bubbles 101 in the lower space K2 to escape to the upper space K1. Therefore, the lower space K2, which is connected to the pump 73, is filled with the liquid agent, and the pump 73 is prevented from sucking out the air.

In the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a first side 81A that contacts the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, and a second side 81B that is located higher than the first side 81A and faces the first side 81A. A gap X1 is formed between the back surface 92 (inner wall) of the tank 71 and the second side 81B.

This configuration makes it easier for air bubbles 101 that reach the second edge 81B that forms the upper end of the incline to escape through the gap X1 into the upper space K1.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a wall portion 89 that extends downward from the second side 81B.

This configuration allows the filter member 65 to be easily tilted.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the wall portion 89 has a recessed shape recessed upward from the inner bottom surface 72 of the tank 71, and is provided with a cutout portion 86 (cutout) that communicates with the gap X1.

This configuration makes it easier for the air bubbles 101 to gather and escape upward. Also, the length of the gap X1 in the vertical direction is reduced where the notch 86 is formed. This reduces the resistance that the air bubbles 101 experience from the side wall in the gap X1. This promotes the passage of the air bubbles 101 through the gap X1 near the notch 86.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the suction port 77 is arranged along the underside of the filter member 65.

This configuration makes it easy to suck out the liquid in the lower space K2 through the suction port 77, while preventing the suction port 77 from impeding the movement of air bubbles along the slope of the filter member 65.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the filter member 65 has a mesh portion 66 through which the liquid passes and a frame portion 67 that supports the mesh portion 66. The suction port 77 communicates with the lower space K2 via a connection opening 85 (opening) provided in the frame portion 67.

With this configuration, the mesh portion 66 can be supported by the frame portion 67 while the elbow member 76 can be connected to the lower space K2 through the connection opening 85.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the elbow member 76 has a flange portion 95 that contacts the upper surface of the frame portion 67.

With this configuration, the flange portion 95 presses the filter member 65 against the inner bottom surface 72, making it easy to fix the filter member 65 to the tank 71. This makes it possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the filter member 65 and the elbow member 76.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set to a predetermined height or less.

This configuration allows the filter member 65 to be positioned at an even lower position in the tank 71.

In addition, in the washing machine 51 of this embodiment, the tank 71 is provided with a minimum scale line 94A (liquid refill line) that corresponds to the timing of refilling the liquid. The apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set to be equal to or lower than the height of the minimum scale line 94A.

With this configuration, the mesh portion 66 can be kept covered with the liquid by refilling the tank 71 with the liquid.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented in various other forms.

In the embodiment, an example in which the apex P1 of the mesh portion 66 is set to a height equal to or lower than the minimum scale line 94A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tank 71 may include a liquid agent detection means for detecting the liquid agent level. By prompting the user to refill the liquid agent according to the liquid agent level detected by the liquid agent detection means, the mesh portion 66 can be maintained in a state in which it is covered with the liquid agent.

The washing machine in the first aspect includes a washing tub, a tank that contains the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a liquid agent supplying device that supplies the liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub, a filter member that is disposed in the tank and divides the internal space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space, and a suction pipe that is disposed in the tank and has a suction port that communicates with the second space via an opening provided in the filter member, and a discharge port that is connected to the liquid agent supplying device via an opening provided in a wall of the tank that constitutes the first space.

In the second aspect of the washing machine, the filter member is arranged along the inner bottom surface of the tank in the washing machine in the first aspect.

In the third aspect of the washing machine, the filter member in the second aspect is arranged at an angle to the inner bottom surface of the tank.

In the fourth aspect of the washing machine, in any of the first to third aspects, the filter member has a first side that contacts the inner bottom surface of the tank and a second side that is higher than the first side and faces the first side, and a gap is formed between the inner wall of the tank and the second side.

In the fifth aspect of the washing machine, the filter member in the fourth aspect has a wall portion extending downward from the second side.

In the sixth aspect of the washing machine, the wall of the washing machine in the fifth aspect has a recessed shape that is recessed upward from the inner bottom surface of the tank, and a notch that communicates with the gap is provided.

In the seventh aspect of the washing machine, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the suction port is arranged along the underside of the filter member.

In the eighth aspect of the washing machine, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the filter member has a mesh portion through which the liquid passes and a frame portion that supports the mesh portion, and the suction port communicates with the second space via an opening provided in the frame portion.

In the ninth aspect of the washing machine, the suction pipe portion of the washing machine in the eighth aspect has a flange portion that contacts the upper surface of the frame portion.

In the tenth aspect of the washing machine, the apex of the mesh part in the eighth or ninth aspect is set to a predetermined height or less.

In the washing machine of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the washing machines of the eighth to tenth aspects, the tank is provided with a liquid refill line according to the timing of refilling the liquid, and the apex of the mesh part is set to a height equal to or lower than the liquid refill line.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

The washing machine of the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid injection, and is therefore useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a domestic drum washing machine or a vertical washing machine).

51 Washing machine 2 Housing 3 Water tub 4 Washing tub 7 Automatic dispensing unit 55 Detergent supply unit 56 Manual dispensing unit 65 Filter member 66 Mesh portion 67 Frame portion 70 Tank 71 Tank 72 Inner bottom surface 73 Pump 76 Elbow member 77 Suction port 78 Discharge port 85 Connection opening 87 Main body 93 Remaining amount display window 95 Flange portion

Claims (9)

A washing tub and
A tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub;
A liquid supply device that supplies the liquid contained in the tank to the washing tub;
a filter member disposed within the tank and dividing an internal space of the tank into a first space and a second space below the first space;
a suction pipe portion that is disposed within the tank and has a suction port that communicates with the second space via an opening provided in the filter member, and a discharge port that is connected to the liquid agent supplying device via an opening provided in a wall portion of the tank that constitutes the first space,
the filter member has a first side in contact with an inner bottom surface of the tank, and a second side located higher than the first side and opposite to the first side,
A gap is formed between the inner wall of the tank and the second side . The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the filter member is disposed along the inner bottom surface of the tank. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the filter member has a wall portion extending downward from the second side. The washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein the wall portion has a recessed shape recessed upward from the inner bottom surface of the tank and is provided with a notch communicating with the gap. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the suction port is disposed along the underside of the filter member. the filter member has a mesh portion through which the liquid passes and a frame portion supporting the mesh portion,
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the suction port is in communication with the second space through the opening provided in the frame portion. The washing machine according to claim 6 , wherein the suction pipe portion has a flange portion that contacts an upper surface of the frame portion. The washing machine according to claim 6 , wherein the apexes of the mesh portion are set to a predetermined height or less. The tank is provided with a liquid refill line according to the timing of refilling the liquid,
The washing machine according to claim 6 , wherein an apex of the mesh portion is set to a height equal to or lower than the height of the liquid refill line.

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